Communication device, communication method, and program

Abstract

The communication device can transmit a radio frame specifying 0 for a PHY version identifier field of a preamble U-SIG and a radio frame specifying 1 for the PHY version identifier field. When the communication device transmits a radio frame in which 1 is stored in the PHY version identifier field and a value greater than 6 is stored in the bandwidth field, the transmitting section transmits the radio frame using a bandwidth greater than 320 MHz.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication control technology in a wireless LAN. Background Art

[0002] The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard is known as a communication standard for wireless LAN (wireless local area network). In the IEEE 802.11be standard being developed in the IEEE 802.11 standard series, one of the measures tested to improve throughput compared to the IEEE 802.11ax standard is to set the maximum value of the frequency bandwidth to 320 MHz. Conventionally, four frequency bands are used for wireless LAN: 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-050133 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] Since a large number of standards have been established so far, it is expected that new standards will emerge in the future. Among the new standards, the use of bandwidths exceeding 320 MHz, which is being considered in the 802.11be standard, is considered to improve communication throughput.

[0008] However, in the existing standards for wireless LAN, there is no mechanism defined for notifying that communication is performed within a frequency bandwidth greater than 320 MHz. In addition, a communication device may support both the old standard and the new standard. In this case, there is no mechanism defined for efficiently notifying information about the generation of a wireless frame transmitted between communication devices and information about the frequency bandwidth supported by the wireless frame using a preamble.

[0009] The present invention is proposed in view of at least one of the above problems. One aspect of the present invention provides a mechanism in which a universal signal field (U-SIG) can be used to transmit information about a bandwidth corresponding to a standard of a radio frame when a communication device supports both an old generation and a new standard.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] A communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication device including a sending component, which is used to send a wireless frame including a preamble for a physical layer (PHY) and conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series. The preamble includes at least a legacy signal field (L-SIG) and a universal signal field (U-SIG) transmitted after the L-SIG in the wireless frame. The U-SIG includes a PHY version identifier field related to the PHY version that the wireless frame conforms to and a bandwidth field. The sending component enables the sending of wireless frames that specify 0 in the PHY version identifier field and wireless frames that specify a specific value greater than 0 in the PHY version identifier field. When sending a wireless frame in which a specific value is stored in the PHY version identifier field and a value greater than 6 is stored in the bandwidth field, the sending component uses a bandwidth greater than 320MHz to send the wireless frame.

[0012] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, when supporting both the old generation and the new standard, the communication device can transmit information on the bandwidth corresponding to the standard using a universal signal field (U-SIG) of a radio frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a network.

[0015] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example functional configuration of a communication device.

[0016] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration of a communication device.

[0017] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process flow performed in a communication device.

[0018] [ Figure 5A ] Figure 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a PHY frame structure of an EHT (GEN7) PPDU.

[0019] [ Figure 5B ] Figure 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a PHY frame structure of an HR (GEN8) PPDU.

[0020] [ Fig. 6A ] Fig. 6A It is a variation of the PHY version identifier.

[0021] [ Figure 6B ] Figure 6B It is a variation of the PHY version identifier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0023] Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all features are required for the invention, and multiple features can be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are represented by the same reference numerals, and their repeated description will be omitted.

[0024] (Network Configuration)

[0025] Figure 1 An example configuration of a wireless communication network according to the present embodiment is illustrated. The wireless communication network includes an access point (AP) and three stations (STA). AP 102 and STA 103 comply with IEEE 802.11EHT (Extremely High Throughput) and are configured to enable wireless communication that complies with the standards established before the IEEE 802.11EHT standard. The IEEE 802.11EHT standard is also referred to as the IEEE 802.11be standard. In the present embodiment, the IEEE 802.11ax established before 802.11be is referred to as the sixth generation standard or IEEE 802.11GEN6, similar to Wi-Fi 6, which is an interoperability certification program for this standard. It is also referred to as GEN6 for short. The IEEE 802.11be standard is also referred to as the seventh generation standard IEEE802.11GEN7, or GEN7 for short, similar to Wi-Fi 7 (tentative), which is a certification program for this standard.

[0026] AP 102 and STA 103 are configured to enable wireless communications that comply with the successor standard of the IEEE 802.11be standard, which is intended to achieve a maximum transmission rate of 46.08 Gbps, and which is intended to achieve a maximum transmission rate of 90 Gbps to 100 Gbps or more. The successor standard of 802.11be is also referred to as the eighth-generation standard IEEE 802.11GEN8, or simply GEN8, similar to Wi-Fi 8 (tentative), which is a certification program for this standard. In addition, the successor standard of 802.11be sets new goals to be achieved, such as support for high-reliability communications and low-latency communications. In view of the above, in the present embodiment, the successor standard of IEEE 802.11be is also referred to as IEEE 802.11HR (High Reliability), which is intended to achieve a maximum transmission rate of 90 Gbps to 100 Gbps or more.

[0027] Considering the goals to be achieved in the successor standard and the outstanding features in the standard, the naming of IEEE802.11HR is for convenience and may have different names when the standard is formulated. However, it should be noted that this specification and the attached claims are basically applicable to any standard that is a successor to the 802.11be standard and can use a bandwidth greater than 320MHz to support wireless communication.

