Communication apparatus and communication method

Abstract

A first communication device includes: a control circuit that controls communication in a first link, which is a link between a second communication device and a third communication device connected to the first communication device; and a communication circuit that transmits information indicating communication in the first link to a third communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a communication method. Background Art

[0002] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is studying the IEEE 802.11be (hereinafter referred to as "11be") standard for the next generation wireless local area network (LAN), which is a successor standard to the IEEE 802.11ax (hereinafter referred to as "11ax") standard. In addition, discussions on the successor standard of 11be are also being promoted (for example, non-patent documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In 11be and its subsequent standards, in addition to studying the communication between access points (also called "base stations", hereinafter referred to as "AP (Access Point)") and terminals (also called "non-AP STA (Station)", hereinafter referred to as "STA"), communication between multiple terminals is also studied.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Non-patent literature

[0006] Non-patent document 1: IEEE 802.11-22 / 0046r1, Next 802.11 generation after 11be, January 11, 2022

[0007] Non-patent document 2: IEEE 802.11-22 / 0059r0, Beyond'be', January 17, 2022

[0008] Non-patent document 3: Draft P802.11be / D2.0, May 2022

[0009] Non-patent document 4: IEEE 802.11-22 / 0039r3, January 10, 2022

[0010] Non-patent document 5: Draft P802.11ax / D8.0, October 2020 Summary of the invention

[0011] However, there is still room for research to improve the performance of communication between terminals.

[0012] The non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication device and a communication method capable of improving the performance of communication between terminals.

[0013] A communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first communication device, which includes: a control circuit that controls communication in a first link, where the first link is a link between a second communication device and a third communication device connected to the first communication device; and a communication circuit that sends information indicating communication in the first link to the third communication device.

[0014] It should be noted that these general or specific aspects may be implemented by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program or a recording medium, or may be implemented by any combination of systems, apparatuses, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the performance of communication between terminals can be improved.

[0016] More advantages and effects of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained through the description and drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments, and the features described in the description and drawings, but not necessarily all of them need to be provided in order to obtain one or more of the same features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a trigger frame.

[0018] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 Figure 4 shows the Type and Subtype fields contained in the Frame Control of a frame.

[0019] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 A diagram showing an example structure of a common information field (Common Info field) shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 4 It means by Figure 3 Figure 2 shows a diagram of the trigger category specified by the Trigger Type subfield within the General Information field.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the fields of the TXOP (Transmission Opportunity) sharing mode (Sharing Mode) studied in 11be.

[0022] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example structure of a user information field (UserInfo field) included in a user information list (User Info List) shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of TXOP sharing mode 2.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a structural example of a user information field in the MU-RTS TXS TF studied in 11be.

[0025] Fig.9A This is a block diagram showing a structural example of a part of an AP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 9B This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a part of a STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing a structural example of STA according to one embodiment.

[0028] Fig.11 This is a block diagram showing a structural example of an AP according to one embodiment.

[0029] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing a configuration example 1 of a communication device in one embodiment.

[0030] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of P2P communication control.

[0031] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing a first operation example of communication control in one embodiment.

[0032] Fig.15 This is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration example of STA according to one embodiment.

[0033] Fig.16 This is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration example of STA according to one embodiment.

[0034] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing a configuration example 2 of a communication device in one embodiment.

[0035] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing an operation example of SR (Spatial Reuse) in one embodiment.

[0036] Fig.19 This is a diagram showing a configuration example 3 of a communication device in one embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 20 It means in Fig.19 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first operation example of implementing SR in the configuration shown.

[0038] Fig.21 It means in Fig.19 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second operation example of implementing SR in the configuration shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Research on 11be, which is equivalent to the successor standard of 11ax, and the successor standard of 11be is being promoted. 11ax is also called "High Efficiency (HE)" and 11be is also called "Extreme High Throughput (EHT)". In addition, discussions on the successor standard of 11be (hereinafter referred to as "enhanced 11be (beyond 11be)") are also being promoted (for example, non-patent documents 1 and 2).

[0041] In 11be and enhanced 11be, the AP controls the communication between multiple STAs in addition to the communication between the AP and the STA. The communication between multiple STAs can also be called "direct link (DiL)" or "peer to peer (hereinafter referred to as "P2P") communication".

[0042] In 11be, for example, it is studied that the AP uses a trigger frame that specifies multi-user request to send (MU-RTS: Multi-UserRequest-To-Send) as the category of the trigger frame to indicate TXOP sharing (TXS) to one STA (for example, refer to non-patent document 3). In addition, the category of the trigger frame is called "Trigger Type", for example. In addition, the trigger frame that specifies MU-RTS as the category of the trigger frame is called "MU-RTS TXS TF". In addition, TXOP is an abbreviation for transmission opportunity (Transmission Opportunity). For example, TXOP can also be understood as the occupancy time of a channel. That is, in MU-RTS TXS TF, a shared transmission opportunity (for example, the occupancy time of the channel) is indicated to one STA. In other words, the AP uses MU-RTS TXS TF to allocate at least a portion of the TXOP obtained by the AP to the STA.

[0043] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a trigger frame. Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the trigger frame includes a "Frame Control field", a "General Information field" and a "User Info List field". In addition, in the following description, the expression "field" is sometimes omitted. In addition, in the following description, the expression "field" and the expression "subfield" can also be replaced with each other.

[0044] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 Figure 1.1 shows the type and subtype fields contained in the frame control of Figure 2 As shown, the type field contained in the frame control is "01" and the subtype field is "0010", which indicates that it is a trigger frame (see non-patent document 5).

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the trigger frame includes a field containing information common to multiple terminals and a field called "user information list" for multiple terminals performing frequency multiplexing. In addition, the field containing information common to multiple terminals can be called "Common Info field".

[0046] The user information list includes one or more fields containing terminal-specific (or inherent) information. It should be noted that the field containing terminal-specific (or inherent) information can be called a "user information field (User Infofield)".

[0047] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 The General Information field includes a "Trigger Type subfield" and a "GI And HE / EHT-LTF Type / Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode subfield".

[0048] Figure 4 It means by Figure 3 The diagram shows the trigger category specified by the Trigger Type subfield within the General Information field. Figure 4 In the trigger type subfield, it indicates the value set (or specified) in the trigger type subfield ( Figure 4 The Trigger Type subfield value), and the trigger category ( Figure 4 The correspondence between the "Trigger frame variant"

[0049] Figure 5is a diagram showing the fields of the TXOP sharing mode studied in 11be. The fields of the TXOP sharing mode studied in 11be are, for example, Figure 3 The contained "GI and HE / EHT-LTF Type / Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode Subfield".

[0050] exist Figure 5 In the TXOP Sharing Mode subfield, it indicates the value set in the TXOP Sharing Mode subfield ( Figure 5 TXOP Sharing Mode subfield value), and the content indicated by the value ( Figure 5 The corresponding relationship between the "Description" of Figure 5 As shown, when the TXOP sharing mode subfield value = 1, the STA can only communicate with the AP connected to the STA, and when the TXOP sharing mode subfield value = 2, the STA can communicate with the AP connected to the STA (associated AP) and another terminal. The mode with the TXOP sharing mode subfield value = 1 can also be called "TXOP sharing mode 1", and the mode with the TXOP sharing mode subfield value = 2 can also be called "TXOP sharing mode 2".

[0051] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a user information field included in a user information list shown in FIG.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of TXOP sharing mode 2. Figure 7 The horizontal direction represents the time direction. Figure 7 The action example shown is the following action example, that is, in the trigger frame, the trigger type subfield in the general information field is as follows Figure 4 As shown, the trigger type subfield value is set to 3, and the fields of the TxOP sharing mode are as follows Figure 5 As shown in the operation example when the TxOP Share Mode subfield value is set to 2 (see Non-Patent Document 3), the trigger frame set to the Trigger Type subfield value = 3 is a trigger frame that specifies "MU-RTS" as the trigger type, that is, "MU-RTS TXS TF".

[0053] Figure 8This is a diagram showing a structural example of a user information field in a MU-RTS TXS TF studied in 11be (for example, refer to non-patent document 4). The user information field includes an AID12 subfield. The AID12 subfield includes an Association ID (also referred to as "AID"). The AID can be identification information of a specified terminal.

[0054] exist Figure 7 In , "TXOP" and a period of "time allocated in MU-RTS TXS TF" are indicated. "Time allocated in MU-RTS TXS TF" is an allocated period corresponding to a part of TXOP.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, in the "time allocated in the MU-RTS TXS TF", the terminal specified by the association ID indicated by the AID12 subfield in the user information field (in Figure 7 In the example, non-AP STA 1) sends a signal to the connected AP ( Figure 7 AP in ), or other terminals (in Figure 7 In the example, non-AP STA 2) sends a wireless frame.

[0056] As described above, by specifying TXOP sharing mode 2 in the MU-RTS TXS TF (for example, by setting the TxOP sharing mode subfield value = 2), the STA specified by the AID can perform P2P (peer-to-peer) communication. The P2P communication here is equivalent to the communication between the STA specified by the AID and other STAs. It should be noted that the link for P2P communication is recorded as a "P2P link".

[0057] However, there is still room for research on improving the performance of P2P communication between STAs. For example, in the case of a link that includes P2P communication ("P2P link"), the AP may not be able to perform appropriate scheduling. In the case of failure to perform appropriate scheduling, resource utilization efficiency is reduced, resulting in a decrease in throughput. In addition, for example, methods for the AP to instruct multiple STAs to communicate P2P through scheduling have not been fully studied.

[0058] In the non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an example of a method of controlling an AP when a plurality of terminals perform P2P communication will be described.

[0059] [Structure of wireless communication system]

[0060] The wireless communication system of this embodiment may include, for example, AP100 and STA200. AP100 may have the functions of both a sharing AP and a shared AP, or may have the functions of one of them. In addition, AP100 may also be a structure capable of performing the actions of STA200. In addition, STA200 may also be a structure capable of performing the actions of AP100.

