Wireless communication control device, method, and program

Abstract

The present technology relates to a wireless communication control device, method, and program that make it possible to more reliably perform data transmission. A wireless communication control apparatus performs control of receiving first information from a wireless communication apparatus via one of a plurality of links set in advance with the wireless communication apparatus, and transmitting use reservation information indicating an opportunity of use of at least one of the plurality of links to be secured in advance. The present technology can be applied to a wireless communication system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a wireless communication control device, method, and program, and more particularly to a wireless communication control device, method, and program that enable data transmission to be performed more reliably. Background Art

[0002] Currently, in the IEEE working group, technical discussions are being conducted on the IEEE 802.11be standard, which is the successor to the IEEE 802.11ax standard, and in which the operation of the Extended Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) is defined.

[0003] EMLSR is a method for simplifying multi-link multi-radio operations in which operations are independently performed in all links set in advance (preconfigured links).

[0004] That is, in EMLSR, exchange of control frames is performed on a link of multi-radio, and operations related to actual data transmission and reception are performed on a link of a single radio. Note that EMLSR is described in Patent Document 1.

[0005] By adopting EMLSR as Release 1, which is the initial version of the IEEE802.11be standard, we recognized the advantages of being able to implement circuits on a smaller scale than originally planned, and the advantages of being able to bring products equipped with these technologies to the market early.

[0006] However, in the case of adopting EMLSR, since there are more newly defined parts operating with a single radio than the multi-radio configuration originally envisioned at the beginning of IEEE802.11be standardization, there are restrictions on the access control method and the transmission and reception of data.

[0007] Citation List

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-150786 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0011] Once the EMLSR-compatible communication terminal (EMLSR STA) finishes receiving data, the EMLSR STA must wait for a control frame (Multi-STA RTS) to be sent from an access point (AP) etc. in all preconfigured links. Thereafter, the EMLSRSTA returns a control frame (CTS) of a response using the link on which the Multi-STA RTS was received, which specifies a single radio to be operated next, and transitions to the specified single radio.

[0012] That is, in a case where the EMLSR STA cannot detect the Multi-STA RTS in any of the preconfigured links, it is difficult for the EMLSR STA to designate a single radio link to operate next.

[0013] The present technology has been proposed in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to perform data transmission more reliably.

[0014] Solution to the problem

[0015] A wireless communication control device according to one aspect of the present technology includes a communication control unit that performs the following control: receiving first information from a wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set between the wireless communication device and the wireless communication device, and sending usage reservation information indicating that an opportunity to use at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance.

[0016] A wireless communication control device according to another aspect of the present technology includes a communication control unit, which performs the following control: sending first information to the wireless communication device via one of multiple links pre-set between the wireless communication device and receiving usage reservation information, which indicates that the use opportunity of at least one of the multiple links is to be secured in advance.

[0017] In one aspect of the present technology, the following control is performed: first information is received from a wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance is transmitted.

[0018] In another aspect of the present technology, the following control is performed: first information is transmitted to a wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance is received. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0020] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of each block of a device compatible with EMLSR.

[0021] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a general operation sequence of an AP and an EMLSR STA.

[0022] Figure 4It is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of an AP and an EMLSR STA in the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0023] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication device.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a graphic Figure 5 A block diagram of an example configuration of a wireless communication module in FIG.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a graphic Figure 5 A block diagram of another configuration example of a wireless communication module in FIG.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame of the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0027] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0028] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0029] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of capability information including a link identifier (link ID) that needs to be exchanged in the case of describing information in a bitmap format.

[0030] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a third configuration example of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0031] Fig.13 is a flowchart illustrating the data transmission process in the first embodiment.

[0032] Fig.14 Then Fig.13 A flowchart illustrating data sending processing.

[0033] Fig.15 is a flowchart illustrating data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA in the first embodiment.

[0034] Fig.16 Then Fig.15 A flowchart illustrating the data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA.

[0035] Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating another operation sequence of the communication device (AP) on the data transmission side and the EMLSR STA in the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0036] Fig.18It is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of a communication device (AP) and an EMLSR STA on the data transmission side in the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0037] Fig.19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame of the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0038] Fig. 20 : is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an A-MPDU frame of the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0039] Fig.21 : is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an A-MPDU frame of the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0040] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an "A-Control" field of any frame.

[0041] Fig.23 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an "A-Control" field of any frame.

[0042] Fig.24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an aggregation frame.

[0043] Fig.25 : is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission process performed by a communication device (AP) on the data transmission side in the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0044] Fig.26 Then Fig.25 A flowchart illustrating a data transmission process performed by a communication device (AP) on the data transmission side.

[0045] Fig. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a data reception process performed by the EMLSR STA in the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0046] Fig.28 Then Fig. 27 A flowchart illustrating the data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA.

[0047] Fig.29 It is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of an AP and an EMLSR STA in the third embodiment of the present technology.

[0048] Fig.30 is a diagram illustrating a fourth configuration example of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0049] Fig.31 is a flowchart illustrating data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA in the third embodiment of the present technology.

[0050] Fig.32 Then Fig.31 A flowchart illustrating the data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA.

[0051] Fig.33 It is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of the EMLSR STA in the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0052] Fig.34 It is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of the AP in the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0053] Fig.35 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fast reserve single radio control frame.

[0054] Fig.36 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an open reserve single radio control frame.

[0055] Fig.37 It is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame of the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0056] Fig.38 is a diagram illustrating a fourth configuration example of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0057] Fig.39 : is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an A-MPDU frame of the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0058] Fig.40 : is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission process performed by a communication device (AP) on the data transmission side in the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0059] Fig.41 The following is the picture Fig.40 A flowchart of a data transmission process performed by a communication device (AP) on the data transmission side.

[0060] Fig.42 is a flowchart illustrating data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA in the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0061] Fig.43 Then Fig.42 A flowchart illustrating the data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA.

[0062] Fig.44 Then Fig.42 A flowchart illustrating the data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA.

[0063] Fig.45 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer.

[0064] Fig.46 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone to which the present technology is applied.

[0065] Fig.47 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a vehicle-mounted device to which the present technology is applied.

[0066] Fig.48 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a wireless AP to which the present technology is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present technology will be described. The description is given in the following order.

[0068] 1. First embodiment (available single radio link information)

[0069] 2. Second Embodiment (Next Single Radio Link Information)

[0070] 3. Third embodiment (combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment)

[0071] 4. Fourth Embodiment (Quickly Reserving a Single Radio Control Frame)

[0072] 5. Others

[0073] <<1. First Embodiment (Usable Single Radio Link Information)>>

[0074] <Configuration of Wireless LAN System>

[0075] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0076] Figure 1 The wireless communication system in the wireless communication system includes AP, EMLSR STA and hidden terminal (hidden STA), which constitute a network of wireless local area network (LAN) as a basic service set (BSS).

[0077] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the AP, EMLSR STA and hidden STA are in a state where they can communicate with communication devices existing within the radio wave coverage. The radio wave coverage is indicated by a broken ellipse centered on each of the marks representing the AP, EMLSR STA and hidden STA.

[0078] AP is a device operating as an access point. EMLSR STA is a device operating as a terminal compatible with EMLSR. AP and EMLSR STA perform data transmission as indicated by white arrows.

[0079] The hidden STA is a device that operates as a terminal and exists at a location hidden from the EMLSR STA. The hidden STA performs data transmission with the AP as indicated by a black arrow.

[0080] Around the EMLSR STA, there is an overlapping (O)BSS STA, which is an STA constituting another communication network (OBSS). The OBSS STA is a device operating as a terminal, and can communicate with communication devices existing within the radio wave coverage indicated by the dot-dash ellipse ( Figure 1 EMLSR STA) communication in the case of.

[0081] Therefore, as indicated by the dotted arrow, in the case where the EMLSR STA detects a signal from the OBSS STA, the EMLSR STA cannot correctly detect a control frame (such as RTS) from the AP.

[0082] <Operation of EMLSR-compatible devices>

[0083] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of each block of a device compatible with EMLSR.

[0084] exist Figure 2 In the upper part, the blocks that operate when control frames such as MU RTS and CTS are exchanged as shown on the right are indicated by solid lines. Note that Figure 2 Inactive blocks are indicated by broken lines.

[0085] The exchange of control frames is performed on multiple radios. In the case of performing operations by using multiple radios (for example, 5 GHz band and 6 GHz band), a radio frequency processing unit (RF) operating using a link (radio) of the 5 GHz band and a block ("small") capable of processing control frames for RF are configured. Similarly, an RF operating using a link (radio) of the 6 GHz band and a "small" capable of processing control frames for RF are configured. Therefore, multiple radios are in a state capable of receiving control frames.

[0086] exist Figure 2 In the lower part, blocks that operate in the case of sending and receiving the data frames shown on the right are indicated by solid lines.

[0087] In the transmission and reception of data frames, it becomes possible to perform operations using only a single radio (for example, a radio in the 6 GHz band). In the case where two RFs operate using a radio in the 6 GHz band, the two RFs operate with the radio in the 6 GHz band, and transmission and reception of data via the two RFs are performed through a physical layer block (PHY) and a media control block (MAC).

[0088] Note that in Figure 2 a simple block configuration is illustrated to describe the minimum EMLSR operation, and the block configuration of the wireless communication device according to the present technology is not limited to this simple block configuration.

[0089] <Conventional Operations of AP and EMLSR STA>

[0090] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the conventional operation sequence of an AP and an EMLSR STA.

[0091] Note that the EMLSR STA performs EMLSR operations, where the EMLSR STA operates using multiple radios when exchanging control frames and operates using a single radio after exchanging control frames.

[0092] In Figure 3 it is assumed that an AP or a communication device (indicated as AP in the figure) that performs multi-link multi-radio operations and an EMLSR STA that performs multi-link single-radio operations are in a state of exchanging predetermined data and performing operations using preset links (radio 1 to radio 3).

[0093] In addition, in Figure 3 solid arrows indicate the transmission of signals, rectangles on the horizontal axis indicate the signals being transmitted (TX), and rectangles below the horizontal axis indicate the signals being received (RX).

[0094] At timing t1, the AP, for example, sends a multi-user RTS frame (hereinafter referred to as the RTS frame (R in the figure)) as a control frame using radio 1 and notifies the EMLSR STA of the start of data transmission. The EMLSR STA receives the RTS frame.

[0095] At timing t2, the EMLSR STA returns a CTS frame (C in the figure) to the AP in response to the RTS frame. The AP receives the CTS frame.

[0096] At timing t3, the AP starts data (the "data" in the figure) transmission, and the EMLSR STA starts data reception.

[0097] After the data transmission ends, at timing t4, the EMLSR STA sends an ACK frame (A in the figure) as a received confirmation response frame for the data as needed. The AP receives the ACK frame. Thus, the data transmission in radio 1 ends.

[0098] Note that since the communication device can only occupy each radio for a predetermined time, the communication device cannot use the same radio for a period of time based on a predetermined backoff. Therefore, if data transmission is not completed within the predetermined time or there is undelivered data, the communication device needs to continue data transmission.

[0099] Here, in order to continue data transmission by the AP, the AP sends an RTS frame at timing t5 by using, for example, radio 2, but since a signal is sent to the EMLSR STA from another communication device by using radio 2, the EMLSR STA is in a "busy" state, the reception signal is interfered, and the RTS frame cannot be received correctly.

[0100] In this case, the CTS frame in response to this RTS is not returned from the EMLSR STA to the AP. Since the CTS frame from the STA does not arrive, the AP selects another link among the preconfigured links and resends the RTS frame.

[0101] exist Figure 3 In the example, at timing t6, the AP transmits an RTS frame to the EMLSR STA by using the radio 3.

[0102] In the case where the RTS frame can be correctly received by using the radio 3 , the EMLSR STA returns a CTS frame to the AP at timing t7 .

[0103] The AP can perform data transmission at timing t8 by receiving a CTS frame transmitted from the STA by using the radio 3. In addition, the EMLSR STA also performs data reception by using the radio 3.

[0104] After the data transmission is completed, at timing t9, the EMLSR STA transmits an ACK frame as needed. The AP receives the ACK frame. Thus, the data transmission using the radio 3 is completed.

[0105] Similarly, after data transmission using Radio 3, in a case where the AP desires to perform data transmission to the EMLSR STA, the AP transmits an RTS frame to the EMLSR STA by using Radio 2 which is an available link at timing t10.

[0106] Here, since the EMLSR STA is in a “busy” state due to a signal from another communication device or the like and cannot correctly decode the RTS frame by using the radio 2 , the EMLSR STA cannot return the CTS frame.

[0107] Since there is no CTS frame returned from the EMLSR STA, the AP transmits an RTS frame by using the radio 1 at timing t11 in order to use another preconfigured link (radio 1).

[0108] In a case where the RTS frame can be correctly received by using the radio 1 , the EMLSR STA returns a CTS frame to the AP at timing t12 .

[0109] By detecting the CTS frame from the STA by using the radio 1 , at timing t13 , the AP can perform data transmission by using the radio 1 , and the EMLSR STA can also perform data reception by using the radio 1 .

[0110] As described above, if the EMLSR STA cannot detect the RTS frame by using the pre-configured link, it is difficult for the EMLSR STA to designate a single radio link to operate next.

[0111] In addition, if there is no response to the CTS frame in a preconfigured link, it is difficult to use its channel, so the AP needs to send the RTS frame again by using another preconfigured link. For this reason, access control delay occurs for sending the RTS frame again, and it takes time to perform data transmission.

[0112] <Operations of AP and EMLSR STA in First Embodiment of the Present Technology>

[0113] Figure 4 It is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of an AP or a communication device on the data transmission side (indicated as AP in the figure) and an EMLSR STA in the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0114] exist Figure 4 At the timings t11 to t13 in Figure 3 The same processing is performed at timings t1 to t3, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] Note that in Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , solid arrows represent the transmission of signals, and dotted arrows represent the transmission of control signals between links.

[0116] exist Figure 4 In the case of, after the data transmission starting from timing t13 ends, at timing t14, the EMLSR STA detects the use status of the preconfigured links, generates information about available links among the preconfigured links (available single radio link information), includes the information in an ACK frame (S in the figure), and sends the frame to the AP. The ACK frame including the available single radio link information is hereinafter referred to as a single radio block ACK frame.

[0117] Specifically, at the timing when data transmission using radio 1 ends, the EMLSR STA avoids using radio 3 which is interfered by another OBSS STA due to the presence of a predetermined noise level or the like, and determines that radio 2 whose noise level is less than or equal to a predetermined level is available.

[0118] At timing t14 immediately after data transmission, the EMLSR STA may inform the AP of information on an available link by transmitting a single radio block ACK frame including available single radio link information to the AP.

[0119] On the other hand, for example, in the case of receiving a single radio block ACK frame including available single radio link information, the AP can grasp that the EMLSR STA is currently in a state where radio 2 is available.

[0120] At timing t15 , in the case where the AP is also able to use Radio 2 and has transmission data addressed to the EMLSR STA, the AP may perform data transmission to the EMLSR STA by using Radio 2 again.

[0121] Similarly, when data transmission using radio 2 ends, at timing t16, the EMLSR STA determines that it is difficult to use radio 3 and it is possible to use radio 1 at the next transmission timing (timing t17), and includes the available single radio link information in the single radio block ACK frame to send the frame to the AP.

[0122] The AP receives the single radio block ACK frame including the available single radio link information, and grasps that the EMLSR STA is in a state where radio 1 is available.

[0123] At timing t17 , in the case where the AP itself can use the radio 1 and has transmission data addressed to the EMLSR STA, the AP performs data transmission to the EMLSR STA using the radio 1 again.

[0124] Similarly, when data transmission using radio 1 ends, at timing t18, the EMLSR STA determines that it is difficult to use radio 2 and it is possible to use radio 3 at the next transmission timing (timing t19), and includes the available single radio link information in the single radio block ACK frame to send the frame to the AP.

[0125] The AP receives the single radio block ACK frame including the available single radio link information, and grasps that the EMLSR STA is in a state where the radio 3 is available.

[0126] At timing t19 , in the case where the AP itself can use the radio 3 and has transmission data addressed to the EMLSR STA, the AP performs data transmission to the EMLSR STA by using the radio 3 again.

[0127] As described above, since a frame including available single radio link information based on the latest usage status of a preconfigured link is transmitted from a device on the data receiving side, the device on the data receiving side can specify a link on which waiting is performed for the next data transmission, and redundant information exchange can be reduced. Here, in the present technology, performing next means performing after the transmission of the available single radio link information in time, and the timing may be immediately after the transmission of the available single radio link information, or may not be immediately thereafter, as long as the timing is after the transmission in time.

[0128] Specifically, available single radio link information, which is information about available links among preconfigured links, is transmitted by using a block ACK frame which is one of control frames. Note that the frame to be used is not limited to the control frame, and may be a data frame or other frames.

[0129] Furthermore, the EMLSR STA may construct a new frame, include available single radio link information in the constructed frame, and transmit the constructed frame immediately before or after the return timing of the Block ACK frame.

