Communication device, control method for communication device, and program

Abstract

A communication device capable of operating as an access point establishes multiple links with other communication devices in response to connection requests from the other communication devices. In the event the multiple links have been established, the communication device transmits information related to operation in an Enhanced Multilink Single Radio (EMLSR) mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a communication device for wireless communication, and a control method and program for the communication device. Background Technology

[0002] The IEEE 802.11 series of standards are known as WLAN communication standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Note that WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. The IEEE 802.11 series of standards includes IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be, and other standards. The IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards are designed for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz frequency bands.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses the use of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) for wireless communication in the IEEE 802.11ax standard. The IEEE 802.11ax standard achieves high throughput by using OFDMA for wireless communication.

[0004] In the IEEE 802.11be standard, which is the successor to the IEEE 802.11ax standard, multilink operation is being studied. In this multilink operation, a single Access Point Multilink Device (AP MLD) establishes multiple links in parallel with a single non-AP MLD (also known as a station MLD) on multiple frequency channels for communication. Additionally, Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode is considered an operating mode within multilink operation. The EMLSR mode is defined only for non-AP MLDs, not for Access Point Multilink Devices (AP MLDs).

[0005] During EMLSR mode operation, the non-AP MLD simultaneously waits on multiple links (e.g., EMLSR links) established with the AP MLD to receive the initial control frame sent by the AP MLD. Here, different channels are typically selected for each EMLSR link. The AP-MLD selects one link and sends the initial control frame on that link. In this case, the AP-MLD can choose the optimal link (e.g., a channel that is not congested in the communication environment). Then, when the initial control frame is received, the non-AP MLD exchanges data with the AP MLD on the link where the frame was received. Note that during EMLSR mode operation, the non-AP MLD does not simultaneously send or receive frames other than the initial control frame on multiple links.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-50133 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, as mentioned above, the IEEE 802.11 standard does not specify a method for operating the AP MLD in EMLSR mode. Therefore, there is a problem that it is impossible to operate the AP MLD in EMLSR mode.

[0011] This invention was made in view of at least one of the aforementioned problems. As one aspect of the invention, in order to operate an AP MLD in EMLSR mode, one objective is to provide a mechanism for the AP MLD to issue appropriate notifications to non-AP MLDs when the AP MLD is capable of operating in EMLSR mode. Another aspect of the invention is to increase the convenience of multi-link operation.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] This invention was made in view of at least one of the aforementioned problems. As one aspect of the invention, in order to operate an AP MLD in EMLSR mode, one objective is to provide a mechanism for the AP MLD to issue appropriate notifications to non-AP MLDs when the AP MLD is capable of operating in EMLSR mode. As another aspect of the invention, one objective is to increase the convenience of multi-link operation.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, a communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication device capable of operating as an access point, the communication device comprising: an establishment component for establishing a multi-link with the other communication device in response to a connection request from the other communication device; and a transmission component for transmitting information related to operation in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode when the multi-link is established.

[0015] A communication device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an establishment component for establishing a multilink with an access point; a receiving component for receiving information related to operation in an enhanced multilink single radio (EMLSR) mode when the multilink is established; and a transmitting component for transmitting a predetermined frame to the access point based on the information related to operation in the EMLSR mode received by the receiving component.

[0016] Advantages of the invention

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, when the AP MLD is capable of operating in EMLSR mode, the AP MLD can issue appropriate notifications to non-AP MLDs. According to another aspect of the invention, the convenience of multi-link operation can be increased. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a network according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a communication device according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a communication device related to enabling / disabling EMLSR mode.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of an Ultra High Reliability (UHR) operating element.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a multi-link element for probe requests.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a basic multilink element.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of communication devices related to the permission to enable EMLSR mode. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown.

[0027] Figure 1 An example of a network configuration according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 An example is shown of communication device 102 participating in the network configuration of network 103 established by communication device 101.

[0028] Communication device 101 is an Ultra-Reliable Access Point Multiplexer (UHRAP MLD) supporting the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard. The UHR AP MLD is hereinafter referred to as "AP MLD". Communication device 102 is an Ultra-Reliable Non-Access Point Multiplexer (UHR Non-AP MLD) supporting the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard. The UHR Non-AP MLD is hereinafter referred to as "Non-AP MLD". An AP MLD includes multiple access points (APs). A Non-AP MLD includes multiple non-AP stations (STAs) (non-access point stations; non-AP STAs are hereinafter referred to as "STAs"). AP MLDs and Non-AP MLDs can establish multiple links in parallel by establishing multiple links between the multiple APs of the AP MLD and the multiple STAs of the Non-AP MLD. Communication devices 101 and 102 are configured to communicate with radio frames conforming to the successor standard of IEEE 802.11be, which is designed to improve reliability and achieve low latency. Note that IEEE stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Based on the above, in this embodiment, the successor standard to IEEE 802.11be, which aims to improve reliability and achieve low latency, will also be referred to as IEEE 802.11bn or IEEE 802.11 Ultra High Reliability (UHR). The radio frames used for communication under the successor standard are also referred to as UHRPPDU. PPDU stands for PLCP protocol data unit, and PLCP stands for Physical Layer Convergence Protocol.

