Base stations and terminals

Abstract

The base station (10) of the embodiment includes a first wireless signal processing unit (130), a second wireless signal processing unit (140), and a link management unit (120). The first wireless signal processing unit is configured to be able to transmit and receive wireless signals using a first channel. The second wireless signal processing unit is configured to be able to transmit and receive wireless signals using a second channel different from the first channel. The link management unit stores shared time information (122) for synchronizing multiple links. The link management unit uses the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit to establish a multi-link with the terminal, and during the period of establishing the multi-link, causes the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit to respectively transmit a beacon signal including the shared time information.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is known as a wireless system that wirelessly connects a base station and terminals.

[0003] Non-Patent Document 1: IEEE Std 802.11-2016, “9.3.3.3 Beacon frame format”

[0004] and "11.1Synchronization",7December 2016 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to suppress power consumption of a wireless terminal.

[0006] A base station according to an embodiment includes a first wireless signal processing unit, a second wireless signal processing unit, and a link management unit. The first wireless signal processing unit is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a first channel. The second wireless signal processing unit is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a second channel different from the first channel. The link management unit stores shared time information used to synchronize multiple links. The link management unit uses the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit to establish a multilink with a terminal. While the multilink is established, the link management unit causes the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit to each transmit a beacon signal containing the shared time information.

[0007] Effects of the Invention

[0008] The base station according to the embodiment can suppress power consumption of wireless terminals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the format of a wireless frame in the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a base station included in the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a base station included in the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal included in the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a terminal included in the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing an example of detailed functions of a link management unit of a base station included in the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a table showing an example of link management information of the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of a data transmission method in a multi-link mode in a wireless system according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing an example of a time synchronization method for a wireless system according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method for outputting a beacon signal from a base station included in a wireless system according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a table showing an example of link management information of the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing an example of a buffer notification method of a base station included in a wireless system according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method for outputting a beacon signal by a base station included in the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of a beacon signal including a TIM in the wireless system according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for starting multi-link power save in a wireless system according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for terminating multi-link power save in a wireless system according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18This is a flowchart showing an example of a communication method during multi-link power saving in a wireless system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 19 This is a flowchart showing an example of a communication method during multi-link power saving in a wireless system according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 20 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a base station included in a wireless system according to a first modification of the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 21 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a terminal included in a wireless system according to a first modification of the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 22 This is a table showing an example of link management information of a wireless system according to the second modification of the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a beacon signal output method of a base station included in a wireless system according to a second modification of the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 24 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a frequency band used for wireless communication in a wireless system according to a third modification of the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 25 This is a table showing an example of link management information of a wireless system according to a third modification of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following describes a wireless system 1 according to an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrate devices and methods for embodying the technical concepts of the present invention. The drawings are schematic or conceptual. Dimensions and ratios in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions. The technical concepts of the present invention are not determined by the shape, structure, or arrangement of the components. In the following description, components with substantially the same functions and structures are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0035] <1> Configuration of wireless system 1

[0036] <1-1> Overall Structure of Wireless System 1

[0037] Figure 1 An example of the configuration of the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless system 1 includes, for example, a base station 10 , a terminal 20 , and a server 30 .

[0038] Base station 10 is connected to network NW and functions as an access point for a wireless LAN. For example, base station 10 can wirelessly distribute data received from network NW to terminal 20. Furthermore, base station 10 can connect to terminal 20 using a single bandwidth or multiple bandwidths. In this specification, wireless connections using multiple bandwidths between base station 10 and terminal 20 are referred to as "multilink." Communication between base station 10 and terminal 20 is based on, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0039] The terminal 20 is, for example, a wireless terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC. The terminal 20 can transmit and receive data with a server 30 on the network NW via the wirelessly connected base station 10. Alternatively, the terminal 20 can be another electronic device such as a desktop computer or laptop computer. The terminal 20 can be any device that is capable of at least communicating with the base station 10 and performing the operations described below.

[0040] The server 30 can store various information, such as content data targeted at the terminal 20. The server 30 is configured to be connected to the network NW via a wired connection, for example, and to be able to communicate with the base station 10 via the network NW. Furthermore, the server 30 only needs to be able to communicate with at least the base station 10. That is, communication between the base station 10 and the server 30 can be either wired or wireless.

[0041] In the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment, data communication between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 is based on the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model. In the OSI reference model, communication functions are divided into seven layers (Layer 1: Physical Layer, Layer 2: Data Link Layer, Layer 3: Network Layer, Layer 4: Transport Layer, Layer 5: Session Layer, Layer 6: Presentation Layer, and Layer 7: Application Layer).

[0042] The data link layer includes, for example, the LLC (Logical Link Control) layer and the MAC (Media Access Control) layer. The LLC layer, for example, adds a DSAP (Destination Service Access Point) header and an SSAP (Source Service Access Point) header to data input from a higher-level application to form an LLC packet. The MAC layer, for example, adds a MAC header to the LLC packet to form a MAC frame.

[0043] Figure 2 Detailed examples of the formats of wireless frames used in communications between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment are shown. Figure 2As shown, the wireless frame includes, for example, a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an Address1 field, an Address2 field, an Address3 field, a Sequence Control field, other control information fields, a Frame Body field, and an FCS (Frame Check Sequence) field.

[0044] The Frame Control field to other control information fields correspond to, for example, the MAC header included in a MAC frame. The Frame Body field corresponds to, for example, the MAC payload included in a MAC frame. The FCS field stores error detection symbols for the MAC header and Frame Body fields, used to determine whether the wireless frame has errors.

[0045] The Frame Control field contains various control information, such as the Type value, Subtype value, To DS (To Distribution System) value, and From DS value. The Type value indicates the frame type of the radio frame. For example, a Type value of "00" indicates that the radio frame is a management frame. A Type value of "01" indicates that the radio frame is a control frame. A Type value of "10" indicates that the radio frame is a data frame.

[0046] The content of the wireless frame varies depending on the combination of the Type value and the Subtype value. For example, "00 / 1000 (Type value / Subtype value)" indicates that the wireless frame is a beacon signal. The meaning of the To DS value and the From DS value varies depending on their combination. For example, "00 (To DS / From DS)" indicates that the data frame is between terminals within the same IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set). "10" indicates that the data frame flows from the outside to the DS (Distribution System). "01" indicates that the data frame flows to the outside of the DS. "11" is used when forming a mesh network.

[0047] The Duration field indicates the scheduled duration of use of the wireless line. Multiple Address fields indicate the BSSID, source address, destination address, sender terminal address, and receiver terminal address. The Sequence Control field indicates the sequence number of the MAC frame and the fragment number used for the fragment. Other control information fields include, for example, traffic type (TID) information. TID information can be inserted elsewhere within the wireless frame. The Frame Body field contains information corresponding to the frame type. For example, in the case of a data frame, the Frame Body field stores the data.

[0048] <1-2> Configuration of Base Station 10

[0049] Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the base station 10 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 , a wireless communication module 14 , and a wired communication module 15 .