[0061] Fig.9A 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a part of the AP 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9B This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a part of the STA 200 .

[0062] Fig.9A The AP 100 shown is an example of a first communication device. Fig.9A In the AP100 shown, the control unit 110 (equivalent to an example of a control circuit) controls the communication in the first link (e.g., a P2P link between two STA200) between the second communication device (e.g., STA200) and the third communication device (e.g., a STA200 different from the STA200 corresponding to the second communication device) connected to the first communication device (e.g., AP100). The wireless transceiver unit 101 (equivalent to an example of a transmission circuit) transmits information indicating the communication in the first link to the third communication device.

[0063] Fig. 9B The STA 200 shown is an example of a communication device (eg, a third communication device). Fig. 9B In the terminal 200 shown, the wireless transceiver 201 receives information indicating communication in a first link (eg, a P2P link between two STAs 200) from a first communication device (eg, AP 100). The control unit 210 performs communication in the first link based on the received information.

[0064] (One embodiment)

[0065] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an example is described in which at least three STAs are configured and a plurality of communications including P2P communication are controlled.

[0066] [Structure of STA]

[0067] Fig.10STA200 is a diagram showing a configuration example of STA200 according to one embodiment. STA200 includes a wireless transceiver unit 201, a transmission packet generation unit 202, a reception packet decoding unit 203, a reception quality measurement unit 204, and a control signal generation unit 205. The transmission packet generation unit 202, the reception packet decoding unit 203, the reception quality measurement unit 204, and the control signal generation unit 205 may also be included in the control unit 210.

[0068] The transmission packet generation unit 202 generates a transmission packet based on the input data and the control information output from the control signal generation unit 205 , and outputs the transmission packet to the wireless transmission / reception unit 201 .

[0069] The wireless transceiver 201 converts the transmission packet generated by the transmission packet generator 202 into a wireless signal and transmits the converted wireless signal. The wireless transceiver 201 receives the wireless signal and outputs the received wireless signal to the reception packet decoder 203 and the reception quality measurement unit 204.

[0070] The reception packet decoding unit 203 decodes the wireless signal into packets, and outputs output data based on the decoded packets. In addition, the reception packet decoding unit 203 extracts control information from the decoded packets, and outputs the control information to the control signal generation unit 205 and the reception quality measurement unit 204.

[0071] The reception quality measurement unit 204 measures the reception quality of the reception signal based on the reception signal output from the wireless transmission / reception unit 201 and the control information output from the reception packet decoding unit 203 .

[0072] The control signal generating section 205 generates control information based on at least a part of the input data, the control information output from the received packet decoding section 203, the received quality measured by the received quality measuring section 204, and the internal state, and outputs the generated control information to the transmission packet generating section 202. In addition, the internal state may be, for example, the capability (e.g., Capability) of the STA 200 and / or the setting (e.g., STA configuration, MIB (Management Information Base) variable (also referred to as "MIB attribute") value) of the STA 200.

[0073] [AP Structure]

[0074] Fig.111 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an AP 100 according to an embodiment. The AP 100 includes a wireless transceiver unit 101, a transmission packet generator unit 102, a reception packet decoder unit 103, a reception quality measurement unit 104, a control signal generator unit 105, and a scheduling unit 106. The transmission packet generator unit 102, the reception packet decoder unit 103, the reception quality measurement unit 104, the control signal generator unit 105, and the scheduling unit 106 may also be included in the control unit 110.

[0075] The transmission packet generation unit 102 generates a transmission packet based on the input data and the control information output from the control signal generation unit 105 , and outputs the transmission packet to the wireless transmission / reception unit 101 .

[0076] The wireless transceiver 101 converts the transmission packet generated by the transmission packet generator 102 into a wireless signal and transmits the converted wireless signal. The wireless transceiver 101 receives a wireless signal and outputs the received wireless signal to the reception packet decoder 103 and the reception quality measurement unit 104.

[0077] The reception packet decoding unit 103 decodes the wireless signal into packets and outputs output data based on the decoded packets. In addition, the reception packet decoding unit 103 extracts control information from the decoded packets and outputs the control information to the control signal generation unit 105, the reception quality measurement unit 104 and the scheduling unit 106.

[0078] The reception quality measurement unit 104 measures the reception quality of the reception signal based on the reception signal output from the wireless transmission / reception unit 101 and the control information output from the reception packet decoding unit 103 .

[0079] The control signal generating unit 105 generates control information based on at least a part of the input data, the control information output from the received packet decoding unit 103 and the scheduling unit 106, the reception quality measured by the reception quality measuring unit 104, and the internal state, and outputs the generated control information to the transmission packet generating unit 102. In addition, the internal state may be, for example, the capability (e.g., Capability) of the AP 100 and / or the setting (e.g., STA setting, value of MIB variable) of the STA 200.

[0080] The scheduling unit 106 performs scheduling based on at least a part of the input data, the control information output from the reception packet decoding unit 103, the reception quality measured by the reception quality measurement unit 104, and the internal state. The scheduling unit 106 performs transmission control of the input data generated in the transmission packet generation unit 102 based on the scheduling result. In addition, the scheduling unit 106 outputs the control information including the scheduling result to the control signal generation unit 105. Here, the scheduling may include, for example, the determination of resources related to signal transmission to the STA 200, and / or the determination of resources used by the STA 200 for signal transmission, the determination of the communication method used in the communication with the STA 200, and the like.

[0081] <Example 1>

[0082] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example 1 of a communication device in this embodiment. Fig.12 , one AP and four STAs, STA1 to STA4, are shown.

[0083] In Example 1, the following example is described, that is, Fig.12 As shown in the figure, STA1 and STA4 are associated with AP, STA1 and STA3 perform P2P communication, and STA1 and STA2 perform P2P communication. In addition, the P2P link between STA1 and STA3 is recorded as "P2P link 1", and the P2P link between STA1 and STA2 is recorded as "P2P link 2". In addition, the association of STA with AP can be equivalent to the connection of STA with AP, the state that STA is in communication with AP, and the STA belongs to AP.

[0084] In such Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the method of specifying a STA by the AID in the AID12 subfield in the user information field, Fig.12 In the case where STA1 is included in P2P link 1 and P2P link 2, even if STA1 is specified by AID, STA1 cannot identify P2P link 1 or P2P link 2.

[0085] Fig.13 is a diagram showing an example of P2P communication control. Fig.12 Between AP and STA1, such as Fig.13 As shown, after the association ( Fig.13 a) and P2P link registration ( Fig.13 After b), P2P communication ( Fig.13 c).

[0086] exist Fig.13In the association shown, for example, an association request (Association Request) and an association response (Association Response) specified in the IEEE 802.11 standard may be performed between the AP and the STA. In addition, in the association response, the AP may notify the STA of the allocated AID.

[0087] In addition, STA can also connect P2P links with other STAs (also called "setting up P2P links"). The connection process of the P2P link can be initiated by a STA that is associated with the AP or by a STA that is not associated with the AP. A STA that is associated with the AP can also be called an "associated STA". When the connection process of the P2P link is initiated by an associated STA, the associated STA becomes the initiator. A STA that is not associated with the AP can also be called an "unassociated STA". When the connection process of the P2P link is initiated by an unassociated STA, the unassociated STA becomes the initiator. A STA that joins the connection process but is not an initiator can also be called a "responder".

[0088] exist Fig.13In the P2P link registration shown (which may also be referred to as "register", "registration", "notification", "notify", "notification", etc.), the STA registers the P2P link to the AP. The registration method is not particularly limited. For example, the registration method may also be that the STA sends a P2P registration request (Register Request) to the AP, and the AP sends a P2P registration response (Register Response) to the STA as a response to the P2P registration request. In this case, the P2P registration request may also include information for identifying the registered link. The information for identifying the link may also be set as information for identifying the STA as a P2P communication object. The information for identifying the STA as a P2P communication object may be, for example, the AID of the STA as a P2P communication object, or a combination of the AID and BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​of the STA as a P2P communication object, or a MAC (media access control) address of the STA as a P2P communication object. In the P2P registration request, information indicating the type of information (address type) used to identify the STA as a P2P communication object may also be included. The P2P registration request may include information indicating whether the STA that is the P2P communication target is an STA that is already associated with the AP and / or information indicating whether the STA is an STA that is already associated with the AP.

[0089] The AP may also use the P2P registration response to notify the STA of identification information (e.g., an identifier) ​​used to determine the P2P link. Hereinafter, the identifier used to determine the P2P link is referred to as a "P2P ID". The value of the P2P ID may be selected by the AP in the AID space in an exclusive manner with the value of the AID. For example, the AP selects a value that is not used as an AID as a value for the P2P ID from the range of 1 to 2007 of values ​​that can be used as an AID, and the AP does not use the value for the P2P ID (which may also be referred to as an "AID value for the P2P ID") as an AID assigned to a dedicated STA. That is, the AP may allocate identification information for identifying a P2P link and identification information for identifying a dedicated STA from a range that is common to each other (e.g., a range of values ​​that can be used as an AID).

[0090] In this way, the value of the P2P ID is selected in exclusive relation with the value of the AID assigned to the dedicated STA, so that the AP can control the P2P link using the P2P ID. For example, in the method of notifying the value of the AID assigned to the P2PID, the field indicating the dedicated STA can also be used to indicate the P2P link. The field indicating the dedicated STA can be, for example, the AID12 subfield of the trigger frame of the MU-RTS TXS or the like.

[0091] exist Fig.13 The P2P communication shown ( Fig.13 In c), transmission and reception are performed between STAs included in the P2P link and between STAs included in the P2P link and the AP. In this case, the AP can also control the P2P communication. For example, the AP can also control the transmission and reception using the P2P ID.