[0029] These names (i.e., IEEE 802.11bn, IEEE 802.11UHR, and UHR standards) were established for convenience based on the goals to be achieved in subsequent standards and the features that will be the main focus of the standards, and the names can be changed to different names once the standards are completed. In contrast, note that this specification and the appended claims are essentially applicable to any successor to the 802.11bn standard.

[0030] Communication devices 101 and 102 can communicate in microwave bands including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, or in millimeter-wave bands exceeding 45 GHz, including a 60 GHz band. Communication devices 101 and 102 can operate in microwave bands with channel bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz. In the millimeter-wave band, communication devices 101 and 102 can operate with channel bandwidths of 2.16 GHz, 4.32 GHz, 6.48 GHz, or 8.64 GHz. In the millimeter-wave band, communication devices 101 and 102 can also operate at 2.16 / n [GHz] (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) or 20 × m [MHz] (where m is a natural number). However, communication devices 101 and 102 may only be able to operate in the millimeter-wave band with a channel bandwidth less than 2.16 GHz.

[0031] Although it is assumed that communication devices 101 and 102 support the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard, they may also additionally support the IEEE 802.11 standard, which predates the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard. Specifically, communication devices 101 and 102 may support at least one of the IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, and be standards.

[0032] In addition to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, communication devices 101 and 102 can also support other communication standards, such as Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, ZigBee, and MBOA. Note that UWB stands for Ultra Wideband, and MBOA stands for Multi-Band OFDM. NFC stands for Near Field Communication. UWB includes, for example, Wireless USB, Wireless 1394, and WiNET. Furthermore, individual communication devices can support communication standards for wired communication such as wired LAN.

[0033] Communication device 101 is an AP MLD configured to operate in EMLSR mode. EMLSR mode is a mode in which the communication device simultaneously waits on multiple links established with the other device to receive a radio frame (initial frame) used to initiate data exchange, but only uses one of the multiple links during data exchange. This can reduce the power consumption of the communication device or the hardware or software resources required for the communication device. Communication device 101 can also establish EMLSR links with non-AP MLDs to operate in EMLSR mode. An EMLSR link is a multiple link established between communication device 101 and the other device to enable communication device 101 to operate in EMLSR mode.

[0034] While specific examples of communication device 101 include, but are not limited to, wireless LAN routers and personal computers (PCs), any communication device that can operate as an access point is acceptable.

[0035] The communication device 101 may be an information processing device such as a wireless chip that is capable of wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard.

[0036] Specific examples of communication device 102 include, but are not limited to, cameras, tablets, smartphones, PCs, cellular phones, video cameras, headsets, webcams, printers, and projectors. Communication device 102 can be an information processing device, such as a wireless chip, capable of wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard.

[0037] Figure 1 The wireless network in the example includes one AP MLD and one non-AP MLD, but the number of AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs is not limited to this. For example, the wireless network may include multiple non-AP MLDs.

[0038] (AP MLD and non-AP MLD configurations)

[0039] Figure 2 An example of the hardware configuration of a communication device 101 according to this embodiment is shown. The communication device 101 includes a memory unit 201, a control unit 202, a functional unit 203, an input unit 204, an output unit 205, a communication unit 206, and an antenna 207. Multiple antennas may be present.

[0040] Memory unit 201 includes one or more memories such as read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), and stores computer programs for performing the various operations described below, as well as various types of information such as communication parameters for wireless communication. ROM stands for read-only memory, and RAM stands for random access memory. Note that, in addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, storage media such as floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, or digital video discs (DVDs) can also be used as memory unit 201. Memory unit 201 may include, for example, multiple memories.

[0041] The control unit 202 includes, for example, one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a microprocessor unit (MPU), and controls the entire communication device 101 by executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 201. The control unit 202 can control the entire communication device 101 through the cooperative execution of the computer program stored in the memory unit 201 and the operating system (OS). The control unit 202 also generates data and signals (wireless frames) to be transmitted in communications with other communication devices. Note that CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and MPU stands for Microprocessor Unit. The control unit 202 may be equipped with multiple processors, such as multi-core processors, and multiple processors can be used to control the entire communication device 101.

[0042] The control unit 202 also controls the functional unit 203 to perform wireless communication and predetermined processes such as camera recording, printing, and projection. The functional unit 203 is hardware used by the communication device 101 to perform predetermined processes.

