Base station and terminal

Abstract

A base station (10) according to an embodiment is provided with: a first wireless signal processing unit (140) that establishes a first link with a terminal; and a second wireless signal processing unit (150) that establishes a second link different from the first link with the terminal, and when one association request requesting establishment of a plurality of links for performing data communication in parallel using the first link and the second link is received from the terminal. And completing the establishment of the multiple links with the terminal by sending a response to the association request.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese national application No. filed on March 16, 2021

[0002] 2021800217100 (PCT international application No. PCT / JP2021 / 010600) application (base station

[0003] and terminal), and the content thereof is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Embodiments relate to a base station and a terminal. Background Art

[0005] As a wireless system that wirelessly connects a base station and a terminal, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is known.

[0006] Non-Patent Document 1: IEEE Std 802.11-2016, “Figure 4-25 Establishing the IEEE 802.11 association” and “11.3 STA authentication and association”, 7 December 2016 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem of the present invention is to improve the speed and stability of wireless communication.

[0008] The base station according to the embodiment includes: a first wireless signal processing unit that establishes a first link with the terminal; and a second wireless signal processing unit that establishes a second link different from the first link with the terminal. When receiving an association request for establishing a multi-link for parallel use of the first link and the second link for data communication from the terminal, the multi-link is established with the terminal by sending a response to the association request.

[0009] Advantages of the Invention

[0010] The base station according to the embodiment can improve the speed and stability of wireless communication. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 It is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall structure of the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the base station included in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a terminal included in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the format of a wireless frame of the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a base station included in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a terminal included in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing of the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a table showing an example of link management information of the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing of the wireless system according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 It is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a base station included in the wireless system according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 It is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a terminal included in the wireless system according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 It is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing of the wireless system according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 It is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a frequency band used in wireless communication of the wireless system according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 It is a table showing an example of link management information of the wireless system according to the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 It is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the format of a beacon signal of the wireless system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 16 It is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing of the wireless system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a first example of multi-link processing of a wireless system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing a second example of multi-link processing of a wireless system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing a third example of multi-link processing of a wireless system according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment exemplifies an apparatus and a method for embodying the technical idea of the invention. The drawings are schematic or conceptual diagrams, and the dimensions and ratios of the respective drawings are not necessarily limited to the same as the actual dimensions and ratios. The technical idea of the present invention is not determined by the shape, structure, configuration, etc. of the structural elements. In the following description, structural elements having substantially the same functions and structures are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0031] <1>First Embodiment

[0032] Hereinafter, a wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0033] <1-1>Structure of Wireless System 1

[0034] Figure 1 shows an example of the structure of a wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. As Figure 1 shown, the wireless system 1 has, for example, a base station 10, a terminal 20, and a server 30.

[0035] The base station 10 is connected to the network NW and used as an access point of a wireless LAN. For example, the base station 10 can wirelessly distribute the data received from the network NW to the terminal 20. In addition, the base station 10 can connect to the terminal 20 using one band or multiple bands. In the present specification, the wireless connection using multiple bands between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 is referred to as "multi-link". The communication between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 is based on, for example, the IEEE802.11 standard.

[0036] The terminal 20 is, for example, a wireless terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. The terminal 20 can transmit and receive data to and from the server 30 on the network NW via the base station 10 connected wirelessly. In addition, the terminal 20 may be other electronic devices such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer. The terminal 20 only needs to be an instrument that can at least communicate with the base station 10 and can perform the operations described later.

[0037] The server 30 can store various types of information, such as content data for the terminal 20. The server 30 is configured, for example, to be connected to the network NW by a wired method and can communicate with the base station 10 via the network NW. In addition, the server 30 only needs to be able to communicate with the base station 10 at least. That is, the communication between the base station 10 and the server 30 can be either wired or wireless.

[0038] <1-1-1>Regarding the structure of the base station 10

[0039] Figure 2 Shows an example of the structure of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. As Figure 2 shown, the base station 10 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a wireless communication component 14, and a wired communication component 15.

[0040] The CPU 11 is a circuit capable of executing various programs and controls the operation of the entire base station 10. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores programs, control data, etc. for controlling the base station 10. The RAM 13 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory and is used as the working area of the CPU 11. The wireless communication component 14 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data based on wireless signals and is connected to an antenna. In addition, the wireless communication component 14 includes, for example, a plurality of communication components corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands. The wired communication component 15 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data based on wired signals and is connected to the network NW.

[0041] <1-1-2>Regarding the structure of the terminal 20

[0042] Figure 3 Shows an example of the structure of the terminal 20 included in the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. As Figure 3 shown, the terminal 20 has, for example, a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a wireless communication component 24, a display 25, and a storage 26.

[0043] The CPU 21 is a circuit capable of executing various programs and controls the operation of the entire terminal 20. The ROM 22 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores programs, control data, etc. for controlling the terminal 20. The RAM 23 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory and is used as the working area of the CPU 21. The wireless communication component 24 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data based on wireless signals and is connected to an antenna. In addition, the wireless communication component 24 includes, for example, a plurality of communication components corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands respectively. The display 25 displays, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) corresponding to the application software. The display 25 may have a function as an input interface of the terminal 20. The storage 26 is a non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, the system software of the terminal 20.