[0028] STA 104 is a STA that supports the IEEE 802.11EHT (GEN7) standard but does not support IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8). STA 105 is a STA that complies with the communication standard after IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8). For convenience, the communication standard after IEEE802.11HR (GEN8) is referred to as IEEE 802.11GEN9.

[0029] Hereinafter, when, for example, a specific device is not indicated, an access point may be referred to as an "AP" and a station (terminal) may be referred to as a "STA" without reference numerals. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a wireless communication network including one AP and three STAs is illustrated as an example. However, the number of communication devices may be greater or less than Figure 1 In one example, when communication is established between STAs, there may be no AP. Figure 1 , the communication range of the network formed by AP 102 is indicated by circle 101. The communication range may cover a wider range, or may cover only a narrower range.

[0030] (Device Configuration)

[0031] Figure 2An example hardware configuration of a communication device (AP and STA) is illustrated. As its example hardware configuration, the communication device includes a storage unit 201, a control unit 202, a function unit 203, an input unit 204, an output unit 205, a communication unit 206, and an antenna 207.

[0032] The storage unit 201 includes both or either ROM and RAM, and stores programs for executing various operations described below and various information such as communication parameters for wireless communication. As the storage unit 201, in addition to a memory such as ROM or RAM, a storage medium such as a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive) can also be used.

[0033] The control unit 202 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. CPU is an abbreviation of a central processing unit, and MPU is an abbreviation of a microprocessing unit. The control unit 202 executes a program stored in the storage unit 201 and operates a hardware circuit such as an ASIC to control the entire device. The control unit 202 can control the entire device through the cooperation of the program stored in the storage unit 201 and the OS (Operating System).

[0034] In addition, the control unit 202 controls the functional unit 203 to perform predetermined processing such as imaging, printing, and projection. The functional unit 203 is hardware for the device to perform predetermined processing. For example, when the device is a camera, the functional unit 203 is an imaging unit and performs imaging processing. For example, when the device is a printer, the functional unit 203 is a printing unit and performs printing processing. For example, when the device is a projector, the functional unit 203 is a projection unit and performs projection processing. The data processed by the functional unit 203 may be data stored in the storage unit 201, or data communicated with another AP or STA via the communication unit 206 described below.

[0035] The input unit 204 receives various operations from the user. The output unit 205 performs various outputs to the user. Here, the output of the output unit 205 includes, for example, at least one of display on a screen, audio output by a speaker, vibration output, etc. Both the input unit 204 and the output unit 205 can be implemented by one module such as a touch panel.

[0036] The communication unit 206 performs control of wireless communication or control of IP communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard series. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 206 can perform communication processing in accordance with at least the IEEE 802.11be (GEN7) standard. As described above, whether to enable support for communication processing in accordance with the IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8) or IEEE 802.11GEN9 standard is different for each communication device.

[0037] In addition, the communication unit 206 controls the antenna 207 to send and receive radio signals for wireless communication. The device transmits content such as image data, document data, and video data to or from another communication device via the communication unit 206. The antenna 207 is an antenna capable of, for example, sending and receiving at least one of the sub-GHz band, the 2.4GHz band, the 5GHz band, the 6GHz band, and the 7GHz band. Note that there is no limitation on the frequency bands (and combinations thereof) that the antenna 207 can support. The antenna 207 can be a single antenna or a group of two or more antennas for performing MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) transmission and reception. In Figure 2 , one antenna 207 is illustrated. However, for example, two or more (two or more groups of) antennas that can support different frequency bands may be used.

[0038] Figure 3 An example functional configuration of a communication device (AP and STA) is illustrated. As an example, the communication device includes a wireless LAN control unit 301, a frame analysis unit 302, a frame generation unit 303, a UI control unit 304, a storage unit 305, and an antenna 306.

[0039] The wireless LAN control unit 301 includes a circuit for sending a radio signal to another wireless LAN device (e.g., another AP or STA) using an antenna 306 and receiving a radio signal from another wireless LAN device (e.g., another AP or STA), and a program for controlling the circuit. The wireless LAN control unit 301 performs communication control of the wireless LAN according to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, such as sending a frame generated by the frame generation unit 303 and receiving a wireless frame from another wireless LAN device. The frame analysis unit 302 analyzes the wireless frame received via the wireless LAN control unit 301. This analysis is performed by reading the wireless frame from the beginning. As described below, the frame analysis unit 302 can operate to discard the wireless frame for the standard (version) that the communication device does not conform to by analyzing the physical layer (PHY preamble) of the wireless frame. Therefore, the communication device can interrupt the analysis of the wireless frame of the type that the communication device does not conform to at an early stage, thereby reducing power consumption. PHY stands for physical layer.