[0050] The CPU 11 is a circuit capable of executing various programs and controls the operation of the entire base station 10. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores programs and control data used to control the base station 10. The RAM 13 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory and is used as a work area for the CPU 11. The wireless communication module 14 is a circuit used for transmitting and receiving data using wireless signals and is connected to an antenna. Furthermore, the wireless communication module 14 includes, for example, multiple communication modules corresponding to multiple frequency bands. The wired communication module 15 is a circuit used for transmitting and receiving data using wired signals and is connected to the network NW.

[0051] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional configuration of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the base station 10 includes, for example, a data processing unit 110, a link management unit 120, and wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150. The processing of the data processing unit 110, the link management unit 120, and the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 is implemented by, for example, the CPU 11 and the wireless communication module 14.

[0052] The data processing unit 110 can perform LLC layer processing and higher layer (Layer 3 to Layer 7) processing on the input data. For example, the data processing unit 110 outputs data input from the server 30 via the network NW to the link management unit 120. In addition, the data processing unit 110 transmits data input from the link management unit 120 to the server 30 via the network NW.

[0053] The link management unit 120 performs a portion of MAC layer processing on input data. Furthermore, the link management unit 120 manages the link with the terminal 20 based on notifications from the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150. The link management unit 120 stores link management information 121 and shared time information 122. The link management information 121 is stored in, for example, RAM 13 and includes information about the terminal 20 wirelessly connected to the base station 10. The shared time information 122 stores time information shared within the base station 10 and can be referenced by each of the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150. The shared time information 122 corresponds to time information used for multi-link synchronization.

[0054] The wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 each transmit and receive data between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 using wireless communication. For example, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 each add a preamble, a PHY header, and the like to the data input from the link management unit 120 to create a wireless frame. Furthermore, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 each convert the wireless frame into a wireless signal and distribute the wireless signal via the antenna of the base station 10. Furthermore, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 each convert the wireless signal received via the antenna of the base station 10 into a wireless frame. Furthermore, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 each output the data contained in the wireless frame to the link management unit 120.

[0055] In this way, wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 can each perform, for example, a portion of MAC layer processing and Layer 1 processing for input data or wireless signals. For example, wireless signal processing unit 130 processes wireless signals in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Wireless signal processing unit 140 processes wireless signals in the 5 GHz frequency band. Wireless signal processing unit 150 processes wireless signals in the 6 GHz frequency band. Wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 may or may not share the antenna of base station 10.

[0056] Furthermore, the wireless signal processing unit 130 stores time information 131. Time information 131 is used as a reference time for communications using the wireless signal processing unit 130. The wireless signal processing unit 140 stores time information 141. Time information 141 is used as a reference time for communications using the wireless signal processing unit 140. The wireless signal processing unit 150 stores time information 151. Time information 151 is used as a reference time for communications using the wireless signal processing unit 150. The link management unit 120 appropriately synchronizes the shared time information 122 with the time information 131, 141, and 151.

[0057] <1-3> Regarding the structure of terminal 20

[0058] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the terminal 20 included in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the terminal 20 includes, for example, a CPU 21 , a ROM 22 , a RAM 23 , a wireless communication module 24 , a display 25 , and a storage 26 .

[0059] CPU 21 is a circuit capable of executing various programs and controls the operation of the entire terminal 20. ROM 22 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores programs, control data, etc. for controlling the terminal 20. RAM 23 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory and is used as a working area for CPU 21. The wireless communication component 24 is a circuit used for transmitting and receiving data based on wireless signals and is connected to an antenna. In addition, the wireless communication component 24 includes, for example, a plurality of communication components corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands. The display 25 displays, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) corresponding to the application software. The display 25 can have a function as an input interface of the terminal 20. The storage 26 is a non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, the system software of the terminal 20. In addition, the terminal 20 may not have a display. For example, the display 25 can be omitted in an IoT terminal.

[0060] Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 20 included in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, terminal 20 includes, for example, a data processing unit 210, a link management unit 220, wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250, and an application execution unit 260. The processing of data processing unit 210, link management unit 220, and wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 is implemented by, for example, CPU 21 and wireless communication module 24.

[0061] The data processing unit 210 can perform LLC layer processing and higher layer (Layer 3 to Layer 7) processing on the input data. For example, the data processing unit 210 outputs data input from the application execution unit 260 to the link management unit 220. In addition, the data processing unit 210 outputs data input from the link management unit 220 to the application execution unit 260.

[0062] The link management unit 220 can perform a portion of MAC layer processing on input data. Furthermore, the link management unit 220 manages the link with the base station 10 based on notifications from the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250. The link management unit 220 includes link management information 221 and shared time information 222. The link management information 221 is stored in, for example, RAM 23 and includes information about the base station 10 to which the terminal 20 is connected. The shared time information 222 includes time information shared within the terminal 20 and can be referenced by each of the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250. The shared time information 222 corresponds to time information used for multi-link synchronization.

[0063] The wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 each transmit and receive data between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 using wireless communication. For example, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 each add a preamble, a PHY header, and the like to the data input from the link management unit 220 to create a wireless frame. Furthermore, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 each convert the wireless frame into a wireless signal and distribute the wireless signal via the antenna of the terminal 20. Furthermore, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 each convert the wireless signal received via the antenna of the terminal 20 into a wireless frame. Furthermore, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 each output the data contained in the wireless frame to the link management unit 220.

[0064] Thus, wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 can each perform, for example, a portion of MAC layer processing and Layer 1 processing on input data or wireless signals. For example, wireless signal processing unit 230 processes wireless signals in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Wireless signal processing unit 240 processes wireless signals in the 5 GHz frequency band. Wireless signal processing unit 250 processes wireless signals in the 6 GHz frequency band. Wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 may or may not share the antenna of terminal 20.

[0065] Furthermore, the wireless signal processing unit 230 stores time information 231. Time information 231 serves as a reference time for communications using the wireless signal processing unit 230. The wireless signal processing unit 240 stores time information 241. Time information 241 serves as a reference time for communications using the wireless signal processing unit 240. The wireless signal processing unit 250 stores time information 251. Time information 251 serves as a reference time for communications using the wireless signal processing unit 250. The link management unit 220 appropriately synchronizes the shared time information 222 with each of the time information 231, 241, and 251.

[0066] Application execution unit 260 executes an application that can utilize data input from data processing unit 210. For example, application execution unit 260 can display application information on display 25. Application execution unit 260 can also execute actions based on operations on an input interface.

[0067] In the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment described above, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 of the base station 10 are configured to be connectable to the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 of the terminal 20, respectively. Specifically, the wireless signal processing units 130 and 230 can be wirelessly connected using the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing units 140 and 240 can be wirelessly connected using the 5 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing units 150 and 250 can be wirelessly connected using the 6 GHz frequency band. In this specification, each wireless signal processing unit may be referred to as a "STA function." In other words, the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment has multiple STA functions.

