Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

The invention provides a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method. A wireless communication apparatus, which is a second access point not included in a basic service set to which a first access point belongs, includes: a reception unit that receives a signal from the first access point, the signal including a value of an identifier allocated to the second access point in an association identifier field of a user information field; and a control unit that uses the value included in the signal as the value of the identifier allocated to the second access point.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application number 202180058153.X and the title "Wireless communication device and wireless communication method" filed on July 15, 2021. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method. BACKGROUND

[0003] As a subsequent standard of IEEE (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard, that is, 802.11ax (hereinafter, referred to as "11ax"), 802.11be (hereinafter, referred to as "11be") is being planned to be formulated as a technical specification.

[0004] In 11be, application of coordinated communication in which data is transmitted to a wireless communication device on the receiving side by coordination of a plurality of wireless communication devices on the transmitting side of the data is being studied.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] NON-PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0007] Non-Patent Document 1: IEEE 802.11-19 / 0103r1, AP Coordination in EHT

[0008] Non-Patent Document 2: IEEE 802.11-19 / 1102r0, A unified transmission procedure for multi-AP coordination

[0009] Non-Patent Document 3: IEEE 802.11-20 / 1040r0, Coordinated Spatial Reuse: Extension to Uplink

[0010] Non-Patent Document 4: IEEE P802.11ax / D6.0, November 2019

[0011] Non-Patent Document 5: IEEE Std 802.11-2016, December 2016 SUMMARY

[0012] However, the amount of information of information exchanged between wireless communication devices that coordinate in coordinated communication has not been sufficiently studied.

[0013] The non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure help provide a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method that can reduce the amount of information exchanged between wireless communication devices that are coordinated.

[0014] The wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first wireless communication device that includes a control section that allocates an identifier to a second wireless communication device that is not included in a basic service set to which the first wireless communication device belongs, and a transmission section that transmits a signal including the identifier.

[0015] Note that these general and specific incorporated by reference can be implemented by a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium, or any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of information exchanged between wireless communication devices that are coordinated can be reduced.

[0017] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of the present disclosure will be clarified by the description and drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided by the features described in the several embodiments, the description, and the drawings, but it is not necessary to provide all of them in order to obtain one or more of the same features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1A FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an AP (Access Point) and a STA (Station).

[0019] Figure 1B FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the application of two coordination modes.

[0020] Figure 2 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of DL (Downlink)-DL communication.

[0021] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of UL (Uplink)-UL communication.

[0022] Figure 4 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of UL-DL communication.

[0023] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the format of a Common info field.

[0024] Figure 6 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the format of a User info field.

[0025] Figure 7 is a table showing an example of a value of AID (Association Identifier) 12.

[0026] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an information element of a beacon.

[0027] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of an information element of an association request.

[0028] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an information element of an association response.

[0029] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a format of Capability Information.

[0030] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of an action of RTS / CTS (Request To Send / Clear To Send).

[0031] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a format of a frame control field of a control frame including RTS / CTS.

[0032] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a category of a MAC (Media Access Control) frame including RTS / CTS.

[0033] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a frame format of a MU-PPDU (Multiuser Physical layer convergence procedure Protocol Data Unit) in 11ax.

[0034] Figure 16A is a block diagram showing an example of a structure of a part of a wireless communication apparatus.

[0035] Figure 16B is a block diagram showing an example of a wireless communication apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of UL-DL communication coordinated in a C-SR (Coordinated Spatial Reuse) manner.

[0037] Figure 18 is a graph showing an example of a sequence of UL-DL communication in the coordination set shown in FIG. 1. Figure 17

[0038] Figure 19 is a graph showing an example of a sequence of UL-DL communication in the coordination set shown in FIG. 1. Figure 18 is a graph showing a modification example of the sequence shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] Figure 20 is a graph showing another example of AID 12.

[0040] Figure 21 is a graph showing an example of a user information field based on Figure 20

[0041] Figure 22 is a graph showing an example of a user information field for a new AP.

[0042] Figure 23 is a graph showing an example of an information element of an association request for an AP.

[0043] Figure 24 is a graph showing an example of an information element of an association response for an AP.

[0044] Figure 25 is a graph showing an example of a sequence of UL-DL communication in which the UL-DL communication in Example 3 is performed.

[0045] Figure 26 is a graph showing another example of a configuration of UL-DL communication.

[0046] Figure 27 is a graph showing a sequence of UL-DL communication in which the UL-DL communication is performed in a coordinated manner C-OFDMA (Coordinated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access).

[0047] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0048] 10, 100 wireless communication device

[0049] 11 control section

[0050] 12 transmission section

[0051] 101 transmission packet generation section

[0052] 102 wireless transceiver section

[0053] 103 reception packet decoding section

[0054] 104 control signal generation section DETAILED DESCRIPTION ​​

[0055] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] (One embodiment)

[0057] [Coordination method]

[0058] In 11be, for example, application of Multi-AP coordination (hereinafter, referred to as "coordinated communication") in which data is transmitted and / or received by a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses, i.e., access points (also referred to as "base stations", hereinafter, referred to as "APs") on the transmission side and wireless communication apparatuses, i.e., terminals (hereinafter, referred to as "STAs") on the reception side, is studied.

[0059] The method of coordination can be exemplified by Coordinated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (hereinafter, referred to as "C-OFDMA") in which a plurality of APs transmit signals using different frequency bands from each other, and Coordinated spatial reuse (hereinafter, referred to as "C-SR") in which a plurality of APs transmit signals using the same frequency band from each other (Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0060] Using Figure 1A , Figure 1B Both of the C-OFDMA and the C-SR are explained. Figure 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the APs and the STAs. Figure 1B is a diagram showing an example of the application of the two coordination methods.