[0040] For example, the frame generation unit 303 generates a wireless frame including data to be sent to another AP or STA. The frame generation unit 303 generates a wireless frame that complies with the standard that enables communication between the communication device and the communication partner device according to the standard that the communication device complies with or in some cases according to the standard that the partner device complies with. For example, when the communication device complies with IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8) and the partner device complies with IEEE 802.11be (GEN7), a wireless frame (EHT PPDU) that complies with IEEE802.11be is generated. PPDU is an abbreviation for PLCP protocol data unit, and PLCP is an abbreviation for physical layer convergence protocol. For example, when both the communication device and the partner device comply with IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8), a wireless frame (HR (GEN8) PPDU) that complies with IEEE802.11HR (GEN8) is generated. The frame generated by the frame generation unit is sent by the wireless LAN control unit 301.

[0041] The UI control unit 304 includes hardware related to the user interface (UI), such as a touch panel or buttons for receiving user operations on the communication device, and a program for controlling the hardware. The UI control unit 304 also has a function of presenting information to the user, such as the display of an image or the output of audio. The storage unit 305 includes a storage device such as a ROM (read only memory) or a RAM (random access memory) for storing programs to be executed by the communication device and various data.

[0042] (Processing Flow)

[0043] Subsequently, a description will be given of a flow of processing performed by the communication device as described above. Figure 4 An example of a process flow performed by a communication device (AP / STA) compliant with IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8) according to the present embodiment is illustrated.

[0044] First, the communication device whose communication function is enabled determines the operating frequency band. The operating frequency band is determined by the AP. That is, when the communication device is an AP, the operating frequency band is determined by, for example, a user operation on the communication device. When the communication device is a STA, it is determined to operate in the same operating frequency band as the operating frequency band determined by the AP at the connection destination or in a frequency band narrower than the determined operating frequency band. The operating frequency band may be, for example, a channel in any one of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 7 GHz frequency bands, or may be a channel in any other available frequency band (if any).

[0045] Then, reference will be made to Figure 4 The processing after the frequency band is determined is described. Figure 4The process shown in represents a wireless frame transmission and reception process which is repeatedly performed in a state where a process of determining a frequency band is performed and information can be exchanged with another communication device.

[0046] In S (step) 401, the communication device determines whether to transmit a radio frame. If it is determined to transmit a radio frame, the process proceeds to S402. If it is determined not to transmit a radio frame, the process proceeds to S412.

[0047] In S402, when sending a wireless frame, the communication device determines whether the standard to which the wireless frame is to be compliant is IEEE802.11EHT (GEN7). The communication device determines whether the standard to which the wireless frame is to be compliant is IEEE 802.11be (EHT) based on, for example, a standard to which the communication device is compliant and a composite standard of a partner device. For example, when the communication device is compliant with IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8), but the partner device is compliant with IEEE 802.11EHT (GEN7), the communication device determines to use a wireless frame compliant with the GEN7 standard to communicate with the partner transmission.

[0048] If it is determined that the standard to which the wireless frame to be transmitted conforms is IEEE 802.11 EHT (GEN7), the process proceeds to S403. If it is not determined that the standard to which the wireless frame to be transmitted conforms is EHT (GEN7), the process proceeds to S405.

[0049] In S403, the communication device configures a field indicating the type of standard (e.g., a PHY version identifier field described below) in a radio frame, and sets "0" to a value indicating EHT in the field. The communication device provides a PHY version identifier field at the beginning of a U-SIG (Universal Signal Field) arranged to be commonly used in IEEE802.11EHT (GEN7) and its successor standards. The details of U-SIG will be described below.

[0050] Subsequently, in S404, the communication device determines the transmission bandwidth based on the receiving capability of the communication partner and the transmission capability of the communication device. The maximum bandwidth that can be used in wireless communication compliant with IEEE 802.11be (EHT) is 320 MHz. Thus, in the determination process of S404, the communication device determines to use a bandwidth less than or equal to 320 MHz as the transmission bandwidth. When the determination of the transmission bandwidth is completed, the process proceeds to S410.

[0051] On the other hand, in S405, when sending a wireless frame, the communication device determines whether the standard to which the wireless frame is to conform is IEEE 802.HR (GEN8). The communication device determines whether the standard to which the wireless frame is to conform is IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8) based on, for example, the standard to which the communication device conforms and the composite standard of the partner device. For example, when both the communication device and the partner device conform to IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8), the communication device determines to use a wireless frame conforming to IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8) to communicate with the partner transmission. When the partner device conforms to the successor standard of HR (GEN8) (for example, GEN9 in the next generation) and the communication device conforms to HR (GEN8) but does not conform to the successor standard, the communication device also determines to use IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8).

[0052] If it is determined that the standard to which the wireless frame to be transmitted conforms is IEEE 802.11 HR (GEN8), the process proceeds to S406. If it is not determined that the standard to which the wireless frame to be transmitted conforms is HR (GEN8), the process proceeds to S408.

[0053] In S406, the communication device sets "1" as a value indicating HR (GEN8) in a field indicating the type of standard in the radio frame (eg, a PHY version identifier field described below).

[0054] Subsequently, in S407, the communication device determines the transmission bandwidth based on the receiving capability of the communication partner and the transmission capability of the communication device. This embodiment assumes 640 MHz as an example of the maximum bandwidth that can be used in wireless communication that complies with IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8). Thus, in the determination process of S407, the communication device determines to use a bandwidth less than or equal to 640 MHz as the transmission bandwidth. When the determination of the transmission bandwidth is completed, the process proceeds to S410.