[0068] <1-4> Detailed Structure of the Link Management Unit

[0069] Figure 7 The details of the channel access function of the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment are shown. In addition, the function of the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 is the same as that of the link management unit 120 of the base station 10, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. Figure 7 As shown, the link management unit 120 includes, for example, a data classification unit 123, transmission queues 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D and 124E, CSMA / CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) execution units 125A, 125B, 125C, 125D and 125E, and a data conflict management unit 126.

[0070] The data classification unit 123 classifies the data input from the data processing unit 110. For example, "LL (Low Latency)", "VO (Voice)", "VI (Video)", "BE (Best Effort)", and "BK (Background)" are set as data categories. LL is used for data that requires low latency. Therefore, LL data is processed preferentially over VO, VI, BE, and BK data.

[0071] The data classification unit 123 then inputs the classified data into one of the transmit queues 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, and 124E. Specifically, data for LL is input into transmit queue 124A. Data for VO is input into transmit queue 124B. Data for VI is input into transmit queue 124C. Data for BE is input into transmit queue 124D. Data for BK is input into transmit queue 124E. The input data for each category is then accumulated in the corresponding transmit queue 124A-E.

[0072] CSMA / CA execution units 125A, 125B, 125C, 125D, and 125E each confirm through carrier sensing in CSMA / CA that no other terminal is transmitting a wireless signal, and then wait for a specified time to transmit according to pre-set access parameters. Furthermore, CSMA / CA execution units 125A, 125B, 125C, 125D, and 125E extract data from transmit queues 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, and 124E, respectively, and output the extracted data to at least one of wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 via data collision management unit 126. The wireless signal processing unit (STA function) that has obtained the transmission right through CSMA / CA then transmits the wireless signal containing the data.

[0073] CSMA / CA execution unit 125A performs CSMA / CA on the LL data stored in transmit queue 124A. CSMA / CA execution unit 125B performs CSMA / CA on the VO data stored in transmit queue 124B. CSMA / CA execution unit 125C performs CSMA / CA on the VI data stored in transmit queue 124C. CSMA / CA execution unit 125D performs CSMA / CA on the BE data stored in transmit queue 124D. CSMA / CA execution unit 125D performs CSMA / CA on the BK data stored in transmit queue 124E.

[0074] In addition, access parameters are allocated in a manner that prioritizes the transmission of wireless signals in the order of LL, VO, VI, BE, and BK, for example. Access parameters include, for example, CWmin, CWmax, AIFS, and TXOPLimit. CWmin and CWmax respectively represent the minimum and maximum values ​​of the contention window (Contention Window), which is the waiting transmission time for avoiding contention. AIFS (Arbitration Inter Frame Space) represents a fixed waiting transmission time set for each access category for conflict avoidance control with a priority control function. TXOPLimit represents the upper limit of the TXOP (Transmission Opportunity) corresponding to the channel occupancy time. For example, the shorter CWmin and CWmax are, the easier it is for the transmission queue 124 to obtain the transmission right. The smaller the AIFS, the higher the priority of the transmission queue 124. The larger the value of TXOPLimit, the more data is sent with the transmission right at one time.

[0075] When multiple CSMA / CA execution units 125 obtain transmission rights using the same STA function, the data conflict management unit 126 prevents data collisions. Specifically, the data conflict management unit 126 adjusts the transmission timing of data of different categories that have obtained transmission rights using the same STA function, sending data from the higher-priority category to the STA function. For example, the STA function that obtained transmission rights through CSMA / CA in the LL's transmit queue 124A may be the same as the STA function that obtained transmission rights through CSMA / CA in any of the other transmit queues 124B to 124E. In this case, the data conflict management unit 126 prioritizes the data stored in transmit queue 124A and sends it to the STA function. Similarly, for the other transmit queue 124 combinations, data is transmitted in order based on the priority set by category. This prevents collisions between data assigned to the same STA function.

[0076] In this embodiment, the link management unit is described as being equipped with a channel access function, but each STA function may also be equipped with a channel access function. When the link management unit is equipped with a channel access function, each STA function detects the status of the wireless channel of the corresponding link (idle / busy), and the link management unit determines whether data can be sent (which link to use for sending, etc.). On the other hand, when each STA function is equipped with a channel access function, each STA function only needs to independently perform carrier sensing to send data. At this time, channel access when using multiple links at the same time can be performed by utilizing the interaction between multiple STA functions to make the access parameters common, or it can be performed by utilizing the link management unit to make the access parameters common. The base station 10 and the terminal 20 can use multiple links at the same time by sending data between multiple STA functions based on common access parameters.

[0077] <2> Operation of wireless system 1

[0078] In the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment, multilinks between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can be established in response to a request from the base station 10 or the terminal 20. An example of operations when the base station 10 and the terminal 20 establish multilinks in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0079] Figure 8 1 shows an example of the link management information 121 of the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment. The link management information 221 of the terminal 20 has similar information to the link management information 121 of the base station 10, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. Figure 8 As shown, the link management information 121 includes information on, for example, STA function, frequency band, operation mode, link target ID, presence or absence of multi-link, and TID.

[0080] In this example, "STA1" corresponds to the STA function using the 6 GHz frequency band, that is, the wireless signal processing unit 150 or 250. "STA2" corresponds to the STA function using the 5 GHz frequency band, that is, the wireless signal processing unit 140 or 240. "STA3" corresponds to the STA function using the 2.4 GHz frequency band, that is, the wireless signal processing unit 130 or 230.

[0081] The action mode indicates the current action mode of the STA function. Examples of the action mode of the STA function include an activation mode, an intermittent action mode, and an action dormant mode. Regarding the activation mode, the STA function of the terminal 20 corresponds to a state in which wireless signals can be transmitted and received at any time by maintaining the Awake state. Regarding the intermittent action mode, the STA function of the terminal 20 corresponds to a state in which actions are intermittently performed by repeatedly switching between the Awake state and the Doze state. Regarding the action dormant mode, the STA function of the terminal 20 corresponds to a state in which wireless signals cannot be transmitted and received by maintaining the Doze state. The multiple STA functions constituting the multilink include at least one link in the activation mode or the intermittent action mode. The other links constituting the multilink can be set to any one of the activation mode, the intermittent action mode, and the action dormant mode.

[0082] In addition, the Awake state corresponds to a state in which wireless signals can be sent and received. The Dose state corresponds to a state in which wireless signals cannot be sent and received. In the Doze state, the power supply to the line related to the STA function is appropriately cut off. Therefore, the power consumption of the STA function decreases in the order of activation mode, intermittent operation mode, and operation dormant mode. In addition, the base station 10 or the terminal 20 can be used for communication, but there may be links between them that are not included in the link group of the multi-link (Disabled link, Figure 8 For simplicity, the following refers to a link in active mode or intermittent operation mode, i.e., a link capable of communication, as the "STA function in the Awake state." A link in inactive mode, i.e., a link in a power-saving state incapable of communication, as the "STA function in the Dose state."

[0083] For example, the link target ID is associated with the identifier of terminal 20 in link management information 121, and with the identifier of base station 10 in link management information 221. In this example, a multilink is established using STA1 and STA2. When a multilink is established, link management units 120 and 220 each transmit data input from an upper layer using a link with at least one STA function associated with the multilink.