[0061] As shown in Figure 1B , the same resource unit (hereinafter, RU (Resource Unit)) 1 is used, and the C-SR as the coordination method is used to perform data communication of downlink (hereinafter, DL) from the AP1 to the STA1 and data communication of DL from the AP2 to the STA4. The C-OFDMA as the coordination method is used to perform coordinated communication in which RU2 is used in data communication of DL from the AP1 to the STA2 and RU3 is used in data communication of DL from the AP2 to the STA3.

[0062] The communication modes include communication from an AP to a STA (hereinafter, referred to as "DL communication") and communication from a STA to an AP (hereinafter, referred to as "UL communication"). As a mode of coordinated communication, for example, a mode in which DL communication is performed together by two APs coordinated (hereinafter, referred to as "DL-DL communication"), a mode in which UL communication is performed together by two APs coordinated (hereinafter, referred to as "UL-UL communication"), and a mode in which UL communication and DL communication are performed by two APs coordinated (hereinafter, referred to as "UL-DL communication") have been studied (see Non-Patent Literature 2).

[0063] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the DL-DL communication. As shown in Figure 2 , AP1 as a master AP transmits a trigger frame (Slave TF) to AP2 and AP3 as slave APs. Next, AP1, AP2, and AP3 perform coordination, and AP1, AP2, and AP3 transmit data 1, data 2, and data 3 as downlink data, respectively.

[0064] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the UL-UL communication. As shown in Figure 3 , similarly to Figure 2 , AP1 as a master AP transmits a trigger frame (TF). Next, AP1, AP2, and AP3 transmit trigger frames (Basic TFs) respectively. Then, AP1, AP2, and AP3 perform coordination, and AP1, AP2, and AP3 receive data 1, data 2, and data 3 as uplink data, respectively.

[0065] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the UL-DL communication. In Figure 4 , an example of the operation to which C-SR is applied is shown by way of illustration (see Non-Patent Literature 3).

[0066] In Figure 4 , the operations of AP1, AP2, STA1-1, STA1-2, STA2-1, and STA2-2 are shown. In addition, STA1-1 and STA1-2 are structural elements of a basic service set (BSS) of AP1, and STA2-1 and STA2-2 are structural elements of a BSS of AP2.

[0067] In Figure 4During the “Preparation Phase”, information on the capabilities of each device, the received power of each device (e.g., Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)), and measurement reports are collected.

[0068] exist Figure 4 During the "Announcement Phase", AP1 sends C-SR-A (Coordinated-Spatial Reuse-Announcement).

[0069] Next, in Figure 4 The "Transmission Phase" is where data is sent and received. For example, in... Figure 4 In the process, STA1-1, STA1-2, and AP2 coordinate. Then, STA1-1 and STA1-2 send UL to AP1, and AP2 sends DL to STA2-2.

[0070] As in the examples above, in each coordination communication method, frames (triggers) that notify the transmission of control information and the timing of transmission are sent and received. For example, Figure 2 , Figure 3 The diagram shows the TF, basic TF, and... Figure 4 The C-SR-A shown is the trigger frame.

[0071] The triggering of UL communication in 11ax (hereinafter referred to as "UL trigger frame") consists of a field containing general information sent to the STA that is the trigger target (hereinafter referred to as "general information field") and a field containing information sent to the dedicated STA (hereinafter referred to as "user information field").

[0072] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the format for a general information field. Figure 5 The format shown is, for example, the same as that shown in Figures 9-64b of Non-Patent Document 4. Figure 5 In this context, "subfield" represents the multiple subfields contained within the format of a general information field.

[0073] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the format of a user information field. Figure 6 The format shown is the same as that in Non-Patent Document 4. Figure 9-6 The format shown in 4D is the same. Figure 6In the text, it indicates the format of the user information field, which includes multiple subfields.

[0074] right Figure 6 The values ​​contained in the subfield represented as "AID12" (hereinafter referred to as "AID12") will be explained. Figure 7 This is a table representing examples of AID12 values. Furthermore, Figure 7 The table shown is, for example, the same as Table 9-31g in Non-Patent Document 4.

[0075] AID (Associated Identifier) ​​12 contains the identifier of the STA (used specifically to indicate the STA's number). In Figure 7 In the example, the range of identifiers that can be assigned to STA is 1 to 2007.

[0076] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the information elements of a beacon. Figure 8 The information elements shown are, for example, excerpted from Table 9-27 of Non-Patent Document 5.

[0077] Figure 9 This is a diagram representing an example of information elements related to a request. Figure 9 The information elements shown are, for example, excerpted from Table 9-29 of Non-Patent Document 5.

[0078] Figure 10 This is a diagram representing an example of information elements related to a response. Figure 10 The information elements shown are, for example, excerpted from Tables 9-30 of Non-Patent Document 5.

[0079] exist Figure 8 beacon, Figure 9 Related requests and Figure 10 The associated responses each contain performance information as an information element.

[0080] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a format for representing performance information. Figure 11 The format shown is, for example, similar to that in Non-Patent Document 5. Figure 9-6 8. Same.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the range of AID and AID12 that can be assigned to the identifier of a STA is 1 to 2007. When supporting multi-Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSIDs), the limit is 2. n~ 2007. In addition, n = log2K, K is the maximum possible number of BSSIDs (refer to Non-Patent Literature 5: Section 9.4.2.6).

[0082] In addition, a BSS (Basic Service Set) is a basic service set constituted by a certain AP and a plurality of STAs. The act of connecting a STA with an AP within a BSS is called "association".