[0044] <1-2>Operation of the wireless system 1

[0045] The wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment performs data communication based on the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model. In the OSI reference model, the communication function is divided into seven layers (the first layer: physical layer, the second layer: data link layer, the third layer: network layer, the fourth layer: transport layer, the fifth layer: session layer, the sixth layer: presentation layer, the seventh layer: application layer). The data link layer includes, for example, an LLC (Logical Link Control) layer and a MAC (Media Access Control) layer. In this specification, the third layer to the seventh layer are referred to as the "upper layer" based on the data link layer.

[0046] <1-2-1>Regarding the format of the wireless frame

[0047] Figure 4 Shows a specific example of the format of the wireless frame of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. As Figure 4 shown, the wireless frame includes, for example, a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an Address1 field, an Address2 field, an Address3 field, a Sequence Control field, other control information fields, a Frame Body field, and an FCS (Frame Check Sequence) field. The Frame Control field to other control information fields correspond to, for example, the MAC header included in the MAC frame. The Frame Body field corresponds to, for example, the MAC payload included in the MAC frame. The FCS field is information added to check for frame errors.

[0048] The Frame Control field represents various control information, such as including the Type value, Subtype value, To DS (To Distribution System) value, and From DS value.

[0049] The Type value and Subtype value represent the frame type of the wireless frame. For example, the Type value "00" indicates that the wireless frame is a management frame. The Type value "01" indicates that the wireless frame is a control frame. The Type value "10" indicates that the wireless frame is a data frame. Additionally, the content of the wireless frame varies according to the combination of the Type value and Subtype value.

[0050] The meanings of the To DS value and From DS value are different according to their combination. For example, "00 (To DS / From DS)" represents data between terminals within the same IBSS. "10" indicates that the data frame flows from the outside to this DS (Distribution System). "01" indicates that the data frame flows to the outside of this DS. "11" is used in the case of constructing a mesh network.

[0051] The Duration field represents the scheduled period of using the wireless line. The Address field is used to represent the BSSID, source address, destination address, address of the sender terminal, and address of the receiver terminal.

[0052] The Sequence Control field represents the sequence number of the MAC frame and the fragmentation number for fragmentation. The Frame Body field contains information corresponding to the type of the frame. For example, when the Frame Body field corresponds to a data frame, the data is stored in the Frame Body field. The FCS stores the error check code for the MAC header and Frame Body and is used for error determination.

[0053] <1-2-2>Regarding the functional structure of the wireless system 1

[0054] In the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment, the base station 10 establishes a multi-link with the terminal 20 based on a request from the terminal 20. In this specification, the action for establishing a multi-link between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 is referred to as "multi-link processing". First, the respective functional structures of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 related to the multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in sequence.

[0055] (Regarding the functional structure of the base station 10)

[0056] Figure 5 An example representing the functional structure of the base station 10 of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. AsFigure 5 As shown, base station 10 can function as, for example, data processing unit 110, link management unit 120, and radio signal processing units 130, 140, and 150.

[0057] Data processing unit 110 can perform LLC layer processing and upper layer processing on the input data. For example, data processing unit 110 outputs the data input from server 30 via network NW to link management unit 120. In addition, data processing unit 110 sends the data input from link management unit 120 to server 30 via network NW.

[0058] Link management unit 120 can perform, for example, a part of MAC layer processing on the input data. In addition, link management unit 120 manages the link with terminal 20 based on notifications from radio signal processing units 130, 140, and 150. Link management unit 120 includes link management information 121. Link management information 121 is stored in, for example, RAM 13 and includes information on terminal 20 wirelessly connected to this base station 10. Link management information 121 performs one-dimensional management of the usage information of the radio channels used by each radio signal processing unit.

[0059] In addition, link management unit 120 includes association processing unit 122 and authentication processing unit 123. When a connection request from terminal 20 is received via any of radio signal processing units 130, 140, and 150, association processing unit 122 executes the protocol related to association. Authentication processing unit 123 then executes the protocol related to authentication after the connection request.

[0060] Radio signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 can each perform, for example, a part of MAC layer processing and layer 1 processing on the input data or radio signals. That is, radio signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 each use wireless communication to transmit and receive data between base station 10 and terminal 20. Radio signal processing unit 130 processes radio signals in the 2.4 GHz band. Radio signal processing unit 140 processes radio signals in the 5 GHz band. Radio signal processing unit 150 processes radio signals in the 6 GHz band. Radio signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 may or may not share the antenna of base station 10.

[0061] For example, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 respectively create wireless frames by using the data input from the link management unit 120. Moreover, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 respectively transform the wireless frames into wireless signals and distribute the wireless signals via the antennas of the base station 10. In addition, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 respectively transform the wireless signals received via the antennas of the base station 10 into wireless frames, and output the data included in the wireless frames to the link management unit 120.

[0062] (Regarding the functional structure of the terminal 20)

[0063] Figure 6 An example of the functional structure of the terminal 20 of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. As Figure 6 shown, the terminal 20 can function as, for example, a data processing unit 210, a link management unit 220, wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250, and an application execution unit 260.

[0064] The data processing unit 210 can perform LLC layer processing and upper layer processing on the input data. For example, the data processing unit 210 outputs the data input from the application execution unit 260 to the link management unit 220. In addition, the data processing unit 210 outputs the data input from the link management unit 220 to the application execution unit 260.

[0065] The link management unit 220 can perform, for example, a part of the MAC layer processing on the input data. In addition, the link management unit 220 manages the link with the base station 10 based on notifications from the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250. The link management unit 220 includes link management information 221. The link management information 221 is stored in the RAM 23, for example, and includes information on the base station 10 to which the terminal 20 is connected. The link management information 221 includes, for example, the same information as the link management information 121.