[0084] The "TID" in link management information 121 indicates the association between STA functions and TID information. Each STA function transmits and receives data corresponding to the assigned TID information. TIDs #1 to #3 correspond to LL, VO, VI, BE, and BK, respectively. A single STA function or multiple STA functions can be associated with a single type of traffic (i.e., a single TID). In this example, TID #1 is assigned to both STA 1 and STA 2. TID #2 is assigned to STA 1. TID #3 is assigned to STA 2.

[0085] When establishing a multilink between the base station 10 and the terminal 20, a communication flow corresponding to the association of traffic with STA functions is pre-set. For example, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 determines the association of traffic with STA functions and issues a request to the link management unit 120 of the base station 10. The base station 10 then responds to the request and determines the association of traffic with STA functions.

[0086] The traffic described above is set to be evenly distributed among the multiple links constituting a multilink, for example. This is not a limitation, and traffic of similar types (priority / non-priority, etc.) can be aggregated into one link constituting a multilink. In addition, as an association between STA functions and traffic, for example, voice is associated with the 2.4GHz frequency band, and video is associated with 5G. In this way, it is preferable to allocate frequencies for transmission and reception based on the type of information processed and the data capacity.

[0087] Next, focusing on the base station 10 and the terminal 20 respectively, various operations performed by the base station 10 and the terminal 20 when establishing multi-links will be described in order.

[0088] <2-1> Operation of the base station 10

[0089] (About the data transmission method in the case of multi-link)

[0090] Figure 9 FIG. 1 shows an example of a data transmission method in a multi-link state of the base station 10 of the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 9 As shown, when the base station 10 obtains data from the upper layer, it executes the processes of steps S10 to S12 in order.

[0091] Specifically, first, in step S10, the link management unit 120 obtains the TID information corresponding to the data. In other words, the link management unit 120, for example, references the MAC header within the radio frame received from the upper layer and confirms whether the TID information contained in the MAC header is one of LL, VO, VI, BE, or BK. This allows the link management unit 120 to determine which TID corresponds to the communication flow of the data.

[0092] Next, in step S11, the link management unit 120 acquires the STA functions corresponding to the confirmed TID information. At this point, the link management unit 120 refers to the link management information 121 to confirm the association between the TID information and the STA functions. In step S11, the number of STA functions acquired by the link management unit 120 may be one or more.

[0093] Next, in step S12, the link management unit 120 outputs the acquired data to the STA function. If one STA function is associated with the output data (traffic), the data is transmitted serially by the single STA function. On the other hand, if multiple STA functions are associated with the traffic, the data is transmitted in parallel by the multiple STA functions.

[0094] Furthermore, when transmitting one type of traffic in parallel, data allocation and reordering are performed between the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 and the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20. Data allocation is performed by the link management unit on the transmitting side, while data reordering is performed by the link management unit on the receiving side. For example, the link management unit on the transmitting side adds a flag indicating multilink and an identification number to the radio frame. The link management unit on the receiving side reorders the data based on the added flag and identification number.

[0095] In the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment, when receiving multiple data from an upper layer, the link management unit can combine the received multiple data and perform aggregation. The aggregation of multiple links can be used as an optional function that can be selected by the user.

[0096] (About time synchronization method)

[0097] In the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment, time synchronization within the BSS (Basic Service Set) is required to implement CSMA / CA and other protocols. Therefore, the base station 10 appropriately transmits beacon signals for achieving time synchronization with the terminals 20 forming links. The following describes an example of how the base station 10 transmits a beacon signal containing time information when each STA function of a terminal 20 establishing a multi-link is in the Awake state.

[0098] Figure 10 An example of a time synchronization method of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 10 As shown, the base station 10 sequentially executes the processes of steps S20 to S22 in order to synchronize the time within the BSS.

[0099] Specifically, first, in step S20, the time information of each STA function constituting the multilink is synchronized with the shared time information 122. In other words, the link management unit 120 transmits the shared time information 122 to each STA function (radio signal processing units 130, 140, and 150, for example). The shared time information 122 then overwrites the time information 131 in the radio signal processing unit 130, the time information 141 in the radio signal processing unit 140, and the time information 151 in the radio signal processing unit 150.

[0100] Next, in step S21, each STA function constituting the multilink generates a beacon signal containing the same time information. Specifically, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 generate beacon signals containing time information 131, 141, and 151, respectively. These time information 131, 141, and 151 contain the same time information due to the processing in step S20. Furthermore, the link management unit 120 can generate a beacon signal containing the same time information and provide it to each STA function.

[0101] Next, in the processing of step S22, each STA function constituting the multi-link sends a beacon signal at the same time. In addition, each STA function can send a beacon signal when it is in the Awake state of the active mode or the Awake state of the intermittent action mode. On the other hand, each STA function cannot send a beacon signal when it is in the Disable state or the Doze state of the intermittent action mode. In addition, in this embodiment, a method of simultaneously sending a beacon signal including the same time information from each STA function is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, a beacon signal including time information shared by each STA function can be sent at different times. That is, as long as the time information processed between the multiple STA functions constituting the multi-link is synchronized, the time information of the beacon signal can be generated based on the synchronized time information.

[0102] The beacon signal including the time information sent by the base station 10 in the above manner can be received by the terminal 20. The terminal 20 uses the STA function in the Awake state to receive the beacon signal. In addition, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 overwrites the time information contained in the received beacon signal with the shared time information 222. In other words, the time information contained in the beacon signal is synchronized with the shared time information 222 of the terminal 20. In addition, the time information of the STA function used for receiving the beacon signal at this time is also synchronized with the time information contained in the beacon signal. In addition, when it is necessary to compensate for the deviation of the time information caused by the physical distance between the base station 10 and the terminal 20, the STA function in the Awake state of the terminal 20 performs Fine Timing Management, and the time information of the received beacon signal is overwritten with the shared time information taking into account the deviation. As a result, the STA function that changes from the Doze state to the Awake state can use the time information that takes into account the deviation by using this shared time information. Here, Fine Timing Management refers to high-precision timing management specified in IEEE 802.11-2016. By adding an STA function that takes into account the deviation based on Fine Timing Management, even when the terminal 20 moves in the Doze state, it can transition to the Awake state and quickly achieve high-precision synchronization.

[0103] Furthermore, since a multilink includes at least one STA function in the Awake state, the aforementioned time information synchronization can be performed even when the multilink includes a STA function in the Doze state. Furthermore, the terminal 20 may receive beacons containing time information from multiple STA functions that form a multilink. In this case, the time information of the STA function that received the beacon signal is synchronized, and the shared time information 222 is updated based on the beacon signal received by any STA function. The STA function used to update the shared time information 222 is selected based on, for example, the priority set for each STA function.

[0104] Figure 11 An example of a beacon signal output method of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 10 The actions described in

[15] correspond to the following. In this example, STA1 and STA2 establish a multilink. Furthermore, STA1 and STA2 are set to the Awake state, and STA3 is set to the Disable state ("Disconnected").