[0083] A BSS color (a value of 6 bits) is used to distinguish nearby APs. (Refer to Non-Patent Literature 4: Section 26.17.3)

[0084] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the act of RTS / CTS (Request to Send / Clear to Send). In Figure 12 , the same act example as in the Figure 10-7 of Non-Patent Literature 5 is shown. The STA that receives the RTS and is designated as the reception destination transmits the CTS. In addition, in the case where a plurality of reception destinations is designated, MU-RTS is used instead of RTS.

[0085] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the format of the frame control field of the control frame including RTS / CTS.

[0086] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the category of the MAC frame including RTS / CTS. In Figure 14 , the change content of the value changed in 11ax is shown. In addition, Figure 14 the contents shown are the contents shown in Table 9-1 of Non-Patent Literature 4.

[0087] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the frame format of the MU-PPDU in 11ax. In Figure 15 , the format shown in Non-Patent Literature 4 is shown.

[0088] In Figure 15 , the transmission destination is indicated by the STA ID within the User field. For example, AID 12 shown in Figure 7 is used as the STA ID.

[0089] The wireless communication device (for example, an AP) smoothly performs the transmission and reception of information with each other by designating the identifier of the wireless communication device (for example, an AP or a STA) in each frame as described above.

[0090] Here, an example of a procedure in which a STA, which is an element of a BSS, associates with an AP is shown. (1) The STA detects the AP by receiving a beacon. (2) The STA transmits an association request to the AP. (3) The AP receives the association request and transmits an association response to the STA. For example, in a case where the BSS of the AP 1 is described as "BSS_1", a STA that has associated with the AP 1 is an element of the BSS_1, and a STA that has not associated with the AP 1 is not an element of the BSS_1.

[0091] The AID (refer to FIG. 2) contained in the association response is used as an identifier of the STA that has associated. For example, the AID 12 (refer to FIG. 2) is used as an identifier of the STA that has associated. The AID 12 is an information element of Order 3. Figure 10 Figure 7 The AID (refer to FIG. 2) contained in the association response is used as an identifier of the STA that has associated. For example, the AID 12 (refer to FIG. 2) is used as an identifier of the STA that has associated. The AID 12 is an information element of Order 3.

[0092] As described above, in a case where a certain AP indicates a wireless communication apparatus that is not an element of the BSS of the AP, the size of the identifier increases, and the overhead increases.

[0093] Therefore, a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wireless communication apparatus and a communication method that can indicate a wireless communication apparatus (for example, including a STA and an AP) that is not an element of the BSS of a certain AP with a small amount of information by the AP.

[0094] By reducing the amount of information required to indicate a STA (including an AP) that is not an element of the BSS of the AP, the overhead can be reduced.

[0095] [Structure of wireless communication system]

[0096] A wireless communication system related to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least two APs as a transmission source and one STA. In the following description, for example, a "wireless communication apparatus" corresponds to an AP.

[0097] Figure 16A is a block diagram showing an example of a structure of a part of the wireless communication apparatus 10. Figure 16A The wireless communication control apparatus 10 shown includes a control section 11 and a transmission section 12.

[0098] The control section 11 allocates an identifier to a wireless communication apparatus that is not included in a basic service set to which the wireless communication apparatus 10 belongs. The transmission section 12 transmits a signal including the identifier.

[0099] ​The following describes an example of UL-DL communication with a plurality of STAs coordinated by at least two APs as an example.

[0100] Figure 16B is a block diagram showing an example of a wireless communication device according to the present embodiment. Figure 16B The wireless communication device 100 shown corresponds to an AP and an STA, for example. The wireless communication device 100 includes a transmission packet generating section 101, a wireless transceiving section 102, a reception packet decoding section 103, and a control signal generating section 104.

[0101] The transmission packet generating section 101 generates a transmission packet based on transmission data from a higher layer processing section and / or data (e.g., control information) generated by the control signal generating section 104, and outputs the generated packet to the wireless transceiving section 102.

[0102] The wireless transceiving section 102 converts the transmission packet into a wireless transmission signal, and transmits the wireless transmission signal via an antenna.

[0103] The wireless transceiving section 102 receives a wireless reception signal, converts the wireless reception signal into a reception packet, and outputs the reception packet to the reception packet decoding section 103.

[0104] The reception packet decoding section 103 decodes the reception packet, and outputs reception data to a higher layer processing section not shown. Alternatively, the reception packet decoding section 103 decodes the reception packet, and outputs control information to the control signal generating section 104.

[0105] The control signal generating section 104 generates control information based on at least one of transmission data, control information output from the reception packet decoding section 103, and an internal state, and outputs the generated control information to the transmission packet generating section 101. For example, the control signal generating section 104 generates control information related to triggering, association, and data communication.

[0106] Example 1

[0107] The following describes an example of coordination in UL-DL communication based on Non-Patent Literature 3 as an example. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of UL-DL communication coordinated in a C-SR manner.

[0108] In Figure 17 , a set (referred to as a "coordination set") including an API, an AP2, a STA1, and a STA2 is shown. The STA1 exists within a coverage area of the API, and is associated with the API. The STA2 exists within a coverage area of the AP2, and is associated with the AP2. In Figure 17 , UL communication from the STA1 to the API and DL communication from the AP2 to the STA2 are coordinated in a C-SR manner.

[0109] AP1 is the AP configured within the coordination set and that controls the coordination set (hereinafter referred to as the "master AP"). AP2 is the AP configured within the coordination set and that is controlled by the master AP (hereinafter referred to as the "slave AP"). In addition, AP1 is located in a position where it will not be affected by interference from AP2.

[0110] STA1 exists within the coverage area of ​​AP1 and can be associated with AP1. STA2 exists within the coverage area of ​​AP2 and can be associated with AP2. Additionally, STA2 is located in a position unaffected by interference from STA1.