[0043] Input unit 204 receives various operations from the user. Output unit 205 provides various outputs to the user through a monitor screen and a speaker. In this case, the outputs from output unit 205 include displays on the monitor screen, sound output through the speaker, and vibration output, etc. Both input unit 204 and output unit 205 can be implemented in a single module such as a touch panel. Input unit 204 and output unit 205 can be integrated with communication device 101 or can be separate from communication device 101.

[0044] Communication unit 206 controls wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard. In addition to the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard, communication unit 206 can also control wireless communication conforming to other IEEE 802.11 series standards, and can also control wired communication such as wired LAN. Communication unit 206 controls antenna 207 to transmit and receive signals for wireless communication generated by control unit 202.

[0045] In cases where communication device 101 supports standards such as NFC and Bluetooth in addition to the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard, communication device 101 can control wireless communications conforming to these communication standards. When communication device 101 is capable of wireless communications conforming to multiple communication standards, communication device 101 can be configured to have separate communication units and antennas corresponding to each communication standard. Communication device 101 exchanges data such as image data, document data, video data, and other data with communication device 102 via communication unit 206. Antenna 207 can be configured as a separate unit from communication unit 206, or antenna 207 and communication unit 206 can be formed as a single integrated module.

[0046] Antenna 207 is an antenna capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band. Communication device 101 may have one or more antennas. Alternatively, communication device 101 may have different antennas for each frequency band. In the case that communication device 101 has multiple antennas, communication device 101 may have communication units 206 corresponding to each antenna.

[0047] Note that communication device 102 has essentially the same hardware configuration as communication device 101.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the communication device 101 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, each functional block is stored as a program in the memory unit 201, and its function is executed by the control unit 202 executing the program. The control unit 202 executes the program to control various hardware devices and calculate and process information, thereby realizing the various functions. Note that one or more, or all, of the components included in this functional block can be implemented as hardware. In this case, one or more, or all, of the components included in each functional block are constructed, for example, by an application-specific integrated circuit (ACIC). It is assumed that the communication device 102 also has substantially the same configuration in this embodiment.

[0049] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication device 101 has a wireless LAN control unit 301. Note that the number of wireless LAN control units is not limited to one, but may be more than one. The communication device 101 also includes a frame processing unit 302, a user interface (UI) control unit 304, and a memory unit 305.

[0050] The wireless LAN control unit 301 includes antennas and circuitry for transmitting and receiving wireless signals from other wireless LAN devices, as well as programs for controlling them. The wireless LAN control unit 301 performs wireless LAN communication control based on frames generated by the frame processing unit 302, according to the IEEE 802.11 standard series.

[0051] The frame processing unit 302 performs processing for generating wireless control frames to be transmitted by the wireless LAN control unit 301 and processing for analyzing frames received via the control unit 301. Note that the frame processing unit 302 refers to operation settings such as communication parameters stored in the memory unit 305 to perform frame interpretation and generation processing. Furthermore, the frame processing unit 302 can be configured to change operation settings based on user operations received via the UI control unit 304. Information related to frames generated by the control unit 301 is transmitted to the communication counterpart device via the wireless LAN control unit 301. Information related to frames received by the wireless LAN control unit 301 is passed to the frame processing unit 302 for analysis.

[0052] The UI control unit 304 includes user interface-related hardware devices such as touch panels or buttons for accepting user input, and programs for controlling them. For example, the wireless LAN control unit 301 accepts user input via the UI control unit 304 to select the peer device to which the communication device 101 is connected. Note that the UI control unit 304 also has the function of indicating information to the user, for example, by displaying images or via audio output.

[0053] The memory unit 305 includes one or more memories such as ROM and RAM, and stores computer programs for performing the various operations described below and various types of information such as communication parameters for wireless communication.

[0054] Next, we will use Figure 4 This describes the operation of the communication device 101 (i.e., AP MLD) in relation to the operation of enabling or disabling Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode according to the present invention. In this embodiment, it is assumed that... Figure 4The flowcharts shown illustrate how each process is implemented by the processor of the control unit 202 of the communication device 101 executing programs to implement each control module. Note that data transmission and reception processes, etc., are implemented in cooperation with hardware such as the communication unit. Note that, to clarify the main body of the process, the various functional units implemented by the program executed by the control unit 202 will be described as the main body. As mentioned above, part or all of the process can be implemented by hardware such as ASIC, ASSP, SoC, etc. ASSP stands for Application Standard Product, and SoC stands for System on Chip.

[0055] Figure 4 The following series of processes is illustrated: Communication device 102, acting as a counterpart device, locates communication device 101 via a search, establishes a connection with communication device 101, and determines the communication mode for communicating with the counterpart device. This process begins when the wireless LAN control unit 301 initiates a Multi-Link Operation (MLO) discovery process. Note that the MLO discovery process searches for MLDs in the surrounding area. In communication device 101, the MLO discovery process is related to the transmission of beacon frames and probe response frames by the wireless LAN control unit 301.