[0066] In addition, the link management unit 220 includes an association processing unit 222 and an authentication processing unit 223. When a connection request from the base station 10 is received via any of the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250, the association processing unit 222 executes the protocol related to association. The authentication processing unit 223 executes the protocol related to authentication after the connection request.

[0067] The wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 can respectively perform a part of the processing at the MAC layer and the processing at the first layer on the input data or wireless signals. That is, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 respectively transmit and receive data between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 by using wireless communication. The wireless signal processing unit 230 processes wireless signals in the 2.4 GHz band. The wireless signal processing unit 240 processes wireless signals in the 5 GHz band. The wireless signal processing unit 250 processes wireless signals in the 6 GHz band. The wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 may or may not share the antenna of the terminal 20.

[0068] For example, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 respectively create wireless frames by using the data input from the link management unit 220. Moreover, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 respectively transform the wireless frames into wireless signals and distribute the wireless signals via the antenna of the terminal 20. In addition, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 respectively transform the wireless signals received via the antenna of the terminal 20 into wireless frames and output the data included in the wireless frames to the link management unit 220.

[0069] The application execution unit 260 executes applications that can utilize the data input from the data processing unit 210. For example, the application execution unit 260 can display application information on the display 25. In addition, the application execution unit 260 can perform actions based on the operations of the input interface.

[0070] Regarding the functional structure of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 of the base station 10 are configured to be able to be respectively connected to the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 of the terminal 20. Specifically, wireless connection can be achieved between the wireless signal processing unit 130 and 230 by using the 2.4 GHz band. Wireless connection can be achieved between the wireless signal processing unit 140 and 240 by using the 5 GHz band. Wireless connection can be achieved between the wireless signal processing unit 150 and 250 by using the 6 GHz band. Each wireless signal processing unit can be referred to as a "STA function". That is, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment has multiple STA functions.

[0071] <1-2-3>Details of multi-link processing

[0072] Next, an example of the process of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 7 It is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. As Figure 7As shown, in the multi-link processing of the first embodiment, the processes of steps S10 to S16 are performed in order, for example.

[0073] Specifically, first, in the process of step S10, the terminal 20 sends a probe request to the base station 10. The probe request is to confirm whether there is a signal of the base station 10 around the terminal 20. In addition, the terminal 20 may send a probe request for the purpose of retrieving whether there is a base station itself around without assuming the existence of a specific base station 10. The Frame Control field of the probe request contains, for example, "00 / 0100 (Type value / Subtype value)". If the base station 10 receives the probe request, it executes the process of step S11.

[0074] In the process of step S11, the base station 10 sends a probe response to the terminal 20. The probe response is a signal used by the base station 10 in response to the probe request from the terminal 20. The Frame Control field of the probe response contains, for example, "00 / 0101 (Type value / Subtype value)". If the terminal 20 receives the probe request, it executes the process of step S12.

[0075] In the process of step S12, the terminal 20 sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 via at least 1 STA function. The multi-link association request is a signal for requesting the establishment of a multi-link from the terminal 20 to the base station 10. In addition, as the multi-link association request, a request obtained by adding information for multi-link connection to a normal association request can be used. For example, the multi-link association request is generated by the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20. The Frame Control field of the multi-association request contains, for example, "00 / xxxx (Type value / Subtype value (xxxx is a specified value))". If the multi-link association request is received, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 executes the process of step S13.

[0076] In the process of step S13, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 performs multi-link association processing using 1 STA function. Specifically, first, the base station 10 and the terminal 20 perform association processing of the first STA function. Moreover, if a wireless connection (link) is established in the first STA function, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 uses the first STA function with the established link to perform association processing of the second STA function. That is, the STA function with the established link is used for the association processing of the STA function without an established link. If the association processing of at least 2 STA functions is completed, the base station 10 establishes a multi-link and executes the process of step S14.

[0077] In the process of step S14, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 updates the link management information 121. In addition, in this example, the process of step S14 is executed after two links are established. However, the link management information 121 can be updated each time the link state is updated, or can be updated when multiple links are established. If multiple links are established and the link management information is updated, the base station 10 executes the process of step S15.

[0078] In the process of step S15, the base station 10 sends a multi-link establishment response to the terminal 20. The multi-link establishment response is a signal used by the base station 10 in response to the multi-link request from the terminal 20. The Frame Control field of the multi-association request contains, for example, "00 / 0001 (Type value / Subtype value)". The link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 identifies whether a multi-link with the base station 10 is established based on the reception of the multi-link establishment response. If the terminal 20 receives the multi-link establishment response, it executes the process of step S16.

[0079] In the process of step S16, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 updates the link management information 221. That is, the terminal 20 records in the link management information 221 the situation where a multi-link with the base station 10 is established. Thus, the multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment is completed, and data communication using the multi-link can be realized between the base station 10 and the terminal 20.

[0080] Figure 8 An example of the link management information 121 of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. As Figure 8 shown, the link management information 121 contains, for example, information on the STA function, frequency, link target ID, presence or absence of a multi-link, and transmission ID (TID). The link target ID of the link management information 121 corresponds to the identifier of the terminal 20, for example. On the other hand, the link target ID of the link management information 221 corresponds to the identifier of the base station 10, for example. In this example, "STA1" corresponds to the STA function using the 6 GHz band. "STA2" corresponds to the STA function using the 5 GHz band. "STA3" corresponds to the STA function using the 2.4 GHz band.