[0111] During the initial setup of the coordination set, AP1 informs AP2 of the identifier assigned to AP2 and the identifier of AP1. Hereinafter, the identifier of an AP is referred to as "AP_ID". The maximum value of AP_ID can be the maximum number of APs within the coordination set (maximum AP count). For example, AP_ID is a value represented by several bits (e.g., 4 bits).

[0112] Furthermore, if there are slave APs other than AP2 configured, AP1 can also notify AP2 of the AP_ID of the other APs. Additionally, the notification from AP1 to AP2 can utilize the backhaul link between AP1 and AP2, or other methods.

[0113] Furthermore, although an example of AP1 notifying AP_ID during initial configuration is shown, AP1 can also notify AP_ID after initial configuration. For example, if a new configuration is added from AP (e.g., AP3) after initial configuration, AP1 can also notify AP_ID in the same way as described above. In this case, within the coordination set, AP1 can notify AP2 of AP3's AP_ID, or AP1 can notify AP3 of AP2's AP_ID.

[0114] After the initial setup of the coordination set and the association of STA1 with AP1 and STA2 with AP2, UL-DL communication is performed in the coordination set.

[0115] Figure 18 It means Figure 17 The diagram shows an example of a sequence of UL-DL communications in the coordination set.

[0116] exist Figure 18In this case, the C-SR-A (C-SR announcement) is a packet that combines a "trigger" transmitted from the API to the STA1 and an "announcement" transmitted from the API to the AP2. The "trigger" contains information indicating the start of UL communication from the STA1 to the API. The "announcement" contains information indicating the start of DL communication from the AP2 to the STA2.

[0117] For example, the UL trigger frame shown in FIG. 10 can be used as the "trigger". In this case, the identifier of the trigger transmission destination of the "trigger" can be the AID 12 indicating the STA1. Figure 5 Figure 6 For example, the UL trigger frame shown in FIG. 10 can be used as the "trigger". In this case, the identifier of the trigger transmission destination of the "trigger" can be the AID 12 indicating the STA1.

[0118] In the information notified by the "announcement", information designating the AP2 as the transmission destination (trigger transmission destination) is contained. The AP_ID can be used as the information designating the AP2.

[0119] The STA1 that has received the "trigger" performs UL communication of transmitting data to the API, and the AP2 that has received the "announcement" performs DL communication of transmitting data to the STA3.

[0120] Thus, by using the AP_ID to designate the trigger transmission destination contained in the "announcement", the amount of information (for example, the number of bits) for designating the AP can be reduced, and thus the overhead can be reduced. For example, in the case of using the AP_ID, the number of bits can be reduced from 48 bits to 4 bits, compared to the case of using the MAC address.

[0121] <Supplement>

[0122] Further, although the example of using the AP_ID is shown in the above description, another identifier can be used instead of the AP_ID. For example, the API can use a short (Short) ID as the identifier of a STA (and / or an AP) that is not a structural element of the BSS of the API. Thus, the API can also designate the STA that is not a structural element of the BSS of the API as the trigger transmission destination.

[0123] In addition, the object of the short ID can be limited to the STA and / or the AP within the coordination set, or can be limited to the STA and / or the AP that performs coordination.

[0124] In addition, although the example of using the AP_ID to designate the transmission destination of the trigger in the coordination method C-SR is shown in the above description, the AP_ID and / or the short ID can be used in a coordination method other than the coordination method C-SR. Or the AP_ID and / or the short ID can be used for a purpose other than the designation of the transmission destination of the trigger.

[0125] ​Furthermore, although the example of C-SR-A being sent by the master AP (AP1) was shown above, C-SR-A can also be sent by the slave AP (AP2). Moreover, control of the coordination set can also be performed by other master AP devices. In this case, each AP within the coordination set, including AP1 and AP2, can also be a slave AP.

[0126] Additionally, the short ID or AP_ID can also be included within AID and / or AID12. Thus, for example, AP1 can use... Figure 7 The AID and / or AID12 shown specify the STA (including AP) that is not a BSS structural element of AP1. Furthermore, short IDs or AP_IDs can be assigned to AID and / or AID12 from 1 to m, or to 2. n ~2 n +m. Here, m can be the maximum value of the short ID or AID. It can also be an unused region of AID12 (e.g., 2008–2044 and 2047–4094, see reference). Figure 7 A portion of the short ID or AP_ID is assigned. Alternatively, the short ID or AP_ID value can be assigned to correspond to other AID12 values. For example, if 0 to n are assigned as AP_ID values ​​to slave APs, then the AID12 values ​​2008 to 2008+n can be assigned to these slave APs.

[0127] Alternatively, the master AP can uniformly process all STAs (including slave APs) within the coordination set and assign them AID and / or AID12. For example, a portion of the values ​​previously assigned to non-AP STAs associated with an AP, i.e., values ​​from 1 to 2007, can be assigned to slave APs, ensuring that these values ​​are not assigned to non-AP STAs. Alternatively, a predetermined range from 1 to 2007 (e.g., 2000 to 2006) can be ensured to be used by slave APs, preventing these values ​​from being assigned to non-AP STAs.

[0128] Alternatively, BSS colors can be used to specify APs contained in AID and / or AID12. For example, a portion of the unused areas in AID12, namely "2008-2044" and "2047-2094", could be assigned to BSS colors. Or, the already assigned "2045" and "2046" in AID12 could be changed to "2073" and "2074", and the area "2008" to "2072" could be assigned to BSS colors.