[0055] If the communication partner does not comply with any of the EHT (GEN7) standard and the HR (GEN8) standard, that is, if the communication partner only complies with the old generation standard, then the old generation standard is used. In this case, in S408, the communication device determines the transmission bandwidth based on the receiving capability of the communication partner and the transmission capability of the communication device. The maximum bandwidth that can be used in wireless communications that comply with standards before IEEE 802.11ax is 160MHz. Therefore, in the determination process of S408, the communication device determines to use a bandwidth less than or equal to 160MHz as the transmission bandwidth. In S409, the communication device generates a legacy frame for the standard before 802.11ax and sends the legacy frame to the partner device.

[0056] In this embodiment, for convenience, a wireless frame supporting a standard established before IEEE 802.11EHT (GEN7) - that is, a standard before IEEE 802.11ax is referred to as a legacy frame, in which a control signal is stored in the U-SIG described below. Specifically, in S409, the communication device sends a HE (High Efficiency) PPDU, a VHT (Very High Throughput) PPDU, or a HT (High Throughput) PPDU.

[0057] In the figure, due to space limitations, the case where both the communication device and the partner device comply with the successor standard of IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8) (for example, GEN9 in the next generation) is omitted. When both the communication device and the partner device comply with the successor standard such as the GEN9 standard, the communication device sends a PPDU supporting the successor standard, in which version information corresponding to the successor standard is stored.

[0058] Subsequently, in S410, the communication device specifies a value corresponding to the transmission bandwidth determined in the above process in the bandwidth field of the U-SIG.

[0059] In S411, the communication device sends a frame including a U-SIG. Specifically, if it is determined as "yes" in S402, the communication device generates an EHT PPDU including a U-SIG, in which 0 is specified in the version and a value corresponding to the transmission bandwidth determined in S404 is specified in the bandwidth field. Subsequently, the communication device sends the generated EHT PPDU using the transmission bandwidth specified in the U-SIG. If it is determined as "yes" in S405, the communication device generates an HR (GEN8) PPDU including a U-SIG, in which 1 is specified in the version and a value corresponding to the transmission bandwidth determined in S407 is specified in the bandwidth field. Subsequently, the communication device sends the generated HR (GEN8) PPDU using the transmission bandwidth specified in the U-SIG.

[0060] With the above-described process, the maximum value of the transmission bandwidth to be included in the U-SIG of the PPDU can be made different according to the designation in the version field of the U-SIG.

[0061] Subsequently, the processing when the signal is received will be described. In S412, the communication device determines whether a wireless frame has been received from the partner device. If a wireless frame has been received from the partner device, the processing proceeds to S413. If a wireless frame has not been received from the partner device, the processing proceeds to S420. Here, the partner device refers to a partner device with which the communication device performs wireless communication. For example, when the communication device is an AP, the partner device is a STA being connected. When the communication device is a STA, the partner device is an AP being connected to the communication device.

[0062] In S413, the communication device determines whether the received wireless frame is an old frame. As described above, in the present embodiment, the old frame refers to a wireless frame that complies with the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ax standard. If it is determined that the received wireless frame is an old frame, the communication device causes the processing to proceed to S414. If it is determined that the received wireless frame is not an old frame, the communication device causes the processing to proceed to S415. When the L-SIG described below is followed by the RL-SIG (which is a repetition of the L-SIG) and when the dividend is the length corresponding to the frame and the result of the remainder operation is not 0 when the divisor is 3, the communication device determines that the frame is not an old frame. On the other hand, when the RL-SIG is not included or the result of the above-mentioned remainder operation is 0, the communication device determines that the frame is an old frame.

[0063] In S414, the communication device reads and interprets all preambles and data of the wireless frame. The frame analysis unit 302 of the communication device appropriately identifies the type of the preamble, and analyzes the subsequent preamble and data according to the type of the identified preamble. The data obtained as a result of the frame analysis (including the MSDU of the MAC frame) is notified to the upper layer such as the data link layer or the network layer. The upper layer appropriately interprets the MAC frame or IP packet and performs necessary processing. For example, when the communication device is an AP, the upper layer performs processing and various control processing of transmitting data to another STA or another network (gateway). For example, when the communication device is a STA, the data is passed to an application, etc., and various controls are performed. When various processing based on the received wireless frame is completed, the communication device causes the processing to proceed to S420.

[0064] Then, if it is determined in S413 that the frame is not a legacy frame, that is, if the frame is a wireless frame compliant with IEEE 802.11EHT (GEN7) or a subsequent standard, the communication device performs the processing shown in S415 and subsequent steps.

[0065] On the other hand, in S415, the communication device analyzes the U-SIG included in the preamble of the radio frame, and determines whether the version indicates "0". Specifically, the communication device determines whether "0" is set to the value set in the field indicating the type of the standard included in the U-SIG (the PHY version identifier field described below). If "0" is set, the process proceeds to S416. If "0" is not set, the process proceeds to S417. "0" means PHY of EHT (GEN7), and the determination process of S415 can be a determination of whether the version of the radio frame (the version of the preamble) is EHT (GEN7).