[0105] like Figure 11As shown, STA1 and STA2, which form the multilink, each intermittently transmit beacon signals. Meanwhile, beacon signal transmission by STA3, which is in the Disabled state, is omitted. Furthermore, the beacon signals transmitted by STA1 and STA2 at the same time contain the same time information (reference time information). Specifically, the time information 131 contained in the beacon signal transmitted by STA1 and the time information 141 contained in the beacon signal transmitted by STA2 contain the same time information synchronized with the shared time information 122.

[0106] (About the notification method of cache status)

[0107] When the multi-link includes a link in the operation pause mode (STA function in the Dose state), the base station 10 according to the embodiment appropriately transmits a beacon signal notifying the data buffer status to the terminal 20 . Figure 12 An example of the link management information 121 of the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 12 The link management information 121 shown is Figure 8 The link management information 121 shown in FIG. 1 includes the following information: the operation mode of STA1 is changed to the intermittent operation mode (Awake state), and the operation mode of STA2 is changed to the operation dormant mode (Doze state). Figure 12 An example in which the multi-link base station 10 transmits a beacon signal related to notification of a buffer status will be described.

[0108] Figure 13 An example of a method for notifying the buffer status of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 13 As shown, the base station 10 sequentially executes the processes of steps S30 to S32 in order to notify the terminal 20 of the buffer status.

[0109] Specifically, first, in step S30 , the link management unit 120 checks the buffer status of data corresponding to the STA function constituting the multi-link. In other words, the link management unit 120 checks whether data is accumulated in the plurality of transmission queues 124 corresponding to TIDs # 1 to 3 , for example.

[0110] Next, in step S31, a beacon signal including a TIM (Traffic Indication Map) is generated based on the data buffer status. The TIM is an information element used to notify the terminal 20 during power saving of the arrival of data. This beacon signal generation can be performed by the link management unit 120 or by each STA function. A specific example of the format of the beacon signal, including the TIM, is described later.

[0111] Next, in step S32, a beacon signal is transmitted using the STA functions in the Awake state that are part of the multilink. In other words, if the multilink includes a STA function in the Doze state, the base station 10 transmits the beacon signal generated in step S31 using at least one STA function in the Awake state among the STA functions that have established the multilink. In this example, the base station 10 uses STA1 to transmit this beacon signal.

[0112] Figure 14 An example of a beacon signal output method of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 13 That is, in this example, STA1 and STA2 establish a multi-link, and STA1 and STA2 are set to the Awake state and Doze state respectively. In addition, STA3 is set to the Disable state.

[0113] like Figure 14 As shown, STA1 in the Awake state of STA1 and STA2 constituting the multilink intermittently transmits a beacon signal, while STA2 in the Doze state and STA3 in the Disable state omit transmission of beacon signals.

[0114] Figure 15 The wireless system 1 according to the embodiment includes Figure 12 A specific example of a beacon signal including TIM corresponding to multiple links is shown. Figure 15 As shown, the beacon signal includes, for example, a terminal identifier, a link identifier #1, buffer information #1, a link identifier #2, and buffer information #2 in this order.

[0115] The terminal identifier includes, for example, the association identifier AID (Association Identifier) ​​between the base station 10 and the terminal 20. Link identifiers #1 and 2 include the link identifiers of one and another link constituting the multilink, respectively. Buffer statuses #1 and 2 indicate the buffer status of the traffic corresponding to link identifiers #1 and 2, respectively. For example, if the buffer status is "0," it indicates that no traffic for the associated link identifier is being accumulated. If the buffer status is "1," it indicates that traffic for the associated link identifier is being accumulated. Furthermore, the allocation of bits indicating the buffer status and the presence or absence of traffic accumulation can be arbitrarily changed.

[0116] As described above, in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment, the base station 10 can transmit a beacon signal including information indicating whether traffic is accumulated in each link establishing a multilink, to the terminal 20. Furthermore, the beacon signal notifying the buffer status includes the buffer status of the STA function corresponding to the STA function establishing the link, regardless of whether the STA function is in the Awake state or the Doze state.

[0117] In addition, the beacon signal header includes information indicating the cache status information of several STA functions included in the beacon signal. When multiple links are established by three or more STA functions, the beacon signal can include three or more pairs of link identifiers and the cache status corresponding to those link identifiers. Furthermore, the beacon signal may or may not include information related to unestablished links.

[0118] <2-2> Operation of Terminal 20

[0119] The terminal 20 of the embodiment applies an action pause mode to a part of the links constituting the multi-link according to the communication conditions. Below, the state of the multi-link including the link in the action pause mode (Doze state) is referred to as "multi-link power saving", and an example of various actions related to the multi-link power saving of the terminal 20 is described. In addition, in the following description, it is assumed that a multi-link using STA1 and STA2 is established between the base station 10 and the terminal 20. In addition, in order to simplify the description, STA1 and STA2 of the base station 10 are also referred to as "access points AP". The sending of wireless signals by STA1 and STA2 of the terminal 20 to the access point AP corresponds to the sending of wireless signals to STA1 and STA2 of the base station 10, respectively. When STA1 and STA2 are recorded separately, the STA function of the terminal 20 is represented.

[0120] (How to start multi-link power saving)

[0121] Figure 16 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for starting multi-link power saving in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment. At the start of this operation, STA1 and STA2 are both in the Awake state. Figure 16 As shown, the access point AP transmits a beacon signal to each of STA1 and STA2 of the terminal 20 (step S40). The beacon signal includes information indicating that the traffic of each of STA1 and STA2 is empty, and is received by each of STA1 and STA2.

[0122] STA1 of terminal 20, for example, transmits a wireless signal to access point AP notifying the start of multi-link power saving based on the absence of traffic (step S41). The data frame of the wireless signal notifying the start of multi-link power saving includes, for example, a PM (Power Management) bit storing "1." Upon receiving the "PM = 1" signal, access point AP transmits a wireless signal (Data ACK) to STA1 of terminal 20 notifying terminal 20 of the receipt of the signal (step S42).

[0123] If STA1 of terminal 20 receives a Data ACK for a data frame that sent a data frame containing "PM=1," the link management unit 220 of terminal 20, for example, switches STA2 from active mode or intermittent operation mode (Awake state) to operation suspension mode (Doze state) (step S43). This reduces the combined power consumption of STA1 and STA2, which constitute the multilink, compared to before the operation suspension mode was used. Furthermore, in step S43, it is sufficient for at least one of the multiple STA functions constituting the multilink to be set to Doze.

[0124] After sending a Data ACK in response to receiving "PM = 1," the access point AP quickly transmits a beacon signal including a TIM to STA1 of terminal 20 (step S44). At this point, STA1 in the Awake state can receive the beacon signal. Meanwhile, STA2 in the Doze state does not receive the beacon signal, maintaining a lower power consumption state than STA1.