[0092] In this way, by using the P2P ID, the AP can determine the P2P link and control the P2P communication.

[0093] The following is an example of an operation in which Fig.12 The configuration example shown and Fig.14 In the example of the action sequence shown, an action example of performing spatial reuse (hereinafter referred to as "SR") in the communication in P2P link 1 and the communication between AP and STA4 is performed under the control of AP. The communication in P2P link 1 is equivalent to the P2P communication between STA1 and STA3. SR is equivalent to communication that reuses time-frequency resources in space. It should be noted that, for example, when SR is performed between the communication in P2P link 1 and the communication between AP and STA4, the same time-frequency resources are used in the communication in P2P link 1 and the communication between AP and STA4. In addition, the same time-frequency resources are used in the two communications, which can be equivalent to at least a portion of the time being the same between the two communications, and at least a portion of the frequency band being the same between the two communications.

[0094] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first operation example of communication control in this embodiment. Fig.14 In the example, STA1 receives a beacon sent from the AP in the wireless transceiver 201 and performs reception processing of the beacon in the reception packet decoding unit 203 ( Fig.14 STA1, in the transmission packet generation unit 202, performs transmission processing on the information of the association request generated in the control signal generation unit 205, and transmits it to the AP via the wireless transceiver unit 201 (S102). The information of the association request may also be simply referred to as "association request".

[0095] The AP receives the association request in the wireless transceiver 101, and performs reception processing of the association request in the reception packet decoding unit 103. The AP performs transmission processing of the association response information generated in the control signal generating unit 105 in the transmission packet generating unit 102, and transmits it to STA1 via the wireless transceiver 101 (S103). The association response information may also be simply referred to as "association response".

[0096] The information of the association response sent from the AP to the STA1 may include the AID (for example, AID=1) allocated to the STA1 by the AP1.

[0097] STA4 receives a beacon from the AP similarly to STA1 (S104), and sends an association request to the AP (S105). The AP, which receives the association request from STA4, sends an association response to STA4 (S106). The information of the association response sent from the AP to STA4 may also include the AID assigned to STA4 (for example, AID=2).

[0098] Next, STA1 establishes a P2P link connection with STA3 ( S107 ).

[0099] In addition, in the present disclosure, the connection method of the P2P link is not limited. For example, the P2P link can be set up through TDLS (Tunneled Direct Link Setup), or a BSS different from the infrastructure BSS (Basic Service Set) can be used, such as IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set) (mobile self-organizing mode (Ad-Hoc mode)). Alternatively, for example, for the connection of the P2P link, a method in which one party of the P2P communication becomes a control station, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) Direct Connection (Wi-Fi Direct) and / or PBSS (Personal Basic Service Set) can also be used. In addition, it is also possible that the communication device (e.g., STA) joins (associates) the BSS managed by the AP in order to connect to the AP, and the communication device (e.g., STA) also plays the role of the AP, and uses a BSS different from the BSS managed by the AP (which can also be an infrastructure BSS, IBSS, PBSS) to use STA-to-STA communication equivalent to a P2P link. Here, the BSS different from the BSS managed by the AP may be, for example, any one of an infrastructure BSS, an IBSS, and a PBSS different from the BSS managed by the AP.

[0100] The function of the AP performed by the communication device (for example, STA) may also be referred to as "proxy AP", "secondary AP", "mobile AP", "multiple APs joining AP", etc. In this case, the P2P registration request and the P2P registration response may also be referred to as "AP registration request" and "AP registration response", respectively. For example, when the AP receives an AP registration request from the secondary AP (for example, STA1 performing the function of AP), the AP may determine the mapping between the value of the AID managed by the secondary AP (as an example, it may also be equivalent to the link between STA1 and STA2) and the P2P ID managed by the AP (which may also be equivalent to the value of the AID managed by the AP).

[0101] Alternatively, the AP may notify the communication device (e.g., STA) of the range of P2P ID values ​​that the communication device (e.g., STA) can use, and when the P2P link is set up, the communication device (e.g., STA) determines the value of the AID corresponding to the P2P link within the range of P2PID values ​​notified by the AP.

[0102] When TDLS is used for the P2P link, both two STAs constituting the P2P link may be associated with the same AP.

[0103] In the case where a BSS different from the BSS managed by the AP (for example, an IBSS, a PBSS, or a P2P group, etc.) is used for a P2P link, at least one STA constituting the P2P link belongs to both the infrastructure BSS of the AP and the BSS used for the P2P link. In this case, the STAs belonging to both the infrastructure BSS of the AP and the BSS used for the P2P link can join the two BSSs with the same MAC address between the two BSSs. Alternatively, the device of the STA belonging to the infrastructure BSS of the AP may logically use the STAs in other BSSs used for the P2P link as co-located STAs. In this case, the two STAs in the same device may also use different MAC addresses from each other.

[0104] When Wi-Fi Direct is used for the P2P link, and one of the two communication devices (e.g., STA) constituting the P2P link is not associated with the AP, the other STA associated with the AP may also serve as the group owner (GO: GroupOwner) to control the P2P link, and indicate the TXOP to the object STA within the range of the TXOP indicated by the AP. The STA to which the TXOP is indicated by the STA associated with the AP is a STA that is not associated with the AP. In this case, the MAC address of the STA may also be made different from the P2P interface address of the GO used as the MAC address in the P2P link, and the P2P interface address of the GO and the P2P interface address of the object may be notified to the AP as information of the P2P link. The STA that is not associated with the AP may also be referred to as a "P2P client". In this case, the STA associated with the AP may also notify the AP of the P2P interface address of the GO and the P2P interface address of the P2P client as information of the P2P link.

[0105] It should be noted that although the operation example in which the STA performs the P2P link connection after associating with the AP is shown, the STA may perform the P2P link connection before associating with the AP.

[0106] After STA1 establishes a P2P link connection with STA3, the transmission packet generation unit 202 performs a transmission process on the P2P registration request generated in the control signal generation unit 205 and sends it to the AP (through the wireless transceiver unit 201). Fig.14 S108).

[0107] The AP receives the P2P registration request sent from STA1 in the wireless transceiver 101, and performs reception processing of the P2P registration request in the reception packet decoding unit 103. The AP performs transmission processing of the P2P registration response generated in the control signal generating unit 105 in the transmission packet generating unit 102, and transmits it to STA1 via the wireless transceiver 101 (S109).

[0108] It should be noted that the information of the P2P registration response sent from the AP to STA1 may also include the P2P ID or AID assigned to the P2P link 1. For example, as described above, when the AID assigned by the AP to STA1 is AID=1 and the AID assigned by the AP to STA4 is AID=2, the AP may assign an AID different from AID=1 and 2 (for example, AID=3) to the P2P link 1.

[0109] Similar to the P2P link between STA1 and STA3 (i.e., P2P link 1), after STA1 establishes a P2P link connection with STA2 (in Fig.14After S110), a P2P registration request is sent to the AP ( Fig.14 S111), receiving a P2P registration response from the AP ( Fig.14 S112).

[0110] The information of the P2P registration response sent from the AP to STA1 may also include the P2PID or AID assigned to the P2P link 2. For example, as described above, when the AID assigned by the AP to STA1 is AID=1, the AID assigned by the AP to STA4 is AID=2, and the AID assigned by the AP to the P2P link 1 is AID=3, the AP may assign an AID different from SID=1, 2, and 3 (for example, AID=4) to the P2P link 2.

[0111] It should be noted that the AP may control the communication between the AP and the STA, and the P2P communication between the STA and the STA, based on the reception quality.

[0112] The AP may also notify the scheduling unit 106 of the reception quality between the AP and the STA measured in the reception quality measurement unit 104, for example. It should be noted that the measured reception quality may include the reception quality between the AP and the STA associated with the AP, and the reception quality between the AP and the STA not associated with the AP. In addition, the reception quality may be represented by, for example, one of the reception power value, path loss, and interference influence information.

[0113] For example, STA1 may also use the transmission packet generation unit 202 and the wireless transceiver unit 201 to send the reception quality between STA1 and a STA different from STA1 (including AP) and the reception quality of the P2P link measured in the reception quality measurement unit 204 to the AP. In addition, for STA1, the reception quality of the P2P link may be the reception quality between STA1 and other STAs (for example, STA3) that constitute the P2P link with STA1. In addition, the measured reception quality may include the reception quality between the STA and other STAs that do not constitute the P2P link with the STA, and the reception quality between the STA and the AP. In this case, the AP may also notify the scheduling unit 106 of the reception quality decoded by the wireless transceiver unit 101 and the reception packet decoding unit 103.

[0114] The AP may control the STAs and P2P communications that perform transmission and reception based on the reception quality in the scheduling unit 106 .

[0115] For example, Fig.12The configuration of the AP and STA shown is a configuration in which the interference effect between the STAs (i.e., STA1 and STA3) included in the P2P link 1 and STA4 is relatively small. In this case, the reception quality achieved by the AP indicates that the effect of interference on STA4 caused by the signal sent by the STA included in the P2P link 1 is relatively small. For example, the effect of interference is relatively small, which is equivalent to the effect of interference being below a specified level. Based on the reception quality, the AP can also determine that DL (downlink) transmission from the AP to STA4 and transmission using SR between P2P communications in the P2P link 1 (hereinafter, SR transmission) can be performed.

[0116] In addition, for example Fig.12 The configuration shown is a configuration in which the interference effect between the STAs (i.e., STA1 and STA2) included in the P2P link 2 and STA4 is relatively large. In this case, the reception quality obtained by the AP indicates that the interference effect on STA4 caused by the signal sent by the STA included in the P2P link 2 is relatively large. For example, the interference effect is relatively large, which is equivalent to the interference effect being greater than the specified level. The AP may also determine, based on the reception quality, not to perform the transmission and reception between the AP and STA4, and the SR transmission between the P2P communication in the P2P link 2. In this case, the AP may also notify the control signal generating unit 105 of the following instruction, which indicates that DL transmission from the AP to STA4 and P2P communication in the P2P link 2 are performed in different frequency bands from each other. The instruction to perform DL transmission from the AP to STA4 and P2P communication in the P2P link 2 in different frequency bands may be, for example, an instruction to perform DL transmission and P2P communication using OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access).