[0066] In S416, the communication device determines that the subsequent preamble and data comply with EHT (GEN7), and analyzes the subsequent preamble and data. The data (MSDU) obtained as a result of the analysis of the frame is notified to an upper layer such as a data link layer or a network layer, and is appropriately processed by the upper layer. When various processes based on the received wireless frame are completed, the communication device proceeds to S420.

[0067] On the other hand, in S417, the communication device determines whether the version obtained by the analysis of S415 indicates "1". Specifically, the communication device determines whether "1" is set to the value set in the field indicating the type of standard included in the U-SIG (the PHY version identifier field described below). If "1" is set, the process proceeds to S418. If "1" is not set, the process proceeds to S419. In the present embodiment, "1" means PHY of HR (GEN8), and the determination process of S418 can be a determination of whether the version of the radio frame (the version of the preamble) conforms to the HR (GEN8) standard.

[0068] In S418, the communication device determines that the subsequent preamble and data conform to HR (GEN8), and analyzes the subsequent preamble and data. The data obtained as a result of the analysis of the frame (including the MSDU of the MAC frame) is notified to the upper layer such as the data link layer or the network layer, and is appropriately processed by the upper layer. When various processes based on the received wireless frame are completed, the communication device proceeds to S420.

[0069] On the other hand, in S419, the communication device stops interpreting the received radio frame and discards the radio frame. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the communication device from unnecessarily continuing to read radio frames for unsupported standards and to prevent waste of power consumption of the communication device.

[0070] In the accompanying drawings, due to space limitations, the case where the communication device complies with the successor standard of IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8) (e.g., GEN9 in the next generation) is omitted. When the communication device complies with GEN9, even when a PPDU supporting the successor standard is received and version information corresponding to the successor standard (e.g., "2") is stored, the communication device can be configured to perform analysis processing and data interpretation processing. That is, it is desirable to configure the communication device to perform a process of terminating the reading of the wireless frame when a PPDU of a newer version than the version supported by the communication device is received. When the reading is terminated, the communication device causes the process to proceed to S420.

[0071] As a result of this processing, the communication device can terminate the reading (decoding processing) of a wireless frame generated according to a standard that the communication device does not support at an early stage, and can suppress power consumption associated with the reading of the wireless frame.

[0072] In S420, the communication device determines whether to disable the wireless function. If it is determined that the wireless function is to be disabled, the communication device terminates the transmission and reception control of a series of wireless frames. If it is not determined that the wireless function is to be disabled, the process proceeds to S401, and the communication device performs frame transmission and frame reception processing. Specifically, when a user operation of turning off the power of the communication device is received via the UI control unit 304, the communication device determines to disable the wireless function. The user operation of turning off the power can be a user operation of a hardware switch, or a user operation of a shutdown display item displayed on a shutdown screen (not shown) displayed on the output unit.

[0073] Then, Figure 4 An example of a frame sent and received in a process of . For example, the AP generates and sends a radio frame including a beacon frame, which includes information indicating the standard that the AP complies with. Then, the STA generates and sends a radio frame including a probe request frame based on the beacon frame. Then, the AP determines whether the probe request frame is a legacy frame based on the preamble of the radio frame, and if the probe request frame is not a legacy frame, determines whether the probe request frame is generated according to a standard supported by the AP. If the probe request frame is a legacy frame or a frame generated according to a standard supported by the AP, the AP performs analysis at the MAC layer as an upper layer. Through the analysis at the MAC layer, the AP can recognize that the frame is a probe request frame and send a probe response frame. On the other hand, if it is determined based on the determination of the preamble that the frame is a radio frame that complies with a subsequent standard that the AP does not support, the AP discards the frame. Since the AP discards the frame without performing analysis at the MAC layer, the AP cannot recognize that the frame is a probe request frame. Therefore, the AP does not send a probe response frame.

[0074] Subsequently, a description will be given with reference to an example configuration of a radio frame compliant with IEEE 802.11 EHT (GEN7) and HR (GEN8). Figure 5A An example of an EHT MU (multi-user) PPDU for multi-user communication is illustrated, and Figure 5B An example of a HR (GEN8) MU (Multi-User) PPDU for multi-user communication is illustrated.

[0075] (Description of EHT PPDU)

[0076] Figure 5A The EHT PPDU shown in FIG. 1 includes fields - namely, STF (Short Training Field), LTF (Long Training Field) and SIG (Signal Field). Figure 5AAs shown in , the header portion of the PPDU includes L (legacy) -STF 601, L-LTF 602, and L-SIG 603 to ensure backward compatibility with the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ax standards. The L-LTF is immediately after the L-STF, and the L-SIG is immediately after the L-LTF. The L-SIG is followed by the RL-SIG (repeated L-SIG, RL-SIG). In the RL-SIG field, the content of the L-SIG is repeatedly sent. The RL-SIG allows the receiver to identify that the PPDU complies with the IEEE 802.11ax standard and subsequent standards.