[0056] Once the MLO discovery process is initiated, the wireless LAN control unit 301 determines whether to attempt to enable EMLSR mode, that is, whether to attempt to operate in EMLSR mode on the multi-link established with the other device. Attempting to enable EMLSR mode is to indicate to the other device that the communication device expects to operate in EMLSR mode and anticipates a response from the other device to this expectation. Note that the MLO discovery process can be initiated based on user commands received by the UI control unit 304 through an interface such as a touch panel. The wireless LAN control unit 301 can also determine whether to operate in EMLSR mode based on information pre-stored in the memory unit 305 or information received by the UI control unit 304 from the user through an input unit 204 such as a touch panel. For example, if the UI control unit 304 receives a command from the user for low-power operation (or has received such a command in the past and stored it as an operation setting), the wireless LAN control unit 301 may determine to attempt to enable EMLSR mode. Based on the determination regarding whether to attempt to enable EMLSR mode, the wireless LAN control unit 301 begins to include information indicating an attempt to enable or disable EMLSR mode in a frame to be sent during the MLO discovery process and sends that frame (S400). As described above, the frame that the wireless LAN control unit 301 may send during the MLO discovery process is a beacon frame or a probe response frame. Beacon frames are sent at predetermined intervals (e.g., 100 ms). Upon receiving a probe request frame from the communication device 102, a probe response frame is sent as a response to the probe request frame. Note that the timing of sending the probe response frame is not limited to this and can be sent at any timing.

[0057] After detecting a peer device during the MLO discovery process, the wireless LAN control unit 301 initiates a multi-link setup procedure. During this procedure, a connection is established with the peer device detected during the MLO discovery process. For example, the multi-link setup procedure is initiated in response to a connection request from the peer device. Note that the multi-link setup procedure is related to connections with other MLDs. For example, establishing multi-link connections with other MLDs.

[0058] The process will be described in detail. First, the wireless LAN control unit 301 includes information corresponding to the determination result regarding whether an attempt is being made to enable EMLSR mode in a frame to be sent during the multi-link setup process, and sends the frame. If it is determined that an attempt is being made to enable EMLSR mode, the control unit 301 includes information indicating that an attempt is being made to enable EMLSR mode. Conversely, if it is determined that no attempt is being made to enable EMLSR mode, the control unit 301 includes information indicating that an attempt is being made to disable EMLSR mode. Note that the frames to be sent during the multi-link setup process are, for example, association response frames or reassociation response frames. If an association request frame is received from the communication device 102, an association response frame is sent as a response to the association request frame. If a reassociation request frame is received from the communication device 102, a reassociation response frame is sent as a response to the reassociation request frame. Note that the timing of sending the association response frame and the reassociation response frame is not limited to these and can be sent at any timing.

[0059] The wireless LAN control unit 301 includes UHR operation elements related to the operation control of STAs or MLDs supporting the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard in the frames to be transmitted during the MLO discovery process or the multi-link setup process. By including information indicating that communication device 101 is attempting to enable EMLSR mode in the elements, the wireless LAN control unit 301 can indicate to the other device that communication device 101 is attempting to enable EMLSR mode.

[0060] Figure 5An example configuration of a UHR operation element is shown, including information indicating an attempt to enable EMLSR mode. The UHR operation element includes fields 500 through 506. The UHR operation element includes substantially the same information as the EHT operation element specified in IEEE 802.11be, but also includes a portion of a subfield of the UHR operation parameter field 503 and the EMLSR control field 506. The element ID field 500, length field 501, and element ID extension field 502 each include substantially the same information as fields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The UHR operation parameter field 503 includes substantially the same information as the EHT operation parameter fields specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard, but also includes an EMLSR control presence subfield 515. Note that the UHR operation parameter field 503 will be described in detail below. The Basic UHR-MCS and NSS Set field 504 and the UHR Operation Information field 505 each contain information substantially the same as that specified in the Basic EHT-MCS and NSS Set field and the EHT Operation Information field in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The EMLSR Control field 506 contains information for controlling the operation of the STA or MLD associated with the EMLSR mode. Note that the EMLSR Control field 506 will be described in detail below.

[0061] UHR operation parameter field 503 includes subfields 510 to 515. UHR operation information preset subfield 510 includes information substantially the same as the EHT operation information preset subfield specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. Disable subchannel bitmap presence subfield 511 includes information substantially the same as the subfield with the same name specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. UHR default PE duration subfield 512 includes information substantially the same as the EHT default PE duration subfield specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. Group Addressed BU Indication Limit subfield 513 and Group Addressed BU Indication Exponent subfield 514 each include information substantially the same as the subfield with the same name specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. EMLSR control presence subfield 515 indicates whether the UHR operation element includes EMLSR control field 506, and this subfield has a length of 1 bit. When its value is 1, it means that the UHR operation element includes EMLSR control field 506. Conversely, when its value is 0, it means that the UHR operation element does not include EMLSR control field 506.