[0129] Additionally, if AP_ID is included in AID12, the trigger indicating the start of UL-DL communication can also be changed. Figure 19 It meansFigure 18 a diagram illustrating a modification example of the sequence. In Figure 19 Figure 18 The C-SR-A of the sequence is replaced with an UL trigger frame.

[0130] For example, it can also be that the UL trigger frame is used as a trigger indicating the start of UL-DL communication, and the announcement indicating the start of DL communication is not used (not transmitted). In this case, it can also be that a user information field for specifying a DL communication is newly added in the UL trigger frame, and the AID 12 of the newly added user information field is used to specify the AP that becomes the transmission source of the DL communication. Thus, the announcement indicating the start of DL communication can not be needed, and thus the overhead can be reduced.

[0131] In addition, in the case where the trigger indicating the start of UL-DL communication is changed to the UL trigger frame, the use of a part of the user information field for specifying the AP can also be changed.

[0132] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of AID 12. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information field based on Figure 20 For example, as illustrated in Figure 20 one unused area (for example, "2008") of the AID 12 can be set as the AP designation. Also, in the case where the AID 12 is designated as the AP (for example, "2008"), the user information field illustrated in Figure 21 may also be used. Figure 21 The user information field illustrated in Figure 6 changes the use of a specific area of the user information field to the use of setting information for indicating the AP (for example, AP ID). For example, the specific area in which the use is changed can be an area of a total of 6 bits of "Uplink Forward Error Correction Coding Type (UL FEC Coding Type)", "Uplink High Efficiency Modulation and Coding Scheme (UL HE-MCS)", and "Uplink Dual Carrier Modulation (UL DCM)" fields, can be an area of a part of these areas, and can include an area other than these areas. Furthermore, instead of the AP ID, a BSS color can also be used as the information for indicating the AP.

[0133] In addition, a trigger in which the designation of the AP is newly added can also be used instead of the UL trigger frame. For example, it can be stipulated that the number of APs is newly added to​Figure 5 The format is derived from the general information fields. Furthermore, the new AP can also indicate the AP using the user information field. Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a new AP using a user information field.

[0134] In addition, although Figure 22 The example shown illustrates using AP_ID to indicate an AP, but BSS color can also be used instead of AP_ID. Alternatively, instead of adding the number of APs in the General Information field, a new flag can be added to the General Information field to indicate the presence or absence of subsequent user information fields for each AP.

[0135] Alternatively, multiplexing methods such as OFDMA or MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output), or A-MPDU (Aggregate MAC Protocol Data Unit), can be used to combine "triggers" and "announcements." Alternatively, "triggers" and "announcements" can also be dedicated PPDUs or packets. The AP_ID contained in the "announcement" message can also be replaced with an AID or AID12 containing the AP_ID, or a BSS color.

[0136] For example, in cases where OFDMA or MU-MIMO is used to combine "trigger" and "announcement," and "trigger" and "announcement" are sent using MU-PPDU, it is also possible to indicate the STA ID (see reference) in the user field of the resource containing the "trigger." Figure 15 Set to "0" ( Figure 7 The indicator shown is the number of the associated STA, and the STA ID in the user field of the resource containing the "announcement" is set to "2045". Figure 7 Other specific values, such as the number of the unassociated STA (including AP), are indicated. Resources containing "triggers" can be, for example, resources on the frequency axis (also referred to as "resource units"), or at least one of the spatial resources of MU-MIMO.

[0137] Alternatively, an unused area of ​​AID12 (e.g., "2047") can be designated as the number of an AP or an AP within a coordination set. In this case, for example, by setting the STA ID of the destination of the indication announcement in the MU-PPDU to "2047", reception actions by unrelated STAs in the vicinity can be avoided, thereby reducing the power consumption of the STA.

[0138] In addition, it is also possible that an unused area (e.g., "2048") of the AID 12 is defined as a number indicating an AP for which the AP ID is not assigned or not included in the coordination set. Thus, it is possible to perform access to the AP for which the AP ID is not assigned or not included in the coordination set.

[0139] In addition, it is also possible to calculate the transmission power of the AP 2 in accordance with the "AP TX Power (Power)", "UL Target RSSI" included in the UL trigger frame shown in FIG. 10. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this case, it is also possible to specify a value in the "UL Target RSSI" such that the interference of the AP 2 to the AP 1 reaches a value or less than an allowable value.

[0140] In addition, it is also possible to perform beamforming in which the zero point is directed toward the AP 1 in the transmission of the AP 2.

[0141] Example 2

[0142] In the above-described example 1, an example of the operation in which the AP ID is specified by the master AP is shown. In the following, in example 2, an example of the operation in which the coordination set is autonomously constructed and the AP ID is specified is shown.

[0143] The AP (hereinafter, referred to as "setting AP") corresponding to the coordinated communication activates a flag (hereinafter, referred to as "AP ID flag") indicating whether or not it is possible to correspond to the coordinated communication, which is included in the beacon or probe response. In addition, for example, a reserve (e.g., B6) of the performance information shown in FIG. 9 can be used for the AP ID flag. Figure 11

[0144] The newly set AP (hereinafter, referred to as "new AP") receives the beacon or probe response from the setting AP at the time of startup or after the startup, and transmits the AP association request to the setting AP in the case where the AP ID flag is activated. Figure 23 FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an information element of the AP association request.

[0145] The setting AP that has received the AP association request transmits the AP association response to the new AP. Figure 24 FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an information element of the AP association response.

[0146] In addition, in the case where the AP ID of the setting AP indicated by the AP association request is assigned to another AP, the setting AP can also perform the reassignment request to the new AP.

[0147] ​Alternatively, in a case where it is indicated that the AP ID of the setting AP specified by the AP with the association request has been assigned to another AP, the setting AP can also add information indicating whether the AP ID can be assigned in the AP with the association response.