[0081] In addition, in this example, a multi-link using "STA1" and "STA2" is established. If a multi-link is established, the link management units 120 and 220 respectively send the data input from the upper layer using at least one STA function link associated with the multi-link. The link management units 120 and 220 can associate the transmission with the STA function based on the type of transmission.

[0082] For example, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 determines the correlation with the STA function and sends a request to the link management unit 120 of the base station 10. Moreover, the base station 10 determines the correlation with the STA function in response to this request. Additionally, one STA function can be associated with one transmission, or multiple STA functions can be associated with one transmission. In this example, "TID#1" and "TID#2" are associated with "STA1", and "TID#1" and "TID#3" are associated with "STA2".

[0083] In this way, when multiple STA functions are associated with one transmission, data is sent in parallel through the multiple STA functions. When sending one transmission in parallel, it is necessary to perform data distribution and sorting between the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 and the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20. The data distribution is executed by the link management unit on the sending side, and the link management unit on the sending side attaches a multi-link flag and identification number to the radio frame. The data sorting is executed by the link management unit on the receiving side.

[0084] <1-3>Effects of the First Embodiment

[0085] According to the wireless system 1 related to the first embodiment described above, a multi-link can be established between the terminal 20 and the base station 10 based on the request of the terminal 20. Next, the detailed effects of the wireless system 1 related to the first embodiment will be described.

[0086] Base stations and terminals using wireless LAN sometimes have multiple STA functions provided for each band used, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc. In such a wireless system, for example, one STA function among the multiple STA functions is selected to establish a wireless connection for data communication between the base station and the terminal. At this time, in the wireless system, regarding the unselected STA functions, even if there are base stations corresponding to the bands of those STA functions, they become unused states.

[0087] In contrast, the wireless system 1 related to the first embodiment makes flexible use of the multiple STA functions respectively possessed by the base station 10 and the terminal 20 to establish a multi-link between the base station 10 and the terminal 20. Briefly, the base station 10 has a link management unit 120, and the terminal 20 has a link management unit 220. Moreover, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 sends a multi-link aggregation request to the base station 10, and the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 establishes a multi-link based on the received multi-link aggregation request.

[0088] As described above, the multi-link of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment is established by initially designating a multi-link for the base station 10 through the terminal 20. Data communication based on the multi-link can use multiple bands simultaneously, and the functions of the wireless LAN device can be fully utilized flexibly. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve effective communication and improve the communication speed.

[0089] In addition, even if the connection based on one STA function is released in the multi-link state, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can continue to communicate through another STA function. Moreover, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can also perform communication while aggregating and switching links between the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 and the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 using the multi-link. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can also improve communication stability.

[0090] In addition, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment performs the association process of each STA function using the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 and the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20. Moreover, the establishment of links based on multiple STA functions is performed using one STA function. Thus, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can omit the association processing unit of each wireless signal processing unit and simplify the structure of each wireless signal processing unit.

[0091] <1-4>Variation of the First Embodiment

[0092] The method of multi-link processing described in the first embodiment is merely an example. Next, the multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the variation of the first embodiment will be described.

[0093] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing an example of the multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the variation of the first embodiment. As Figure 9 shown, the multi-link processing of the variation of the first embodiment performs the following processing, that is, with respect to the multi-link processing described in the first embodiment, the processing of steps S20 and S21 is inserted between steps S11 and S12, and the processing of steps S22 and S23 is inserted between steps S12 and S13.

[0094] Specifically, first, the processing of steps S10 to S12 is executed in sequence in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In short, the terminal 20 sends a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). The base station 10 sends a probe response to the terminal 20 according to the probe request (step S11). In the variation of the first embodiment, if the terminal 20 receives the probe response, the processing of step S20 is executed.

[0095] In the process of step S20, the terminal 20 sends an open authentication request to the base station 10. The open authentication request is a signal for the terminal 20 to request authentication from the base station 10. If the base station 10 receives the open authentication request, an authentication process is performed between the base station 10 and the terminal 20. The authentication process is performed between the authentication processing unit 123 of the base station 10 and the authentication processing unit 223 of the terminal 20. If the authentication process is completed, the base station 10 performs the process of step S21.

[0096] In the process of step S21, the base station 10 sends an open authentication response to the terminal 20. The open authentication response is a signal notifying that the authentication process based on the open authentication request has been completed. If the terminal 20 receives the open authentication response, it sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 (step S12) in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In a modification of the first embodiment, if the base station 10 receives the multi-link association request, it performs the process of step S22.

[0097] In the process of step S22, the base station 10 notifies the terminal 20 of candidate links. The candidate links include information on channels that can be used in the multi-link between the base station 10 and the terminal 20. If the terminal 20 receives the candidate links, it performs the process of step S23.

[0098] In the process of step S23, the terminal 20 sends a multi-link establishment request to the base station 10. The multi-link establishment request is generated by the link management unit 220 that has received the candidate links. Specifically, the link management unit 220 selects at least two channels to be used in the multi-link from the candidate links. Alternatively, the link management unit 220 approves the use of multiple channels included in the candidate links. Then, the link management unit 220 inserts the information on the selected frequency band or the information indicating approval of the candidate links into the multi-link establishment request and sends it to the base station 10 via the STA function. If the base station 10 receives the multi-link establishment request, it performs the process of step S13.