[0062] EMLSR control field 506 exists when the value of EMLSR control presence subfield 515 is 1, and does not exist when the value of EMLSR control presence subfield 515 is 0. EMLSR control field 506 includes subfields 520 and 521. EMLSR mode subfield 520 indicates whether an attempt is being made to enable EMLSR mode. This subfield has a length of 1 bit. A value of 1 indicates that an attempt is being made to enable EMLSR mode. Conversely, a value of 0 indicates that an attempt is being made to disable EMLSR mode. EMLSR link bitmap subfield 521 indicates the link ID of the link to be used as an EMLSR link. This subfield has a length of 16 bits, and the i-th bit corresponds to the status of the link with link ID i. For example, bit 0 corresponds to the status of the link with link ID 0, and bit 1 corresponds to the status of the link with link ID 1. A value of 1 indicates that an attempt is being made to enable EMLSR mode. Conversely, a value of 0 indicates that an attempt is being made to disable EMLSR mode.

[0063] During the MLO discovery process, the wireless LAN control unit 301 of communication device 101 receives a probe request frame sent from a counterpart device, such as communication device 102. Then, during the multi-link establishment process, the wireless LAN control unit 301 of communication device 101 receives an association request or re-association request frame sent from a counterpart device, such as communication device 102. When communication device 102 sends these frames, communication device 102 includes information indicating whether to permit communication device 101 to enable EMLSR mode in the frame and sends the frame.

[0064] In this case, use Figure 6 and Figure 7 This describes the frames and elements according to the invention sent by communication device 102 to communication device 101 during the MLO discovery or multi-link establishment process.

[0065] The communication device 102 includes the probe request multilink element in the probe request frame and includes information indicating whether the communication device 101 is permitted to enable EMLSR mode in that element.

[0066] Figure 6An example configuration of a Probe Request Multilink element is shown, including information indicating whether EMLSR mode is permitted. The Probe Request Multilink element includes fields 600 through 605. The Probe Request Multilink element includes substantially the same information as elements with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard, but also includes a portion of a subfield of the Multilink Control field 603 and a portion of a subfield of the Public Information field 604. The Element ID field 600, Length field 601, and Element ID Extension field 602 each include substantially the same information as fields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The Multilink Control field 603 includes substantially the same information as fields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard, but also includes a portion of a subfield of the Presence Bitmap subfield 612. The Multilink Control field 603 will be described in detail below. The Public Information field 604 includes substantially the same information as fields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard, but also includes the EMLSR Control subfield 632. The Public Information field 604 will be described in detail below. The link information field 605 contains substantially the same information as the field with the same name specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0067] The multilink control field 603 includes subfields 610 to 612. The type subfield 610 and the reserved subfield 611 each contain substantially the same information as the subfields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0068] The presence bitmap subfield 612 includes subfields 620 and 621. AP MLD presence subfield 620 contains substantially the same information as the subfield with the same name specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. EMLSR control presence subfield 612 indicates whether the common information 604 field included in the probe request multilink element includes EMLSR control subfield 632. EMLSR control subfield 632 has a length of 1 bit. A value of 1 for EMLSR control subfield 632 means that the probe request multilink element includes EMLSR control subfield 632. Conversely, a value of 0 for EMLSR control subfield 632 means that the probe request multilink element does not include EMLSR control subfield 632.

[0069] Public information field 604 includes subfields 630 to 632. Public information length subfield 630 and AP MLD ID subfield 631 each contain substantially the same information as the subfields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0070] EMLSR control subfield 632 exists when the value of EMLSR control presence subfield 621 is 1, and does not exist when the value of EMLSR control presence subfield 621 is 0. EMLSR control subfield 632 includes EMLSR mode subfield 640 and EMLSR link bitmap subfield 641.

[0071] By including a value identical to the value in the EMLSR mode subfield 520 of the UHR operation element received from communication device 101 in the EMLSR mode subfield 640, communication device 102 can permit the enabling / disabling of the EMLSR mode requested by communication device 101. Conversely, communication device 102 can reject a request from communication device 101 by including a value different from the value in the EMLSR mode subfield 640. In addition to the EMLSR mode subfield 640, communication device 102 can also permit the enabling / disabling of the EMLSR mode requested by communication device 101 by including a value equal to the value in the EMLSR link bitmap subfield 521 of the UHR operation element received from communication device 101 in the EMLSR link bitmap subfield 641. Conversely, communication device 102 can reject a request from communication device 101 by including a value different from the value in the EMLSR link bitmap subfield 641.

[0072] The communication device 102 may include basic multilink elements in an association request frame or a reassociation request frame, and include information indicating whether the communication device 101 is permitted to enable EMLSR mode in that element.