[0130] In the available single radio link information, information is expressed by about 4 bits, which indicates a link selected from pre-set preconfigured links and having the lowest noise level of reception interference.

[0131] Alternatively, the available single radio link information may include information indicating a link determined to be available and having a noise level interfered with less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value among preconfigured links set in advance by using a bitmap format.

[0132] Based on the above description, details of the first embodiment of the present technology will be described below.

[0133] <Configuration of Wireless Communication Device>

[0134] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication device of the present technology.

[0135] Figure 5 The wireless communication device 1 in FIG. 1 is a wireless communication device operating as an AP or a STA.

[0136] The wireless communication device 1 includes an Internet connection module 11 , an information input module 12 , a device control module 13 , an information output module 14 and a wireless communication module 15 .

[0137] Note that the wireless communication device may include only required modules.

[0138] The Internet connection module 11 is configured to implement a function of a communication modem or the like for connecting to the Internet while operating as an AP according to the control of the device control module 13. The Internet connection module 11 performs connection to the Internet via a public communication line and an Internet service provider.

[0139] The information input module 12 outputs information indicating the instruction input by the user to the device control module 13. The information input module 12 includes buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like.

[0140] The device control module 13 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The device control module 13 executes a program stored in the ROM, etc., causes an application to operate at a higher layer, and performs control to cause the device to operate as an AP or a STA.

[0141] The information output module 14 outputs information on the operating state of the wireless communication device 1 or information obtained via the Internet, which is supplied from the device control module 13. The information output module 14 includes a display element such as a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal panel or an organic display, a speaker that outputs sound and music, etc. The information output module 14 performs display and notification of required information for the user.

[0142] The wireless communication module 15 transmits data supplied from the device control module 13 to another wireless communication device 1 by performing wireless communication. The wireless communication module 15 receives data transmitted from another wireless communication device 1 by performing wireless communication and outputs the received data to the device control module 13.

[0143] <Configuration of wireless communication module>

[0144] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the wireless communication module 15 in the case of operating as an AP.

[0145] Figure 6 The configuration of the wireless communication module 15 in is, for example, a configuration of an AP in a network in which an EMLSR STA exists or a configuration of an STA of a multi-link device compatible with Extended Multi-Link Multi-Radio (EMLMR).

[0146] The wireless communication module 15 includes a data buffer 21, a data construction unit 22, a multi-link control unit 23, multi-link MAC processing units 24-1 and 24-2, multi-link PHY processing units 25-1 and 25-2, and multi-link RF signal processing units 26-1 and 26-2. Each of these blocks includes a plurality of these units, the number of which corresponds to the number of radios capable of having a multi-link configuration, but here, in order to simplify the description, each block is described as including the minimum number of blocks, i.e., two.

[0147] Furthermore, the wireless communication module 15 includes multilink RF signal detection units 27 - 1 and 27 - 2 , multilink PHY reception units 28 - 1 and 28 - 2 , multilink MAC determination units 29 - 1 and 29 - 2 , a data processing unit 30 , and a preconfigured link determination unit 31 .

[0148] The data buffer 21 receives the transmission data from the device control module 13 and temporarily stores the transmission data.

[0149] The data construction unit 22 constructs the data to be processed when the data is sent. That is, Figure 6 The wireless communication module 15 in the wireless communication module 15 is configured to be able to perform a multi-link operation by delivering the data to be transmitted to the data transmission block of each radio through the data construction unit 22.

[0150] The multilink control unit 23 performs communication control using each radio when data transmission is performed through the wireless communication module 15 compatible with the multilink.

[0151] The multilink MAC processing unit 24-1, the multilink PHY processing unit 25-1, and the multilink RF signal processing unit 26-1 are configured as a first data transmission block that performs processing by using radio 1. The multilink MAC processing unit 24-2, the multilink PHY processing unit 25-2, and the multilink RF signal processing unit 26-2 are configured as a second data transmission block that performs processing by using radio 2.

[0152] Hereinafter, without having to particularly distinguish them from each other, the multi-link MAC processing units 24-1 and 24-2, the multi-link PHY processing units 25-1 and 25-2, and the multi-link RF signal processing units 26-1 and 26-2 are respectively referred to as the multi-link MAC processing unit 24, the multi-link PHY processing unit 25, and the multi-link RF signal processing unit 26.

[0153] The multi-link MAC processing unit 24 performs access control on data to be transmitted.

[0154] The multi-link PHY processing unit 25 converts the transmission data into a baseband signal.

[0155] The multi-link RF signal processing unit 26 performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal converted by the multi-link PHY processing unit 25 and transmits the processed baseband signal from an antenna.

[0156] The multilink RF signal detection unit 27-1, the multilink PHY reception unit 28-1, and the multilink MAC determination unit 29-1 are configured as a first data reception block that performs processing on Radio 1. The multilink RF signal detection unit 27-2, the multilink PHY reception unit 28-2, and the multilink MAC determination unit 29-2 are configured as a second data reception block that performs processing on Radio 2.

[0157] Hereinafter, without having to particularly distinguish them from each other, the multi-link RF signal detection units 27-1 and 27-2, the multi-link PHY reception units 28-1 and 28-2, and the multi-link MAC determination units 29-1 and 29-2 are respectively referred to as the multi-link RF signal detection unit 27, the multi-link PHY reception unit 28, and the multi-link MAC determination unit 29.

[0158] The multi-link RF signal detection unit 27 detects the waveform of the received data portion from the signal received by the antenna.

[0159] The multilink PHY receiving unit 28 extracts a baseband signal from the waveform detected by the multilink RF signal detecting unit 27 .

[0160] The multilink MAC determination unit 29 detects a predetermined frame in a channel from the baseband signal extracted by the multilink PHY reception unit 28, and performs access control.

[0161] The data processing unit 30 processes the data received by the data reception block for each radio in a centralized manner.

[0162] In the case of performing communication with the EMLSR STA, the preconfigured link determination unit 31 controls the setting of the radio used for communication. The preconfigured link determination unit 31 collects information such as the reception field strength in each radio link, the value of the noise level of each link, etc. to determine whether the link can be used. The preconfigured link determination unit 31 outputs the result of determining whether the link can be used to the multi-link control unit 23.

[0163] Note that in the first embodiment of the present technology, for example, in the case where a single radio block ACK frame is received on the radio 1 link, the process of receiving the single radio block ACK frame is performed by the first data reception block.

[0164] In this case, the waveform of the signal is detected by the multilink RF signal detection unit 27-1, the baseband signal is extracted from the detected waveform by the multilink PHY reception unit 28-1, and a predetermined frame in the channel of the baseband signal is detected by the multilink MAC determination unit 29-1. Through the above-mentioned process, the multilink control unit 23 recognizes that the single radio block ACK frame is received as one of the control frames.

[0165] Furthermore, in the case where available single radio link information is included in the single radio block ACK frame, this fact is notified to the multilink control unit 23 via the preconfigured link determination unit 31. The multilink control unit 23 specifies a link (radio) available to the EMLSR STA and controls communication on the link (radio).

[0166] <Another Configuration of Wireless Communication Module>

[0167] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the wireless communication module 15 .

[0168] Figure 7 The wireless communication module 15 in the embodiment is, for example, a wireless communication module of the wireless communication device 1 compatible with EMLSR.

[0169] The wireless communication module 15 includes a data buffer 51, a single radio data processing unit 52, a single radio MAC processing unit 53, a single radio PHY transmitting unit 54, a single radio RF signal processing unit 55, a single radio control unit 56, a single radio MAC determination unit 57, a single radio PHY receiving unit 58 and a single radio RF signal detection unit 59.

[0170] In addition, the wireless communication module 15 includes radio RF detection units 60-1 and 60-2, radio PHY reception units 61-1 and 61-2, and radio MAC determination units 62-1 and 62-2. In the wireless communication module 15, each block includes a plurality of these units, the number of which corresponds to the number of radios capable of having a multi-link configuration, but here, in order to simplify the description, each block is described as including the minimum number of blocks, i.e., two blocks. Moreover, the wireless communication module 15 includes a control information processing unit 63 and a pre-configured link determination unit 64.

[0171] The data buffer 51 receives data transmitted from the device control module 13 and temporarily stores the data.

[0172] The single radio data processing unit 52 processes the data as it is transmitted.

[0173] The single radio MAC processing unit 53 , the single radio PHY transmission unit 54 , and the single radio RF signal processing unit 55 are configured as a data transmission block.

[0174] The single-radio MAC processing unit 53 performs access control on data to be transmitted.

[0175] The single-radio PHY transmission unit 54 converts the transmission data into a baseband signal.

[0176] The single radio frequency RF signal processing unit 55 performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal converted by the single radio frequency PHY transmitting unit 54 and transmits the processed baseband signal from an antenna.

[0177] The single radio control unit 56 performs communication control using each radio when data transmission is performed in the wireless communication module 15 .

[0178] The single radio MAC determination unit 57 , the single radio PHY reception unit 58 , and the single radio RF signal detection unit 59 are configured as a data reception block.

[0179] The single radio MAC determination unit 57 detects a predetermined frame in the channel of the baseband signal extracted by the single radio PHY reception unit 58 and performs access control.

[0180] The single-radio PHY receiving unit 58 extracts a baseband signal from the waveform detected by the single-radio RF signal detecting unit 59 .

[0181] The single-radio RF signal detection unit 59 detects the waveform of the received data portion from the signal received by the antenna.

[0182] The radio RF detection unit 60-1, the radio PHY reception unit 61-1, and the radio MAC determination unit 62-1 are configured to process a first control information reception block of control information (such as an RTS frame) on radio 1. The radio RF detection unit 60-2, the radio PHY reception unit 61-2, and the radio MAC determination unit 62-2 are configured to process a second control information reception block of control information on radio 2.

[0183] Hereinafter, the radio RF detection units 60-1 and 60-2, the radio PHY reception units 61-1 and 61-2, and the radio MAC determination units 62-1 and 62-2 are referred to as the radio RF detection unit 60, the radio PHY reception unit 61, and the radio MAC determination unit 62, respectively, without having to particularly distinguish them from each other.

[0184] The radio RF detection unit 60 detects the waveform of the RF signal.

[0185] The radio PHY receiving unit 61 extracts a baseband signal from the detected waveform.

[0186] The radio MAC determination unit 62 detects a predetermined control frame from the extracted baseband signal and performs access control.

[0187] The control information processing unit 63 collects control information on control frames detected in multiple radios, and sequentially determines in which radio link a control frame addressed to the device itself is received, for example. The control information processing unit 63 outputs control information of the control frame addressed to the device itself to the preconfigured link determination unit 64.

[0188] The preconfigured link determination unit 64 collects information such as reception field strength in each radio link, noise level value of each link, etc. to determine whether the link can be used. The preconfigured link determination unit 64 outputs the determination result of whether the link can be used to the single radio control unit 56.

[0189] Note that in the first embodiment of the present technology, the process of transmitting the single radio block ACK frame is performed by the data transmission block under the control of the single radio control unit 56 .

[0190] That is, the transmission data is constructed into a control frame by the single radio MAC processing unit 53, converted into a baseband signal by the single radio PHY transmission unit 54, radio frequency processed by the single radio RF signal processing unit 55, and transmitted from the antenna.

[0191] Similarly, the process of receiving an A-MPDU frame is performed by the data reception block under the control of the single radio control unit 56 .

[0192] That is, the waveform of the received data part is detected from the signal received by the antenna by the single radio RF signal detection unit 59, and the baseband signal extracted from the detected waveform is subjected to reception processing of a predetermined A-MPDU frame in the channel of the single radio by the single radio PHY reception unit 68. Thereafter, the information on the delimiter is analyzed by the single radio MAC determination unit 67, and the MPDU part is separated.

[0193] Note that, Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example in which a link includes two blocks of Radio 1 and Radio 2 is illustrated in order to simplify the description, but in reality, a plurality of radio blocks are prepared, the number of which corresponds to the number of links that can be simultaneously processed in the EMLSR.

[0194] <Frame Configuration of First Embodiment>

[0195] Figure 8 It is a diagram illustrating a frame configuration example of the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0196] exist Figure 8In the figure, the modified and added parts according to the present technology are indicated by hatching. This applies similarly to the following figures.

[0197] Figure 8 The frame in is a frame configured as an action frame or a management frame, which indicates compatibility with a sequence for notifying information about available links.

[0198] Note that, Figure 8 The frame in is defined as the EML operation mode notification frame. In addition, when the EMLSR STA performs an association operation with the AP, etc., it is appropriately sent. Figure 8 Frames in.

[0199] exist Figure 8 In the EML operation mode notification frame, the EML operation mode notification frame includes the category, EHT action, dialog token and EML control fields.

[0200] The "EML Control" field includes the EMLSR mode bit (bit 0), the EMLMR mode bit (bit 1), the EMLSR link bitmap bits (bits 2 to 17), reserved bits (bits 18 to 22), and the single radio BA bit (bit 23).

[0201] The single radio BA bit is a bit according to the present technology that indicates whether information on available links can be notified.

[0202] Note that the configuration of a frame including a single radio BA bit is not limited to Figure 8 For example, a single radio BA bit may be set in frames other than action frames or management frames as needed.

[0203] <First frame configuration of a single radio block acknowledgement (ACK) frame>

[0204] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0205] Fig. 9 A single radio block ACK frame in includes the following fields: Frame Control, Duration, Receive Address (RA), Transmit Address (TA), BA Control, BA Information, and File Check Sequence (FCS).

[0206] "Frame Control" is information indicating the type and format of a frame.

[0207] "Duration" is information indicating the duration of a frame.

[0208] RA is identification information for identifying a device on the receiving side.

[0209] TA is identification information for identifying a device on the transmission side.

[0210] The "BA Control" field includes the BA ACK policy bit (bit 0), BA type bit (bits 1 to 4), available single link bit (bits 5 to 8), reserved bit (bits 9 to 11), and TID_INFO bit (bits 12 to 15).

[0211] The available single link bit included in the 'BA Control' field is available single radio link information indicating an available link.

[0212] The BA information is information about the BA.

[0213] FCS is a frame check sequence for error detection.

[0214] Right now, Fig. 9 The single radio Block ACK frame in is configured so that, while maintaining the conventional format of the Block ACK frame, it is possible to specify one available link by using bits 5 to 8 that have been set as reserved bits of the "BA Control" field as available single link bits. Reserved bits are bits that are not defined as bits that represent specific information about the 802.11 standard.

[0215] Note that in Fig. 9 In the 4th embodiment, bits 5 to 8 that have been set as reserved bits of the "BA Control" field are used as available single link bits, but other reserved bits may be used.

[0216] <Second Configuration of Single Radio Block ACK Frame>

[0217] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a second frame configuration example of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0218] Fig.10 A single radio block ACK frame in Fig. 9 The Single Radio Block ACK frames in differ in the configuration of the "BA Control" field.

[0219] exist Fig.10 In the BA control field, the BA ACK policy bit (bit 0), the BA type bit (bits 1 to 4), the available single link bitmap bit (bits 5 to 11), and the TID_INFO bit (bits 12 to 15).

[0220] The available single link bitmap bit included in the "BA Control" field is information indicating an available link.

[0221] Right now, Fig.10 The single radio Block ACK frame in is configured so that, while maintaining the conventional format of the Block ACK frame, it is possible to specify all available links except the current link in a bitmap format by using bits 5 to 11 set as reserved bits of the "BA Control" field.

[0222] Here, if Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the case where information indicating available links is described as information in a bitmap format, for example, when performing association processing, it is necessary to exchange Fig.11 Note that this applies similarly to Fig.10 And the subsequent figures describe other information in bitmap format.

[0223] <Bitmap format information>

[0224] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of capability information including a link identifier (link ID) that needs to be exchanged in a case where information in a bitmap format is described as an available link.

[0225] exist Fig.11 In the, capability information includes frame control, duration, ..., multiple elements, request elements and detection multi-link elements.

[0226] The detection multi-link element includes element ID, length, element ID extension, multi-link control, and multiple Pre-STA profiles.

[0227] Each Pre-STA profile includes sub-elements ID, length, and data.

[0228] The data includes STA controls. Note that the data may include request elements.

[0229] STA Control includes a link ID as a link identifier and a complete profile as link attribute information, etc.

[0230] In the capability information configured as described above, information on frequency channels for operating using multi-link and the like are described as attribute information (full profile) of each link for each link identifier (link ID).

[0231] Therefore, the exchange Fig.11 The capability information in the multi-link is obtained, thereby obtaining information about the frequency channel for operation using the multi-link for each link identifier (link ID). Fig.10 In the information in the bitmap format, each bit can be assigned and described based on a link identifier (link ID).

[0232] For example, in Fig.10 In the information in the bitmap format, the first bit is assigned starting from the link identifier (link ID) with a smaller value, and the link identifier (link ID) with a larger value is assigned to the last bit. In this case, the required bit size can be set for the link identifier (link ID) according to the number of multi-links supported by the communication device itself.