[0125] As described above, the terminal 20 of the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment switches to multilink power saving mode based on traffic conditions, thereby reducing multilink power consumption. Furthermore, upon the terminal 20 switching to multilink power saving mode, the base station 10 intermittently transmits a beacon signal, including a TIM signal notifying the STA function of the terminal 20 in the Awake state, to notify the STA function of the terminal 20 in the data buffer status. Details of the communication method between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 in multilink power saving are described later.

[0126] (About how to end multi-link power saving)

[0127] Figure 17 An example of the flow of the method for terminating the multi-link power saving in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment is shown. When this operation starts, STA1 and STA2 are in the Awake state and the Doze state, respectively. Figure 17The access point AP transmits a beacon signal to each of STA1 and STA2 of the terminal 20 (step S50). This beacon signal includes, for example, information requesting the terminal 20 to terminate multi-link power saving, and is received by STA1 in the Awake state.

[0128] Upon receiving the beacon signal, STA1 of terminal 20 transmits a wireless signal to access point AP notifying the end of multi-link power saving (step S51). The data frame of the wireless signal notifying the end of multi-link power saving, for example, includes a PM bit storing "0." Upon receiving the "PM = 0" signal, access point AP transmits a wireless signal (Data ACK) to STA1 of terminal 20 notifying terminal 20 of the receipt of the signal (step S52).

[0129] When STA1 of terminal 20 receives a Data ACK for a data frame containing "PM=0," the link management unit 220 of terminal 20 causes STA2 to transition from the dormant mode (Doze state) to the active mode or intermittent operation mode (Awake state) (step S53). This allows STA1 and STA2, which form the multi-link, to each be able to receive wireless signals from base station 10.

[0130] After transmitting Data ACK in response to receiving "PM=0", the access point AP transmits a beacon signal to each of STA1 and STA2 of the terminal 20 (step S54). This beacon signal includes various information elements necessary for communication.

[0131] As described above, the base station 10 of the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment can, as needed, cause a STA function in a multilink to transition from an inactive mode to an active mode or an intermittent mode, thereby enabling communication between the multiple STA functions comprising the multilink. Furthermore, the above description illustrates the example of a STA function in the Doze state transitioning to the Awake state based on a beacon signal from the base station 10, but this is not limiting. The terminal 20 can also cause a STA function in the Doze state to transition to the Awake state based on user operations or application control.

[0132] (About the operation in multi-link power saving)

[0133] Figure 18 and Figure 19 An example of the flow of operations in multi-link power saving of the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 18 This corresponds to an operation when the access point AP receives data addressed to STA1 in the Awake state. Figure 19 This corresponds to the operation when the access point AP receives data for STA2 in the Doze state.

[0134] First, an example of the operation of the wireless system 1 when the access point AP receives data for STA1 in the Awake state will be described. Figure 18 As shown, when the access point AP receives data for STA1 of the terminal 20, it accumulates the data in the transmission queue 124 of the link management unit 120. Then, the access point AP transmits a beacon signal including a TIM indicating that the buffer status of the data for STA1 is "1" to STA1 in the Awake state (step S60).

[0135] The beacon signal received by STA1 of terminal 20 is then transmitted to the link management unit 220. Based on this beacon signal, the link management unit 220 transmits a PS-Poll (Power Save-Poll) frame to the access point AP via STA1, requesting the transmission of data destined for STA1 (step S61). Upon receiving the PS-Poll frame from STA1 of terminal 20, the access point AP transmits a Data ACK message containing the data stored for STA1 to STA1 of terminal 20 (step S62). This allows STA1 of terminal 20 to receive the data stored by the access point AP.

[0136] When data transmission for STA1 is complete and the data accumulated in the transmission queue 124 for STA1 is cleared, the access point AP transmits a beacon signal including a TIM indicating that the buffer status of data for STA1 is "0" to STA1 of the terminal 20 (step S63). Specifically, the access point AP notifies the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 of the completion of data transmission for STA1 via STA1.

[0137] Next, an example of the operation of the wireless system 1 when the access point AP receives data for the STA2 in the Doze state will be described. Figure 19 As shown, when the access point AP receives data for STA2 of the terminal 20, it accumulates the data in the transmission queue 124 of the link management unit 120. Then, the access point AP transmits a beacon signal including a TIM indicating that the buffer status of the data for STA2 is "1" to STA1 in the Awake state (step S70).

[0138] The beacon signal received by STA1 of terminal 20 is transmitted to link management unit 220. Based on this beacon signal, link management unit 220 causes STA2 to transition from the Doze state to the Awake state (step S71). After transitioning to the Awake state, STA2 first references shared time information 222 and synchronizes its corresponding time information 241 with the shared time information 222.

[0139] The link management unit 220 then transmits a PS-Poll (Power Save-Poll) frame requesting the transmission of data destined for STA2 to the access point AP via STA2 (step S72). Upon receiving the PS-Poll frame from STA2 in terminal 20, the access point AP transmits a Data ACK message containing the data stored for STA2 to STA2 in terminal 20 (step S73). This allows STA2 in terminal 20 to receive data destined for itself that has been stored at the access point AP.

[0140] Once the transmission of data to STA2 is complete and the accumulation of data for STA2 in the transmit queue 124 is eliminated, the access point AP transmits a beacon signal including a TIM indicating that the buffer status of STA2 is "0" to STA1 of the terminal 20 (step S74). That is, the access point AP notifies the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 via STA1 that the transmission of data to STA2 has been completed. Furthermore, this beacon signal can be received by STA2. Based on this beacon signal, the link management unit 220 then transitions STA2 from the Awake state to the Doze state (step S75). That is, based on the completion of data transmission, the STA functions that are not used for beacon signal reception among the STA functions that constitute the multilink are reset to the power-saving Doze state.

[0141] As described above, the base station 10 of the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment can transmit data to the terminal 20 utilizing multi-link power saving. Furthermore, while the above description illustrates the case of transmitting data for each STA function, data can also be transmitted concurrently to multiple STA functions comprising a multi-link. For example, if the buffer status of STA1 and STA2 is "1," the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can instruct STA1 and STA2 to transmit a PS-Poll frame to the access point AP.

[0142] <3> Effects of implementation

[0143] According to the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the terminal 20 during multi-link operation. Next, the effects of the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment will be described in detail.

[0144] Base stations and terminals using wireless LANs sometimes have multiple STA functions configured for each bandwidth used, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. In such wireless systems, for example, one of these STA functions is selected to establish a wireless connection for data communication between the base station and the terminal. In this case, even if there is a base station in the wireless system with an unselected STA function corresponding to the bandwidth of that STA function, it remains unused.

[0145] In contrast, the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment leverages the multiple STA functions of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 to establish multilinks between the base station 10 and the terminal 20. Data communication based on multilinks can simultaneously utilize multiple bandwidths, fully utilizing the functions of wireless LAN devices. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment achieves efficient communication and improves communication speeds. On the other hand, since the base station 10 and the terminal 20 each utilize multiple STA functions, multilinks consume more power than single links.