[0073] Figure 7An example configuration of a basic multilink element is shown, including information indicating whether EMLSR mode is permitted. The basic multilink element includes fields 700 through 705. The basic multilink element includes substantially the same information as elements with the same names specified in IEEE 802.11be, but also includes a portion of a subfield of the multilink control field 703 and a portion of a subfield of the public information field 704. The element ID field 700, length field 701, and element ID extension field 702 each include substantially the same information as fields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The multilink control field 703 includes substantially the same information as fields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard, but also includes a portion of a subfield of the presence bitmap subfield 712. The multilink control field 703 will be described in detail below. The public information field 704 includes substantially the same information as fields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard, but also includes the EMLSR control subfield 739. The public information field 704 will be described in detail below. The link information field 705 contains essentially the same information as the field with the same name specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0074] The multilink control field 703 includes subfields 710 to 712. The type subfield 710 and the reserved subfield 711 each contain substantially the same information as the subfields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0075] The existence bitmap subfield 712 includes subfields 720 to 726 and the existence subfield 621 for EMLSR control. The link ID information subfield 720, the BSS parameter change count subfield 721, the media synchronization delay information subfield 722, the EML capability subfield 723, the MLD capability and operation subfield 724, the AP MLD ID subfield 725, and the extended MLD capability and operation subfield 726 each include substantially the same information as the subfields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The EMLSR control subfield 621 is the same as described above, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0076] The public information field 704 is formed by subfields 730 to 738 and the EMRSR control subfield 632. The public information length subfield 730, the MLD MAC address subfield 731, the link ID information subfield 732, the BSS parameter change count subfield 733, the media synchronization delay information subfield 734, the EML capability subfield 735, the MLD capability and operation subfield 736, the AP MLD ID subfield 737, and the extended MLD capability and operation subfield 738 each include substantially the same information as the subfields with the same names specified in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The EMRSR control subfield 632 is the same as described above, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0077] Description Return to Figure 4 The description is as follows: When the multi-link setup process ends (S401), the wireless LAN control unit 301 receives a response from the communication device 102 to a frame sent during the MLO discovery or multi-link setup process, which includes information indicating that an attempt is being made to enable EMLSR mode. Then, based on the frame from the communication device 102 including information indicating permission (or denial) to enable EMLSR mode, it is determined whether to permit enabling EMLSR mode (S402).

[0078] As a result of the determination in S402, if it is determined that EMLSR mode is permitted, the wireless LAN control unit 301 establishes an EMLSR link with the communication device 102 and initiates operation in EMLSR mode (S403). Then, the operation for enabling or disabling EMLSR mode according to the present invention ends.

[0079] Conversely, as a result of the determination in S402, if it is determined that EMLSR mode is refused to be enabled, the wireless LAN control unit 301 establishes a multi-link with the communication device 102 that is not an EMLSR link, and initiates normal multi-link operation that is not in EMLSR mode (S403). Then, the operation for enabling or disabling EMLSR mode according to the present invention ends.

[0080] While operating in EMLSR mode and not exchanging data with communication device 102, wireless LAN control unit 301 waits to receive initial frames sent by communication device 102 on multiple links in the EMLSR link. That is, wireless LAN control unit 301 simultaneously waits on each EMLSR link indicated by the EMLSR link bitmap subfield 521 within the EMLSR control field 506 of the sent UHR operation element to receive initial frames sent by communication device 102. The initial frame can be a control frame or a data frame. In the case of a control frame, it can be a frame requesting a transmission opportunity by communication device 102, such as an RTS frame. In the case of a data frame, it can be a frame that does not contain actual data, such as a null data physical layer protocol data unit (NDP). When communication device 101 receives the initial frame, it exchanges data with communication device 102 on the link where the initial frame was received. When the data exchange is complete, communication device 101 repeats the following operation: waiting to receive initial frames sent by communication device 102.

[0081] Since communication device 101 is an AP MLD, the following situation may occur: during the period when data is being transmitted or received on the link that received the initial frame, data can be transmitted from other communication devices different from communication device 102. However, when communication device 101 is transmitting data while operating in EMLSR mode, communication device 101 cannot receive data on a link different from the link on which communication device 101 is transmitting data. Therefore, when communication device 101 is transmitting data in EMLSR mode, data transmission from other communication devices to communication device 101 can be prevented by ensuring transmission opportunities on links where data is not transmitted. In this way, by preventing data transmission from other communication devices on links different from the data transmission link, communication device 101 can be prevented from being unable to receive data.