[0233] Note that information such as frequency channel and bandwidth used in each link performing multi-link operation can be defined by the link identifier (link ID). In addition, it is also possible to determine whether a link is in use based on attribute information about the link.

[0234] <Third Configuration of Single Radio Block ACK Frame>

[0235] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a third frame configuration example of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0236] Fig.12 The single radio block ACK frame in Fig. 9 The single radio block ACK frame in EMLS 1404 differs in that an "EML Control" field is added as a new field.

[0237] The "EML Control" field is an existing area of ​​the 802.11be standard ( Fig.12 The "EML Control" field includes information indicating available links, information indicating whether operations in the EMLSR mode can be performed, and the like.

[0238] Right now, Fig.12 The single radio block ACK frame in is configured so that, in addition to the conventional format of the block ACK frame, it is possible to perform notification including information indicating an available link and information indicating whether an operation in the EMLSR mode can be performed.

[0239] <Processing by AP in First Embodiment>

[0240] Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a flowchart illustrating the data transmission process in the first embodiment.

[0241] Although in Fig.13 and Fig.14 The operations in the AP to which the EMLSR STA is to connect will be described in Fig.13 and Fig.14 The data transmission process in can also be applied to the case where a communication device (STA) having data to be transmitted to the EMLSR STA determines an available link and transmits the data.

[0242] In addition, Fig.13 and Fig.14 In the embodiment, for example, it is assumed that a link previously set as a preconfigured link is designated by exchanging a predetermined action frame with the EMLSR STA.

[0243] In step S11, the data construction unit 22 ( Figure 6) receives transmission data addressed to the EMLSR STA from the device control module 13 via the data buffer 21.

[0244] In step S12, the multi-link control unit 23 performs detection setting to grasp the use status of the EMLSRSTA in the pre-configured link.

[0245] In step S13, the multilink control unit 23 acquires the number of MPDUs to be aggregated (the number of A-MPDUs) based on the acquisition state of the transmission opportunity for transmitting data in a single radio and the time when transmission is possible in one access control.

[0246] In step S14 , the data construction unit 22 obtains the MPDU subframe.

[0247] In step S15 , the data construction unit 22 constructs an A-MPDU frame.

[0248] In step S16, the data construction unit 22 determines whether it is the end of the A-MPDU (frame) based on the acquired A-MPDU number. In the case where it is determined in step S16 that it is not the end of the A-MPDU, the process returns to step S14 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0249] In a case where it is determined in step S16 that it is the end of the A-MPDU, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0250] The multi-link control unit 23 collects A-MPDUs until a predetermined number of A-MPDUs is reached to set an A-MPDU frame, and controls the first data transmission block or the second data transmission block to transmit the frame.

[0251] After transmitting the A-MPDU frame, in step S17, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether an ACK frame is returned. In the case where it is determined that the ACK frame is not returned, the data transmission process by the AP ends.

[0252] In the case where it is determined in step S17 that an ACK frame is returned, the process proceeds to Fig.14 Step S18 in .

[0253] In step S18 , the multilink control unit 23 waits for a Block ACK frame.

[0254] In step S19, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether a block ACK frame is received. In a case where it is determined in step S19 that a block ACK frame is not received, the process returns to step S18, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0255] In a case where a Block ACK frame is received in the first data reception block or the second data reception block, it is determined in step S19 that the Block ACK frame is received, and the process proceeds to step S20.

[0256] In step S20, the multi-link control unit 23 acquires block ACK information from a block ACK frame received in the first data reception block or the second data reception block.

[0257] In step S21, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether available single radio link (ASRL) information indicating an available link is described in the acquired Block ACK information. In a case where it is determined in step S21 that the available single radio link information is described, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0258] In step S22, the preconfigured link determination unit 31 obtains the detection status of the preconfigured link of the device itself from the available single radio link information.

[0259] In step S23, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether the available single radio link described in the available single radio link information can be used based on the detection status of the preconfigured link. In the case where it is determined in step S23 that the link can be used, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0260] In step S24, the multilink control unit 23 transitions to the available single radio link described in the available single radio link information and continues data transmission. Note that in this specification, transitioning to a designated radio (link) is synonymous with setting a designated radio as an operating link.

[0261] In a case where it is determined in step S21 that the available single radio link information is not described, the processing in steps S22 to S24 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S25.

[0262] Furthermore, in the event that it is determined in step S23 that the available single radio link described in the available single radio link information cannot be used, the processing in step S24 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S25.

[0263] In step S25, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether there is undelivered data based on the block ACK information acquired in step S20. In a case where it is determined in step S25 that there is undelivered data, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0264] In step S26, the multilink control unit 23 specifies the undelivered MPDU. Thereafter, the process returns to Fig.13 Step S12 in , and repeat the subsequent processing.

[0265] In the case where it is determined in step S25 that there is no undelivered data, Fig.13 and Fig.14 The data sending process performed by AP is completed.

[0266] <Processing by EMLSR STA>

[0267] Fig.15 and Fig.16 is a flowchart illustrating data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA in the first embodiment.

[0268] Although in Fig.15 and Fig.16 The operations in the EMLSR STA will be described in Fig.15 and Fig.16 The processing in can also be applied to the case where an AP or a communication device (STA) on the data transmission side determines an available link and performs notification of information about the available link.

[0269] In step S41, the single radio control unit 56 ( Figure 7 ) exchanges, for example, predetermined action frames with an AP, etc. to operate a link defined as a pre-configured link to set up a single radio reception operation.

[0270] In step S42, the single radio data processing unit 52 determines whether the A-MPDU is received. In the case where it is determined in step S42 that the A-MPDU is not received, the process returns to step S41, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0271] In a case where it is determined in step S42 that the A-MPDU is received, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0272] In step S43, the single radio data processing unit 52 determines whether each MPDU is received normally. In a case where it is determined in step S43 that each MPDU is received normally, the process proceeds to step S44.

[0273] In step S44 , the single-radio data processing unit 52 stores the normally received MPDU in the data buffer 51 .

[0274] In step S45 , the single radio data processing unit 52 stores the ACK sequence number of the normally received MPDU.

[0275] In step S46, the single radio data processing unit 52 determines whether the end of the MPDU has been reached. In the case where it is determined in step S46 that the end of the MPDU has not been reached, the process returns to step S43, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0276] In the event that it is determined in step S46 that the end of the MPDU has been reached, the process proceeds to step S47.

[0277] In step S47, the single radio data processing unit 52 acquires the stored ACK sequence number and constructs a block ACK frame. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S48.

[0278] In the case where it is determined in step S43 that each MPDU has not been normally received, the processing in steps S44 to S47 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S48.

[0279] In step S48, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether it is required to add the available link information. In the case where it is determined in step S48 that it is required to add the available link information, the process proceeds to Fig.16 Step S49 in .

[0280] In step S49, the preconfigured link determination unit 64 acquires the status of the available links based on the reception field strength, noise level, etc. of the preconfigured links at the current time.

[0281] In step S50, the preconfigured link determination unit 64 determines whether there is a candidate link. In the case where it is determined in step S50 that there is a candidate link, the process proceeds to step S51.

[0282] In step S51, the preconfigured link determination unit 64 determines whether there are a plurality of candidate links. In the case where it is determined in step S51 that there are a plurality of candidate links, the process proceeds to step S52.

[0283] In step S52, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether to perform notification of information on multiple candidate links in a bitmap (bitmap format). In the case where it is determined in step S52 that notification of information on multiple candidate links is not to be performed in a bitmap, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0284] In step S53, the preconfigured link determination unit 64 selects one link desired to operate as an available single radio link. In this case, in step S54, the single radio control unit 56 sets available single radio link information in which information indicating the desired link is described.

[0285] In the case where it is determined in step S51 that there are no multiple candidates, the processing in steps S52 and S53 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S54. In this case, in step S54, the single radio control unit 56 sets available single radio link information in which information indicating the candidate link is described.

[0286] In the case where it is determined in step S52 that notification is to be performed in a bitmap, the process proceeds to step S54. In step S54, the single radio control unit 56 sets the available single radio link information in a bitmap format.

[0287] In step S55, in order to perform the single radio operation, the single radio control unit 56 transitions to the link described in the available single radio link information and sets the wait using the single radio. That is, the link described in the available single radio link information is set as the link for which the wait using the single radio data frame is to be performed.

[0288] In step S56 , the single radio control unit 56 transmits a block ACK frame to which information indicating an available link (available single radio link information) is added.

[0289] In the case where it is determined in step S48 that adding information indicating an available link is not required, or in the case where it is determined in step S50 that there is no candidate link, the process proceeds to step S56. In this case, in step S56, the single radio control unit 56 transmits a normal Block ACK frame.

[0290] After the processing in step S56, Fig.15 and Fig.16 The processing by EMLSR STA is completed.

[0291] <Edit>

[0292] Fig.17 1 is a diagram illustrating another operation sequence of the AP or the communication device on the data transmission side (indicated as AP in the figure) and the EMLSR STA in the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0293] exist Fig.17 At the timing t51 to t55 in Figure 4 The same processing is performed at timings t1 to t5 in , so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0294] exist Fig.17 In this case, after the data transmission using radio 2 ends at timing t55, at timing t56, the EMLSR STA determines that it is difficult to use radio 3 at the next transmission timing (timing t57) and it is possible to use radio 1, and includes the available single radio link information in the single radio block ACK frame to send the frame to the AP.

[0295] The AP receives the single radio block ACK frame including the available single radio link information, and grasps that the EMLSR STA is in a state where radio 1 is available.

[0296] For example, in a case where data transmission from the AP to the EMLSR STA is not required and data transmission from the EMLSR STA to the AP using radio 1 is required, data transmission from the EMLSR to the AP can be performed based on a predetermined access control procedure, and thus the AP waits for data from the STA by using radio 1.

[0297] Note that the EMLSR STA can determine whether there is undelivered data from the AP or data to be sent by the EMLSR STA, and in the case where any data "exists" as a result of the determination, the EMLSR STA can send available single radio link information to the AP. At this time, the EMLSR STA can determine only whether there is undelivered data from the AP or data to be sent by the EMLSR STA.

[0298] At timing t57 after the predetermined access control process ends, the EMLSR STA performs data transmission to the AP by using radio 1. In the case where data transmission using radio 1 ends, at timing t58, the AP determines that it is difficult to use radio 2 and it is possible to use radio 3 at the next transmission timing (timing t59), and includes available single radio link information in a single radio block ACK frame to transmit the information to the EMLSR STA by using radio 1.

[0299] The EMLSR STA receives the single radio block ACK frame including the available single radio link information, and grasps that the AP is in a state where the radio 3 is available.

[0300] At timing t59 , in the case where data transmission to the EMLSR STA is required, the AP similarly performs data transmission to the EMLSR STA again by using the radio 3 based on a predetermined access control procedure.

[0301] As described above, for example, in the case where data needs to be transmitted from the AP to the EMLSR STA, the AP may transmit the data by using the radio 3, and thus, may transmit the data after receiving the block ACK frame.

[0302] That is, the EMLSR STA that has received the available single radio link information from the AP can more reliably receive and transmit data from the AP by waiting to use the radio 3 described in the available single radio link information.

[0303] <Effects of the First Embodiment>

[0304] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present technology, the EMLSR STA performs notification of available single radio link information, thereby making it possible to specify a link on which waiting is performed and reduce redundant information exchange.

[0305] In particular, it is possible to immediately perform notification of the latest state of the transmission path at the timing of returning the Block ACK frame.

[0306] That is, by describing the information on the available radio link in the Block ACK frame, it is not necessary to use another frame to notify the information.

[0307] Furthermore, by selecting an optimum link capable of stable communication on the data receiving side, it is possible to immediately specify a link without having to wait for an RTS frame from the data transmitting side as in the conventional case.

[0308] Since a link for continuing the communication of the EMLSR can be selected from the data receiving side, data transmission can be reliably performed.

[0309] In the case where there is available single radio link information indicating multiple available links, it is possible to notify information about multiple links by including information in a bitmap format in a single radio block ACK frame. Therefore, it is possible to give the data transmission side a choice and it is possible to select a link that is more reliably used.

[0310] It is possible to save the time required for exchanging the RTS frame and the CTS frame in the data transmission sequence of the EMLSR of the conventional method, which exchange is redundant, so that the time required for exchanging the RTS frame and the CTS frame can be effectively used for a transmission opportunity (TXOP) for data transmission.

[0311] In a limited TXOP on a certain link, the number of A-MPDU aggregations can be optimized.

[0312] In addition, when there is undelivered data (ie, retransmission data) or when it is necessary to continue receiving data, even if all data transmission is not completed in the TXOP of one link, it is possible to immediately switch to another link. Therefore, seamless data transmission can be performed.

[0313] Furthermore, in the case where there is transmission data from the EMLSR STA to the AP, it is also possible to perform bidirectional data transmission in a short time by performing notification that a single radio link is available.

[0314] As described above, since multiple links can be used continuously, real-time application data can be transmitted seamlessly.

[0315] <<2. Second Embodiment (Next Single Radio Link Information)>>

[0316] In the first embodiment, an example of notifying link information that can be used for data transmission from the EMLSR STA on the data receiving side is described. Next, as a second embodiment, an example of notifying link information that can be used for the next data transmission from the communication device (AP) on the data sending side will be described.

[0317] Note that the system configuration of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. Figure 1The system configuration of the first embodiment is described as the system configuration of the second embodiment.

[0318] <Operations of AP and EMLSR STA in Second Embodiment of the Present Technology>

[0319] Fig.18 It is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of an AP or a communication device on the data transmission side (indicated as AP in the figure) and an EMLSR STA in the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0320] Note that in Fig.18 In FIG. 1 , a solid arrow indicates transmission of control information included in a delimiter following a signal, and a dash-dot arrow indicates transmission of control information included in padding of a signal.

[0321] Fig.18 The processing at timing t101 is the same as Figure 3 The processing at timing t3 is the same as that at the EMLSR STA. That is, for example, a multi-user RTS frame (hereinafter, RTS frame) and a CTS frame are exchanged as control frames, and the AP starts data transmission at timing t101. The EMLSR STA starts data reception.

[0322] Before ending data transmission using the radio 1, the AP acquires the state of the link immediately before the end of transmission of the A-MPDU by, for example, grasping the use state of the preconfigured link, and determines a link available in the next data transmission.

[0323] exist Fig.18 In the example, Radio 3 is in use ("Busy" state) in other transmissions, and data transmission using Radio 2 can be performed. At this time, if padding is available at the end of the A-MPDU during data transmission, the AP includes next single radio link information indicating a link available in the next data transmission in the padding, and transmits the information as indicated by a single dot-dash arrow.

[0324] Note that the fact that the next single radio link information is included in the padding and is transmitted as indicated by the solid arrow is described in the delimiter following the data.

[0325] For example, in an AP on the transmission side capable of performing multi-link operation, there is a possibility of performing transmission to another STA in any link, and in that case, transmission to the EMLSR STA becomes difficult, so it is necessary to notify the EMLSR STA in advance that the AP is in a "busy" state.

[0326] In addition, when the next single radio link information is included at the end of the received A-MPDU (such as padding), the EMLSR STA on the data receiving side can specify the link (radio 2) used for the data transmission to be performed next based on the next single radio link information. Therefore, the EMLSR STA on the data receiving side can wait for, for example, an RTS frame by using the set radio 2 link. Here, to be performed next means to be performed after receiving the next single radio link information in time, and the timing can be immediately after receiving the next single radio link information or not immediately thereafter, as long as it is after reception in time.

[0327] After the data transmission ends, the EMLSR STA transmits an ACK frame by using the radio 1 at timing t102. The AP receives the ACK frame by using the radio 1.

[0328] At timing t103, the AP transmits an RTS frame to notify the EMLSR STA of the start of data transmission by using the radio 2. The EMLSR STA waits for the RTS frame by using the radio 2 based on the next single radio link information, and receives the RTS frame.

[0329] At timing t104 , the EMLSR STA returns a CTS frame to the AP by using the radio 2 , and the AP receives the CTS frame by using the radio 2 .

[0330] Thus, the AP can continue to transmit data to the EMLSR STA by using the radio 2 at timing t105. The EMLSR STA continues to receive data by using the radio 2.

[0331] Before the data transmission on Radio 2 is completed, the AP grasps the usage status of the preconfigured links, obtains the status of each link immediately before the transmission of the A-MPDU is completed, and determines the link available for the next data transmission.

[0332] Here, Radio 1 is in use ("Busy" state) due to other transmissions, and data transmission using Radio 3 can be performed. At this time, the AP has data to send to the EMLSR STA, and in the case that padding is available at the end of the A-MPDU during data transmission, the AP includes the next single radio link information in the padding and sends the information as indicated by the dot-dash arrow.

[0333] In the case where the end (padding) of the received A-MPDU includes the next single radio link information, the EMLSR STA can specify the link (radio 3) on which to continue data transmission based on the next single radio link information. Therefore, the EMLSR STA can wait for, for example, an RTS frame by using the radio 3 link.