[0148] In this case, the setting AP can also include the assignable AP ID candidate information in the reassignment request or the AP with the association response. In this case, the setting AP can also include the AP ID of another AP (hereinafter referred to as "registered AP ID") specified in the past association or the like in the AP with the association response.

[0149] In the above, although the AP ID flag is added to the association request and the association response to distinguish them from the association request and the association response shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, they can be distinguished using a different determination method from the AP ID flag. In this case, the performance information can be left as it is, or the performance information can be removed from the structural elements. Furthermore, an information element in which the AP ID is included in the association request shown in FIG. 3 can be used as the AP with the association request. Figure 9 Figure 10 In the above, although the AP ID flag is added to the association request and the association response to distinguish them from the association request and the association response shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, they can be distinguished using a different determination method from the AP ID flag. In this case, the performance information can be left as it is, or the performance information can be removed from the structural elements. Furthermore, an information element in which the AP ID is included in the association request shown in FIG. 3 can be used as the AP with the association request. Figure 9

[0150] In this way, by performing association between the new AP and the setting AP, the AP IDs of the respective APs can be specified.

[0151] <Supplement>

[0152] Furthermore, the AP ID can be specified using a beacon. For example, the AP 1 as the setting AP can include the AP ID of the AP 1 and / or the registered AP ID in the beacon. Thus, the AP ID of the setting AP as the information element of the AP with the association request can not be needed.

[0153] In this case, the AP 2 as the new AP can set an AP ID that does not duplicate the registered AP ID included in the beacon as the AP ID of the AP 2 and add the AP ID of the AP 2 as the information element of the AP with the association request. Thus, the AP ID of the new AP as the information element of the AP with the association response can not be needed.

[0154] ​​In addition, although the above describes an example in which the AP ID flag is included in the beacon or probe response, the AP ID flag can not be included in the beacon or probe response. In this case, the new AP can also transmit an association request for APs upon receiving the beacon. In addition, the new AP that transmitted the association request can be set to be denied association with the setting AP in the case where the setting AP does not correspond to coordinated communication. Alternatively, the setting AP that does not correspond to coordinated communication can be set to be denied association with the new AP that transmitted the association request.

[0155] In addition, although the above describes an example in which the AP ID is specified by the setting AP or the new AP, the AP ID can be specified by the master AP. In this case, the setting AP can function as the master AP, or the setting AP can notify the master AP of the indication.

[0156] In addition, the association between the setting AP and the new AP (AP-AP) can also be performed in the same manner as the association between the STA and the AP (AP-STA). For example, the authentication and / or the key exchange process performed between the AP-STA through the association can also be performed between the AP-AP. Thus, data can be transmitted between the AP-AP, and secure communication can be efficiently performed.

[0157] In addition, the AP ID notified by the association request, the association response, and the beacon can be the AID or the AID 12 including the AP ID described in Example 1.

[0158] In addition, in the case where the association is performed between the AP-AP, the Multiple BSSID (Multiple BSSID) function can be used to define a BSS dedicated to the AP-AP association. In this case, the value of a specific AID region can be defined in the AP AID region, and the APs that join the BSS can assign values other than the AP AID region to the AIDs of the STAs. Thus, the IDs of the coordinated AP and the subordinate STAs can be uniformly managed in the same AID space.

[0159] In addition, an ID for communication to multiple coordinated APs can also be defined. For example, if one nontransmitted BSSID in the multiple BSSID is used as a BSSID dedicated to the coordinated AP, the value of the AID corresponding to the entire BSSID dedicated to the coordinated AP can be used as an ID for communication to multiple coordinated APs.

[0160] In addition, the same ID of random access as the uplink OFDMA random access (UORA: UL OFDMA-based random access) with 11ax can be defined for the AP-AP intercommunication. That is, a special value of the AP ID and / or the AID for the AP can be defined for the random access. For example, in the case where the AP-AP interassociation dedicated BSS is defined for the coordinated AP, AID = 0 can be set for requesting information of the buffered data for the coordinated communication to any AP, and a buffer status request trigger frame (BSRP Trigger frame) can be transmitted, or a trigger frame with AID = 2045 set can be transmitted by the existing AP to enable the association request to be transmitted by the pre-association AP.

[0161] In addition, the AP-AP interassociation is not limited to the use for the coordinated communication of a plurality of APs, and can be used for the case where the communication other than the coordinated communication is performed by a plurality of APs. For example, in the case where the plurality of APs coordinate to perform a function other than the communication such as ranging, position detection, or sensing, the AP-AP interassociation can be used.

[0162] Example 3

[0163] In Example 3, the following operation is explained, which is the same as that in Example 1, in the UL-DL communication in the C-SR mode in which the coordination is performed, after the trigger is transmitted, it is determined whether the DL communication can be performed. The structure of the UL-DL communication is the same as that in Example 1.

[0164] Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence in which the UL-DL communication in Example 3 is performed. In Figure 25 , the transmission of the UL trigger frame and the UL communication (transmission and reception of UL data) between the AP1 and the STA1 can be the same as in Example 1. In Figure 25 , the AP2 that has received the UL trigger frame transmits the RTS with the STA2 as the reception destination. In the case where the STA2 successfully receives the RTS (that is, in the case where the influence of the interference generated by the data transmission and reception in the AP1 is small), the STA2 transmits the CTS to the AP2. Here, the case where the STA2 successfully receives the RTS can be the case where the influence of the reception of the RTS by the interference caused by other peripheral wireless devices to the STA2 (for example, the interference to the STA2 generated by the data transmission and reception in the AP1) is small. Then, in the case where the CTS is received, the AP2 determines that the DL communication can be performed, and transmits the data (DL communication) to the STA2.