[0082] Furthermore, communication device 101 can be configured to include information indicating that communication device 101 is operating in EMLSR mode and information about the link indicating that communication device 101 is operating in EMLSR mode in a beacon periodically sent after the EMLSR link is established. In this case, communication device 101 includes the above-mentioned information in the beacon to be sent. Figure 5The UHR operation elements described herein. When communication device 101 is operating in EMLSR mode, wireless LAN control unit 301 indicates that communication device 101 is operating in EMLSR mode in EMLSR mode subfield 520. Furthermore, communication device 101 stores information about the link indicating that communication device 101 is operating in EMLSR mode in EMLSR link bitmap subfield 521. During the period when communication device 101 is exchanging data with communication device 102 in EMLSR mode, communication device 101 cannot communicate on a link different from the link on which data is being exchanged. Therefore, even if a response signal to a beacon is sent from another communication device during the aforementioned period, the communication device cannot receive the signal. Therefore, when communication device 101 is operating in EMLSR mode, a beacon can be sent on only one link.

[0083] Subsequently, will be used Figure 8 This describes the operation of the communication device 102 (i.e., a non-AP MLD) related to the operation of enabling or disabling EMLSR mode according to the present invention. This operation begins when the communication device 102 initiates an MLO discovery process. In this embodiment, it is assumed that... Figure 8 The flowcharts shown illustrate how each process is implemented by the processor of the control unit 202 of the communication device 102, which executes programs to implement each control module. Note that data transmission and reception processes, etc., are implemented in cooperation with hardware such as the communication unit. As mentioned above, some or all of the processes can be implemented using ASICs, ASSPs, SoCs, etc. Note that, to clarify the main body of the process, the use performed by the control unit 202... Figure 3 Each of the aforementioned functional units will be described as the main body.

[0084] During the MLO discovery or multi-link establishment process (S800 to S802), when a frame including information indicating an attempt to enable EMLSR mode is received from communication device 101 (S800), communication device 102 determines whether to permit communication device 101 to enable EMLSR mode. In this case, communication device 102 may determine whether to permit communication device 101 to enable EMLSR mode based on information pre-stored in memory unit 305 or information received from the user by UI control unit 304 via input unit 204. Based on the determination related to whether to permit communication device 101 to enable EMLSR mode, the wireless LAN control unit 301 of communication device 102 includes information indicating whether to permit or deny communication device 101 to enable EMLSR mode in the frame to be sent during the MLO discovery or multi-link establishment process (S801). Note that the frame according to the invention sent by communication device 102 to communication device 101 during the MLO discovery or multi-link establishment process is as described in the description of the operation of communication device 101.

[0085] When the multi-link setup process ends (S802), the wireless LAN control unit 301 of the communication device 102 determines whether to send a frame containing information indicating whether the communication device 101 is permitted to enable EMLSR mode or is denied during the MLO discovery or multi-link setup process (S803).

[0086] If the wireless LAN control unit 301 of the communication device 102 determines in S803 that the EMLSR mode is enabled, the communication device 101 initiates a procedure for operating in the EMLSR mode (S804). The operation for enabling the EMLSR mode according to the present invention ends.

[0087] Conversely, if it is determined in S803 that EMLSR mode is refused, a normal multi-link operation that is not in EMLSR mode is initiated (S805). The operation for enabling or disabling EMLSR mode according to the present invention ends.

[0088] During EMLSR mode operation of communication device 101, when data is to be sent to communication device 101, the wireless LAN control unit 301 of communication device 102 sends an initial frame to communication device 101 on one of the EMLSR links indicated in the EMLSR link bitmap subfield 521 within the EMLSR control field 506 of the UHR operation element received from communication device 101. Afterwards, data exchange with communication device 101 takes place.

[0089] Note that communication device 101 does not necessarily need to perform the operations in S402 and S404. In this case, regardless of whether communication device 101 has received a frame from communication device 102 containing information indicating permission to enable EMLSR mode, communication device 101 initiates EMLSR mode operation after the multi-link setup process ends. Furthermore, in this case, communication device 102 does not necessarily need to perform the operations in S801, S803, and S805. In this case, communication device 102 only needs to perform EMLSR mode operation on communication device 101 after the multi-link setup process ends by receiving a frame from communication device 101 containing information indicating that communication device 101 is attempting to enable EMLSR mode.

[0090] [Other Examples]

[0091] Each communication device in the communication apparatus described in this embodiment above can be a printer with a printing component. When the communication device is operating as a printer, for example, it can print image data acquired through data exchange with a third device.

[0092] Each communication device in the communication apparatus described in this embodiment can be a camera with an imaging component. When the communication device is operating as a camera, for example, the communication device can exchange captured data through communication with a counterpart device.