[0077] L-STF is used for detecting PHY frame signals, automatic gain control (AGC), timing detection, etc. L-LTF is used for high-precision synchronization of frequency and time, acquisition of propagation channel information (CSI: Channel State Information), etc. L-SIG is used to send control information including information about data transmission rate and PHY frame length. Legacy devices that comply with the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ax standards or devices that comply with the EHT (GEN7) standard and subsequent standards can decode the above various legacy fields.

[0078] The PPDU also includes a U-SIG 605 (Universal Signal Field) immediately following the RL-SIG. The U-SIG is a field for transmitting control information for each standard, which is arranged to be used in common in IEEE 802.11EHT (GEN7) and subsequent standards. The U-SIG is followed by the EHT-SIG. The EHT-SIG includes control information not included in the U-SIG and control information to be notified to each user in multi-user transmission. The EHT-SIG 606 is modulated using the MCS specified in the EHT-SIG MCS field in the U-SIG.

[0079] EHT-SIG 606 is followed by EHT-STF 606 (which is STF for EHT) and EHT-LTF 607 (which is LTF for EHT). EHT-LTF is information for MIMO estimation, beamforming estimation, etc. Multiple EHT-LTFs may be placed based on the number of MIMO antennas and the necessity of beamforming. Up to eight EHT-LTFs may be placed.

[0080] In reference Figure 5A In the depicted EHT MU PPDU, these control fields are followed by a data field 609 and a packet extension field 610. The fields of the PPDU from L-STF to EHT-LTF are referred to as the PHY preamble.

[0081] Subsequently, reference will be made to Tables 1 and 2 to describe Figure 5AThe U-SIG 605 included in the EHT MU PPDU is described.

[0082] U-SIG consists of two symbols (U-SIG1 and U-SIG2), and each symbol stores 25 bits of information. Table 1 shows the format of U-SIG1, and Table 2 shows the format of U-SIG2.

[0083] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the preambles of the PPDU of EHT (GEN7), the PPDU of HR (GEN8) as its successor standard, and the PPDU of GEN9 as its successor standard include commonly used U-SIG1 and U-SIG2. It is also assumed that the first 3 bits of U-SIG1 of each frame (PPDU) jointly include a subfield storing information for distinguishing the version of the radio frame (also called PHY clause). On the other hand, it is assumed that B4 to B25 of U-SIG1 and B0 to B15 of U-SIG2 include subfields storing control information customized for each standard.

[0084] [Table 1]

[0085] Table 1 U-SIG1 field of EHT MU PPDU (GEN7 MU PPDU)

[0086]

[0087] [Table 2]

[0088] Table 2 U-SIG2 field of EHT MU PPDU (GEN7 MU PPDU)

[0089]

[0090]

[0091]

[0092] When based on reference Figure 4When the described process generates and transmits a wireless frame that complies with the IEEE 802.11EHT (GEN7) standard, the communication device stores 0 in the "PHY version identifier" subfield in Table 1. Specifically, the communication device stores 0 in the "PHY version identifier" subfield of the region (B0-B2) from the header (bit 0) to bit 2 of the U-SIG. The communication device also stores a value corresponding to a specific bandwidth less than or equal to 320Mhz, that is, any value between 1 and 5, in the "Bandwidth" subfield of the 3-bit region (B3-B5) from bit 3 to bit 5 in Table 1. The value to be stored is determined based on the transmission bandwidth determined in S404. The communication device also stores the MCS for EHT used for modulating the EHT-SIG and determined based on communication conditions, etc. in the "EHT-SIGMCS" subfield of U-SIG2. MCS is an abbreviation for modulation coding scheme. Another communication device that receives the EHT PPDU generated and transmitted by the communication device identifies the codec / modulation scheme of the EHT-SIG based on the MCS of the EHT set in the 'EHT-SIG MCS' subfield. Subsequently, the other communication device determines that the EHT-SIG has been modulated using the identified codec / modulation scheme and attempts to demodulate the EHT-SIG.

[0093] In addition, the communication device determines values ​​to be stored in other subfields based on communication conditions, etc., and appropriately stores the values ​​in other subfields of U-SIG1 / 2. U-SIG1 and U-SIG2 of the EHT standard are assumed to be modulated by a BPSK constellation.

[0094] In this embodiment, MU PPDU is used as an example of EHT PPDU to be transmitted and received by the communication device. However, the EHT PPDU to be transmitted and received by the communication device is not limited thereto. For example, an EHT-TB (trigger-based) PPDU transmitted from a STA in response to a trigger frame transmitted from an AP is also exchanged between communication devices.

[0095] The difference between the EHT TB PPDU and the EHT MU PPDU is that the EHT-SIG is not included and the information stored in B3-15 of U-SIG2 is handled differently. In contrast, the information to be stored in B0-B19 of U-SIG1 is similar to that of the EHT MU PPDU.

[0096] Therefore, desirably, the STA that is to transmit the EHT TB PPDU transmits a PPDU that stores '0' as information indicating a version in B0-2 of U-SIG1 and stores information corresponding to a transmission bandwidth in B3-5 even when transmitting the EHT TB PPDU.