[0334] After the data transmission ends, the EMLSR STA transmits an ACK frame at timing t106 by using the radio 2. The AP receives the ACK frame by using the radio 2.

[0335] At timing t107, the AP transmits an RTS frame to notify the EMLSR STA of the start of data transmission by using the radio 3. The EMLSR STA waits for the RTS frame by using the radio 3 based on the next single radio link information, and receives the RTS frame.

[0336] At timing t108, the EMLSR STA returns a CTS frame to the AP on radio 3. The AP receives the CTS frame on radio 3.

[0337] Thus, the AP can continue to transmit data to the EMLSR STA by using the link (Radio 3) at timing t109. The EMLSR STA continues to receive data by using Radio 3.

[0338] Before the data transmission using the radio 3 ends, the AP grasps the use status of the preconfigured links, obtains the status of each link immediately before the transmission of the A-MPDU ends, and determines the link available for the next data transmission.

[0339] Here, Radio 2 is in use ("Busy" state) due to other transmissions, and data transmission using Radio 1 can be performed. At this time, if padding is available at the end of the A-MPDU during data transmission, the next single radio link information is included in the padding and transmitted as indicated by the dot-dash arrow.

[0340] In the case where the end (padding) of the A-MPDU includes the next single radio link information, the EMLSR STA can specify the link (Radio 1) on which to continue data transmission based on the next single radio link information. Therefore, the EMLSR STA waits for, for example, an RTS frame by using the Radio 1 link.

[0341] After the data transmission ends, the EMLSR STA transmits an ACK frame at timing t110 by using the radio 3. The AP receives the ACK frame by using the radio 3.

[0342] At timing t111, the AP transmits an RTS frame to notify the EMLSR STA of the start of data transmission by using the radio 1. The EMLSR STA waits for the RTS frame by using the radio 1 based on the next single radio link information, and receives the RTS frame.

[0343] At timing t112, the EMLSR STA returns a CTS frame to the AP by using the radio 1. The AP receives the CTS frame by using the radio 1.

[0344] At timing t113, the AP may continue to transmit data to the EMLSR STA by using the link (Radio 1). The EMLSR STA may continue to receive data by using the Radio 1.

[0345] In this way, by continuing to designate a link available for next transmission during data transmission, it is possible to seamlessly use a transmission path in the case of transmitting real-time data.

[0346] As described above, the device on the data transmission side performs notification of the next single radio link information based on the latest use status of the preconfigured link during data transmission, so that the device on the data reception side can grasp the preconfigured link on which the subsequent single radio communication can be continued. Therefore, it is possible to perform data transmission by using the link (radio) on which data transmission is performed next (later in time).

[0347] For example, for a data (A-MPDU) frame being transmitted, among the preconfigured links, the next single radio link information available in the device on the data transmission side at that time is transmitted.

[0348] Furthermore, for example, the control frame may be constructed such that the header includes the next single radio link information, and the latest status may be transmitted at any timing.

[0349] In the next single radio link information, information indicating a link which is selected from preconfigured links set in advance and has the lowest noise level of reception interference is expressed with about 4 bits.

[0350] Alternatively, the next single radio link information may include information indicating a link determined to be available from among pre-set preconfigured links and having a noise level of reception interference less than or equal to a predetermined threshold in a bitmap format.

[0351] Based on the above description, details of the second embodiment of the present technology will be described below.

[0352] <Configuration of Wireless Communication Device>

[0353] The device configuration of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The device configuration of the first embodiment is described as the device configuration of the second embodiment.

[0354] Note that, in the configuration of the wireless communication module of the device operating as the communication device (AP) on the data transmission side in the second embodiment of the present technology ( Figure 6 ), in particular, for example, in the case where a block ACK frame is received on the radio 1 link, the processing of receiving the block ACK frame is performed by the first data reception block.

[0355] In this case, the waveform of the signal is detected by the multilink RF signal detection unit 27-1, the baseband signal is extracted from the detected waveform by the multilink PHY reception unit 28-1, and a predetermined frame in the channel of the baseband signal is detected by the multilink MAC determination unit 29-1. Through the above-mentioned process, the multilink control unit 23 recognizes that the block ACK frame is received as one of the control frames.

[0356] In the case where the next single radio link information is included in the padding of the A-MPDU frame, the multi-link control unit 23 constructs (generates) the next single radio link information based on the information about the available links supplied from the preconfigured link determination unit 31, replaces the padding, and sends the next single radio link information.

[0357] Furthermore, in the case where information indicating that the next single radio link information is included in padding is to be described in the last delimiter of the A-MPDU frame, the multi-link control unit 32 constructs information indicating that the next single radio link information is included in padding, replaces the last delimiter, and transmits the information.

[0358] In particular, in the configuration of the wireless communication module of the device operating as the EMLSR STA in the second embodiment of the present technology ( Figure 7 ), under the control of the single radio control unit 56, the process of sending the block ACK frame is performed by the data transmission block.

[0359] That is, the transmission data is constructed into a control frame by the single radio MAC processing unit 53, converted into a baseband signal by the single radio PHY transmission unit 54, radio frequency processed by the single radio RF signal processing unit 55, and transmitted from the antenna.

[0360] The process of receiving the A-MPDU frame is performed by the data reception block under the control of the single radio control unit 56 .

[0361] That is, the waveform of the received data part is detected from the signal received by the antenna by the single radio RF signal detection unit 59, and for the baseband signal extracted from the detected waveform, a reception process is performed on a predetermined A-MPDU frame in the channel of the single radio by the single radio PHY reception unit 68. Then, the information on the delimiter is analyzed by the single radio MAC determination unit 67, and the MPDU part is separated.

[0362] Here, when the next single radio link information is included in the delimiter or padding sent from the AP, the next single radio link information is supplied to the single radio control unit 56.

[0363] <Configuration of the frame of the second embodiment>

[0364] Fig.19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the frame of the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0365] Fig.19 The frame in [] indicates a frame configured as an action frame or a management frame, which indicates compatibility with the sequence for notifying information about available links.

[0366] Note that Fig.19 the frame in [] is defined as an EML operation mode notification frame. In addition, when an EMLSR STA compatible with EMLSR performs an association operation or the like with the AP, the frame in [] is appropriately communicated. Fig.19 the frame in [].

[0367] In Fig.19 the EML operation mode notification frame includes a category, an EHT action, a conversation token, and an EML control field.

[0368] The "EML control" field includes an EMLSR mode bit (bit 0), an EMLMR mode bit (bit 1), an EMLSR link bitmap bit (bits 2 to 17), a reserved bit (bits 18 to 22), and a next single radio link bit (bit 23).

[0369] The next single radio link bit included in the "EML control" field is a bit indicating whether the notification of the link information available for the next data transmission can be performed according to the present technology.

[0370] Note that the configuration of the frame including the next single radio link bit is not limited to Fig.19 the configuration of the action frame in []. For example, the next single radio link bit can be set in a frame other than the frame in [] as needed. Fig.19 the frame in [].

[0371] <First configuration of the A-MPDU frame>

[0372] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the first configuration of the A-MPDU frame of the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0373] Fig. 20 The A-MPDU frame in [] is formed by alternately aggregating (connecting) delimiters ("delimiters") indicating frame boundaries and MAC protocol data units (MPDUs) including actual data and adding padding at the end.

[0374] The delimiter includes an EOF bit (bit 0), an After information bit (bit 1), an MPDU length bit (bits 2 to 14), a CRC bit (bits 16 to 23), and a delimiter signature bit (bits 24 to 31).

[0375] The After information bit is a part set to be reserved in the conventional delimiter, and is information for identifying that the next single radio link information is included in the subsequent padding.

[0376] That is, the After information bit is set to 1, whereby the device on the data reception side can grasp that the next single radio link information is included in the padding.

[0377] Note that the delimiter including the After information bit is preferably the delimiter before the last MPDU as shown in Fig. 20 (i.e., the last delimiter), but the After information bit may also be included in the delimiter at another position.

[0378] Since the conventional A-MPDU frame needs to be aligned in 4-byte units, 0 to 3 bytes of padding are added at the end of the A-MPDU.

[0379] The new padding part according to the present technology includes the next single radio link bit (bits 0 to 3) and a CRC bit (bits 4 to 7), and also includes padding bits (from bit 8 to bit 23) as needed.

[0380] The next single radio link bit is the next single radio link information.

[0381] CRC may be added as needed to reliably transmit the next single radio link information.

[0382] As described above, the normal padding has a length of 0 to 3 bytes, but in the case where the conventional padding is 0 bytes or 1 byte, the MPDU length can be adjusted to extend the length of the padding, and the next single radio link information according to the present technology can be included.

[0383] In addition, the next single radio link bit may be included in the last delimiter instead of the padding.

[0384] <The second configuration of the A-MPDU frame>

[0385] Fig.21 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the A-MPDU frame according to the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0386] Fig.21 The A-MPDU frame in Fig. 20 differs from the A-MPDU frame in

[0387] exist Fig.21 In , the padding includes the next single radio link bitmap bits (bits 0 to 15) and the CRC bits (bits 16 to 23).

[0388] Fig.21 The next single radio link bitmap bits in are the next single radio link information in a bitmap format, and a maximum of 16 links can be notified to the data receiving side.

[0389] That is, according to Fig.21 In the configuration, since notification of all states of the preconfigured links can be performed in a bitmap format, a device on the data receiving side that receives the next single radio link information can optimally select a link.

[0390] Note that, with Fig. 20 Similar to the example in , you can add CRC as needed to ensure reliable transmission Fig.21 The next single radio link information in.

[0391] In addition, when the next single radio link information and CRC are included, the configuration is made into 24 bits (3 bytes) of information in total. In the case where the information length is greater than the bit length of the conventional padding, that is, when the conventional padding is not included, and when the padding includes 1 byte to 2 bytes, the MPDU length of the delimiter can be added so that the next single radio link information and CRC fall within the padding.

[0392] <First configuration of the "A-Control" field of any frame>

[0393] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an "A-Control" field of any frame.

[0394] Fig. 22 A configuration example of a frame in the case where the next single radio link information is notified by any frame including control information and the like other than the A-MPDU frame is illustrated.

[0395] Fig. 22 The frame in includes fields: frame control, duration / ID, address 1 to address 4, sequence control, QoS control, HT control, frame body and FCS. Each field in frame control, duration / ID, address 1 to address 4, sequence control, QoS control and HT control is part of the MAC header.

[0396] The "Frame Control" field is information indicating the frame type.

[0397] The "Duration / ID" field is information indicating the duration or identifier of a frame.

[0398] "Address 1" to "Address 4" fields are a plurality of address fields indicating a transmission source and a reception destination.

[0399] The "Sequence Control" field is information indicating the sequence number of the frame.

[0400] The "QoS Control" field is a control parameter for QoS guarantee.

[0401] The "HT Control" field is a control parameter for high throughput.

[0402] The "HT Control" field includes bit 0, bit 1, and A-control bits (bits 2 to 31).

[0403] The "A-Control" field is defined in the "HT Control" field for future extension, and in the case where the 0th and 1st bits are 1, the 2nd to 31st bits can be used as the "A-Control" field.

[0404] The "A-Control" field includes a control ID bit (bit 0 to bit 3), a next single radio link bit (bit 4 to bit 7), and a reserved bit (bit 8 to bit 31).

[0405] The "Control ID" bit is information indicating that the next single radio link information is included.

[0406] The next single radio link bit is the next single radio link information.

[0407] Note that the reserved bits (bits 8 to 31) as the other parts are currently an area reserved for future expansion.

[0408] <Second configuration of the "A-Control" field of any frame>

[0409] Fig.23 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an "A-Control" field of any frame.

[0410] Fig.23 Any frame in Fig. 22 The difference between any frame in the is the configuration of the "A-Control" field.

[0411] exist Fig.23 In the A-Control field, the "A-Control" field includes control ID bits (bits 0 to 3), next single radio link bitmap bits (bits 4 to 19), and reserved bits (bits 20 to 31).

[0412] The control ID bit is information indicating that the next single radio link information is included.

[0413] The next single radio link bitmap bit is the next single radio link information in a bitmap format.

[0414] Note that, Fig.23 The reserved bits (bits 20 to 31) are currently reserved for future expansion.

[0415] <Configuration of Action Frame of Second Embodiment>

[0416] Fig.24 It is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an aggregation frame of the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0417] Fig.24 A configuration example of an aggregate frame is illustrated in which, for example, an action frame ("action frame") is added to any frame (previous frame).

[0418] Action frames are added to any frame. Fig.24 The frames in are configured as aggregate frames, in which, for example, the "EML Control" field and the action frame including the next single radio link information of the present technology are combined with, for example, a regular control frame ("control frame").

[0419] The Action Frame includes fields: Frame Control, Duration, TA, RA, EML Control Field, Next Single Radio Link as a new field, and CRC.

[0420] Frame control, duration, TA and RA and Fig. 9 The frame control, duration, TA and RA included in the single radio block ACK frame in are similar.

[0421] The "EML Control" field includes EMLSR pre-configured link information.

[0422] Next Single Radio Link is the next single radio link information of the present technology.

[0423] CRC is an error detection code.

[0424] Note that for Fig.24 The next single radio link information in the may be notified in a format for specifying one link as described above, or may be notified in a bitmap format for all available links.

[0425] Alternatively, the notification may be performed as next single radio link information in which information on one link as the most likely candidate and information in a bitmap format indicating other available links are combined.

[0426] Note that, in addition to Fig.24 In addition to the examples in , you can also add the required information to configure the action frame.

[0427] also, Fig.24The aggregate frame in the A-MPDU may be added to the data frame including the A-MPDU in the form of an action frame instead of being added to the control frame. Moreover, the action frame may independently perform the notification of the next single radio link information without adding the action frame to any frame, such as Fig.24 as shown in .

[0428] <Processing by AP in Second Embodiment>

[0429] Fig.25 and Fig.26 : is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission process performed by a communication device (AP) on the data transmission side in the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0430] In step S111 , the data construction unit 22 receives transmission data addressed to the EMLSR STA from the device control module 13 via the data buffer 21 .

[0431] In step S112, the multi-link control unit 23 performs detection setting to grasp the use status of the EMLSRSTA in the pre-configured link.

[0432] In step S113, the multi-link control unit 23 acquires the status of a transmit opportunity (TXOP) for data transmission on the current link, and specifies a duration during which transmission can be performed using the acquired link.

[0433] In step S114 , the multi-link control unit 23 acquires the A-MPDU number, that is, the number of MPDUs to be aggregated.

[0434] In step S115, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether the next single radio link (NSRL) information of the present technique is to be added. In a case where it is determined in step S115 that the next single radio link information is to be added, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0435] In step S116 , the data construction unit 22 sets the bits reserved in the normal delimiter as the following information bits, and adds these bits to the delimiter.

[0436] In step S117, the data construction unit 22 determines whether padding can be added. In a case where it is determined in step S117 that padding cannot be added, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0437] In step S118, the data construction unit 22 adjusts the length of the MPDU so that the next single radio link information can be included in the frame. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S119.

[0438] Furthermore, also in the case where it is determined in step S115 that the next single radio link information is not to be added or in the case where it is determined in step S117 that padding can be added, the process proceeds to step S119 .

[0439] In step S119 , the data construction unit 22 obtains one MPDU subframe.

[0440] In step S120, the data construction unit 22 constructs an A-MPDU frame. Thereafter, the process proceeds to Fig.26 Step S121 in .

[0441] In step S121, the data construction unit 22 determines whether it is the end of the A-MPDU (frame) based on the A-MPDU number. In the case where it is determined in step S121 that it is not the end of the A-MPDU, the process returns to step S115 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0442] When it is determined in step S121 that it is the end of the A-MPDU, the process proceeds to step S122.

[0443] In step S122, the preconfigured link determination unit 31 obtains the detection status of the preconfigured link of the device itself.

[0444] In step S123, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether multiple single radio links can be used based on the detection status of the preconfigured link of the device itself. In the case where it is determined in step S123 that multiple single radio links can be used, the process proceeds to step S124.

[0445] In step S124, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether to describe the information for notifying the use of multiple single radio links in the bitmap format. In the case where it is determined in step S124 that the information for notifying the use of multiple single radio links is not described in the bitmap format, the process proceeds to step S125.

[0446] In step S125, the multilink control unit 23 selects a next single radio link. In this case, in step S126, the multilink control unit 23 sets next single radio link information describing information indicating the selected link.

[0447] In the case where it is determined in step S123 that multiple links are unavailable, the processing in steps S124 and S125 is skipped and the processing proceeds to step S126. In this case, in step S126, the multilink control unit 23 sets the next single radio link information describing information indicating one link.

[0448] When it is determined in step S124 that the information for notifying the use of multiple single radio links is to be described in the bitmap format, the process proceeds to step S126. In this case, in step S126, the multilink control unit 23 sets the next single radio link information in the bitmap format.

[0449] In step S127, the data construction unit 22 determines whether padding for 4-byte alignment is required at the end of the A-MPDU. In the case where it is determined in step S127 that padding is required, the process proceeds to step S128.