[0093] The communication device 101 described in this embodiment can be, for example, a smartphone with tethering functionality. In this case, the user enables the smartphone's tethering function using the smartphone's operating unit. The smartphone, having accepted the user's operation to enable the tethering function, will begin to function as a mobile access point (AP) MLD. The smartphone acting as the mobile AP MLD establishes a multi-link (or EMLSR link) with a non-AP MLD, such as communication device 102. The relative device search process and multi-link establishment process after the smartphone activates the mobile AP MLD are the same as in the embodiments described above. Finally, the smartphone provides Internet connectivity to the non-AP MLD connected to the mobile AP MLD. Specifically, the smartphone, which receives data from the non-AP MLD connected to itself via wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, transmits the data to an external device on the Internet via a mobile communication network such as 5G and LTE. The smartphone also transmits data addressed to the non-AP MLD via the mobile communication network to the non-AP MLD via wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. Even if communication device 102 is not a device capable of mobile data communication, the above-described processing enables communication device 102 to connect to the Internet via mobile data communication with communication device 101. In this case, it becomes possible to initiate operation in EMLSR mode from a smartphone used as a mobile AP MLD. Thus, it is possible to actively attempt to use EMLSR mode, for example, in a battery-operated smartphone. Therefore, it is possible to provide network sharing functionality that utilizes less congested links while reducing power consumption in the smartphone.

[0094] Alternatively, a recording medium containing software program code to implement the above functions can be supplied to the system or device, and the computer (CPU, MPU) in the system or device can read and execute the program code stored on the recording medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself will implement the functions of the above embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code will constitute the above-described device.

[0095] For example, flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, DVDs, etc., can be used as storage media for supplying program code.

[0096] In addition to the computer executing the read program code to achieve the above functions, the OS running on the computer can also perform some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code to achieve the above functions. OS stands for Operating System.

[0097] Furthermore, the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory of a function expansion board installed in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. The CPU in the function expansion board or function expansion unit can then perform some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code to achieve the aforementioned functions.

[0098] The present invention can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be implemented by circuitry (e.g., an ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0099] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, claims are appended to disclose the scope of the invention to the public.

[0100] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application 2023-065262, filed on April 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A communication device capable of operating as an access point, the communication device comprising: Establishment component, used to establish multiple links with other communication devices in response to connection requests from other communication devices; as well as The transmitting component is used to transmit information related to operation in the enhanced multilink single radio mode, i.e., EMLSR mode, when the multilink is established.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, in, Information related to operation in the EMLSR mode is information indicating that the communication device is attempting to enable the EMLSR mode.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The transmitting component also transmits information related to the link in which the communication device operates in the EMLSR mode.

4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The transmitting component transmits information related to the operation in the EMLSR mode during multi-link operation discovery, i.e., MLO discovery or multi-link setup.

5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The transmitting component uses beacon frames, probe response frames, or association response frames to send information related to operation in the EMLSR mode to the other communication devices.

6. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The establishment component establishes an EMLSR link that the communication device can operate in the EMLSR mode as the multiple link.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, further comprising: Control unit, used for control to operate on the EMLSR link in the EMLSR mode. In the EMLSR mode, the control unit initiates data exchange with the other communication device using one of the EMLSR links.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, in, When operating in the EMLSR mode, the control unit performs control to enable the reception of predetermined frames on multiple links in the EMLSR link, and In response to receiving the predetermined frame, data exchange with the other communication device is initiated using one of the EMLSR links.

9. The communication device according to claim 7 or 8, in, When exchanging data with other communication devices during operation in the EMLSR mode, the control unit controls the transmission of frames from other communication devices to the communication device on a link different from the link where the data exchange is taking place.

10. The communication device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in, When exchanging data with other communication devices during operation in the EMLSR mode, the control unit ensures that the communication devices have the opportunity to transmit on a link different from the link where the data exchange takes place.

11. The communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, in, If the establishing component has already established the EMLSR link, the transmitting component will include information indicating that the EMLSR link has been established in the beacon frame and transmit the beacon frame.

12. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, The communication device is a communication device capable of operating as an access point multi-link device, i.e., an AP MLD.

13. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in, The transmitting component uses a frame including a UHR operation element to send information related to operation in the EMLSR mode to the other communication device, wherein the UHR operation element includes information related to operation in the EMLSR mode.

14. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in, The connection request from the other communication device is an association request frame, and The establishment component establishes the multi-link by sending an association response frame in response to the association request frame.

15. A communication device, comprising: Establishment components are used to establish multiple links with access points; The receiving component is configured to receive first information related to operation in the enhanced multilink single radio mode, i.e., EMLSR mode, when the multilink is established; as well as The transmitting component is used to transmit second information related to the first information to the access point based on the first information received by the receiving component.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, in, The first information is information indicating that the access point is attempting to enable the EMLSR mode, and The second information is information indicating permission for the access point to operate in the EMLSR mode.

17. A control method for a communication device, the communication device being capable of operating as an access point, the control method comprising: The establishment step is used to establish multiple links with other communication devices in response to connection requests from other communication devices; as well as The transmission step is used to transmit information related to operation in the enhanced multilink single radio mode, i.e., EMLSR mode, when the multilink is established.

18. A program for controlling a computer as a communication device according to claim 17.

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