[0117] When the AP performs SR (when the scheduling unit 106 instructs to perform SR), the control signal generating unit 105 and the transmission packet generating unit 102 generate a packet having a user information field (see Figure 8) and output the generated MU-RTS TXS TF to the wireless transceiver 101. In the process of generating MU-RTS TXS TF, AID12 in the user information field may also be set to the AID assigned to P2P link 1 (for example, AID=3). In other words, in the process of generating MU-RTS TXS TF, the field containing STA-specific (or inherent) information, namely the user information field, may contain information of the P2P link. In this case, the identification information for identifying the P2P link (for example, the AID assigned to P2P link 1) may be sent in the same form (for example, the user information field) as the identification information for identifying the STA.

[0118] The AP sends the MU-RTS TXS TF in the wireless transceiver unit 101 to the STA (for example, STA1) associated with the AP ( Fig.14 S113).

[0119] STA1 receives MU-RTS TXS TF in the wireless transceiver 201, and outputs it to the control signal generator 205 via the received packet decoder 203. The control signal generator 205 detects that the value of AID12 contained in the user information field in the received MU-RTS TXS TF is P2P link 1 (for example, AID=3). The control signal generator 205 outputs the control information generated based on the transmission control information contained in the MU-RTS TXS TF (for example, the transmission band information of the RU allocation (RU Allocation) contained in the corresponding user information field, etc.) and the internal state, and the transmission data sent to STA3, or one of them, to the transmission packet generator 202.

[0120] The transmission packet generated in the transmission packet generation unit 202 is transmitted to STA3 in the transmission frequency band specified by the transmission control information. This transmission to STA3 is performed through P2P communication ( Fig.14 S114).

[0121] It should be noted that STA3 may also send data and / or control information to STA1 based on the transmission from STA1 to STA3, for example, in the same frequency band as the transmission frequency band used for the transmission from STA1 to STA3. In this case, the transmission and reception period of STA1 and STA3 may also be limited to the TXOP specified by the MU-RTS TXS TF.

[0122] When the AP performs SR (when the scheduling unit 106 indicates that SR is to be performed), after the MU-RTS TXS TF is sent in the control signal generating unit 105 and the transmission packet generating unit 102, for example, a non-transmission area of ​​SIFS (Short Interframe Space) is set, and after SIFS, a transmission packet to STA4 is generated based on the transmission data and / or control information to STA4. The control information can be generated by the control signal generating unit 105, for example. Then, in the wireless transceiver unit 101, the AP uses the same transmission frequency band as the RU allocation contained in the user information field for P2P link 1 in the MU-RTS TXS TF for transmission ( Fig.14 That is, in the same transmission frequency band, P2P communication in P2P link 1 between STA1 and STA3 is performed ( Fig.14 S114), and DL transmission between AP and STA4 ( Fig.14 S115).

[0123] Thus, by performing control using P2P ID, AP can control P2P communication and DL communication. For example, when SR can be used in P2P communication and DL communication, AP can send P2P communication and DL communication simultaneously in the same frequency band through control of AP, thereby improving the throughput of the system.

[0124] In addition, although the above example shows an action example of using SR in a combination of P2P communication and DL communication, SR can also be applied in a combination different from the combination of P2P communication and DL communication. For example, SR can be applied in a combination of P2P communication and P2P communication, in a combination of P2P communication and UL (Uplink) communication, or in a combination of three or more communications. For example, the three or more communications can be P2P communication and UL communication (or DL ​​communication) in two different P2P links, or P2P communication in three different P2P links. In this case, multiple user information fields may also be included in the MU-RTS TXS TF. For example, in the case of a combination of P2P communication and UL communication, the STA that is the transmission source of UL communication and the P2P ID that performs P2P communication may also be specified in AID12 in each user information field. In addition, in order to indicate SR, the RU allocation in each user information field may be set to the same value (i.e., the same frequency band).

[0125] In addition, although the example of performing SR by controlling the AP is shown, a method that replaces SR may also be used. Fig.12In the configuration example shown, OFDMA can also be performed between the DL transmission from the AP to STA4 and the P2P communication in the P2P link 2. In this case, as described above, the same transmission and reception designation as that of the MU-RTS TXS TF for the P2P link 1 can also be performed. For example, AID12 in the user information field can also be set to the AID assigned to the P2P link 2 (for example, AID=4). In addition, after the non-transmission area of ​​SIFS, a signal for STA4 (a signal for DL ​​communication) is sent in a transmission band different from the RU allocation contained in the user information field for the P2P link 2 in the MU-RTS TXS TF. For example, the signal for STA4 and the signal for P2P communication in the P2P link 2 are sent in transmission bands different from each other, thereby enabling OFDMA transmission.

[0126] It should be noted that, although an example of using OFDMA in a combination of P2P communication and DL communication is shown, OFDMA may be applied in a combination different from the combination of P2P communication and DL communication. For example, OFDMA may be applied in a combination of P2P communication and P2P communication, in a combination of P2P communication and UL communication, or in a combination of three or more communications. Alternatively, OFDMA and SR may be used in combination. For example, in a combination of P2P communications in three different P2P links (e.g., P2P link A, P2P link B, and P2P link C), SR may be applied between P2P communication in P2P link A and P2P communication in P2P link B, and OFDMA may be applied between P2P communication in P2P link A and P2P communication in P2P link C.

[0127] In addition, it is also possible to specify whether the STA included in the P2P link can send to the AP. For example, when SR is applied between two P2P links, by specifying whether to send, it is possible to prevent conflicts in sending from the STA included in the P2P link to the AP.

[0128] For example, you can use the unused bits in the user information field to specify whether the STA can send to the AP, or you can use the combination of the general information field and the user information field to specify whether the STA can send to the AP. Figure 5The unused area (e.g., 3) of the TXOP sharing mode shown may also be specified so that only P2P communication is possible (cannot be sent to the AP). That is, it may also be specified that when TXOP sharing mode = 3, the STAs contained in each P2P link cannot send to the AP. In addition, for example, it may also be specified that when TXOP sharing mode = 2 (i.e., P2P communication is possible and transmission to the AP is possible), only the STAs contained in the P2P link that are assigned to the user information field at a specific position (e.g., the front end) of the user information list can send to the AP.

[0129] In this way, by controlling the AP using the P2P ID, it is possible to individually specify Fig.12 The P2P link 1 and the P2P link 2 are shown. Furthermore, since SR and OFDMA can be applied between P2P communication and other communications (for example, DL communication, UL communication, and P2P communication), appropriate scheduling can be performed, and throughput is improved.

[0130] In addition, although the example of registering a P2P link for each STA pair is shown above, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a link including more than three STAs can also be registered as one P2P link. Fig.12 When STA1, STA2, and STA3 shown in the figure perform transmission and reception in cooperation, a P2P ID may be allocated to one P2P link that integrates P2P link 1 and P2P link 2.

[0131] In this way, the STA registers a link including three or more STAs as one P2P link, thereby enabling registration to match the state of the P2P link.

[0132] In addition, the AP may also specify the primary channel of the P2P link. For example, the AP may also specify the primary channels of two P2P links that can perform SR as the same primary channel as each other, and specify the primary channels of two P2P links that cannot perform SR as different primary channels as each other. In addition, the AP may also specify the primary channel of a P2P link that can perform SR with DL communication as the same primary channel as the DL communication, and specify the primary channel of a P2P link that cannot perform SR with DL communication as a different primary channel from the DL communication. As a result, in the P2P links that can perform SR, it is easy to allocate to the same frequency band.

[0133] In addition, although an operation example of using MU-RTS TXS TF in communication control including control of P2P communication is shown, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In communication control including control of P2P communication, signals (eg, frames) other than MU-RTS TXS TF may also be used.

[0134] For example, a basic TF may be used instead of the MU-RTS TXS TF. Figure 4 As shown, the trigger frame is set to have a trigger type subfield value of 0. In addition, the trigger frame may also be abbreviated as "Trigger".

[0135] In addition, in Figure 4 In the BSRP TF with the trigger type subfield value set to 4, the P2PID can also be notified using the user information field of the BSRP TF. In this case, it can also be, for example, the STA that sent the P2P registration request (for example, Fig.12 STA1 in the P2P link specified by the P2P ID notifies the AP of the storage status of the data in the buffer of each STA included in the P2P link. As a result, the AP can perform scheduling taking into account the storage status of the data of each STA included in the P2P link corresponding to the P2P ID, thereby improving the throughput.

[0136] In addition, in Figure 4 In the NFRP (NDP Feedback Report Poll) TF set to the trigger type subfield value = 7 as shown, the P2PID can also be notified using the user information field of the NFRP TF. In this case, for example, the STA that has sent the P2P registration request can notify the AP of the reception quality of each STA contained in the P2P link corresponding to the specified P2P ID. The notified reception quality can also be represented by, for example, a received power value, path loss, or interference impact information. As a result, the AP can perform scheduling that takes into account the reception quality of each STA contained in the P2P link corresponding to the P2P ID, thereby improving throughput.

[0137] It should be noted that the STA that responds to the trigger frame (for example, the STA that responds to the trigger frame and notifies the storage status and / or reception quality of the data) is not limited to the STA that sent the P2P registration request. Alternatively, the STA included in the P2P link that did not send the P2P registration request may respond to the trigger frame. For example, a predetermined STA within the P2P link may make a notification of responding to the trigger frame. In this way, by predetermining the STA that notifies the AP, it is possible to avoid double transmission (or repeated transmission) of the same information (for example, information on the storage status and / or reception quality of the data) by multiple STAs, thereby preventing transmission conflicts caused by double transmission and preventing the same information from being repeated in the AP.