[0097] (Description of HR(GEN8)PPDU)

[0098] Next, we will refer to Figure 5B The following describes the configuration of the PPDU of IEEE 802.11 HR (GEN 8), which is the successor standard of IEEE 802.11 EHT (GEN 7). Figure 5A The configuration of the EHT PPDU described is similar to the configuration description.

[0099] The HR (GEN8) PPDU includes L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, and RL-SIG similar to the EHT PPDU. The HR (GEN8) PPDU also includes U-SIG 615 (Universal Signal Field) immediately following the RL-SIG. The U-SIG 615 is followed by HR-SIG 616. The HR-SIG 616 includes control information not included in the U-SIG and control information to be notified to each user in multi-user transmission according to the HR (GEN8) standard. The HR-SIG 616 is modulated with the MCS specified in the HR-SIG MCS field in the U-SIG.

[0100] HR-SIG 616 is followed by HR-STF 617 (which is STF for HR (GEN8)) and HR-LTF 618 (which is LTF for HR (GEN8)). HR-LTF 617 is information for MIMO estimation, beamforming estimation, etc. A plurality of HR-LTFs may be placed based on the number of MIMO antennas and the necessity of beamforming.

[0101] In a HR (GEN8) MU PPDU, these control fields are followed by a data field 619 and a packet extension field 620. The fields of the PPDU from L-STF to HR-LTF are called the PHY preamble.

[0102] Subsequently, reference will be made to Tables 3 and 4 to describe Figure 5B The U-SIG 615 included in the HR (GEN8) MU PPDU is described.

[0103] [Table 3]

[0104] Table 3 U-SIG1 field of HR MU PPDU (GEN8 MU PPDU)

[0105]

[0106]

[0107] [Table 4]

[0108] Table 4 U-SIG2 field of HR MU PPDU (GEN8 MU PPDU)

[0109]

[0110]

[0111] In the following, the parts different from EHT (GEN7) are underlined. These differences are examples and are not limited thereto.

[0112] The "PHY Version Identifier" subfield common to the EHT MU PPDU is located in a 3-bit area from the beginning (bit 0) to bit 2 of U-SIG1 of the HR (GEN8) MU PPDU.

[0113] When based on reference Figure 4 When the described process generates and transmits a radio frame conforming to the IEEE 802.11HR (GEN8) standard, the communication device stores 1 in the "PHY version identifier" subfield in Table 3. The communication device also stores a value corresponding to a specific bandwidth less than or equal to 640 MHz in the "Bandwidth" subfield in Table 3, that is, any value between 1 and 7. The difference from the EHT (GEN7) standard is that "6" is associated with a width of 480 MHz and "7" is associated with a width of 640 MHz.

[0114] The value to be stored is determined based on the transmission bandwidth determined in S404. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately notify the exchange of a wireless frame having a width of 480 MHz or a width of 640 MHz with a communication partner using the preamble.

[0115] In U-SIG2 compliant with the HR (GEN8) standard, the B9-10 and B11-15 fields are replaced with different fields for HR (GEN8).

[0116] The communication device stores the MCS for HR (GEN8) used to modulate the HR-SIG and determined based on the communication conditions, etc. in the 'HR-SIG MCS' subfield of U-SIG2. Another communication device that receives the EHT PPDU generated by the communication device identifies the codec / modulation scheme of the HR-SIG based on the MCS for HR (GEN8) set in the 'HR-SIG MCS' subfield. Subsequently, the other communication device determines that the HR-SIG has been modulated using the identified codec / modulation scheme and attempts to demodulate the HR-SIG.

[0117] The B11-B15 area is replaced with a subfield indicating the number of symbols of the HR-SIG. The communication device sets a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of symbols of the HR-LTF 618 included in the HR (GEN8) MU PPDU in this area.

[0118] In addition, the communication device determines the values ​​to be stored in other subfields based on communication conditions, etc., and appropriately stores these values ​​in other subfields of U-SIG1 / 2 for HR (GEN8). In addition, the communication device can modulate U-SIG1 for HR (GEN8) by BPSK and modulate U-SIG2 by QBPSK.

[0119] In this embodiment, HR (GEN8) MU PPDU is used as an example of HR (GEN8) PPDU to be transmitted and received by the communication device. However, the HR (GEN8) PPDU to be transmitted and received by the communication device is not limited thereto. For example, HR (GEN8) TB (based on trigger) PPDU transmitted from the STA in response to a trigger frame transmitted from the AP is also exchanged between the communication devices.

[0120] The STA that is to transmit the HR(GEN8)TB PPDU stores "1" as information indicating the version in B0-2 of U-SIG1 of HR(GEN8) even when transmitting the HR(GEN8)TB PPDU. In addition, it is expected to transmit a PPDU in which information corresponding to the transmission bandwidth is stored in B3-5 of U-SIG1 of HR(GEN8).

[0121] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the bandwidth subfield indicating the transmission bandwidth is located in B3-5 of the HR (GEN8) MU PPDU or the HR (GEN8) TB PPDU, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The bandwidth subfield may be located at another position. Specifically, the 3-bit bandwidth subfield may be located anywhere from B4 to B25 of U-SIG1 or B0 to B15 of U-SIG2. Considering the definition of a frequency band with a larger size or the definition of a frequency bandwidth that partially overlaps an adjacent frequency bandwidth, the bandwidth subfield may be extended to 4 bits or more.