[0099] In the process of step S13, the base station 10 performs multi-link association processing using the STA function corresponding to the channels included in the multi-link establishment request. Alternatively, the base station 10 performs multi-link association processing using the STA function corresponding to the channels included in the candidate links based on the "information indicating approval of the multi-link candidate links" included in the multi-link establishment request. Other operations of the multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0100] As described above, the wireless system 1 according to the modified example of the first embodiment performs authentication processing, notification of candidate links, etc. during multi-link processing. Various options can be applied to multi-link processing, and the options to be used can be appropriately selected. In this case, the wireless system 1 according to the modified example of the first embodiment can also establish a multi-link in the same manner as the first embodiment and can obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0101] <2>Second Embodiment

[0102] The wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment performs association processing for each STA function and establishes the same multi-link as the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment in the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0103] <2-1>Regarding the Functions of the Wireless System 1

[0104] Figure 10 An example of the functional structure of the base station 10 of the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment is shown. As Figure 10 shown, compared with the base station 10 of the first embodiment, the link management unit 120 and the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 of the base station 10 in the second embodiment have different structures.

[0105] Specifically, in the base station 10 of the second embodiment, the association processing unit 122 and the authentication processing unit 123 of the link management unit 120 are omitted. Moreover, the wireless signal processing unit 130 includes an association processing unit 131 and an authentication processing unit 132, the wireless signal processing unit 140 includes an association processing unit 141 and an authentication processing unit 142, and the wireless signal processing unit 150 includes an association processing unit 151 and an authentication processing unit 152.

[0106] The association processing units 131, 141, and 151 each have the same functions as the association processing unit 122. The authentication processing units 132, 142, and 152 each have the same functions as the authentication processing unit 123. That is, the association processing unit and the authentication processing unit of the base station 10 are provided in the link management unit 120 in the first embodiment, whereas they are respectively provided in the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 in the second embodiment. The other structures of the base station 10 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0107] Figure 11 An example of the functional structure of the terminal 20 of the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment is shown. As Figure 11 shown, compared with the terminal 20 of the first embodiment, the link management unit 220 and the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 of the terminal 20 in the second embodiment have different structures.

[0108] Specifically, in the terminal 20 of the second embodiment, the association processing unit 222 and the authentication processing unit 223 of the link management unit 220 are omitted. Moreover, the wireless signal processing unit 230 includes an association processing unit 231 and an authentication processing unit 232, the wireless signal processing unit 240 includes an association processing unit 241 and an authentication processing unit 242, and the wireless signal processing unit 250 includes an association processing unit 251 and an authentication processing unit 252.

[0109] The association processing units 231, 241, and 251 each have the same function as the association processing unit 222. The authentication processing units 232, 242, and 252 each have the same function as the authentication processing unit 223. That is, the association processing unit and the authentication processing unit of the terminal 20 are provided in the link management unit 220 in the first embodiment, whereas they are respectively provided in the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 in the second embodiment. The other structure of the terminal 20 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0110] <2-2>Regarding multi-link processing

[0111] Next, an example of the process of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 12 It is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment. As Figure 12 shown, the multi-link processing in the second embodiment performs the process of replacing step S13 with steps S30 and S31 in the multi-link processing described in the first embodiment.

[0112] Specifically, first, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the processes of steps S10 to S12 are sequentially executed. Briefly, the terminal 20 sends a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). The base station 10 sends a probe response to the terminal 20 according to the probe request (step S11). The terminal 20 sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 according to the probe response (step S12).

[0113] If the base station 10 receives a multi-link association request, it performs multi-link association processing. In the multi-link association processing of the second embodiment, in the association processing of the initial link, the link that becomes the object of the multi-link is adjusted (for example, the selection of the STA function used in the multi-link). For example, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 notifies the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 of multiple candidate links that can be used for the multi-link. The link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 selects a candidate link that it wants to use for the multi-link from the notified multiple candidate links and notifies it to the link management unit 120 of the base station 10. The base station 10 agrees to this notification and adjusts the link that becomes the object of the multi-link. The notification of the multiple candidate links between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 and the notification of the selected candidate link are respectively performed through a probe request and a probe response. Moreover, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 instructs at least two STA functions used for the multi-link to execute the association processing. In addition, the execution instruction of the above-mentioned association processing can be processed by the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20. Each STA function starts to perform the association processing based on the instruction of the link management unit 120, and when the link is established, it notifies the link management unit 120 of the establishment of the link.

[0114] Here, an example of the multi-link association processing in the case where the first STA function corresponds to the radio signal processing unit 150 and the second STA function corresponds to the radio signal processing unit 140 will be described.

[0115] If the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 receives a multi-link association request, it first instructs the radio signal processing unit 150 (the first STA function) to execute the association processing (step S30). Then, the radio signal processing unit 150 uses the association processing unit 151 to execute the association processing with the radio signal processing unit 250 of the terminal 20. If the link based on the first STA function is established, the radio signal processing unit 150 notifies the link management unit 120 of the establishment of the link.

[0116] On the other hand, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 instructs the radio signal processing unit 140 (the second STA function) to execute the association processing (step S31). Then, the radio signal processing unit 140 uses the association processing unit 141 to execute the association processing with the radio signal processing unit 240 of the terminal 20. If the link based on the second STA function is established, the radio signal processing unit 140 notifies the link management unit 120 of the establishment of the link. In addition, the establishment of each link can be executed sequentially or in parallel. In the association processing for the establishment of each link, a common AID (association identifier) is used. The AID refers to an identifier used to uniquely identify the communication object used in the association.