[0138] In addition, information indicating whether each of the above-mentioned trigger frames can be used in a P2P link (for example, whether a P2P ID can be specified using a user information field) may also be specified. For example, the STA may also specify whether it can be used in a P2P link through a P2P registration request. For example, it may also be that in the user information field of each of the above-mentioned MU-RTS TXSTF, basic TF, BSRP TF, and NFRP TF, the information indicating whether a P2P ID can be specified is specified by a P2P registration request sent by the STA. For example, a P2P ID can be specified in the user information field of the MU-RTS TXS TF, but a P2P ID cannot be specified in the user information field of the basic TF, BSRP TF, and NFRP TF, which may also be specified by a P2P registration request sent by the STA. Thus, the AP can determine the trigger frame that can be used in the P2P link.

[0139] In addition, in the signal (e.g., P2P registration request) sent by the STA included in the P2P link to the AP, information related to whether the AP can control the P2P communication in the P2P link can be notified to the AP in advance. Based on the notification, the AP can determine whether the control in the P2P link can be performed, so that the AP can appropriately control the P2P communication in the P2P link.

[0140] For example, in Figure 6 The UL target receive power (Target Receive Power) in the user information field shown includes information related to the transmit power control in the STA corresponding to the user information field (for example, the STA specified by AID12). For example, it can also be that for the STA included in the P2P link, Figure 6 The validity or invalidity of the UL target reception power in the user information field shown (i.e., whether the transmission power can be controlled) is notified to the AP, for example, through a P2P registration request. For example, when the transmission power of the STA included in the P2P link can be controlled, the AP can also specify OFDMA for P2P communication between two STAs and UL communication between the STA and the AP. This prevents decoding errors caused by reception power fluctuations that occur when a STA that cannot control the transmission power receives a signal transmitted via OFDMA. In addition, by preventing decoding errors, throughput is improved.

[0141] In addition, although the control method using the P2P ID indicating the P2P link is described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The STA included in the P2P link may be identified based on an ID other than the P2P ID.

[0142] For example, you can also Figure 6 and Figure 8 The combination of P2P links is specified in the unused bits (e.g., 2 bits) of the user information field shown in FIG. Fig.12 In the example, it is a combination of P2P link 1 and P2P link 2. For example, Figure 6 The reserved 1 bit in the format of the user information field shown is set as a P2P link designation flag indicating whether a P2P link is designated. Next, when the P2P link designation flag indicates that a P2P link is designated, an area that is not used when a P2P link is designated (for example, Figure 6 UL HE-MCS in 2 bits to specify the P2P link. Figure 8 In the format shown, for example, the reserved 2 bits may be used to specify the P2P link. The case where the P2P link specification flag indicates that the P2P link is specified may be a case where the P2P link specification flag is valid.

[0143] In addition, as a method other than the above-mentioned method of using the user information field, for example, two user information fields may be used, and the STA included in the P2P link may be determined by AID12 of each user information field. In this case, the reservation (1 bit) in the first user information field may also be set to a P2P link designation flag indicating whether the P2P link is designated. Next, the following structure may also be adopted, that is, when the P2P link designation flag is valid, the structure of the second STA included in the P2P link is designated in the user information field subsequent to the first user information field. By setting the reservation (1 bit) in the first user information field to the P2P link designation flag, it is possible to determine that the STA designated in the first user information field and the STA designated in the second user information field are the STAs included in the P2P link.

[0144] [Configuration example of STA communicating with AP and STA (P2P)]

[0145] The above example shows the following operation, that is, Fig.10 The STA of the structure shown in the figure performs communication between STA and AP and P2P communication between STAs. Hereinafter, communication between STA and AP is described as "inter-AP communication". For example, a STA that performs inter-AP communication and P2P communication between STAs is equivalent to Fig.12 STA1 shown.

[0146] STA may also have a structure in which inter-AP communication and P2P communication are separated. Fig.15 is a diagram showing another example of the structure of the STA of this embodiment. For example, Fig.15The STA 200 shown includes an inter-AP communication control unit 206 a , a P2P communication control unit 206 b , and a wireless transceiver unit 201 .

[0147] The inter-AP communication control unit 206a includes a transmission packet generation unit 202a, a control signal generation unit 205a, a reception packet decoding unit 203a, and a reception quality measurement unit 204a.

[0148] The P2P communication control unit 206b includes a transmission packet generation unit 202b, a control signal generation unit 205b, a reception packet decoding unit 203b, and a reception quality measurement unit 204b.

[0149] It should be noted that the transmission packet generation unit 202a, the control signal generation unit 205a, the reception packet decoding unit 203a, and the reception quality measurement unit 204a control the transmission and reception of signals related to inter-AP communication, respectively, but do not control the transmission and reception of signals related to P2P communication, and except for this aspect, they may be the same as the transmission packet generation unit 202, the control signal generation unit 205, the reception packet decoding unit 203, and the reception quality measurement unit 204. In addition, the transmission packet generation unit 202b, the control signal generation unit 205b, the reception packet decoding unit 203b, and the reception quality measurement unit 204b control the transmission and reception of signals related to P2P communication, respectively, but do not control the transmission and reception of signals related to inter-AP communication, and except for this aspect, they may be the same as the transmission packet generation unit 202, the control signal generation unit 205, the reception packet decoding unit 203, and the reception quality measurement unit 204.

[0150] Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of a STA according to the present embodiment. Fig.16 In, with Fig.12 Similarly, the following example is shown, that is, STA1 is associated with AP to perform inter-AP communication, and performs P2P communication with STA3. Fig.16As shown, STA1 that performs inter-AP communication and P2P communication between STAs may also adopt an MLD (multi-link device) structure. In this case, STA1 may also set an STA associated with an AP (for example, STA1_1) and an STA that performs P2P communication with STA3 (for example, STA1_2). STA1 may also be a non-AP MLD, or a structure in which STA1_1 and STA1_2 are attached to STA1 (non-AP MLD) may be adopted. As an example, STA1_1 and STA1_2 may also be non-AP STAs respectively, and STA1 may also be a non-AP MLD. As another example, STA1_1 may also be a non-AP STA, and STA1_2 may also be an AP (for example, an AP that communicates with STA3). In addition, STA1_1 and STA1_2 may also have different STA identification information (for example, addresses). In addition, in this case, a structure in which STA1_2 is attached to STA1_1 may also be adopted. In addition, STA1 having an MLD structure may also be a communication device having STA1_1 and STA1_2 in one device. Alternatively, STA1 with an MLD structure may be logically understood as a communication device. When STA1 is logically understood as a communication device, STA1_1 and STA1_2 of STA1 may also be physically separate devices. A STA with an MLD structure (for example, STA1) may also be a structure composed of physically separate communication devices that logically act as one device.

[0151] In addition, although Fig.16 An example of a STA having an MLD structure is shown in the figure, but an AP may also have an MLD structure. An AP having an MLD structure may also be referred to as an "AP MLD". For example, an AP MLD may also have an AP associated with STA1 (for example, STA1_1) and an AP associated with a STA different from STA1 as different devices (different equipment). In other words, the APMLD may also have identification information (for example, addresses) of multiple APs. In this case, an AP having an MLD structure may also be a physically single communication device. Alternatively, an AP having an MLD structure may also be a structure that is physically composed of multiple communication devices and logically acts as one communication device.

[0152] Thus, it is possible to set up separate AP communication and P2P communication. Fig.15 The AP communication control unit 206a or Fig.16In STA1_1 of , it is possible to specify the ability to associate with the AP, etc. In addition, in the structure related to P2P communication (for example, Fig.15 The P2P communication control unit 206b or Fig.16 In STA1_2), the ability to connect via a P2P link can be specified.

[0153] [Format example]

[0154] As described above, the STA sends a P2P registration request to the AP and receives a P2P registration response from the AP. The formats of the P2P registration request and the P2P registration response are not particularly limited. For example, a new P2P frame may be added as a format including the P2P registration request and the P2P registration response.

[0155] For example, although in Figure 2 , type=01 and subtype=0001 are reserved. However, type=01 and subtype=0001 may be set as a P2P frame, and a P2P registration request and a P2P registration response may be defined as types included in the P2P frame format.

[0156] The P2P registration request frame may also include the capability of the P2P link. The capability of the P2P link is an example of information indicating the capability related to communication in the P2P link. The capability of the P2P link may include, for example, at least one of the available channel information, the maximum and minimum transmission power values, the information on whether the transmission power can be controlled, and the information on whether the trigger frame can be used. The AP can perform control corresponding to the function (e.g., capability) of the STA included in the P2P link based on the capability of the P2P link.

[0157] It should be noted that, although an example in which the capability of the P2P link is included in the P2P registration request frame is shown, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the capability of the P2P link, or a part of the capability of the P2P link, may be included in a P2P frame different from the P2P registration request and the P2P registration response. In this case, the P2P frame containing the capability of the P2P link or a part of the capability of the P2P link may also be specified by the type contained in the format of the P2P frame. In other words, the type of the P2P frame containing at least a part of the capability of the P2P link may also be specified as a type of P2P frame different from the P2P registration request and the P2P registration response. Thus, for example, in the case where at least a part of the capability of the P2P link has been changed, only the corresponding frame (the P2P frame containing at least a part of the capability of the P2P link) can be notified.

[0158] In addition, the P2P registration request frame or the frame containing the capability of the P2P link may also contain the ID (for example, MAC address) of the STA contained in the P2P link. Fig.12 STA1 notifies the IDs of STA1 and STA2 in the P2P registration request of P2P link 2. This notification can prevent STA2 from registering P2P link 2 again after STA1 sends the P2P registration request of P2P link 2. Specifically, the IDs of STA1 and STA2 contained in P2P link 2 are notified to AP using the P2P registration request sent by STA1. In this case, AP can determine that when STA2 registers P2P link 2, P2P link 2 has been registered. When STA2 registers P2P link 2, for example, it is equivalent to when STA2 sends the P2P registration request of P2P link 2.