[0450] In step S128 , the data construction unit 22 adds padding so as to satisfy the alignment length.

[0451] In the event that it is determined in step S127 that padding is not required, the processing in step S128 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S129.

[0452] In step S129, the multi-link control unit 23 controls the first data transmission block or the second data transmission block to transmit the constructed A-MPDU frame, and thereafter, Fig.25 and Fig.26 The data sending process performed by AP is completed.

[0453] <Processing by EMLSR STA>

[0454] Fig. 27 and Fig.28 is a flowchart illustrating a data reception process performed by the EMLSR STA in the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0455] In step S141, the single radio control unit 56 of the EMLSR STA exchanges, for example, a predetermined frame with the communication device (AP) on the data transmission side to operate a link defined as a preconfigured link to set up a single radio reception operation.

[0456] In step S142, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether a multi-user RTS frame (hereinafter, RTS frame) is received as a control frame addressed to the device itself in any preconfigured link. In the case where it is determined in step S142 that an RTS frame addressed to the device itself is not received, the process returns to step S141 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0457] In a case where it is determined in step S142 that an RTS frame addressed to the device itself is received, the process proceeds to step S143.

[0458] In step S143, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether it is possible to receive data using the single radio link over which the RTS frame is received. In the case where it is determined in step S143 that data reception is not possible, the process returns to step S141, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0459] In the case where it is determined in step S143 that data reception is possible, the process proceeds to step S144.

[0460] In step S144 , the single radio control unit 56 transmits a control frame (CTS frame) by using the single radio link over which the RTS frame was received.

[0461] In step S145 , the single radio control unit 56 waits for data using the single radio link.

[0462] In step S146 , the single radio data processing unit 52 receives the MPDU subframe by using the single radio link.

[0463] In step S147, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether it is the position of the delimiter. In a case where it is determined in step S147 that it is the position of the delimiter, the process proceeds to step S148.

[0464] In step S148, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether the following information bits are in the delimiter. In the case where it is determined in step S148 that the following information bits are in the delimiter, the process proceeds to step S149.

[0465] In step S149, the single radio data processing unit 52 performs settings for grasping the use status of the transmission path, such as carrier detection of the single radio link. Thereafter, the process returns to step S146, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0466] Furthermore, in the event that it is determined in step S148 that the following information bit is not in the delimiter, the process returns to step S146, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0467] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S147 that the position is not a delimiter, the process proceeds to Fig.28 Step S150 in .

[0468] In step S150, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether it is a filled position. In the case where it is determined in step S150 that it is not a filled position, the process returns to step S146, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0469] In a case where it is determined in step S150 that it is a filled position, the process proceeds to step S151 .

[0470] In step S151, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether the next single radio link (NSRL) information is being populated. In a case where it is determined in step S151 that the next single radio link information is being populated, the process proceeds to step S152.

[0471] In step S152, the single radio control unit 56 refers to the next single radio link information to determine whether there are multiple candidates. In the case where it is determined in step S152 that there are multiple candidates, for example, the next single radio link information is described in a bitmap format, etc., the process proceeds to step S153.

[0472] In step S153, the preconfigured link determination unit 64 acquires the carrier detection result of the single radio link of the device itself. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S154.

[0473] Also, in the event that it is determined in step S152 that a plurality of candidates do not exist, the process proceeds to step S154.

[0474] In step S154, the single radio control unit 56 selects the optimal single radio link and determines whether the selected single radio link can be used based on the carrier detection result of the single radio link of the device itself. Note that, in the case of specifying a specific link instead of a bitmap format, it is also determined whether the specified single radio link can be used.

[0475] In step S155, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether the single radio link (SRL) is available. In the case where it is determined in step S155 that the single radio link is available, the process proceeds to step S156.

[0476] In step S156, setting is performed to continuously receive data by using the available single radio link.

[0477] Furthermore, in the event that it is determined in step S155 that the single radio link is not available, the process proceeds to step S157.

[0478] In step S157 , the single radio control unit 56 temporarily sets to continue receiving data using the current single radio link, and prepares for the next data transmission based on a predetermined access control procedure.

[0479] After step S156 or S157, Fig. 27 and Fig.28 The data receiving process in is completed.

[0480] <Effects of the Second Embodiment>

[0481] As described above, in the second embodiment of the present technology, by notifying the EMLSR STA of the next single radio link information, it is possible to specify the link on which the EMLSR STA performs waiting and reduce redundant information exchange.

[0482] In particular, by including the next single radio link information at the timing during transmission of the A-MPDU frame, it is possible to immediately notify the EMLSR STA on the data reception side of the latest status of the transmission path.

[0483] By including the next single radio link information in the delimiter and padding of the A-MPDU frame, it is not necessary to use another frame to notify the available link, and the notification can be performed during data transmission.

[0484] Furthermore, by performing notification of the next single radio link information using the "A-Control" field of the MAC header, it is possible to immediately perform notification of the accurate state of the latest transmission path at the return timing of any frame.

[0485] In the case where there are multiple available links (next single radio link), it is possible to provide the data receiving side with a choice by including information in a bitmap format, and it is possible to select a link that is reliable to use.

[0486] It is possible to save the time required for exchanging the RTS frame and the CTS frame in the data transmission sequence of the EMLSR of the conventional method, which exchange is redundant, so that the saved time can be effectively used for a transmission opportunity (TXOP) for data transmission.

[0487] Furthermore, the number of A-MPDU aggregations can be optimized in a limited TXOP on a certain link.

[0488] Furthermore, in the case of retransmission data or in the case of a need to continue receiving data, even if all data transmission is not completed in the TXOP of one link, switching to another link is immediately performed, thereby enabling seamless data transmission.

[0489] In this way, by continuously using multiple links, it is possible to seamlessly send real-time application data.

[0490] <<3. Third embodiment (combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment)>>

[0491] Next, as a third embodiment, an example in which the above-described first embodiment and second embodiment are combined will be described.

[0492] <System Configuration>

[0493] The system configuration of the third embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. Figure 1 The system configuration of the first embodiment is described as the system configuration of the third embodiment.

[0494] <Operations of AP and EMLSR STA in Third Embodiment of the Present Technology>

[0495] Fig.29 It is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of an AP or a communication device on the data transmission side (indicated as AP in the figure) and an EMLSR STA in the third embodiment of the present technology.

[0496] Note that in Fig.29 In, with Fig.18 As in the figure, the solid arrow represents the transmission of control information included in the delimiter following the signal, and the dash-dot arrow represents the transmission of control information included in the padding at the end of the signal.

[0497] Fig.29 The processing at timing t151 is the same as Fig.18 The processing at timing t101 is the same as that at timing t102. That is, the AP acquires the link status immediately before the end of A-MPDU transmission during data transmission using radio 1, and determines the link available for the next data transmission. The AP describes the next single radio link information as the link information available for the next data transmission in the data being transmitted, and transmits the data.

[0498] The EMLSR STA receiving data on radio 1 determines the available link of the EMLSR STA based on the detection result of the use status of the preconfigured link during or immediately after receiving the data. Note that when determining the available link of the device itself, the next single radio link information included in the data can also be referred to. For example, in the case where it is determined that the use of radio 2 and radio 3 is possible, the EMLSR STA sends a block ACK frame including available single radio link information indicating that radio 2 and radio 3 are available links to the AP at timing t152.

[0499] The AP that received the Block ACK frame specifies a link (Radio 2) to which transition is to be performed next, taking into account available single radio link information included in the Block ACK frame and next single radio link information on the AP.

[0500] Thus, in the AP, information about a link to which the EMLSR STA on the data reception side can reliably transition is obtained, and data transmission can be performed more reliably.

[0501] Similarly, in the EMLSR STA, the link (Radio 2) on which data transmission is to continue can also be specified based on the next single radio link information about the AP on the data transmission side and the available single radio link information about the EMLSR STA, and, for example, the RTS frame can be waited for by using the Radio 2 link.

[0502] At timing t153, the AP transmits a multi-user RTS frame (hereinafter, RTS frame) as a control frame by using the Radio 2 link.

[0503] The EMLSR STA that received the RTS frame returns a CTS frame to the AP at timing t154 in a similar manner as in the conventional method. Therefore, the AP can continue data transmission to the EMLSR STA by using the link (Radio 2) over which the RTS frame was received.

[0504] The AP which has received the CTS frame starts data transmission at timing t155. The AP includes next single radio link information, which is link information available for next data transmission, in the data being transmitted and transmits the data.

[0505] The EMLSR STA receiving data on Radio 2 determines the link available to the EMLSR STA during or immediately after receiving the data. For example, in the case where it is determined that use on Radio 1 and Radio 3 is possible, the EMLSR STA sends a Block ACK frame including available single radio link information indicating that Radio 1 and Radio 3 are available links to the AP at time t156.

[0506] The AP that received the Block ACK frame specifies a link (Radio 3) to which transition is to be performed next, taking into account the available single radio link information included in the Block ACK frame and the next single radio link information about the AP.

[0507] At timing t157, the AP transmits an RTS frame by using the Radio 3 link.

[0508] The EMLSR STA that received the RTS frame returns a CTS frame to the AP at timing t158 in a manner similar to that in the conventional method. Therefore, the AP can continue to transmit data to the EMLSR STA by using the link (Radio 3) over which the RTS frame was received.

[0509] The AP which has received the CTS frame starts data transmission at timing t159. The AP includes next single radio link information, which is link information available for next data transmission, in the data being transmitted and transmits the data.

[0510] The EMLSR STA receiving data on Radio 2 determines the link available to the EMLSR STA during or immediately after receiving the data. For example, in the case where it is determined that use on Radio 1 and Radio 3 is possible, the EMLSR STA transmits a Block ACK frame including available single radio link information indicating that Radio 1 and Radio 3 are available links to the AP at timing t160.

[0511] The AP that received the Block ACK frame specifies a link (Radio 1) to which transition is to be performed next, taking into account available single radio link information included in the Block ACK frame and next single radio link information about the AP.

[0512] At timing t161, the AP transmits an RTS frame by using the Radio 1 link.

[0513] The EMLSR STA that received the RTS frame returns a CTS frame to the AP at timing t162 in a manner similar to the conventional method. Therefore, the AP can continue to transmit data to the EMLSR STA by using the link (Radio 1) over which the RTS frame was received.

[0514] The AP which has received the CTS frame starts data transmission at timing t163. The AP includes next single radio link information, which is link information available for next data transmission, in the data being transmitted and transmits the data.

[0515] As described above, by sharing link information available to both the data transmission side and the data reception side, it is possible to more reliably specify a link to which transition is to be performed.

[0516] Then, the AP may send, for example, an RTS frame on the link available to both parties. In addition, the EMLSR STA may continue data transmission in the link on which the RTS frame was received, for example, by returning a CTS frame.

[0517] By repeating such an operation, for example, even in the case where it is necessary to retransmit undelivered data, retransmission of the data can be immediately performed using the next available link.

[0518] Note that although an implementation example in which RTS frames and CTS frames are exchanged as control information is described here, data transmission may be performed without exchanging these control frames in the case where a reliable link is specified by the data transmission side and the data reception side.

[0519] Based on the above description, details of the third embodiment of the present technology will be described below.

[0520] <Configuration of Wireless Communication Device>

[0521] The device configuration of the third embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The device configuration of the described first embodiment is used as the device configuration of the third embodiment.

[0522] Note that, in the configuration of the wireless communication module of the device operating as the communication device (AP) on the data transmission side in the third embodiment of the present technology ( Figure 6 ), in particular, for example, in the case of receiving a single radio block ACK frame by using the radio 1 link, a process of receiving the single radio block ACK frame is performed by the first data reception block.

[0523] In this case, the waveform of the signal is detected by the multilink RF signal detection unit 27-1, the baseband signal is extracted from the detected waveform by the multilink PHY reception unit 28-1, and a predetermined frame in the channel of the baseband signal is detected by the multilink MAC determination unit 29-1. Through the above-mentioned processing, the multilink control unit 23 recognizes that the single radio block ACK frame is received as one of the control frames.

[0524] In addition, in the case where information about an available single link is included in the single radio block ACK frame, the preconfigured link determination unit 31 notifies the multi-link control unit 23 of this fact, and the multi-link control unit 23 specifies a link (radio) available to the EMLSR STA and controls communication on the specified link (radio).

[0525] In the case where the next single radio link information is included in the padding of the A-MPDU frame, the multi-link control unit 23 constructs the next single radio link information based on the information about the available links supplied from the preconfigured link determination unit 31, replaces the padding, and sends the next single radio link information.

[0526] Furthermore, in the case where information indicating that the next single radio link information is described in padding is included in the last delimiter of the A-MPDU frame, the multi-link control unit 32 constructs information indicating that the next single radio link information is included in padding, replaces the last delimiter, and transmits the information.

[0527] In particular, in the configuration of the wireless communication module of the device operating as the EMLSR STA of the third embodiment of the present technology ( Figure 7 ), under the control of the single radio control unit 56, the process of sending the single radio block ACK frame is performed by the data transmission block.

[0528] That is, the transmission data is constructed into a control frame by the single radio MAC processing unit 53, converted into a baseband signal by the single radio PHY transmission unit 54, radio frequency processed by the single radio RF signal processing unit 55, and transmitted from the antenna.

[0529] The process of receiving the A-MPDU frame is performed by the data reception block under the control of the single radio control unit 56 .

[0530] That is, the single radio RF signal detection unit 59 detects the waveform of the received data portion from the signal received by the antenna, the single radio PHY reception unit 68 performs reception processing of a predetermined A-MPDU frame in the channel of the single radio on the baseband signal extracted from the detected waveform, and the single radio MAC determination unit 67 analyzes information about the delimiter to separate the MPDU portion.

[0531] Here, in the case where the next single radio link information is included in the delimiter transmitted from the AP, the next single radio link information is supplied to the single radio control unit 56 .

[0532] <Fourth Configuration of Single Radio Block ACK Frame>

[0533] Fig.30 is a diagram illustrating a fourth configuration example of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0534] Fig.30 A single radio block ACK frame in Fig. 9 The Single Radio Block ACK frames in differ in the configuration of the "BA Control" field.

[0535] The "BA Control" field includes the BA ACK policy bit (bit 0), BA type bits (bits 1 to 4), single radio link granted bit (bit 5), single link available bit (bits 6 to 9), reserved bits (bits 10 and 11), and TID_INFO bits (bits 12 to 15).

[0536] The single radio link grant bit is information indicating the necessity of executing the next single radio link notified by the AP on the data transmission side. Note that in the case where the block ACK frame has the minimum necessary configuration, the block ACK frame only needs to include the single radio link grant bit, but may also include the available single link bit.

[0537] The available single link bit is available single radio link information indicating an available link.

[0538] In other words, in the case where multiple links available for the next data frame are specified by the available single link bit from the AP on the data sending side, considering the links also available to the EMLSR STA on the data receiving side, it is possible to perform notification of one link as an available single radio link agreed by both parties.

[0539] <Processing by AP>

[0540] Since the data transmission processing performed by the AP in the third embodiment of the present technology is the same as that in the above reference Fig.25 and Fig.26 The data transmission process performed by the AP in the described second embodiment is basically similar, so its description will be omitted.

[0541] <Processing by STA>

[0542] Fig.31 and Fig.32 is a flowchart illustrating data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA in the third embodiment of the present technology.

[0543] Note that, Figure 31 to Figure 32 The processing in steps S171 to S180 in Fig. 27 and Fig.28 The processing in steps S141 to S150 in is similar, so their description will be omitted.

[0544] exist Fig.32 In step S181 in FIG. 5 , the preconfigured link determination unit 64 obtains a carrier detection result of a single radio link of the device itself.

[0545] In step S182, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether the next single radio link information is being populated. In a case where it is determined in step S182 that the next single radio link information is being populated, the process proceeds to step S183.

[0546] In step S183, the single radio control unit 56 refers to the next single radio link information to determine whether there are multiple candidates. In the case where it is determined in step S183 that there are multiple candidates, for example, the next single radio link information is described in a bitmap format, etc., the process proceeds to step S184.

[0547] In step S184, the preconfigured link determination unit 64 selects the optimal single radio link and determines whether the selected single radio link can be used. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S185.

[0548] Furthermore, in the event that it is determined in step S183 that a plurality of candidates do not exist, the process proceeds to step S185.

[0549] In step S185, the preconfigured link determination unit 64 determines whether there is an available link. Note that, in the case where a specific link is specified instead of the bitmap format, it is also determined whether the specified single radio link can be used. In the case where it is determined in step S185 that there is an available link, the process proceeds to step S186.

[0550] In step S186, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether to perform notification while including the available link in ACK. In a case where it is determined in step S186 that notification is to be performed by ACK, the process proceeds to step S187.

[0551] In step S187, the single radio control unit 56 acquires the available single radio link information to perform notification while including the information in ACK. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S188.

[0552] In a case where it is determined in step S182 that the next single radio link information is not being populated, the processing in steps S182 to S187 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S188.