[0117] If the processes of steps S30 and S31 are completed and a link based on at least two STA functions is established, the base station 10 updates the link management information 121 (step S14). Other operations of the multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0118] <2-3>Effects of the Second Embodiment

[0119] According to the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment described above, similar to the first embodiment, a multi-link can be established based on the request of the terminal 20. Moreover, the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0120] In addition, in the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment, the association process is executed by each STA function (wireless signal processing unit). Therefore, in the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, 150, 230, 240, and 250 can be composed of the same wireless components as those of the terminal and the base station without a link management unit. Thus, the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment can suppress the development costs of the base station 10 and the terminal 20.

[0121] <3>Third Embodiment

[0122] The wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment has, for example, the same structure as the first embodiment. Moreover, the wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment establishes the same multi-link as the first embodiment using a plurality of channels included in the same frequency band. Hereinafter, regarding the wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0123] <3-1>Regarding the Frequency Bands Used in Wireless Communication

[0124] Figure 13 An example of the frequency band used in the wireless communication of the wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment is shown. As Figure 13 shown, for example, the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band are used in wireless communication. Moreover, each frequency band includes a plurality of channels. In this example, it is assumed that the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band each include at least three channels CH1, CH2, and CH3. Communication using each channel CH is achieved through the associated STA function.

[0125] <3-2>Regarding Multi-link Processing

[0126] The wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment establishes the same multi-links as those in the first embodiment by using multiple channels CH included in the same frequency band. The multi-link processing in the third embodiment is the same as changing the channels used for multi-links to multiple channels CH included in the same frequency band compared to the multi-link processing described in the first embodiment.

[0127] Figure 14 An example of the link management information 121 of the wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment is shown. As Figure 14 shown, the link management information 121 of the third embodiment has a structure in which information related to the channel ID of each frequency band is added to the link management information 121 of the first embodiment. In addition, in this example, the same multi-links as those in the first embodiment are established by using the channel CH2 of "STA1" corresponding to the 6 GHz frequency band and the channel CH3 of "STA2" corresponding to the 6 GHz frequency band.

[0128] <3-3>Effects of the Third Embodiment

[0129] As described above, the respective STA functions of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can use the same frequency band. Moreover, the multi-links between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can be established by using multiple STA functions in the same frequency band. Specifically, multiple STA functions can constitute multi-links by using different channels CH in the 5 GHz frequency band, for example. In this case, the wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment can also achieve effective communication in the same manner as the first embodiment, and can improve communication stability.

[0130] <4>Fourth Embodiment

[0131] The wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment has, for example, the same structure as that in the first embodiment. Moreover, in the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, it is determined whether the terminal 20 can achieve multi-links based on the beacon signal allocated by the base station 10. Hereinafter, the differences from the first to third embodiments in the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0132] <4-1>Regarding the Beacon Signal

[0133] In the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the base station 10 broadcasts in advance the information on the channels that can be used for multi-links by using the beacon signal. This beacon information is generated by the link management unit 120, for example. The Frame Control field of the beacon signal contains "00 / 1000 (Type value / Subtype value)", for example. The link management unit 120 appropriately updates the information inserted into the beacon signal according to the state of the base station 10.

[0134] Figure 15Shows a specific example of the format of the beacon signal of the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As Figure 15 shown, the beacon signal includes, for example, information indicating whether multi-link can be implemented, information on the channel of the first multi-link object (#1), and information on the channel of the second multi-link object (#2). The information indicating whether multi-link can be implemented indicates whether multi-link using the base station 10 can be implemented. When multi-link can be implemented in the base station 10, the beacon signal includes information on the channels of at least two multi-link objects.

[0135] <4-2>Regarding multi-link processing

[0136] Figure 16 Is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As Figure 16 shown, in the multi-link processing of the fourth embodiment, in the multi-link processing described in the first embodiment, the processing of steps S10 and S11 is omitted and the processing of step S40 is added.

[0137] Specifically, first, in the processing of step S40, the base station 10 broadcasts a beacon including link information. The link information includes information indicating whether multi-link can be implemented and information on multiple channels of the multi-link object. If the terminal 20 receives the beacon signal including the link information, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can grasp the information of the base station 10 capable of implementing multi-link and the information on the channels used in the multi-link. That is, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can obtain the presence or absence of the access point corresponding to multi-link and the information on the channels of the multi-link object by receiving the beacon signal.

[0138] Then, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 requests the establishment of multi-link from the base station 10 via any of the channels of the multi-link object. In other words, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 that hopes to establish multi-link based on the link information notified from one or more STA functions (step S12). The other operations of the multi-link processing of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0139] In addition, the wireless system 1 may execute the processing of steps S10 and S11 described in the first embodiment before step S12. Specifically, after broadcasting the beacon including the link information, the terminal 20 that has received the beacon may send a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10), and the base station 10 may send a probe response to the terminal 20 according to the probe request (step S11). In this example, thereafter, the terminal 20 sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 (step S12).

[0140] <4-3>Effects of the fourth embodiment

[0141] As described above, in the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the base station 10 allocates a beacon signal including information indicating whether multi-link can be implemented and information on channels that are the objects of a pre-desired multi-link. Further, the terminal 20 establishes a multi-link with the base station 10 via the STA function that supports the channels included in the beacon signal (link information).