[0159] The AP may also notify a P2P registration response frame including a P2P ID assigned to the P2P link that has completed registration when receiving a P2P registration request frame for the P2P link that has completed registration. Alternatively, the AP may reject registration and return a P2P registration response including information indicating that the P2P link has completed registration when receiving a P2P registration request frame for the P2P link that has completed registration. It should be noted that the information indicating that the P2P link has completed registration may be indicated by a status code.

[0160] Thus, the STA whose registration of the P2P link is rejected does not send information on the rejected P2P link to the AP, thereby preventing duplication of control (for example, TXOP request) on the same P2P link.

[0161] In addition, by using P2P frames, e.g. Fig.15 As shown, the STA having the structure for controlling inter-AP communication and the structure for controlling P2P communication can collect information related to P2P communication notified between the respective structures into the P2P frame. In addition, by using the P2P frame, for example, Fig.16 As shown, when STA1 is separated into STA1-1 for inter-AP communication and STA1-2 for P2P communication, information related to P2P communication notified between STA1-1 and STA1-2 can be integrated into the P2P frame.

[0162] In addition, although an example of using a P2P frame, a P2P registration request, and a P2P registration response is shown, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. An association request and an association response may be used to replace the P2P registration request and the P2P registration response, respectively. Alternatively, a part of an association request and a part of an association response may be used to replace the P2P registration request and the P2P registration response, respectively.

[0163] <Example 2>

[0164] Hereinafter, as a second embodiment, an operation example of executing SR by referring to the transmission power mode of the STA included in the P2P link in the AP and STA having the configuration described in the first embodiment will be described.

[0165] Fig.17 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example 2 of a communication device in this embodiment. Fig.17 , one AP and four STAs, STA1 to STA4, are shown.

[0166] In Example 2, Fig.17 As shown, STA1 and STA3 are associated with AP. Fig.17 As shown, the P2P link between STA1 and STA2 is recorded as "P2P link 1", and the P2P link between STA3 and STA4 is recorded as "P2P link 2".

[0167] For example, the STA performing P2P link registration may also notify the AP of a transmit power mode corresponding to the transmit power control of the STA included in the P2P link. The method of notifying the transmit power mode is not particularly limited, for example, the STA may also use a P2P registration request to notify the transmit power mode.

[0168] The transmission power mode may include a mode in which the transmission power is fixed (hereinafter referred to as "static") and a mode in which the transmission power can be varied for each group (hereinafter referred to as "dynamic"). In addition, for static mode, the transmission power may be adjusted according to the movement of the STA, etc.

[0169] For example, in Fig.17 In the case where STA1 and STA2 included in P2P link 1 are in "transmission power mode = static", STA1 notifies the AP that P2P link 1 is in "transmission power mode = static". In the case where at least one of STA1 and STA2 included in P2P link 1 is in "transmission power mode = dynamic", STA1 may also notify the AP that P2P link 1 is in "transmission power mode = dynamic".

[0170] The AP notifies the STAs included in other P2P links of the transmission power mode of each P2P link. The STA notified of the transmission power mode by the AP may be, for example, a STA that has registered the P2P link. The STA that receives the notification from the AP notifies the other STAs in the P2P link including itself of the transmission power mode of each P2P link notified by the AP.

[0171] The STA included in each P2P link determines whether the interference power of the interference signal received from the P2P link with "transmit power mode = static" is less than the allowed interference power when receiving the signal from the communication object. Hereinafter, this determination is recorded as "SR feasibility determination". The STA notifies the AP of the result of the SR feasibility determination. In addition, the timing of the SR feasibility determination is not particularly limited. For example, the SR feasibility determination can be performed after sending and receiving the P2P resistance request and the P2P registration response, or it can be performed before data communication in the P2P link.

[0172] exist Fig.17 In the example, the AP may notify STA3 included in P2P link 2 of the information indicating the transmission power mode of P2P link 1, and notify STA1 included in P2P link 1 of the information indicating the transmission power mode of P2P link 2. STA3 may notify STA4 included in P2P link 2 of the information indicating the transmission power mode of P2P link 1, and STA1 may notify STA2 included in P2P link 1 of the information indicating the transmission power mode of P2P link 2.

[0173] When the transmission power mode of P2P link 1 is static (when "transmission power mode = static"), STA3 and STA4 measure the interference power of the interference signal (for example, packet) received from the STA (STA1 and STA2) contained in P2P link 1, and determine whether SR is possible based on the interference power.

[0174] In addition, STA3 and STA4 can respectively perform SR feasibility determination on the interference power of the interference signal received from STA1, and perform SR feasibility determination on the interference power of the interference signal received from STA2. Hereinafter, the SR feasibility determination on the interference power of the interference signal received from a certain STAx is recorded as "SR feasibility determination for STAx". When the four determinations of the SR feasibility determination for STA1 performed by STA3, the SR feasibility determination for STA2 performed by STA3, the SR feasibility determination for STA1 performed by STA4, and the SR feasibility determination for STA2 performed by STA4 are respectively determinations that SR can be performed, STA3 can also notify the AP that the result of the SR feasibility determination for P2P link 1 is that SR can be performed.

[0175] In addition, similarly to P2P link 1, when the transmission power mode of P2P link 2 is static (when "transmission power mode = static"), STA1 and STA2 can respectively perform SR determination on the interference power of the interference signal received from STA3, and perform SR determination on the interference power of the interference signal received from STA4. Then, through STA1 and STA2's respective SR determinations on STA3 and STA4, STA1 can also notify the AP of the determination result of the SR determination on P2P link 2.

[0176] It should be noted that the new format newly added as the format of the P2P frame may also be used for notification of the transmission power mode from the AP to the STA and notification of the result of the SR determination from the STA to the AP.

[0177] In addition, the STA contained in each P2P link can also set the color (color) (also called "BSS color") contained in the preamble of the sent packet to a value inherent in the P2P link. Color is an example of information used to determine the BSS. In addition, color is an example of information used to determine the link for communication, or an example of information used to determine the communication object. For example, even if multiple communications interfere with each other in the same channel, if the colors of the packets sent and received are different, the impact of the interference between each other can be ignored (or reduced). The color inherent to the P2P link can be specified by the AP or specified in advance.

[0178] Thus, each STA included in the P2P link can judge the P2P link according to the color of the received packet, and can make an SR determination of the corresponding P2P link based on the maximum received power value of the same color. For example, in the case of STA3's SR determination for STA1 and STA3's SR determination for STA2, since STA1 and STA2 have the same color, SR determination can be made without distinguishing STA1 from STA2. In addition, by making a determination based on color, the STA only needs to decode the preamble, so the decoding process of the STA can be reduced.

[0179] In addition, the color of each P2P link may also be specified by the AP in the P2P registration response, for example.

[0180] The AP may also use the result of the SR determination notified by the STA to send a trigger frame (for example, MU-RTS TXS TF) indicating SR or OFDMA transmission. Fig.11 The scheduling unit 106, control signal generating unit 105, transmission packet generating unit 102 and wireless transceiver unit 101 shown transmit a trigger frame (eg, MU-RTS TXS TF).

[0181] For example, in Fig.17 In the case where the result of the SR determination for P2P link 1 notified by STA3 and the result of the SR determination for P2P link 2 notified by STA1 both indicate that SR is possible, the AP can determine that SR transmission is possible because the influence of interference in each P2P link is small. In this case, the AP can also notify STA1 and STA3 of the MU-RTS TXS TF for specifying SR transmission between P2P link 1 and P2P link 2.

[0182] On the other hand, when at least one of the result of the SR feasibility determination for P2P link 1 notified by STA3 and the result of the SR feasibility determination for P2P link 2 notified by STA1 indicates that SR cannot be performed, the AP determines that SR transmission cannot be performed because the influence of interference in the P2P link consistent with the result that SR cannot be performed is large. In this case, the AP may also notify STA1 and STA3 of the MU-RTS TXS TF that specifies OFDMA transmission between P2P link 1 and P2P link 2. Alternatively, in this case, the AP may also specify the transmission method for STA1 and STA3 separately. For example, in this case, the AP may also notify STA1 of the method of P2P communication in P2P link 1 separately, and notify STA3 of the method of P2P communication in P2P link 2 separately.

[0183] In this way, by using the transmission power mode in each P2P link and the result of the SR determination corresponding to the transmission power mode, for example, SR can be performed between two P2P links without measuring the path loss between the STA included in a certain P2P link and the STA included in a P2P link different from the P2P link, and without notifying the AP of the measured path loss. In other words, SR can be implemented by a simpler determination method without measuring the path loss and notifying the path loss.

[0184] In addition, although the above examples show that the transmission power mode is static or dynamic, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the transmission power mode, a mode other than static and dynamic may be added.

[0185] For example, when each STA in the P2P link can specify static or dynamic transmission power mode, the transmission power mode of the P2P link may be set to "transmission power mode = select." Note that static or dynamic specification may be performed by the AP.

[0186] For example, when being notified that a certain P2P link (hereinafter, "P2P link x") is "transmission power mode = selection", the AP may specify the transmission power mode based on the P2P links around the AP.

[0187] For example, when there is a P2P link (hereinafter, "P2P link y") around the AP that can perform SR with the P2P link x, the AP can specify the transmission mode of the P2P link x as static. In addition, it can be determined whether there is a P2P link that can perform SR with the P2P link x based on the SR feasibility determination performed by the STAs included in the P2P links around the AP.

[0188] By specifying the transmission mode of the P2P link x as static, it is possible to specify SR between the P2P link x and the P2P link y, thereby improving throughput.