[0553] Also, in the case where it is determined in step S185 that there is no available link, or in the case where it is determined in step S186 that notification is not to be performed while including information in ACK, the process also proceeds to step S188.

[0554] In step S188, the single radio control unit 56 transmits a block ACK frame. Note that, in the case where the available single radio link information is acquired in step S187, the block ACK frame to be transmitted includes a block ACK frame.

[0555] In step S189 , the single radio control unit 56 sets the single radio link as the data reception link.

[0556] Note that, in the case where an available link is set, a transition to the set link may be performed and waiting may be performed for data transmission by using the link to which the transition is performed, or waiting may be performed for data transmission by using the currently used link. Alternatively, data transmission may be waited for by using any link. Thereafter, Fig.31 and Fig.32 The data receiving process in is completed.

[0557] <Effects of the Third Embodiment>

[0558] As described above, in the third embodiment of the present technology, the technology in the first embodiment and the technology in the second embodiment are combined.

[0559] Therefore, effects similar to those of the above-described first and second embodiments can be obtained.

[0560] Furthermore, since link information available to both the data transmission side and the data reception side is shared, it is possible to more reliably specify a link to which transition is to be performed.

[0561] <<4. Fourth Embodiment (Quickly Reserving a Single Radio Control Frame)>>

[0562] Next, as a fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which notification of information for securing a transmission opportunity in advance is performed from the EMLSR STA on the data reception side on an available link.

[0563] <System Configuration>

[0564] The system configuration of the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. Figure 1 The system configuration of the first embodiment is described as the system configuration of the fourth embodiment.

[0565] <Operation of EMLSR STA in Fourth Embodiment of the Present Technology>

[0566] Fig.33 It is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of the EMLSR STA in the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0567] exist Fig.33 The operation timing of the AP is indicated in brackets. Fig.33 In the description of the operation of the EMLSR STA, refer to Fig.34 Operation timing of the communication device (AP) on the data transmission side shown in .

[0568] At timing t201, the EMLSR STA receives a multi-user RTS frame (hereinafter, referred to as an RTS frame) transmitted by the AP as a control frame by using the radio 1. At timing t202, the EMLSR STA transmits a CTS frame to the AP by using the radio 1.

[0569] At timing t203 , the EMLSR STA starts receiving data transmitted by the AP by using the radio 1 .

[0570] After receiving the data, the EMLSR STA transmits a Block ACK frame by using the radio 1 at timing t204.

[0571] At this time, in the case of desiring to continue receiving data, the EMLSR STA transitions to the link (radio 2) for which the use opportunity is desired to be secured in advance at timing t205, and transmits a fast reservation single radio control frame (Q in the figure) including use reservation information for securing the use opportunity in advance in radio 2 by using radio 2. The link for which the use opportunity is desired to be secured in advance, that is, the link for which the use opportunity is secured in advance, is indicated by the use reservation information.

[0572] Note that before sending the fast reservation single radio control frame, fast reservation single radio information indicating that the EMLSR STA operates on radio 2 as a link for which it is expected to secure its usage opportunity in advance can be added to the block ACK frame to be returned by using radio 1, and the block ACK frame can be notified to the AP that has sent the data.

[0573] Here, in the case where the AP on the data transmission side operates in multi-link, since reception can be performed in any link (radio), the AP can quickly reserve a single radio control frame by receiving using any link.

[0574] Therefore, since the operation of the EMLSR STA on the single radio continues by using the link (Radio 2) for which the EMLSR STA desires to secure its use opportunity in advance, the AP on the data transmission side can transmit the data frame of the A-MPDU at timing t206 without exchanging control frames.

[0575] Note that, as described above, by receiving in advance a block ACK frame including fast reserve single radio information, the AP can grasp in advance the link (radio) on which the EMLSR STA operates in single radio.

[0576] On the other hand, after sending the fast reserved single radio control frame, the EMLSR STA can receive the A-MPDU frame by using the same link as the link on which the fast reserved single radio control frame is sent. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the control frame exchange of the RTS frame and the CTS frame required in the conventional method.

[0577] Furthermore, in the A-MPDU frame transmitted from the AP on the data transmission side, useful single radio link (USRL) information is included in the delimiter of the last MPDU or the like.

[0578] By acquiring useful single radio link information, the EMLSR STA can determine link information about a valid single radio when acquiring useful single radio link information. That is, the EMLSR STA can specify a link (radio) on which to send a fast reserve single radio control frame through the useful single radio link information.

[0579] After receiving the data, the EMLSR STA transmits a Block ACK frame to the AP by using Radio 2 at timing t207.

[0580] Based on the useful single radio link information, after the operation using the radio 2 , it can be grasped that it is possible to transition to the radio 3 and continue data transmission, and therefore, the EMLSR STA transmits a fast reservation single radio control frame by using the radio 3 at timing t208 .

[0581] However, immediately before the AP on the data transmission side transmits, if another communication device starts data transmission by using radio 3 and the AP enters the "busy" state, the AP cannot correctly receive the fast reserved single radio control frame. Therefore, the A-MPDU frame as data is not transmitted from the AP.

[0582] The EMLSR STA predefines the open duration information in the above-mentioned fast reservation single radio control frame, and the open duration information is information indicating the validity period of the use opportunity.

[0583] If the A-MPDU frame is not transmitted during the validity period indicated by the open duration information, the EMLSR STA generates an open reserve single radio control frame (O in the figure) indicating cancellation of use of radio 3 at timing t209, and transmits the open reserve single radio control frame to the AP by using radio 3. Therefore, it is possible to open the use opportunity of the radio 3 link.

[0584] At this time, if another link (Radio 1) can be used, the EMLSR STA transitions to Radio 1 and transmits a fast reservation single radio control frame at timing t210.

[0585] Thus, since the operation of the EMLSR STA for a single radio continues on another link (Radio 1), the AP on the data transmission side can transmit the A-MPDU frame as a data frame at timing t211 without exchanging control frames.

[0586] The EMLSR STA receives the A-MPDU frame by using the radio 1 immediately after transmitting the fast reserve single radio control frame, and transmits a block ACK frame by using the radio 1 at timing t212.

[0587] In the case of performing data transmission to the AP on the data transmission side after receiving the A-MPDU frame, the EMLSR STA may also transmit a fast reservation single radio control frame by using radio 1 at timing t213 and transmit an A-MPDU frame by using radio 1 at subsequent timing t214.

[0588] In this case, at timing t215 after data reception, the AP transmits a Block ACK frame to the EMLSR STA by using Radio 1 .

[0589] <Operation of Communication Device (AP) on Data Transmission Side in Fourth Embodiment of the Present Technology>

[0590] Fig.34 is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of a communication device (AP) on the data transmission side in a fourth embodiment of the present technology, the operation sequence being similar to Fig.33 The operation sequence of EMLSR STA corresponds to that in .

[0591] exist Fig.34 In the example, the operation timing of the EMLSR STA is indicated by brackets. Fig.34 For a description of the operation of the AP, refer to Fig.33 The operation timing of the EMLSR STA is shown in .

[0592] At timing t201 , the AP transmits a multi-user RTS frame (hereinafter, referred to as an RTS frame) as a control frame to the EMLSR STA by using the radio 1 , and at timing t202 , the AP receives a CTS frame transmitted from the EMLSR STA by using the radio 1 .

[0593] At timing t203 , the AP starts transmitting an A-MPDU frame as a data frame to the EMLSR STA by using the radio 1 .

[0594] After transmitting the data, the AP receives a Block ACK frame transmitted from the EMLSR STA by using the radio 1 at timing t204.

[0595] Here, in the case where the Block ACK frame transmitted from the EMLSR STA includes information on the link used to transmit the Fast Reserve Single Radio Control frame (Fast Reserve Single Radio Information), the AP grasps to continue to perform data transmission by using the link (Radio 2).

[0596] Thus, the AP on the data transmission side may receive the fast reservation single radio control frame transmitted from the EMLSR STA by using the radio 2 at timing t205 , and may transmit the A-MPDU frame by using the radio 2 at timing t206 .

[0597] Therefore, it is possible to immediately continue data transmission without exchanging control frames of RTS frames and CTS frames, which are necessary in the conventional method. Therefore, the overhead time can be shortened.

[0598] After transmitting the data, the AP receives a Block ACK frame transmitted from the EMLSR STA by using the radio 2 at timing t207.

[0599] Here, in the case where the Block ACK frame transmitted from the EMLSR STA includes information on the link used to transmit the Fast Reserve Single Radio Control frame (Fast Reserve Single Radio Information), the AP grasps to continue data transmission by using the link (Radio 3).

[0600] However, another communication device may start data transmission immediately before receiving the fast reserve single radio control frame, and the AP may enter a "busy" state, in which case the AP cannot send an A-MPDU frame by using radio 3 because the fast reserve single radio control frame sent from the EMLSR STA cannot be received.

[0601] On the other hand, since the EMLSR STA can grasp that the transmission of the A-MPDU frame has not started, the EMLSR STA transmits an open reservation single radio control frame (O in the figure) at timing t209. Then, at timing t210, the EMLSR STA transmits a fast reservation single radio control frame by using another link (radio 1).

[0602] Here, in the case where the AP on the data transmission side operates in multi-link, since reception can be performed in any link (radio), the AP can quickly reserve a single radio control frame by receiving using any link.

[0603] Therefore, since the EMLSR STA continues the single-radio operation by using another link (Radio 1), the AP on the data transmission side can transmit the A-MPDU frame by using Radio 1 at timing t211 without exchanging conventional control frames.

[0604] After sending the A-MPDU frame on the link (Radio 1), the AP receives a Block ACK frame sent from the EMLSR STA at timing t212. In addition, in the case where the EMLSR STA is expected to use the link later, the EMLSR STA includes information about the link used to send the Fast Reserve Single Radio Control frame (Fast Reserve Single Radio Information) in the Block ACK frame.

[0605] That is, since it can be seen based on the fast reservation single radio information that the EMLSR STA desires to use another link (radio 3) subsequently, the AP receives the fast reservation single radio control frame transmitted from the EMLSR STA by using radio 3 at timing t213.

[0606] Then, in the case where the AP on the data transmission side does not transmit data, the AP subsequently receives the A-MPDU frame transmitted from the EMLSRSTA at timing t214.

[0607] In this case, at timing t215, the AP transmits a Block ACK frame which is a reception confirmation response frame corresponding to the A-MPDU frame transmitted from the EMLSR.

[0608] As described above, by transmitting and receiving the fast reservation single radio control frame, the EMLSR STA can ensure the use opportunity of the link (radio) for subsequent transmission.

[0609] That is, the device on the data receiving side immediately transitions to one of the available preconfigured links after receiving the data addressed to the device itself, and sends a control frame indicating that the use opportunity is to be secured in advance before the control frame is sent from the device on the data transmitting side on the new link. Therefore, a link used as a single radio can be secured in advance.

[0610] Note that, in the event that a predetermined time has passed without data transmission being performed on a desired preconfigured link, a control frame for opening a link of a single radio secured in advance is transmitted from the device on the data reception side.

[0611] That is, the peripheral communication devices that receive the control frame for securing the use opportunity in advance and the control frame for opening the secured use opportunity can grasp that the single radio reception is to be performed, and can also grasp that the single radio reception is ended or interrupted.

[0612] Furthermore, in the event that one of the available preconfigured links is selected, the device that is transmitting data may include information in the data frame being transmitted that indicates the radio to be used for the next single radio transmission.

[0613] Based on the above description, the details of the fourth embodiment of the present technology will be described below.

[0614] <Configuration of Wireless Communication Device>

[0615] The device configuration of the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The device configuration of the first embodiment described is also used as the device configuration of the fourth embodiment.

[0616] Note that, in the configuration of the wireless communication module of the device operating as the communication device (AP) on the data transmission side in the fourth embodiment of the present technology ( Figure 6 ), in particular, the processing of receiving a fast reserved single radio control frame can be performed on any link as long as the transmission path is not in a "busy" state. For example, in the case where a fast reserved single radio control frame is received on the radio 1 link, the processing is performed by the first data reception block.

[0617] In this case, the waveform of the signal is detected by the multilink RF signal detection unit 27-1, the baseband signal is extracted from the detected waveform by the multilink PHY reception unit 28-1, and the predetermined frame in the channel of the baseband signal is detected by the multilink MAC determination unit 29-1. Through the above-mentioned processing, the multilink control unit 23 recognizes that the fast reserved single radio control frame is received as one of the control frames.

[0618] Furthermore, in the case where fast reserved single radio information is included in the block ACK frame, the preconfigured link determination unit 31 notifies the multilink control unit 23 of this fact, and the multilink control unit 23 specifies a link (radio) available to the EMLSR STA and controls communication on the link (radio).

[0619] In the case where useful single radio link information is included in the last delimiter of the A-MPDU frame, the multilink control unit 32 constructs information based on the information on available links supplied from the preconfigured link determination unit 31, replaces the last delimiter, and transmits the information.

[0620] Furthermore, in the configuration of the wireless communication module of the device operating as the EMLSR STA in the fourth embodiment of the present technology ( Figure 7 ), under the control of the single radio control unit 56, the process of sending the fast reserve single radio control frame is performed by the data transmission block.

[0621] That is, under the control of the single radio control unit 56, the transmission data is constructed into a control frame by the single radio MAC processing unit 53, converted into a baseband signal by the single radio PHY transmission unit 54, subjected to radio frequency processing by the single radio RF signal processing unit 55, and transmitted from the antenna.

[0622] The process of receiving the A-MPDU frame is performed by the data reception block under the control of the single radio control unit 56 .

[0623] That is, the waveform of the received data part is detected from the signal received by the antenna by the single radio RF signal detection unit 59, and for the baseband signal extracted from the detected waveform, the reception process is performed on the predetermined A-MPDU frame in the channel of the single radio by the single radio PHY reception unit 68. Thereafter, the information on the delimiter is analyzed by the single radio MAC determination unit 67, and the MPDU part is separated.

[0624] Here, in the case where the delimiter transmitted from the AP includes useful single radio link information, the useful single radio link information is supplied to the single radio control unit 56. In the single radio control unit 56, control is performed as necessary to determine a link for transmitting a fast reserve single radio control frame.

[0625] <Configuration of fast reservation of single radio control frame>

[0626] Fig.35 : is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fast reserve single radio control frame of the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0627] Fig.35 The fast reserved single radio control frame in includes frame control, reservation duration, RA, TA, open duration, multi-link parameters and FCS.

[0628] Frame control is information indicating the type and format of a frame.

[0629] The reservation duration is information indicating the maximum available time in this link.

[0630] RA is identification information for identifying a device on the receiving side.

[0631] TA is identification information for identifying a device on the transmission side.

[0632] The open duration is information indicating a usage opportunity validity period indicating a period until determination of opening is performed without using this link.

[0633] The multilink parameters are parameters required for multilink operation.

[0634] FCS is a frame check sequence for error detection.

[0635] Note that in the fast reserved single radio control frame, frame control for TA is a basic parameter, and as required, the open duration and multi-link parameters are included in the fast reserved single radio control frame. In addition, the fast reserved single radio control frame may also include other parameters.

[0636] Moreover, in RA and TA, identification information of RA and TA for identifying this control frame is basically described, but identification information of RA and TA for identifying a data frame to be transmitted next may also be described. In addition, identification information of RA and TA of this control frame may be described in RA and TA, and identification information of RA and TA of a data frame to be transmitted next may be described in multilink parameters.

[0637] In the case where identification information of RA and TA of the frame to be transmitted next is described in the multilink parameter, as identification information of RA and TA of the frame to be transmitted next, for example, information indicating whether the transmission direction is the same as the direction of RA and TA or whether the transmission direction is the opposite transmission direction may be described in the multilink parameter. In addition, in the multilink parameter, for example, identification information of RA and TA of the frame to be transmitted next may be described as it is. There is no particular limitation on the description method.

[0638] <Open Reserve Single Radio Control Frame Configuration>

[0639] Fig.36 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an open reserve single radio control frame.

[0640] Fig.36 Configuration of open reserved single radio control frames in Fig.35 The configuration of the fast reserved single radio control frame in is different only in that the reserved duration is replaced by the empty duration and the open duration is replaced by the reserved, and other points are basically the same.

[0641] The null duration is information indicating that this link is in an open state.

[0642] Reserved are areas that are reserved for the future.

[0643] <Frame Configuration of Fourth Embodiment>

[0644] Fig.37 It is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame of the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0645] Fig.37 The frame in is a frame configured as an action frame or a management frame, which indicates compatibility with an operation of sending a fast reservation control frame in order to secure a usage opportunity in advance.

[0646] Fig.37 The EML operation mode notification frame in Figure 8 The frames in differ in the configuration of the "EML Control" field.

[0647] The "EML Control" field includes the EMLSR mode bit (bit 0), the EMLMR mode bit (bit 1), the EMLSR link bitmap bits (bits 2 to 17), the fast reserved single radio bit (bit 18), the fast reserved single radio information bits (bits 19 to 22), and the single radio BA bit (bit 23).