[0142] Accordingly, in the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the base station 10 can establish a multi-link only in response to a multi-link association request from the terminal 20. Therefore, the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment can establish a multi-link between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 more simply than the first embodiment, and can improve user convenience.

[0143] <5> Fifth Embodiment

[0144] The fifth embodiment relates to a change in the installation method of the specific association settings of the wireless system 1 described in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, for the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the differences from the first to fourth embodiments will be described.

[0145] <5-1> Regarding Multi-link Processing

[0146] In the wireless system 1, the base station 10 and the terminal 20 only need to replace the information required for establishing a multi-link by using at least one of a beacon, a probe request, and a probe response. Hereinafter, a first example, a second example, and a third example of multi-link processing related to the distribution of various information related to beacons and associations and the installation method of association settings will be described.

[0147] (First Example)

[0148] Figure 17 It is a flowchart showing a first example of the multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. As Figure 17 shown, the first example of the multi-link processing has a structure in which step S50 is added before step S10 in the multi-link processing described in the first embodiment.

[0149] Specifically, in the process of step S50, the base station 10 transmits a beacon (beacon signal) including information on channels that are multi-link objects to the terminal 20. This beacon signal includes information indicating that the base station 10 supports multi-link and information on channels that the base station 10 can use for multi-link (information on channels that are multi-link objects). In addition, the beacon signal transmitted in the process of step S50 corresponds to the one referred to in the fourth embodiment Figure 15The beacon signal shown. The beacon signal can be sent by multiple channels that are multi-link objects respectively. In other words, each channel that is an object of multi-link can send a beacon signal including information related to multi-link.

[0150] If the terminal 20 receives the beacon signal, it sends a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). The terminal 20 designates at least two channels that it wants to use in the multi-link in the probe request, and requests the base station 10 to send the capability information, operation information, etc. of the at least two channels. The capability information is information indicating the functions supported in the communication of each channel. The operation information is information including the parameters required for communication. In the processing of step S10, the capability information and operation information requested by the terminal 20 from the base station 10 are not included in the beacon signal sent by the base station 10 in the processing of step S50.

[0151] If the base station 10 receives the probe request, it sends a probe response to the terminal 20 (step S11). The base station 10 sends the capability information and operation information of the at least two channels requested from the terminal 20 to the terminal 20 in the probe response.

[0152] If the terminal 20 receives the probe response, it sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 (step S12). In the multi-link association request, the terminal 20 notifies the base station 10 of its own information (capability information, operation information) related to at least two links (channels) that it wants to use in the multi-link.

[0153] If the base station 10 receives the multi-link association request, it performs multi-link association processing using one STA function in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step S13).

[0154] If the association processing of at least two STA functions is completed, a multi-link is established, and the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 updates the link management information 121 (step S14).

[0155] If the link management information 121 is updated, the base station 10 sends a multi-link establishment response to the terminal 20 (step S15). The multi-link establishment response includes information on the channels where a connection (link) is established between the base station 10 and the terminal 20.

[0156] If the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 receives the multi-link establishment response, it updates the link management information 221 (step S16). Thus, in the first example of multi-link processing, data communication using multi-link can be achieved between the base station 10 and the terminal 20.

[0157] (Second example)

[0158] Figure 18This is a flowchart showing a second example of multi-link processing in the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. As Figure 18 shown, the second example of multi-link processing has a structure in which step S50 in the first example of multi-link processing is replaced with step S60.

[0159] Specifically, in the process of step S60, the base station 10 transmits a beacon (beacon signal) including information indicating support for multi-link to the terminal 20 using each channel that is the object of multi-link. This beacon signal indicates that the base station 10 supports multi-link and does not include information on the channels of the multi-link object.

[0160] The terminal 20 receives the beacon signal from the base station 10 using each channel that can be used for communication by itself. Thus, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can grasp the channels (channels of the multi-link object) that can be used in the multi-link with the base station 10 based on the channels that have received the beacon signal including the information indicating support for multi-link.

[0161] Moreover, the terminal 20 sends a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). The terminal 20 designates at least two channels that it wants to use in the multi-link among the channels of the multi-link object grasped by the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20, and requests the base station 10 to send the capability information, operation information, etc. of the at least two channels.

[0162] Next, the wireless system 1 executes the processes of steps S11 to S16. The processes of steps S11 to S16 in the second example of multi-link processing are the same as the processes of steps S11 to S16 in the first example of multi-link processing.

[0163] (Third example)

[0164] Figure 19 This is a flowchart showing a third example of multi-link processing in the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. As Figure 19 shown, the third example of multi-link processing has a structure in which step S50 in the first example of multi-link processing is replaced with step S70, and a part of the processes of steps S10 and S11 is changed.

[0165] Specifically, in the process of step S70, the base station 10 transmits a beacon (beacon signal) including information indicating support for multi-link to the terminal 20. This beacon signal indicates that the base station 10 supports multi-link and does not include information on the channels of the multi-link object.

[0166] If the terminal 20 receives the beacon signal, it sends a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). The terminal 20 requests the base station 10 to send the capability information, operation information, etc. related to all channels that can be used by the base station 10 in the multi-link in the probe request.

[0167] If the base station 10 receives a probe request, it sends a probe response to the terminal 20 (step S11). In the probe response, the base station 10 sends the capability information and operation information about all channels that can be used in the multi-link to the terminal 20. Thus, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can grasp the channels that can be used in the multi-link with the base station 10.