[0165] In addition, although the example in which the RTS is transmitted is shown in the above description, in the case where there are a plurality of candidates for the DL transmission destination of the AP2, the MU-RTS can be used.

[0166] Thus, by using the CTS to determine whether or not DL communication is possible, unnecessary signal transmission (for example, DL transmission in a state in which interference is large and the STA that is the reception destination is unable to receive) can be stopped.

[0167] Example 4

[0168] In Example 3, a method of determining whether or not DL communication is possible using RTS / CTS was shown. In Example 4, an example of using frames other than the RTS / CTS used in Example 3 will be described. Hereinafter, a method of using frames called "RTS+mes" and / or frames called "CTS+mes" (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as "RTS+mes / CTS+mes frames") to measure the amount of interference will be exemplarily shown.

[0169] In Example 4, the transmission of the UL trigger frame and the UL communication can be the same actions as in Example 1. The AP 2 that received the UL trigger frame transmits an RTS+mes with STA 2 as the reception destination. In the case where the STA 2 successfully receives the RTS+mes, the STA 2 measures the reception power of the same frequency band as the RTS+mes. The reception power of the same frequency band as the RTS+mes can be equivalent to the interference power generated by the data transmission of the AP 1. Next, the STA 2 transmits a CTS+mes in which information related to the reception power is added to the CTS.

[0170] Thus, by using the RTS+mes / CTS+mes frames, the STA that received the CTS+mes notifies the transmission source of the amount of interference measured by the STA, and the transmission source is able to perform data transmission in which an appropriate MCS is selected taking the interference into consideration, and the throughput is improved.

[0171] <Supplement>

[0172] In addition, the format of the RTS+mes can be the same format as the RTS, or can be a format in which information of the frequency band (also referred to as "tone") measured using the CTS+mes is added to the format of the RTS. By adding the information of the frequency band, the frequency band measured using the CTS+mes can be specified.

[0173] In addition, the category of the RTS+mes and / or the CTS+mes can be specified using the free area of the category of the MAC frame shown in FIG. 8. Figure 14 For example, the RTS+mes is set to "010000", and the CTS+mes is set to "010001". In addition, it can be that, in the format of the frame of the RTS and / or the CTS, the Figure 13A specific bit within the frame control field shown is changed for the purpose of indicating RTS+mes / CTS+mes. For example, the specific bit whose purpose is changed can be Figure 13 One of "To DS", "From DS", "More Frag", "Retry", "Protected Frame", and "+HTC / Order" shown. For example, in the case where the frame format is set to RTS+mes and / or CTS+mes, the change in purpose can be indicated by setting the above bit (e.g., "To DS") to 1.

[0174] Example 5

[0175] Although an example of UL-DL communication coordinated in the C-SR manner is shown in Example 1, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 26 is a diagram representing another example of the configuration of UL-DL communication. For example, as shown in Figure 26 , in the case where the configuration of each device of the coordination set is the configuration in which STA2 is affected by interference from STA1, UL communication from STA1 to AP1 (transmission of UL data) and DL communication from AP2 to STA2 (transmission of DL data) can also be set as UL-DL communication coordinated in the coordinated manner C-OFDMA.

[0176] Figure 27 is a diagram representing a sequence of UL-DL communication in the coordinated manner C-OFDMA. Figure 27 The actions shown are the same as the actions based on the C-SR manner shown in Example 1 (e.g., Figure 19 ). However, it is configured that the frequency band for UL communication from STA1 to AP1 and the frequency band for DL communication from AP2 to STA2 specified by the UL trigger frame are different frequency bands from each other. Further, although an example of using "UL trigger frame" is shown in Figure 27 , "trigger" and "advertisement" can be used as in Figure 18 In this case, it is configured that the frequency band for UL communication from STA1 to AP1 and the frequency band for DL communication from AP2 to STA2 specified by "trigger" and "advertisement" are different frequency bands from each other.

[0177] Thus, by using the same actions as UL-DL communication coordinated in the C-SR manner, the frequency bands for UL communication and DL communication are configured to be different frequency bands from each other, and thus, it is also possible to support the case of the coordinated manner C-OFDMA.

[0178] Further, in Figure 27In the above-described embodiment, the AP2 can determine to use the C-OFDMA in a case where the frequency band allocated to the DL communication does not overlap with the frequency band allocated to the UL communication. In addition, the AP2 can determine to use the C-SR in a case where the frequency band allocated to the DL communication overlaps with the frequency band allocated to the UL communication. In a case where the C-SR is determined, the AP2 can also perform the operation shown in Example 3 or Example 4.

[0179] Although the example in which the plurality of APs coordinate the communication with the STA is shown in the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the APs of a part of the plurality of APs can be replaced with the STA. For example, the present disclosure can also be applied to a case where one or more APs and one or more STAs coordinate the communication with other STAs. Alternatively, the present disclosure can also be applied to a case where two or more STAs coordinate the communication with other STAs.

[0180] In addition, the terms indicating each signal (packet) in the above-described embodiment are one example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0181] In addition, “…… section” in the above-described embodiment can be “…… circuitry”, “…… device”, “…… unit”, or “…… module”.