[0648] The fast reservation single radio bit is a bit indicating whether transmission of a fast reservation control frame can be performed to secure a use opportunity in advance.

[0649] The fast reserved single radio information bit is information indicating the link (radio) on which transmission is to be performed.

[0650] Note that in addition to this action frame, a fast reservation single radio bit indicating whether the transmission of a fast reservation control frame can be performed in order to pre-secure the usage opportunity, as well as fast reservation single radio information as information indicating the link (radio) on which the transmission is to be performed, can be exchanged between the AP and the EMLSR STA as needed.

[0651] <Fourth Configuration of Single Radio Block ACK Frame>

[0652] Fig.38 is a diagram showing an example of the fourth configuration of a single radio block ACK frame.

[0653] Fig.38 The single radio block ACK frame in Fig. 9 differs from the single radio block ACK frame in

[0654] in the configuration of the "BA control" field. The "BA control" field includes BA ACK policy bit (bit 0), BA type bits (bits 1 to 4), fast reservation single radio information bits (bits 5 to 8), reserved bits (bits 9 to 11), and TID_INFO bit (bits 12 to 15).

[0655] The available single link bit is information for specifying the link used to send a fast reservation single radio control frame.

[0656] In other words, Fig.38 the single radio block ACK frame in

[0657] <Configuration of A-MPDU Frame>

[0658] Fig.39 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an A-MPDU frame according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0659] Similar to the A-MPDU frame in Fig. 20 the A-MPDU frame in Fig.39 is also composed of delimiters ("delimiters") indicating the boundaries of the frame and MAC protocol data units (MPDUs) including actual data, which are alternately aggregated and padding is added at the end.

[0660] However, Fig.39 the A-MPDU frame in

[0661] differs in the composition of the delimiter for the last MPDU (the changed delimiter in the figure). That is, similar to the conventional delimiter, the delimiters from the beginning to the second last include EOF bit (bit 0), reserved bit (bit 1), MPDU length bits (bits 2 to 14), CRC bits (bits 16 to 23), and delimiter signature bits (bits 24 to 31).

[0662] The changing delimiters include the EOF bit (bit 0), the changing signature bit (bit 1), the MPDU length bits (bits 2 to 14), the CRC bits (bits 16 to 23), the useful single radio link information bits (bits 24 to 27), and the information CRC (bits 28 to 31).

[0663] The changed signature bit is information indicating that single radio link information useful in the changed delimiter is included in a portion corresponding to the delimiter signature of the regular delimiter.

[0664] The useful single radio link information bits are information for notifying information on available links.

[0665] The information CRC is information added as needed in order to reliably transmit useful single radio link information.

[0666] That is, the EMLSR STA that has received the data can grasp that useful single radio link information as additional information is included in the last delimiter signature part by the fact that the "Changed Signature" field is set to 1.

[0667] Note that although Fig.39 An example in which useful single radio link information bits are included in the last delimiter is illustrated, but useful single radio link information bits may also be included in another delimiter.

[0668] <Processing by the Communication Device (AP) on the Data Transmission Side in the Fourth Embodiment of the Present Technology>

[0669] Fig.40 and Fig.41 : is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission process performed by a communication device (AP) on the data transmission side in the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0670] In step S211 , the data construction unit 22 receives transmission data addressed to the EMLSR STA from the device control module 13 via the data buffer 21 .

[0671] In step S212 , the multi-link control unit 23 performs detection setting to grasp the usage status of the single-radio STA in the pre-configured link.

[0672] In step S213, the multi-link control unit 23 specifies the duration of transmission that can be performed on the current link based on the state of the transmission opportunity (TXOP) on the current link, and calculates parameter information for constructing the A-MPDU frame. The parameter information is the number of MPDUs that can be aggregated into the A-MPDU, etc.

[0673] In step S214 , the data construction unit 22 acquires length information about each MPDU.

[0674] In step S215 , the data construction unit 22 constructs delimiter information based on the acquired length information.

[0675] In step S216, the data construction unit 22 determines whether the MPDU currently being processed is the last MPDU constituting the A-MPDU. In the case where it is determined in step S216 that the MPDU is the last MPDU constituting the A-MPDU, the process proceeds to step S217.

[0676] In step S217, the data construction unit 22 determines whether to add the use single radio link (USRL) information. In the case where it is determined in step S217 that the use single radio link information is not to be added, the process proceeds to step S218.

[0677] Also, in the event that it is determined in step S216 that the MPDU is not the last MPDU constituting the A-MPDU, the process proceeds to step S218.

[0678] In step S218, the data construction unit 22 constructs the MPDU information. In step S219, the multilink control unit 23 causes the first or second transmission block to perform the transmission process in sequence, wherein the MPDU constructed by the data construction unit 22 is a subframe of the A-MPDU.

[0679] Thereafter, in step S220, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether transmission has been performed until the end of the A-MPDU frame. In the case where it is determined in step S220 that transmission has been performed until the end of the A-MPDU frame, the process ends.

[0680] In the event that it is determined in step S220 that transmission up to the end of the A-MPDU frame has not been performed, the process returns to step S214, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0681] In the case where it is determined in step S217 that the use single radio link information is to be added, the process proceeds to Fig.41 Step S221 in .

[0682] In step S221 , the preconfigured link determination unit 31 obtains the detection status of the preconfigured link of the device itself.

[0683] In step S222 , the preconfigured link determination unit 31 sets an available link according to the intensity of the noise level and the like based on the detection status of the preconfigured links of the device itself and the like.

[0684] In step S223, the multilink control unit 23 determines whether the use single radio link (USRL) information can be added. In a case where it is determined in step S223 that the use single radio link information can be added, the process proceeds to step S224.

[0685] In step S224 , the data construction unit 22 constructs the use single radio link information.

[0686] In step S225, the data construction unit 22 replaces the delimiter by using the constructed use single radio link information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S226.

[0687] In a case where it is determined in step S223 that the use single radio link information cannot be added, the processing in steps S224 and S225 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S226.

[0688] In step S226 , the data construction unit 22 constructs MPDU information.

[0689] In step S227, the data construction unit 22 determines whether padding is required. In a case where 4-octet alignment is not performed, it is determined in step S226 that padding is required, and the process proceeds to step S228.

[0690] In step S228, the data construction unit 22 adds padding to the end of the data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S229.

[0691] In the event that it is determined in step S227 that padding is not required, the processing in step S228 is skipped and the processing proceeds to step S229.

[0692] In step S229, the multilink control unit 23 causes the first or second transmission block to sequentially perform transmission processing of a subframe in which the MPDU constructed by the data construction unit 22 is an A-MPDU. Thereafter, Fig.40 and Fig.41 The data sending process performed by AP is completed.

[0693] <Processing by EMLSR STA>

[0694] Figure 42 to Figure 43 is a flowchart illustrating data reception processing performed by the EMLSR STA in the fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0695] In step S241 , the single radio control unit 56 of the EMLSR STA exchanges, for example, a predetermined action frame with the AP to operate a link defined as a preconfigured link to set up a single radio reception operation.

[0696] In step S242 , the single radio control unit 56 determines whether data reception is started.

[0697] In step S242, the single radio control unit 56 waits until data reception starts. In the case where the single radio control unit 56 receives a control frame (RTS frame) on any preconfigured link and then sends a CTS frame, it is determined in step S242 that data reception is to start, and the process proceeds to step S243.

[0698] In step S243 , the single radio control unit 56 receives the A-MPDU frame and acquires the delimiter information.

[0699] In step S244 , the single radio control unit 56 performs reception processing of the A-MPDU by using the single radio.

[0700] In step S245, each time a subframe (MPDU) of an A-MPDU is received, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether the subframe is the last MPDU. In the case where it is determined in step S245 that the subframe is not the last MPDU, the process returns to step S243 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0701] In a case where it is determined in step S245 that the subframe is the last MPDU, the process proceeds to step S246.

[0702] In step S246, it is determined whether there is undelivered data. In the event that it is determined in step S246 that there is no undelivered data, the process proceeds to step S247.

[0703] In step S247 , the single radio control unit 56 acquires the received ACK sequence number (S / N) information.

[0704] In step S248 , the data construction unit 22 constructs a block ACK frame based on the acquired received ACK sequence number information.

[0705] In step S249 , the data construction unit 22 transmits the constructed Block ACK frame.

[0706] In step S250, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether to end the use of the transmission path. In the case where it is determined in step S250 that the use of the transmission path is to be ended, Figure 42 to Figure 44 The data reception processing by EMLSR STA is completed.

[0707] On the other hand, in the event that it is determined in step S246 that there is no undelivered data, the process proceeds to Fig.43 Step S251 in .

[0708] In step S251 , the preconfigured link determination unit 64 acquires the usage status of the preconfigured link.

[0709] In step S252, the preconfigured link determination unit 64 determines whether there is an available link based on the reception field strength of the preconfigured link at the current time, the noise level, etc. In the case where it is determined in step S252 that there is an available link, the process proceeds to step S253.

[0710] In step S253 , the single radio control unit 56 selects a link as a fast retention single radio operation.

[0711] In step S254, the single radio control unit 56 determines whether notification is performed by using a block ACK (BA). In a case where it is determined in step S254 that notification is performed by using a BA, the process proceeds to step S255.

[0712] In step S255, the data construction unit 22 adds the fast reserved single radio link information to the BA. Thereafter, the process returns to Fig.42 Step S247 in , and repeat the subsequent processing.

[0713] Furthermore, in the case where it is determined in step S252 that there is no available link, or in the case where it is determined in step S254 that the BA execution notification is not used, the process returns to Fig.42 Step S247 in , and repeat the subsequent processing.

[0714] In addition, in the case where it is determined in step S250 that the use of the transmission path is not to be ended, the process proceeds to Fig.44 Step S256 in .

[0715] In step S256, the single radio control unit 56 transitions to a link set as a fast reservation single radio link.

[0716] In step S257 , the single radio control unit 56 sends a fast reserve single radio control frame.

[0717] In step S258, it is determined whether an A-MPDU frame is detected within the arrival time of the predetermined open duration. In the case where it is determined in step S258 that an A-MPDU frame is detected within the arrival time of the predetermined open duration, the process returns to Fig.42 Step S243 in , and repeat the subsequent processing.

[0718] In a case where it is determined in step S258 that the A-MPDU frame is not detected within the arrival time of the predetermined open duration, the process proceeds to step S259.

[0719] In step S259 , the single radio control unit 56 transmits an open reserve single radio control frame.

[0720] In step S260, the single radio control unit 56 obtains the usage status of the pre-configured link at this time, and selects a newly available fast reserved single radio link. Thereafter, the processing step returns to step S256, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0721] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0722] As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present technology, a control frame (fast reserve single radio control frame) for previously securing a use opportunity is transmitted in a link to be used next by the EMLSR STA.

[0723] Therefore, it is possible to transmit and receive data before another communication device uses an available link among the preconfigured links.

[0724] That is, since it is possible to notify the surrounding communication devices that receive the control frame (fast reserve single radio control frame) for securing the use opportunity in advance that the EMLSR STA uses the transmission path in advance, it is possible to secure the use opportunity for the communication device having the limitation.

[0725] In addition, in the case where data reception is not performed on the link on which the control frame for pre-securing the use opportunity (fast reserve single radio control frame) is transmitted, the control frame for opening the use opportunity (open single radio control frame) is transmitted. Therefore, it does not happen that another communication device is enabled to use the link and the transmission path is inadvertently occupied.

[0726] In addition, the control frame for securing the use opportunity (fast reservation single radio control frame) includes information capable of specifying the communication device itself and information capable of specifying the transmission destination of the data, and includes information about the time for securing the required use opportunity. Therefore, it is possible to perform notification of the required occupation time of the transmission path between the communication devices.

[0727] The preconfigured link to be used by the EMLSR STA is selected from the information for notifying the state of the link to be used by the EMLSR STA transmitted by the AP on the data transmission side through the A-MPDU frame, etc. Therefore, it is possible to select a reliable link between communication devices that transmit and receive data.

[0728] In particular, by using the delimiter of the A-MPDU frame, it is possible to select the best link at that time during the transmission of the data frame.

[0729] Furthermore, information on a link for transmitting a control frame (fast reserve single radio control frame) for securing a use opportunity is described in a block ACK frame returned immediately after data reception, thereby making it possible to specify a link to which the EMLSR STA transitions.

[0730] That is, since two devices can share information about the link to which transition is performed, it is possible to prevent another device from acquiring a usage opportunity during the time required for link transition.

[0731] Thus, by preferentially allowing transmission for data transmission and reception having limitations in the EMLSR STA, it is possible to seamlessly use a transmission path at the time of multi-link operation.

[0732] <<5. Others>>

[0733] <Edit>

[0734] Note that in the above description, data transmission between an AP performing multi-link multi-radio operation and a STA performing EMLSR operation is described as an example; however, data transmission can also be performed between a STA performing multi-link multi-radio operation and an AP performing EMLSR operation.

[0735] That is, in the above description, an example has been described in which the device on the data sending side is an AP that performs multi-link multi-radio operations, but the device on the data sending side may be a STA that performs multi-link multi-radio operations, and further, may also be an AP or STA that performs EMLSR operations.

[0736] Furthermore, in the above description, an example has been described in which the device on the data receiving side is a STA that performs EMLSR operation, but the device on the data receiving side may be an AP that performs EMLSR operation, or may be an AP or STA that performs multi-link multi-radio operation.

[0737] <Computer configuration example>

[0738] The above series of processing steps can be executed by hardware or by software. In the case where the series of processing steps are executed by software, the program included in the software is installed from a program recording medium on a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware, a general-purpose personal computer, etc.

[0739] Fig.45 : is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of hardware of a computer that executes the above-described series of processing steps by a program.

[0740] A central processing unit (CPU) 301 , a read only memory (ROM) 302 , and a random access memory (RAM) 303 are connected to one another via a bus 304 .

[0741] The input / output interface 305 is also connected to the bus 304. An input unit 306 (including a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) and an output unit 307 (including a display, a speaker, etc.) are connected to the input / output interface 305. In addition, a storage unit 308 (including a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, etc.), a communication unit 309 (including a network interface, etc.), and a drive 310 that drives a removable medium 311 are connected to the input / output interface 305.

[0742] In the computer configured as described above, the above-described series of processing steps is performed, for example, by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in the storage unit 308 into the RAM 303 via the input / output interface 305 and the bus 304 and executing the program.

[0743] The program to be executed by the CPU 301 is provided by being recorded on the removable medium 311 or via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting, for example, and installed on the storage unit 308 .

[0744] Note that the program executed by the computer may be a program that executes processing in time series in the order described in this specification, or may be a program that executes processing in parallel or at required timing such as when a call is made.

[0745] <Application Examples>

[0746] This technology can be applied to various products. For example, Figure 5 The wireless communication device 1 in the embodiment may be implemented as a mobile terminal (such as a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a portable game terminal, or a digital camera), a fixed terminal (such as a TV receiver, a printer, a digital scanner, or a network storage device), or a vehicle-mounted terminal (such as a car navigation device). In addition, the wireless communication device 1 may be implemented as a machine-to-machine communication (M2M) terminal, such as a smart meter, a vending machine, a remote monitoring device, or a point-of-sale (POS) terminal. Moreover, the wireless communication device 1 may be a wireless communication module (for example, an integrated circuit module configured with one die) installed on these terminals.

[0747] On the other hand, for example, the wireless communication device 1 may be implemented as a wireless LAN AP (wireless base station) with or without a router function. In addition, the wireless communication device 1 may be implemented as a mobile wireless LAN router. Moreover, the wireless communication device 1 may be a wireless communication module (for example, an integrated circuit module configured with one die) mounted on these devices.

[0748] <Configuration Example for Smartphone>

[0749] Fig.46 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone to which the present technology is applied.

[0750] The smart phone 900 includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a storage device 903, an external connection interface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone 908, an input device 909, and a display device 910. In addition, the smart phone 900 also includes a speaker 911, a wireless communication interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an antenna 915, a bus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller 919.

[0751] The processor 901 may be, for example, a CPU or a system on chip (SoC), and restricts functions of an application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900 .

[0752] The memory 902 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores programs to be executed by the processor 901 , and data.

[0753] The storage device 903 includes a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk.

[0754] The external connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting an external device such as a memory card or a universal serial bus (USB) device to the smartphone 900 .

[0755] The camera 906 includes, for example, an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and generates a captured image.

[0756] The sensor 907 includes, for example, a sensor group including a positioning sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor.

[0757] The microphone 908 converts audio input to the smartphone 900 into an audio signal.

[0758] The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects a touch on a screen, a keypad, a keyboard, buttons, and switches of the display device 910 , and receives an operation of a user or information input from the user.

[0759] The display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and converts an audio signal output from the smartphone 900 into audio.

[0760] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more of wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11ac, and 11ad, and performs wireless communication.