[0146] Therefore, in situations with low traffic, the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment sets the multilink mode to multilink power saving. For example, at least one of the multiple STA functions that comprise the multilink is set to a normal state (Awake state), while the other STA functions are set to a power-saving state (Doze state). For example, a STA function in the Awake state can receive beacon signals from the base station 10. Furthermore, a STA function in the Doze state is deactivated, similar to the Disable state. Therefore, the power consumption of a STA function in the Doze state is lower than that of a STA function in the Awake state.

[0147] Furthermore, regarding multi-link power saving, the STA function in the Awake state receives beacon signals containing information corresponding to the multiple STA functions that constitute the multi-link. For example, when data for the STA function in the Doze state is input from the network NW to the base station 10, the base station 10 notifies the terminal 20 via the STA function in the Awake state (link) that data is stored. The STA function in the terminal 20 then transmits this notification to the link management unit 220, which wakes up the STA function in the Doze state. This allows the awakened STA function to obtain data from the base station 10 by sending a PS-Poll frame.

[0148] Furthermore, in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment, in order to implement CSMA / CA, etc., it is necessary to synchronize the time information of the STA function of the base station 10 and the STA function of the terminal 20 that form the link. For example, when using a single link, it is sufficient as long as the time of the STA function of the base station 10 and the STA function of the terminal 20 are synchronized for at least each link, and the time information may be different between different links.

[0149] On the other hand, when using multilink, time synchronization is required between the STA functions that make up the multilink. In other words, in multilink, operations must be synchronized at different frequencies. Furthermore, time synchronization within the BSS is achieved by receiving beacon signals. For example, in multilink, even when multilink power saving is enabled, STA functions set to active mode or intermittent operation mode (Awake state) can receive beacons for time synchronization.

[0150] However, for STA functions set to Doze during multi-link power saving, there is a risk that the link's time synchronization may deviate over time. Specifically, since the STA function in Doze cannot synchronize time based on beacon signals, there is a risk of time information deviations due to fluctuations in the accuracy of the clock referenced by the STA function. Therefore, when transmitting and receiving data using the STA function in Doze, it is preferable that the terminal 20 perform time synchronization for the STA function after waking up.

[0151] Therefore, in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment, the base station 10 and the terminal 20 each have a local clock, or shared time information, common to all STA functions. Furthermore, the base station 10 synchronizes beacon signals containing the shared time information across all links constituting a multilink, for example. STA functions in the Awake state then receive beacon signals and, if the timestamp of the beacon signal differs from that of the local clock, update the shared time information.

[0152] In this way, the STA function in the Awake state sequentially synchronizes shared time information. Meanwhile, the STA function in the Doze state uses a common local clock to synchronize the time of the link when activated. In other words, the STA function in the Doze state can synchronize time within multiple links without receiving beacon signals after waking up.

[0153] As described above, in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment, the clock used for time synchronization in multilink is shared by both the base station 10 and the terminal 20. This allows the terminal 20 to omit time synchronization for each STA function using beacon signals and synchronize the time between the multiple STA functions that comprise the multilink. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the embodiment can reduce power consumption in the terminal 20 and quickly execute data transmission and reception after waking up the STA function in the Doze state.

[0154] <4> Modifications of the embodiment

[0155] The wireless system 1 described in the embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications are possible. A first modification, a second modification, and a third modification of the embodiment will be described in order below.

[0156] <4-1> First Modification

[0157] The wireless system 1 according to the first modified example of the embodiment has a configuration in which each STA function always refers to a common local clock. Figure 20 and Figure 21 Each of the examples shows the functions of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 included in the wireless system 1 according to the first modified example of the embodiment.

[0158] like Figure 20 As shown, in the base station 10 of the first variant of the embodiment, there is a structure in which the time information 131 in the wireless signal processing unit 130, the time information 141 in the wireless signal processing unit 140, and the time information 151 in the wireless signal processing unit 150 are omitted from the base station 10 of the embodiment.

[0159] like Figure 21 As shown, in the terminal 20 of the first modified example of the embodiment, the time information 231 in the wireless signal processing unit 230, the time information 241 in the wireless signal processing unit 240, and the time information 251 in the wireless signal processing unit 250 are omitted from the terminal 20 of the embodiment. The rest of the structure of the wireless system 1 according to the first modified example of the first embodiment is the same as that of the embodiment.

[0160] As described above, in the first variant of the embodiment, neither the base station 10 nor the terminal 20 stores time information for each STA function. In other words, the clocks of each STA function in the base station 10 are made common with the shared time information 122 outside the STA function. The clocks of each STA function in the terminal 20 are made common with the shared time information 222 outside the STA function. Even in this case, each STA function can perform CSMA / CA and other functions by always referring to the shared time information when performing operations.

[0161] Furthermore, in the first variant of the embodiment, the shared time information is always referenced, thus omitting the time synchronization for each STA function performed in the embodiment. Therefore, in the first variant of the embodiment, it is sufficient to synchronize the shared time information 122 of the base station 10 with the shared time information 222 of the terminal 20. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the first variant of the embodiment can simplify operations related to time synchronization compared to the embodiment.

[0162] <4-2> Second Modification

[0163] The wireless system 1 according to the second modified example of the embodiment sets a primary link for a plurality of links constituting a multilink. Figure 22 An example of the link management information 121 of the wireless system 1 according to the second modification of the embodiment is shown. Figure 22 The link management information 121 shown is relative to Figure 12 The link management information 121 shown is different in that the primary link is set to STA1. The method of expressing the information related to the primary link is not limited to this, and other methods may also be applied.

[0164] The primary link is pre-set, for example, when establishing a multilink between the base station 10 and the terminal 20. The STA function used in the primary link can be prioritized based on the frequency band or the link's radio wave strength. Furthermore, the primary link setting can be appropriately changed after establishing the multilink. For example, the radio wave strength of each link constituting the multilink can be monitored and the link with higher radio wave strength can be appropriately changed.

[0165] Figure 23 An example of a beacon signal output method of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the second modified example of the embodiment is shown. Figure 23 As shown, when a primary link is established between the base station 10 and the terminal 20, the primary link is used as a basis for time synchronization.

[0166] Specifically, when STA1 and STA2 of base station 10 form a multi-link and apply multi-link power saving, the primary link must be set to the Awake state, while the other links must be set to the Doze state, for example. Furthermore, STA1 corresponding to the primary link in base station 10 intermittently transmits a beacon signal containing the multi-link reference time information. STA1 corresponding to the primary link in terminal 20 uses the reference time information included in this beacon signal to update the shared time information 222. The remaining configuration and operation of the wireless system 1 according to the second variant of the embodiment are the same as those of the embodiment.

[0167] By setting the primary link in the above-described manner, the wireless system 1 according to the second modified example of the embodiment can simplify the processing related to the time synchronization of the multi-links compared to the embodiment.

[0168] <4-3> Third Modification

[0169] The wireless system 1 according to the third variant of the embodiment establishes a multilink similar to that of the embodiment using multiple channels (CH) included in the same frequency band. The multilink processing of the third variant of the embodiment is similar to that of the embodiment, except that the channels used for the multilink are changed to multiple channels (CH) included in the same frequency band.