[0168] Next, the wireless system 1 performs the processes of steps S12 to S16. The processes of steps S12 to S16 in the third example of the multi-link processing are the same as the processes of steps S12 to S16 in the first example of the multi-link processing.

[0169] <5-2>Effects of the Fifth Embodiment

[0170] As described above, it is possible to notify all the information required for communication (multi-link) using each channel without using a beacon. The information required for the establishment of the multi-link can be allocated to the beacon, the probe request, and the probe response as in the first, second, and third examples described in the fifth embodiment. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment can optimize the exchange efficiency of the information for the establishment of the multi-link according to the environment of the wireless system 1. In addition, the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment can concentrate the processing on either the base station 10 or the terminal 20 to suppress the load on one device.

[0171] <6>Other Modification Examples, etc.

[0172] In the above embodiment, when the link cannot be maintained by the movement of the terminal 20 or the like, each STA function can notify the corresponding link management unit. In addition, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can change the state of the multi-link with the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 based on the notification from the STA function. Specifically, for example, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 and the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 can appropriately change the STA functions used in the multi-link. When the state of the multi-link is changed, the link management units 120 and 220 update the link management information 121 and 221, respectively. In addition, the link management units 120 and 220 can update the transmission-STA function correlation according to the increase or decrease in the number of links.

[0173] The structure of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment is merely an example, and it may be other structures. For example, it is illustrated that the base station 10 and the terminal 20 each have three STA functions (wireless signal processing units), but it is not limited thereto. The base station 10 only needs to have at least two wireless signal processing units. Similarly, the terminal 20 only needs to have at least two wireless signal processing units. In addition, the number of channels that each STA function can process can be appropriately set according to the used frequency band. The wireless communication components 14 and 24 can each use a plurality of communication components to handle wireless communication in multiple frequency bands, or can use one communication component to handle wireless communication in multiple frequency bands. If the actions described in the above embodiments can be performed, the configurations of the association processing unit and the authentication processing unit can be appropriately changed.

[0174] In addition, the functional structures of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment are merely examples. If the actions described in each embodiment can be performed, the functional structures of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can be other names and groupings. For example, in the base station 10, the data processing unit 110 and the link management unit 120 can be collectively referred to as the data processing unit. Similarly, in the terminal 20, the data processing unit 210 and the link management unit 220 can be collectively referred to as the data processing unit.

[0175] In addition, in the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment, the CPUs respectively included in the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can be other circuits. For example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) etc. can be used instead of the CPU. In addition, the processing described in each embodiment can be implemented by dedicated hardware respectively. Regarding the wireless system 1 according to each embodiment, the processing executed by software and the processing executed by hardware can be mixed, or can be only one of them.

[0176] In each embodiment, the flowcharts for the description of the actions are merely examples. The multi-link processing only needs to be an action of establishing a multi-link at least based on the request of the terminal 20, and the order of the processing can be replaced within the possible range, or other processing can be added. In addition, the format of the wireless frame described in the above embodiments is merely an example. As long as the multi-link processing described in each embodiment can be performed, the wireless system 1 can use other formats of wireless frames.

[0177] In this specification, "connection" corresponds to a state in which data communication can be performed. "Connection request" corresponds to a request for connection with the base station 10 in order for the terminal 20 to communicate with the network NW. "Association processing" and "authentication processing" respectively correspond to the processing for making the terminal 20 belong to the base station 10.

[0178] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the above embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiments, their variations, are included in the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto in the same manner as the gist of the invention.

[0179] Description of Reference Numerals

[0180] 1... Wireless system

[0181] 10... Base station

[0182] 20... Terminal

[0183] 30... Server

[0184] 11, 21... CPU

[0185] 12, 22... ROM

[0186] 13, 23... RAM

[0187] 14, 24... Wireless communication component

[0188] 15... Wired communication component

[0189] 25... Display

[0190] 26... Storage

[0191] 110, 210... Data processing unit

[0192] 120, 220... Link management unit

[0193] 121, 221... Link management information

[0194] 122, 131, 141, 151, 222, 231, 241, 251... Association processing unit 123, 132, 142, 152, 223, 232, 242, 252... Authentication processing unit 130, 140, 150, 230, 240, 250... Wireless signal processing unit

Claims

1. A base station that communicates with a terminal, comprising: A first radio signal processing unit that establishes a first link with the terminal; and A second radio signal processing unit that establishes a second link different from the first link with the terminal, In the case of receiving an association request for a multi-link that requests to establish data communication using the first link and the second link in parallel from the terminal, the establishment of the multi-link is completed with the terminal by sending a response to the association request.

2. The base station according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the first radio signal processing unit or the second radio signal processing unit is used to broadcast a beacon signal including information indicating whether multi-link can be implemented.

3. A terminal that communicates with a base station, comprising: A first radio signal processing unit that establishes a first link with the base station; and A second radio signal processing unit that establishes a second link different from the first link with the base station, The establishment of the multi-link is completed with the base station by sending an association request for a multi-link that requests to establish data communication using the first link and the second link in parallel to the base station and receiving a response to the association request.

4. The terminal according to claim 3, wherein If a beacon signal including information indicating whether multi-link can be implemented is received from the base station using at least one of the first radio signal processing unit or the second radio signal processing unit, a request for a multi-link based on the information included in the beacon signal is sent to the base station.

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