[0189] In addition, for example, when there is no P2P link around the AP that can perform SR with the P2P link x, the AP can specify the transmission mode of the P2P link x as dynamic. By specifying the transmission mode of the P2P link x as dynamic, the STAs included in the P2P link x can select the optimal transmission power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the decrease in throughput caused by specifying the transmission power mode as static.

[0190] In addition, when the transmit power mode of the STA is selected, the specification of the transmit power mode by the AP to the STA (specifying statically or dynamically) can use a new format newly added as the format of the P2P frame, or can allocate a portion of the unused area of ​​the trigger frame (e.g., MU-RTS TXS TF) (e.g., 1 bit).

[0191] Furthermore, when each STA in the P2P link is a STA for which the AP can specify the transmission power value, the transmission power mode of the P2P link can also be set to "transmission power mode = designated". In this case, information related to the modifiable amount of transmission power can also be added to the result of the SR determination. The modifiable amount of transmission power can also represent, for example, the difference between the interference power measured by the STA and the STA's interference power allowable value.

[0192] The AP may also control the transmission power of each P2P link in such a way that the transmission power of the STA is within the range of the STA's correctable amount after obtaining information related to the correctable amount from the STA. As a result, the throughput caused by the use of the SR is improved because the possibility of specifying the SR is increased. In addition, in the case of "transmit power mode = specified", the STA may also notify the AP of the STA's transmit power range that can be specified. The STA's transmit power range that can be specified may also be represented by the maximum and minimum values ​​of the STA's transmit power, for example.

[0193] Although the control example in the above description is shown when the transmission power modes of the two P2P links are both static, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when one of the two P2P links is "transmission power mode = dynamic", the same control as the control in the case where the transmission power modes of the two P2P links are both static can also be applied.

[0194] For example, in Fig.17 In the case where P2P link 1 is "transmit power mode = dynamic" and P2P link 2 is "transmit power mode = static", STA1 and STA2 included in P2P link 1 can also make SR determinations respectively and notify the AP of the determination results. For example, STA1 can use the received power value measured in STA1, the transmit power values ​​of STA3 and STA4 notified by the AP, and the allowed interference power values ​​of STA3 and STA4 during SR to make SR determinations based on equations (1) and (2). Similarly, STA2 can use the received power value measured in STA2, the transmit power values ​​of STA3 and STA4 notified by the AP, and the allowed interference power values ​​of STA3 and STA4 during SR to make SR determinations based on equations (1) and (2).

[0195] Candidate allowed transmission power (n) = STA (n) transmission power value - STA (n) reception power value + STA (n) allowed interference power (1)

[0196] Allowable transmission power value = minimum value of candidate allowable transmission power (n) (2)

[0197] In formula (1), n ​​is an index for identifying the STA that is the target of SR determination. Fig.17 In the example of , when STA1 and STA2 perform SR determination, the STAs that become the targets of SR determination are STA3 and STA4, so n=3, 4. Fig.17 In the example of , when n = 3, the transmission power value of STA(n) in equation (1) represents the transmission power value of STA3, and the reception power value of STA(n) represents the reception power value measured in the STA (for example, STA1 or STA2) that receives the signal transmitted by STA3 (also referred to as "reception power value of the signal received from STA(n)"). In addition, Fig.17 In the example of , when n=3, the candidate allowed transmission power (n) represents the candidate transmission power value allowed for STA3 by the STA (eg, STA1 or STA2) that receives the signal transmitted by STA3.

[0198] When the candidate allowed transmission power (n) is calculated based on formula (1) for multiple STAs that are the objects of SR determination, the minimum value of the candidate allowed transmission power (n) in formula (2) represents the transmission power value allowed for the multiple STAs that are the objects of SR determination. In other words, the allowed transmission power value may be the upper limit of the transmission power value. Fig.17 In the example, the minimum transmit power value among the candidate transmit power values ​​allowed for STA3 and the candidate transmit power values ​​allowed for STA4 in equation (2) represents the transmit power value allowed for STA3 and STA4.

[0199] For example, the following case is described, that is, STA1 calculates the allowed transmission power value based on equations (1) and (2) for n=3. In this case, "the transmission power value of STA(n) - the reception power value of the signal received from STA(n)" in equation (1) represents the difference between the transmission power value of STA3 and the reception power value of the signal transmitted from STA3 and received by STA1. In other words, "the transmission power value of STA(n) - the reception power value of the signal received from STA(n)" in equation (1) corresponds to the path loss between STA3 and STA1. That is, equation (1) indicates that the power value obtained by adding the value of the path loss between STA3 and STA1 and the allowed interference power of STA3 is a candidate transmission power value allowed for STA3. In addition, when STA1 performs SR permission determination for n=4, equation (1) indicates that the power value obtained by adding the value of the path loss between STA4 and STA1 and the allowed interference power of STA4 is a candidate transmission power value allowed for STA4.

[0200] STA1 determines the minimum value of the two allowed transmit power candidates as the allowed transmit power value of STA1.

[0201] Similar to STA1, STA2 determines the minimum value of the candidate transmission power value permitted for STA3 and the candidate transmission power value permitted for STA4 as the permitted transmission power value of STA2.

[0202] When the allowed transmission power values ​​of STA1 and STA2 are both greater than the minimum transmission power that the destination STA can receive, it can be determined that SR can be performed. For example, when the allowed transmission power value of STA1 is greater than the minimum transmission power that STA2 can receive, and the allowed transmission power value of STA2 is greater than the minimum transmission power that STA1 can receive, it can be determined that SR can be performed between P2P link 1 and P2P link 2.

[0203] The AP specifies the transmission method (e.g., SR transmission or OFDMA transmission) for the P2P link based on the result of the SR determination. For example, the transmission method may be specified by notifying STA1 and STA3 of the MU-RTS TXS TF. It should be noted that when SR transmission is specified by the MU-RTS TXS TF, the transmission power of the STAs (e.g., STA1 and STA2) with "transmission power mode = dynamic" may also be limited to less than the allowed transmission power value.

[0204] For example, when one of the two P2P links is in "transmission power mode = dynamic", the same control as the control in the case where the transmission power modes of the two P2P links are both static may be applied.

[0205] It should be noted that although an example of control is shown in which one of the two P2P links is in "transmission power mode = dynamic", the P2P link in "transmission power mode = dynamic" can also be replaced with a link between AP-STA. In other words, the same control as the control in which one of the two P2P links is in "transmission power mode = dynamic" can also be applied to the control between the P2P link and the link between AP-STA. Therefore, whether one of the P2P links is in "transmission power mode = dynamic" or between AP-STA, SR can be specified, and throughput is improved.

[0206] <Example 3>

[0207] Fig.18 FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of SR operation in this embodiment. Fig.18 As shown, it is shown that according to the trigger frame ( Fig.18 The PSRR PPDU (Parameterized Spatial Reuse Reception PLCP ProtocolData Unit) is used to determine whether SR is possible and calculate the transmit power during SR based on the receive power value of the PSRR PPDU spatial reuse (for example, refer to non-patent document 5). In addition, PLCP is the abbreviation of Physical Layer Convergence Protocol. PPDU is sometimes referred to as "packet", "PHY packet", "PHY frame", "PHY signal", "wireless signal (wireless transmit signal / wireless receive signal)". In addition, when the PPDU mainly includes data frames, the PPDU is sometimes referred to as "data packet", "transmit data / receive data", or "data signal".

[0208] Fig.19 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example 3 of a communication device in this embodiment. Fig.19 In FIG. 1 , an AP and three STAs, STA1 to STA3, are shown. Fig.19 In , STA1 and STA3 are associated with AP. Fig.19 In the example, STA1 and STA2 perform P2P communication.

[0209] As an example, the following example is described below. Fig.19 In the configuration shown, STA1 and STA3 are associated with the AP and STA1 and STA2 perform P2P communication, and the AP and STA having the structure shown in Embodiment 1 implement SR. It should be noted that the P2P link between STA1 and STA2 is described as "P2P link 1".

[0210] Fig. 20 It means in Fig.19 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first operation example of implementing SR in the configuration shown. Fig. 20 The horizontal axis represents the time axis. Fig. 20 In FIG. 1 , it is indicated that the AP, STA1, STA2, and STA3 each send or receive a signal (eg, a frame or a packet). Fig. 20 The AP, STA1, STA2 and STA3 are as follows Fig.19 Configured as shown.

[0211] Explain the following example, that is, Fig. 20 This is an example of implementing SR using the same method as PSRR PPDU spatial reuse, using the received power values ​​of the transmission packets (e.g., CTS (Clear To Send)) of STA1 and STA2 included in the P2P link.

[0212] The AP and STA1 perform P2P link registration after STA1 associates with the AP, similarly to Embodiment 1. For example, a color unique to the P2P link may be specified using the P2P registration response.

[0213] The AP sends a trigger frame (eg, MU-RTS TXS TF) indicating P2P communication of P2P link 1 (see Fig. 20 of the MU-RTS TXS).

[0214] After STA1 and STA2 send CTS as a response to MU-RTS TXS TF, they perform P2P communication. Fig. 20In the example, STA1 sends CTS as a response to MU-RTS TXS TF, and STA2, which receives the CTS sent by STA1, sends CTS as a response to the CTS sent by STA1.

[0215] It should be noted that although Fig. 20 , STA2 sends CTS as a response to STA1's CTS, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, STA1 and STA2 may also send CTS at the same time. Fig. 20 , data transmission from STA1 to STA2 is shown as P2P communication, but transmission from STA2 to STA1 may also be included.

[0216] After receiving MU-RTS TXS TF, STA3 receives CTS transmitted by STA1 and STA2. STA3 determines whether SR is possible and calculates the transmission power for SR based on the received power value of the received CTS.

[0217] For example, if SR is available, Fig. 20 The data transmission from STA1 to STA2 and the data transmission from STA3 to AP shown in the figure apply SR. In other words, if SR is possible, the data transmission from STA1 to STA2 and the data transmission from STA3 to AP can be performed in the same wireless resource (for example, the same transmission frequency band). In addition, in this case, STA3 can use the calculated transmission power to send data to the AP.