[0122] (Variation Example)

[0123] In this embodiment, "1" is used as an example of information indicating the version of the radio frame of HR (GEN8). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig. 6A and Figure 6BThis is described. A Wave2 standard, an extended standard, etc., which is an improvement of EHT (GEN7), may be established between the HR (GEN8) standard and the EHT (GEN7) standard. In this case, the radio frame may be extended in the standardization of EHT Wave2. Considering the possibility that the radio frame will be extended in the standardization of EHT Wave2, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A As shown in , "1" is associated with a radio frame that complies with the EHT Wave2 standard. In addition, "2" is associated with a radio frame that complies with the HR (GEN8) standard. Such a variation may be made. In this case, the communication device sets "2" in the "PHY version identifier" subfield in the process of S406. In addition, if 2 is set in the "PHY version identifier" subfield in the process of S417, the communication device proceeds to S418.

[0124] As described above, it is desirable that when transmitting a radio frame of the HR (GEN8) standard, which is a successor standard intended to achieve a maximum transmission rate of 90 Gbps to 100 Gbps or more, the communication device is configured to transmit a specific value corresponding to the HR (GEN8) standard. In this case, a specific value greater than or equal to "1" and less than or equal to "7" is associated with the HR (GEN8) standard.

[0125] In addition, the version of the radio frame can be identified by a combination of control such as whether the modulation scheme for U-SIG2 uses a BPSK constellation or a QBPSK constellation. In this case, for example, Figure 6B As shown in , when U-SIG2 is modulated by BPSK, the Wave1 standard can be identified, and when U-SIG2 is modulated by QBPSK, the Wave2 standard can be identified.

[0126] Note that the description of the standard name (such as IEEE 802.11HR) and the string portion corresponding to the standard name in the field name including the same string as the standard name (such as HR-SIG, HR-STF, HR-LTF, and HR-SIGMCS) are not limited thereto. For example, HRL (high reliability) can be used. HRW (high reliability wireless) can be used. VHT (very high reliability) can be used. EHR (extremely high reliability) can be used. UHR (ultra high reliability) can be used. LL (low latency) can be used.

[0127] VLL (very low latency) can be used. ELL (extreme low latency) can be used. ULL (ultra low latency) can be used. HRLL (high reliability and low latency) can be used. URLL (ultra reliable and low latency) can be used. URLLC (ultra reliable and low latency communications) can be used.

[0128] For example, in the case of UHR, field names are also represented as field names consisting of character strings corresponding to standard names, such as UHR-SIG, UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, and UHR-SIG MCS, which simulate the standard. Other different names may also be used.

[0129] (Other embodiments)

[0130] The present invention can also be implemented by the following process, wherein a program for implementing one or more functions in the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be implemented by a circuit system (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0131] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the public aware of the scope of the present invention, the following claims are made.

[0132] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2022-107398, filed on July 1, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting a radio frame including a preamble for a physical layer PHY and conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, wherein the preamble includes at least a legacy signal field L-SIG and a universal signal field U-SIG transmitted after the L-SIG in the radio frame, The U-SIG includes a PHY version identifier field associated with a PHY version to which the radio frame conforms, and a bandwidth field, The transmitting means enables transmission of a radio frame specifying 0 in the PHY version identifier field and a radio frame specifying a specific value greater than 0 in the PHY version identifier field, and When transmitting a radio frame storing the specific value in the PHY version identifier field and storing a value greater than 6 in the bandwidth field, the transmitting section transmits the radio frame using a bandwidth greater than 320 MHz.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: When transmitting a radio frame storing 0 in the PHY version identifier field, the transmitting section transmits the radio frame using a bandwidth less than or equal to 320 MHz.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the value stored in the PHY version identifier field is 0, the bandwidth field of the U-SIG includes 3 bits, and when the value stored in the PHY version identifier field is the specific value, the bandwidth field of the U-SIG includes 4 bits or more. 4 . The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the radio frame storing 0 in the PHY version identifier field is a radio frame compliant with the IEEE 802.11be standard.

5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the PHY version identifier field is located in bit 0 to bit 2 of the U-SIG, bit 0 is a header of the U-SIG, and the bandwidth field is located in bit 3 to a specific bit of the U-SIG.

6. A communication method performed by a communication device, comprising: The sending step includes sending a wireless frame including a preamble for a physical layer PHY and conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, wherein The preamble includes at least a legacy signal field L-SIG and a universal signal field U-SIG transmitted after the L-SIG in a radio frame, The U-SIG includes a PHY version identifier field associated with a PHY version to which the radio frame conforms, and a bandwidth field, The transmitting step enables transmitting a radio frame specifying 0 in the PHY version identifier field and a radio frame specifying 1 in the PHY version identifier field, and When transmitting a radio frame storing 1 in the PHY version identifier field and storing a value greater than 6 in the bandwidth field, the transmitting step transmits the radio frame using a bandwidth greater than 320 MHz.

7. A program for causing a computer to function as the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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