[0761] The wireless communication interface 913 communicates with other devices via a wireless LAN AP in an infrastructure mode. In addition, the wireless communication interface 913 directly communicates with other devices in an ad hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct.

[0762] Note that in Wi-Fi Direct, unlike the ad hoc mode, one of two terminals operates as an AP, but communication is performed directly between the terminals.

[0763] The wireless communication interface 913 generally includes a baseband processor, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 913 may be a single chip module in which a memory storing a communication control program, a processor executing the program, and related circuits are integrated.

[0764] The wireless communication interface 913 may also support another type of wireless communication scheme such as a short-range wireless communication scheme, a proximity wireless communication scheme, or a cellular communication scheme, in addition to the wireless LAN scheme.

[0765] The antenna switch 914 switches the connection destination of the antenna 915 between a plurality of circuits (for example, circuits for different wireless communication schemes) included in the wireless communication interface 913 .

[0766] The antenna 915 has a single or multiple antenna elements (for example, multiple antenna elements forming a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna), and is used to transmit and receive wireless signals through the wireless communication interface 913 .

[0767] Note that the smartphone 900 is not limited to Fig.46 , and may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an antenna for a wireless LAN, an antenna for a proximity wireless communication scheme, etc.). In that case, the antenna switch 914 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0768] The bus 917 connects the processor 901 , the memory 902 , the storage device 903 , the external connection interface 904 , the camera 906 , the sensor 907 , the microphone 908 , the input device 909 , the display device 910 , the speaker 911 , the wireless communication interface 913 , and the auxiliary controller 919 to one another.

[0769] The battery 918 is fed to the Fig.46 The auxiliary controller 919 enables the minimum necessary functions of the smartphone 900 to operate in, for example, a sleep mode.

[0770] exist Fig.46 In the smart phone 900 shown in FIG. Figure 6 or Figure 7 The described wireless communication module 15 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. In addition, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919.

[0771] Note that the processor 901 performs the AP function at the application layer, whereby the smartphone 900 can operate as a wireless AP (software AP). In addition, the wireless communication interface 913 may have a wireless AP function.

[0772] Furthermore, the smart phone 900 may include a biometric authentication unit (fingerprint authentication, palm shape authentication, voice authentication, blood vessel authentication, face authentication, iris authentication, and retina authentication). Figure 6 or Figure 7 The wireless communication interface 913 of the depicted wireless communication module 15 is configured to receive power supply from the same battery 918 as at least one of the display device 910 , the speaker 911 , or the biometric authentication unit.

[0773] In addition, in the smartphone 900, information is displayed from at least one of the display device 910 or the speaker 911 based on communication with the external device through the wireless communication interface 913. At this time, the result of synchronization according to the present technology can be output as information from at least one of the display device 910 or the speaker 911.

[0774] <Configuration example of vehicle-mounted equipment>

[0775] Fig.47 : is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a vehicle-mounted device 920 to which the present technology is applied.

[0776] The in-vehicle device 920 includes a processor 921, a memory 922, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, a content player 927, and a storage medium interface 928. In addition, the in-vehicle device 920 includes an input device 929, a display device 930, a speaker 931, a wireless communication interface 933, an antenna switch 934, an antenna 935, and a battery 938.

[0777] The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or a SoC, and controls navigation functions and other functions of the in-vehicle device 920. In addition, the processor 921 may also control a driving system of the vehicle, such as a brake, an accelerator, or a steering gear, based on information obtained through communication based on the present technology.

[0778] The memory 922 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores programs to be executed by the processor 921 , and data.

[0779] The GNSS module 924 measures the position (eg, latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the in-vehicle device 920 using GNSS signals received from GNSS satellites.

[0780] The sensor 925 includes, for example, a sensor group including a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an air pressure sensor.

[0781] The data interface 926 is connected to the in-vehicle network 941 via a terminal (not shown), for example, and acquires data generated on the vehicle side (such as in-vehicle data).

[0782] The content player 927 reproduces content stored in a storage medium (for example, a CD or a DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface 928 .

[0783] The input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor which detects a touch on the screen, buttons, switches, or the like of the display device 930 , and receives an operation of a user or information input from the user.

[0784] The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD or OLED display, and displays an image of a navigation function or content to be reproduced.

[0785] The speaker 931 outputs the sound of the navigation function or the content to be reproduced.

[0786] Note that the navigation function and the functions of the content player 927 are optional in the in-vehicle device 920. The navigation function and the content player 927 may be removed from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0787] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more of wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, and performs wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 933 communicates with other devices via a wireless LAN AP in an infrastructure mode. In addition, the wireless communication interface 933 directly communicates with other devices in an ad hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct.

[0788] The wireless communication interface 933 generally includes a baseband processor, an RF circuit, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 933 may be a single chip module in which a memory storing a communication control program and a processor or related circuit for executing the program are integrated. In addition to the wireless LAN scheme, the wireless communication interface 933 may also support another type of wireless communication scheme, such as a short-range wireless communication scheme, a proximity wireless communication scheme, or a cellular communication scheme.

[0789] The antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of the antenna 935 between a plurality of circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933 .

[0790] The antenna 935 has a single or multiple antenna elements, and is used to transmit and receive wireless signals through the wireless communication interface 933 .

[0791] Note that the vehicle-mounted device 920 is not limited to Fig.47 , and may include a plurality of antennas 935. In that case, the antenna switch 934 may be omitted from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0792] The battery 938 can be supplied via a feed line partially indicated by a broken line in the figure. Fig.47 The vehicle-mounted device 920 shown in FIG. 1 is implemented in FIG. 1 and the ... Figure 6 or Figure 7 The described wireless communication module 15 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. In addition, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 921.

[0793] Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 933 can operate as the wireless communication device 1 described above and provide a wireless connection with a terminal owned by a user in the vehicle.

[0794] In addition, the present technology may be implemented as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940, which includes one or more blocks of the above-mentioned in-vehicle device 920, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 generates vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed, engine speed, or fault information, and outputs the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941.

[0795] <Wireless AP Configuration Example>

[0796] Fig.48 : is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a wireless AP 950 to which the present technology is applied.

[0797] The wireless AP 950 includes a controller 951 , a memory 952 , an input device 954 , a display device 955 , a network interface 957 , a wireless communication interface 963 , an antenna switch 964 , and an antenna 965 .

[0798] The controller 951 may be, for example, a CPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), and operates various functions of an Internet Protocol (IP) layer and higher layers of the wireless AP 950 (eg, access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall, log management, etc.).

[0799] The memory 952 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores programs to be executed by the controller 951 and various control data (for example, a terminal list, a routing table, an encryption key, security settings, a log, etc.).

[0800] The input device 954 includes, for example, buttons and switches, and receives an operation from a user.

[0801] The display device 955 includes an LED light and the like, and displays the operating status of the wireless AP 950 .

[0802] The network interface 957 is a wired communication interface for connecting the wireless AP 950 to the wired communication network 958. The network interface 957 may have a plurality of connection terminals. The wired communication network 958 may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or may be a wide area network (WAN).

[0803] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more of wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, and provides wireless connection to nearby terminals as an AP.

[0804] The wireless communication interface 963 typically includes a baseband processor, an RF circuit, and a power amplifier.

[0805] The wireless communication interface 963 may be a single chip module in which a memory storing a communication control program and a processor or related circuits executing the program are integrated.

[0806] The antenna switch 964 switches a connection destination of the antenna 965 between a plurality of circuits included in the wireless communication interface 963 , and the antenna 965 has a single or a plurality of antenna elements and is used to transmit and receive wireless signals through the wireless communication interface 963 .

[0807] exist Fig.48 The wireless AP 950 shown in FIG. Figure 6 or Figure 7 The described wireless communication module 15 may also be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. In addition, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the controller 951.

[0808] Note that the above-mentioned embodiments describe examples for implementing the present technology, and there is a correspondence between the matters in the embodiments and the matters specifying the present invention in the claims. Similarly, there is a correspondence between the matters specifying the present invention in the claims and the matters with the same names in the embodiments of the present technology. However, the present technology is not limited to the embodiments, and can be implemented by applying various modifications to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0809] Furthermore, the procedures described in the above-mentioned embodiments may be regarded as a method including a series of procedures, and may be regarded as a program for causing this computer to execute the series of procedures and a recording medium storing the program.

[0810] As this recording medium, for example, a compact disc (CD), a mini disc (MD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a memory card, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, or the like can be used.

[0811] Note that in this specification, a system refers to an assembly of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it is not important whether all the components are located in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices installed in independent housings and connected to each other via a network and one device accommodating multiple modules in one housing are both systems.

[0812] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not restrictive, and there may be other effects.

[0813] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0814] For example, the present technology may be configured as cloud computing in which a function is shared and collaboratively processed by multiple devices via a network.

[0815] Furthermore, each step described in the above flowchart may be performed by one device or may be shared and performed by a plurality of devices.

[0816] Furthermore, in the case where a plurality of processes are included in one step, the plurality of processes included in the one step may be executed by one device or may be executed by a plurality of devices in a shared manner.

[0817] <Configuration combination example>

[0818] The present technology may also have the following configurations. (1)

[0820] A wireless communication control device, comprising

[0821] The communication control unit performs the following control: receiving first information from the wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and transmitting use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance. (2)

[0823] The wireless communication control device according to (1), wherein

[0824] The communication control unit performs control of transmitting the use reservation information by using a link whose use opportunity is indicated by the use reservation information to be secured in advance. (3)

[0826] The wireless communication control device according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0827] The usage reservation information includes validity period information indicating the validity period of the secured usage opportunity. (4)

[0829] The wireless communication control device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0830] The usage reservation information includes information about a device that transmits a frame including the usage reservation information and information about a device that receives a frame including the usage reservation information. (5)

[0832] The wireless communication control device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein

[0833] The usage reservation information includes information about a device that performs transmission using a link whose usage opportunity is ensured and information about a device that performs reception using a link whose usage opportunity is ensured. (6)

[0835] The wireless communication control device according to (3), wherein

[0836] The communication control unit performs control of transmitting utilization cancellation information indicating that the utilization opportunity is to be canceled. (7)

[0838] The wireless communication control device according to (6), wherein

[0839] The communication control unit generates the use cancellation information based on the fact that transmission is not performed within the period indicated by the validity period information. (8)

[0841] The wireless communication control device according to (6), wherein

[0842] After transmitting the use cancellation information, the communication control unit performs control of transmitting use reservation information for an available link other than the link whose use opportunity is canceled by the use cancellation information among the plurality of links. (9)

[0844] The wireless communication control device according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising:

[0845] A link usage status detection unit detects the usage status of the multiple links, wherein

[0846] The communication control unit specifies a link whose usage opportunity is to be ensured indicated by the usage reservation information based on the detected usage status of the plurality of links. (10)

[0848] The wireless communication control device according to (9), wherein

[0849] In a case where a frame received from a wireless communication device includes available link information indicating available links of the wireless communication device, the communication control unit specifies a link whose usage opportunity is ensured by the usage reservation information based on the usage status of the detected multiple links and the available link information of the wireless communication device. (11)

[0851] The wireless communication control device according to (10), wherein

[0852] A frame received from a wireless communication device includes a first MAC protocol data unit (MPDU) and a second MPDU received after the first MPDU, and

[0853] Available link information of the wireless communication device is received between the first MPDU and the second MPDU. (12)

[0855] The wireless communication control device according to (11), wherein

[0856] The second MPDU is the last received MPDU among the frames received from the wireless communication device. (13)

[0858] The wireless communication control device according to any one of (1) to (12), further comprising

[0859] The communication unit sets the link whose usage opportunity is to be ensured indicated by the usage reservation information as a link for transmitting or receiving a frame. (14)

[0861] The wireless communication control device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein

[0862] The communication control unit performs control of including the use reservation information in a reception confirmation response frame corresponding to the data frame received from the wireless communication device as the first information and transmitting the reception confirmation response frame. (15)

[0864] The wireless communication control device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein

[0865] The communication control unit transmits information on the transmission capability of the usage reservation information before transmitting the usage reservation information. (16)

[0867] The wireless communication control device according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein

[0868] The wireless communication control device is a device that performs an operation compatible with Extended Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR). (17)

[0870] A wireless communication control method, comprising:

[0871] The following controls are performed by the wireless communication control device:

[0872] First information is received from the wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and use reservation information is transmitted, the use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance. (18)

[0874] A program that enables a computer to function as

[0875] The communication control unit performs the following control: receiving first information from the wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and transmitting use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance. (19)

[0877] A wireless communication control device, comprising

[0878] The communication control unit performs the following control: transmits first information to the wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and receives use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance.

[0879] Reference numerals list

[0880] 1. Wireless communication equipment

[0881] 11 Internet connection module

[0882] 12 Information input module

[0883] 13 Equipment control module

[0884] 14 Information output module

[0885] 15. Wireless communication module

[0886] 21 Data Buffer

[0887] 22 Data Construction Unit

[0888] 23 Multilink Control Unit

[0889] 24 multi-link MAC processing units

[0890] 25 multi-link PHY processing units

[0891] 26 multi-link RF signal processing units

[0892] 27 multi-link RF signal detection unit

[0893] 28 multi-link PHY receiving unit

[0894] 29 Multi-link MAC determination unit

[0895] 30 Data processing unit

[0896] 31 Pre-configured link determination unit

[0897] 51 Data Buffer

[0898] 52 Single Radio Data Processing Unit

[0899] 53 Single Radio MAC Processing Unit

[0900] 54 single radio PHY signal processing unit

[0901] 55 Single Radio RF Signal Processing Unit

[0902] 56 Single Radio Control Unit

[0903] 57 Single Radio MAC Determination Unit

[0904] 58 Single Radio PHY Receiver Unit

[0905] 59 Single Radio RF Signal Detection Unit

Claims

1. A wireless communication control device, comprising: The communication control unit performs the following control: receiving first information from the wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and transmitting use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance.

2. The wireless communication control device according to claim 1, wherein The communication control unit performs control of transmitting the use reservation information by using a link whose use opportunity is to be secured in advance as indicated by the use reservation information.

3. The wireless communication control device according to claim 1, wherein The usage reservation information includes validity period information indicating the validity period of the secured usage opportunity.

4. The wireless communication control device according to claim 3, wherein The usage reservation information includes information about a device that transmits the usage reservation information and information about a device that receives the usage reservation information.

5. The wireless communication control device according to claim 3, wherein The usage reservation information includes information about a device that performs transmission using a link whose usage opportunity is ensured and information about a device that performs reception using a link whose usage opportunity is ensured.

6. The wireless communication control device according to claim 3, wherein The communication control unit performs control of transmitting utilization cancellation information indicating that the utilization opportunity is to be canceled.

7. The wireless communication control device according to claim 6, wherein The communication control unit generates the use cancellation information based on the fact that transmission is not performed within the period indicated by the validity period information.

8. The wireless communication control device according to claim 6, wherein After transmitting the use cancellation information, the communication control unit performs control of transmitting use reservation information for an available link other than the link whose use opportunity is canceled by the use cancellation information among the plurality of links.

9. The wireless communication control device according to claim 1, further comprising A link usage status detection unit detects the usage status of the multiple links, wherein The communication control unit specifies a link whose usage opportunity is to be ensured indicated by the usage reservation information based on the detected usage status of the plurality of links.

10. The wireless communication control device according to claim 9, wherein In a case where a frame received from a wireless communication device includes available link information indicating available links of the wireless communication device, the communication control unit specifies a link whose usage opportunity is ensured by the usage reservation information based on the usage status of the detected multiple links and the available link information of the wireless communication device.

11. The wireless communication control device according to claim 10, wherein A frame received from a wireless communication device includes a first MAC protocol data unit (MPDU) and a second MPDU received after the first MPDU, and Available link information of the wireless communication device is received between the first MPDU and the second MPDU.

12. The wireless communication control device according to claim 11, wherein The second MPDU is the last received MPDU among the frames received from the wireless communication device.

13. The wireless communication control device according to claim 1, further comprising The communication unit sets the link whose usage opportunity is to be ensured indicated by the usage reservation information as a link for transmitting or receiving a frame.

14. The wireless communication control device according to claim 1, wherein The communication control unit performs control of including the use reservation information in a reception confirmation response frame corresponding to the data frame received from the wireless communication device as the first information and transmitting the reception confirmation response frame.

15. The wireless communication control device according to claim 1, wherein The communication control unit transmits information on the transmission capability of the usage reservation information before transmitting the usage reservation information.

16. The wireless communication control device according to claim 1, wherein The wireless communication control device is a device that performs an operation compatible with Extended Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR).

17. A wireless communication control method, comprising: The following controls are performed by the wireless communication control device: The first information is received from the wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and use reservation information is transmitted, the use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance.

18. A program that enables a computer to be used as The communication control unit performs the following control: receiving first information from the wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and transmitting use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance.

19. A wireless communication control device, comprising The communication control unit performs the following control: transmits first information to the wireless communication device via one of a plurality of links pre-set with the wireless communication device, and receives use reservation information indicating that a use opportunity of at least one of the plurality of links is to be secured in advance.

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