[0170] Figure 24 An example of a frequency band used for wireless communication in the wireless system 1 according to the third modification of the embodiment is shown. Figure 24 As shown, wireless communications utilize, for example, the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. Furthermore, each frequency band includes multiple channels. In this example, it is assumed that the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands each include at least three channels: CH1, CH2, and CH3. Communication using each channel CH is achieved through the associated STA function.

[0171] Figure 25 FIG. 1 shows an example of the link management information 121 of the wireless system 1 according to the third modified example of the embodiment. Figure 25 As shown, the link management information 121 of the third variant of the embodiment has a structure that adds information related to the channel ID for each frequency band compared to the link management information 121 of the embodiment. Furthermore, in this example, a multi-link similar to the embodiment is established using channel CH2 of "STA1" corresponding to the 6 GHz frequency band and channel CH3 of "STA2" corresponding to the 6 GHz frequency band.

[0172] As described above, the STA functions of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can use the same frequency band. Furthermore, a multilink between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can be established by multiple STA functions using the same frequency band. Specifically, multiple STA functions can form a multilink using different channels (CHs) in the 5 GHz frequency band, for example. In this case, the wireless system 1 according to the third variant of the embodiment can also achieve efficient communication and reduce power consumption, similar to the embodiment.

[0173] <5>Other

[0174] In the above embodiment, when the link cannot be maintained due to the movement of the terminal 20, etc., each STA function can be notified to the corresponding link management unit. In addition, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can change the state of the multi-link between the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 based on the notification from the STA function. Specifically, for example, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 and the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 can appropriately change the STA function used in the multi-link. When the state of the multi-link is changed, the link management units 120 and 220 update the link management information 121 and 221 respectively. In addition, the link management units 120 and 220 can update the association between traffic and STA functions according to the increase or decrease in the number of links.

[0175] The structure of the wireless system 1 involved in the embodiment is only an example, and other structures are also possible. For example, the example shows a case where the base station 10 and the terminal 20 each have three STA functions (wireless signal processing units), but it is not limited to this. It is sufficient as long as the base station 10 has at least two wireless signal processing units. Similarly, it is sufficient as long as the terminal 20 has at least two wireless signal processing units. In addition, the number of channels that each STA function can process can be appropriately set according to the frequency band used. The wireless communication components 14 and 24 can each use multiple communication components to handle wireless communications in multiple frequency bands, or use one communication component to handle wireless communications in multiple frequency bands.

[0176] The functional configurations of the base station 10 and terminal 20 of the wireless system 1 described in the embodiments are merely examples. The functional configurations of the base station 10 and terminal 20 can be named or grouped differently as long as they can perform the operations described in each embodiment. For example, in the base station 10, the data processing unit 110 and the link management unit 120 can be collectively referred to as the data processing unit. Similarly, in the terminal 20, the data processing unit 210 and the link management unit 220 can be collectively referred to as the data processing unit.

[0177] Furthermore, in the wireless system 1 according to the embodiments, the CPUs included in the base station 10 and the terminal 20 may be other circuits. For example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) may be used instead of a CPU. Furthermore, the processes described in each embodiment may be implemented by dedicated hardware. The wireless system 1 according to each embodiment may include a mixture of processes executed by software and processes executed by hardware, or may include only one of the two.

[0178] In each embodiment, the flowcharts used to illustrate the operations are merely examples. The operations described in the embodiments may be performed in different orders, and additional operations may be added, to the extent possible. Furthermore, the wireless frame formats described in the above embodiments are merely examples. Wireless system 1 may use other wireless frame formats as long as it can perform the operations described in each embodiment.

[0179] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made during the implementation stage without departing from the scope of the main purpose. In addition, the various embodiments can be appropriately combined for implementation, in which case the effect of the combination can be obtained. Moreover, the above-mentioned embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining the selected multiple technical features disclosed. For example, even if a few technical features are deleted from all the technical features shown in the embodiment, the problem can be solved. In the case of being able to obtain an effect, the structure of deleting the technical features can also be extracted as an invention.

[0180] Description of the label

[0181] 1…Wireless system

[0182] 10…base station

[0183] 20…Terminal

[0184] 30…Server

[0185] 11, 21…CPU

[0186] 12, 22…ROM

[0187] 13, 23…RAM

[0188] 14, 24... Wireless communication components

[0189] 15…wired communication components

[0190] 25…Display

[0191] 26…Storage

[0192] 110, 210…Data Processing Department

[0193] 120, 220...Link Management Department

[0194] 121, 221…link management information

[0195] 122, 222…Shared time information

[0196] 123…Data Classification Department

[0197] 124…Send queue

[0198] 125…CSMA / CA Implementation Department

[0199] 126…Data Conflict Management Department

[0200] 130, 140, 150, 230, 240, 250... Wireless signal processing unit

[0201] 131, 141, 151, 231, 241, 251...time information

Claims

1. A base station, wherein: The base station has a plurality of wireless signal processing units, and the plurality of wireless signal processing units include: a first wireless signal processing unit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a first channel; and a second wireless signal processing unit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a second channel different from the first channel; establishing a multi-link with a terminal using the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit, The first wireless signal processing unit stores first time information, the second wireless signal processing unit stores second time information, and the first time information and the second time information are synchronized. The first wireless signal processing unit accumulates a first flow rate, and the second wireless signal processing unit accumulates a second flow rate. The first wireless signal processing unit transmits a beacon signal capable of indicating the first time information, information indicating that the first flow rate is accumulated, and information indicating that the second flow rate is accumulated. The second wireless signal processing unit receives a frame requesting transmission of the second flow from the terminal based on the beacon signal, and transmits the second flow to the terminal based on the received frame. The beacon signal is transmitted from the first wireless signal processing unit among the plurality of wireless signal processing units included in the base station, and is not transmitted from the second wireless signal processing unit.

2. The base station according to claim 1, wherein The first time information and the second time information are the same time information.

3. A terminal, wherein: The terminal has a plurality of wireless signal processing units, and the plurality of wireless signal processing units include: a first wireless signal processing unit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a first channel; and a second wireless signal processing unit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a second channel different from the first channel; establishing a multi-link with a base station using the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit, The first wireless signal processing unit stores the first time information, the second wireless signal processing unit stores the second time information, and the first time information and the second time information are synchronized. In the base station, a first flow associated with the first wireless signal processing unit and a second flow associated with the second wireless signal processing unit are accumulated. The first wireless signal processing unit receives a beacon signal including the first time information, information indicating whether the first flow rate is accumulated, and information indicating whether the second flow rate is accumulated. The second wireless signal processing unit transmits a frame requesting transmission of the second traffic to the base station based on the beacon signal, and receives the second traffic transmitted from the base station based on the frame. The beacon signal is received by the first wireless signal processing unit among the plurality of wireless signal processing units, but is not received by the second wireless signal processing unit. The terminal according to claim 3 , wherein: The first time information and the second time information are the same time information.

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