[0218] In this way, the STA receives the CTS transmitted by other STAs and determines whether or not SR is possible based on the received power value of the CTS. As a result, SR can be performed, and thus the throughput is improved.

[0219] It should be noted that although an example of an operation of determining whether SR is possible based on the received power value of the CTS sent by the STA is shown, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The received power value used in determining whether SR is possible may be the received power value of a signal different from the CTS. For example, the STA may also send a trigger frame.

[0220] Fig.21 It means in Fig.19 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second operation example of implementing SR in the configuration shown. Fig.21 The horizontal axis represents the time axis. Fig.21 In, with Fig. 20 Similarly, the operations of sending or receiving signals (e.g., frames or packets) by AP, STA1, STA2, and STA3 are shown. Fig.21 The AP, STA1, STA2 and STA3 are as follows Fig.19Configured as shown.

[0221] For example, Fig.21 As shown in FIG. 1 , STA1 can also send a trigger frame. Thus, STA3 can receive the trigger frame sent by STA1 and measure the received power value, and receive the signal sent by STA2 (in Fig.21 The received power value is measured by the data sent from STA2 to STA1. Fig.18 In the example shown, PSRR PPDU SR is performed in the same manner. In addition, the signal transmitted by STA2 as the measurement target is not particularly limited. For example, the signal transmitted by STA2 as the measurement target may be data or control information.

[0222] In addition, the conditions under which the STA can send a trigger frame may also be limited. For example, the period during which the STA can send a trigger frame may also be limited to the TXOP period during which P2P communication is performed. In addition, the STA that can send a trigger frame may also be limited to the STA that has made a P2P registration request. In addition, for example, when the P2P link is connected, the STA that can send a trigger frame may be selected through negotiation of the STAs included in the P2P link. In this case, the STA that makes a P2P registration request may also notify the AP of information indicating the STA that can send a trigger frame in the P2P registration request. In addition, in this case, the STA that has made a P2P registration request and the STA that can send a trigger frame may also be different from each other.

[0223] In this way, by sending a trigger frame by the STA, PSRR PPDU SR can be performed, and by performing SR, the throughput is improved.

[0224] It should be noted that although the above embodiments show examples of performing SR control and / or OFDMA control between P2P links, and examples of performing SR control and / or OFDMA control between P2P links and AP-STA, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a control different from SR and OFDMA control may be performed between P2P links. In addition, for example, a control different from SR and OFDMA control may be performed between P2P links and AP-STA.

[0225] Furthermore, although an example of a frame structure is described in the above embodiment, the information to be notified is not limited to the information shown in the above embodiment, and for example, other information may be added, or at least a part of the defined information may be deleted.

[0226] In addition, the frame, element, field, and subfield in the above-mentioned embodiments are an example of a name for an area (range or structure) contained in a signal and an area (range or structure) of setting information. These may also be interchangeable.

[0227] In addition, the names of frames, elements, fields, subfields, etc. in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0228] In addition, although the above-mentioned embodiments are described based on the 11be format as a non-limiting example, the format applicable to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the 11be format. An embodiment of the present disclosure can also be applied to the next generation standard of IEEE 802.11p, i.e., IEEE 802.11bd (NGV (Next Generation V2X, next generation vehicle wireless communication technology)), which is an in-vehicle standard.

[0229] The present disclosure can be implemented by software, hardware or software in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above-mentioned embodiments is partially or entirely implemented as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) as an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above-mentioned embodiments may also be partially or entirely controlled by an LSI or a combination of LSIs. LSI can be composed of individual chips, or it can be composed of one chip in a manner that includes part or all of the functional blocks. LSI may also include input and output of data. LSI is sometimes referred to as "IC (Integrated Circuit)", "System LSI", "Super LSI", "Ultra LSI" depending on the degree of integration.

[0230] The method of integrated circuitization is not limited to LSI, and can also be implemented by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. In addition, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor (Reconfigurable Processor) that can reconfigure the connection or setting of the circuit block inside the LSI can also be used. The present disclosure can also be implemented as digital processing or analog processing.

[0231] Furthermore, if integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI emerges as semiconductor technology advances or other technologies are derived, it is of course possible to use this technology to achieve integration of functional blocks. There is also the possibility of applying biotechnology, etc.

[0232] The present disclosure can be implemented in all kinds of devices, equipment, and systems (collectively referred to as "communication devices") with communication functions. The communication device may also include a wireless transceiver and a processing / control circuit. The wireless transceiver may also include a receiving unit and a transmitting unit, or perform the functions of these parts. The wireless transceiver (transmitting unit, receiving unit) may also include an RF (Radio Frequency) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may also include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or a device similar to these. As non-limiting examples of communication devices, there can be listed telephones (mobile phones, smart phones, etc.), tablet computers, personal computers (PCs) (laptops, desktops, notebook computers, etc.), cameras (digital cameras, digital video cameras, etc.), digital players (digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (wearable cameras, smart watches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, e-book readers, telehealth / telemedicine (telehealth / medical prescription) equipment, vehicles with communication functions or transportation vehicles (cars, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the above-mentioned various devices.

[0233] Communication devices are not limited to portable or mobile devices, but also include all kinds of devices, equipment, and systems that cannot be carried or fixed. For example, they include: smart home devices (home appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or meters, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and all other "things" that can exist on the IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0234] The communication includes data communication performed by a cellular system, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system, a communication satellite system, etc., and also includes data communication performed by a combination of these systems.

[0235] In addition, the communication device also includes devices such as controllers or sensors connected or linked to the communication device that performs the communication function described in the present invention. For example, it includes a controller or sensor that generates a control signal or data signal used by the communication device that performs the communication function of the communication device.

[0236] In addition, the communication device includes infrastructure equipment that communicates with the above-mentioned non-limiting various devices or controls the above-mentioned various devices, such as base stations, access points, and all other devices, equipment, and systems.

[0237] A communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first communication device, which includes: a control circuit that controls communication in a first link, where the first link is a link between a second communication device and a third communication device connected to the first communication device; and a communication circuit that sends information indicating communication in the first link to the third communication device.

[0238] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information indicating communication in the first link includes information for determining the second communication device and the third communication device constituting the first link.

[0239] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication circuit receives information requesting registration of the first link from the third communication device, and the control circuit registers identification information for identifying the first link.

[0240] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit allocates the identification information for identifying the first link and the identification information for identifying the third communication device from a common range that can be set for the identification information for identifying the first link and the identification information for identifying the third communication device.

[0241] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication circuit receives information indicating capabilities related to communication in the first link from the third communication device.

[0242] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication circuit notifies the identification information for identifying the first link in the same form as the identification information for identifying the third communication device.

[0243] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit individually assigns a color to the first link.

[0244] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication circuit receives information related to transmission power in the first link.

[0245] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit controls communication using the same time-frequency resources between the first link and a second link different from the first link based on the information related to the transmission power in the first link.

[0246] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit determines whether to perform communication using the same time and frequency resources between the first link and a third link, where the third link is a link between a fourth communication device connected to the first communication device and the first communication device.

[0247] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit determines whether to perform communication using the same time and frequency resources between the first link and the third link based on the reception power of the signals sent by the second communication device and the third communication device and received by the fourth communication device.

[0248] In a communication method of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first communication device performs the following processing: controlling communication in a first link, which is a link between a second communication device and a third communication device connected to the first communication device; and sending information indicating communication in the first link to the third communication device.

[0249] The disclosed contents of the specification, drawings, and abstract contained in the Japanese patent application No. 2022-110552 filed on July 8, 2022 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0250] Industrial Applicability

[0251] One embodiment of the present disclosure is useful for a wireless communication system.

[0252] Description of Reference Numerals

[0253] 100 AP

[0254] 101, 201, 201a, 201b Wireless transceiver

[0255] 102, 202, 202a, 202b Transmission packet generation unit

[0256] 103, 203, 203a, 203b: received packet decoding unit

[0257] 104, 204, 204a, 204b Reception quality measurement unit

[0258] 105, 205, 205a, 205b control signal generating unit

[0259] 106 Dispatching Department

[0260] 110, 210 Control Department

[0261] 206a AP communication control unit

[0262] 206b P2P communication control unit

[0263] 200 STA

Claims

1. A communication device, which is a first communication device, characterized in that: include: a control circuit for controlling communication in a first link, the first link being a link between a second communication device and a third communication device connected to the first communication device; as well as The communication circuit sends information indicating communication in the first link to the third communication device.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The information indicating communication in the first link includes information for identifying the second communication device and the third communication device constituting the first link.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication circuit receives information requesting registration of the first link from the third communication device, The control circuit registers identification information for identifying the first link.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein: The control circuit allocates the identification information for identifying the first link and the identification information for identifying the third communication device from a common range that can be set for the identification information for identifying the first link and the identification information for identifying the third communication device.

5. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein: The communication circuit receives information indicating capabilities related to communication in the first link from the third communication device.

6. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein: The communication circuit notifies the identification information for identifying the first link in the same form as the identification information for identifying the third communication device.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit individually assigns a color to the first link.

8. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication circuit receives information related to transmission power in the first link.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein: The control circuit controls communication using the same time-frequency resources between the first link and a second link different from the first link based on the information related to the transmission power in the first link.

10. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit determines whether to perform communication using the same time and frequency resources between the first link and a third link, the third link being a link between a fourth communication device connected to the first communication device and the first communication device.

11. The communication device according to claim 10, wherein: The control circuit determines whether to perform communication using the same time and frequency resources between the first link and the third link based on reception power of signals transmitted by the second communication device and the third communication device and received by the fourth communication device.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: The first communication device performs the following processing: controlling communication in a first link, the first link being a link between a second communication device and a third communication device connected to the first communication device; as well as Information indicating communication in the first link is sent to the third communication device.

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