[0182] The present disclosure can be implemented by software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the aforementioned embodiments can be realized by an LSI that is an integrated circuit, or a part or all of the functional blocks can be realized as integrated circuits. Each process described in the aforementioned embodiments can be controlled by one LSI or a combination of LSIs as a part or all of the functional blocks. The LSI can be constructed as a chip independent of other parts that configure the apparatus. An LSI can be used as a part of the apparatus. The LSI here can also be referred to as an "IC", an "IC", a "system LSI", an "application SoC (System on Chip)", or the like. The LSI can be individually formed of a dedicated LSI, or formed of a common LSI where a part or all of function blocks are integrated. The LSI here can also be referred to as an "IC" (Integrated Circuit), a "system LSI", an "application SoC (System on Chip)", or the like. The LSI can be realized as a chip of a "system on a chip" (SoC) or a "system on an integrated circuit" (SoIC), where a central processing unit (CPU) or the like is integrated. The LSI can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) or the like. Each functional block or a part thereof can be individually or collectively realized as an integrated circuit, or realized as a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose circuit. Each functional block or a part thereof can be realized as a software module that can be incorporated into a mobile phone, a desktop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a camera, a game console, a music player, a digital television, a washing machine, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a cleaner, a traffic system, an automobile, an airplane, a ship, or the like. The software module can be realized as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), another reconfigurable logic device, a general use processor, or the like. The software module can be realized as firmware that can be incorporated into a programmable logic device, such as a programmable logic array (PLA), a programmable array logic (PAL), a generic array logic (GAL), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or as an erasable programmable logic device (EPLD), a mask programmable logic device, or the like. The software module can be realized as a software code of interpreted code, bytecode, hyper text markup language (HTML), hyper text preprocessor (HTP), extensible markup language (XML), or the like. The software module can be realized as a software code of compiled code, binary language, machine code, or the like. The software module can be realized as a high-level language code, an assembly language code, a machine language code, or the like. The software module can be realized as an object code, a byte code, a machine code, or the like. The software module can be realized as firmware or as software that can be incorporated into a micro processing unit (MPU), a computer, or the like. The software module can be realized as a software code of a script that can be executed by an application implemented by a browser.

[0183] The present disclosure can be implemented in all kinds of apparatuses, devices, and systems (collectively referred to as "communication apparatuses") having a communication function. Non-limiting examples of the communication apparatuses include a telephone (a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like), a tablet, a personal computer (PC) (a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or the like), a camera (a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or the like), a digital player (a digital audio / video player, or the like), a wearable device (a wearable camera, a smart watch, a tracking device, or the like), a game console, an electronic book reader, a remote health / remote medical (remote care / medical prescription) device, a communication-capable vehicle or transportation means (an automobile, an airplane, a ship, or the like), and a combination of the above various apparatuses.

[0184] The communication apparatus is not limited to a portable or movable apparatus, and includes all kinds of apparatuses, devices, and systems that cannot be carried or are fixed. For example, the communication apparatus includes a smart home device (a home appliance, a lighting device, a smart meter or a meter, a control panel, or the like), a vending machine, and all "things" that can exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0185] The communication includes not only data communication through a cellular system, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system, a communication satellite system, and the like, but also data communication through a combination of these systems.

[0186] In addition, the communication device also includes a controller or a sensor and the like connected or linked to a communication apparatus that performs the communication function described in the present disclosure. For example, a controller or a sensor that generates a control signal or a data signal used by a communication apparatus that performs the communication function of the communication device.

[0187] In addition, the communication device includes an infrastructure apparatus such as a base station, an access point, and all other devices, apparatuses, and systems that perform communication with or control the above-described various devices.

[0188] The wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first wireless communication device including a control section that allocates an identifier to a second wireless communication device not included in a basic service set to which the first wireless communication device belongs, and a transmission section that transmits a signal including the identifier.

[0189] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section includes the identifier in an association identification field of a user information field of the signal.

[0190] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section allocates the identifier to a reserved value of the association identification field.

[0191] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section allocates the identifier to the second wireless communication device that coordinates at least one of uplink communication and downlink communication with the first wireless communication device.

[0192] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless communication device is a master access point that controls the second wireless communication device.

[0193] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section includes the identifier in the signal that is an association request.

[0194] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section sets a destination specified in a user information field of the signal that is a trigger frame as the identifier.

[0195] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section sets information indicating that a destination is an access point in a user information field of the signal that is a trigger frame, and sets the identifier in an information field for a non-access point in the user information field.

[0196] The wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first wireless communication device including: a transmission section that transmits a second control signal after transmitting a first control signal to a second wireless communication device; and a control section that determines whether or not downlink transmission to the second wireless communication device in a coordinated manner of spatial reuse is possible based on a response to the second control signal.

[0197] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the response includes information related to an amount of interference decided based on the second control signal received by the second wireless communication device.

[0198] In a wireless communication method of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first wireless communication device allocates an identifier to a second wireless communication device not included in a basic service set to which the first wireless communication device belongs; and transmits a signal including the identifier.

[0199] The wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first wireless communication device including a reception section that receives a signal including an identifier of the first wireless communication device from a second wireless communication device, the identifier not being included in a basic service set to which the second wireless communication device belongs.

[0200] In a wireless communication method of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first wireless communication device receives a signal including an identifier of the first wireless communication device from a second wireless communication device, the identifier not being included in a basic service set to which the second wireless communication device belongs.

[0201] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-133229 filed on August 5, 2020, including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0202] Industrial Applicability

[0203] One embodiment of the present disclosure is useful for a mobile communication system.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device, which is a wireless communication device serving as a second access point not included in the basic service set to which a first access point belongs, comprising: The receiving unit receives a signal from the first access point, wherein the signal contains a value of an identifier assigned to the second access point in the associated identifier field of the user information field; as well as The control unit uses the value contained in the signal as the value of the identifier assigned to the second access point.

2. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The value is selected and assigned from the values ​​that can be assigned to the associated identifiers of non-access point sites, i.e., non-AP STAs, included in the basic service set.

3. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit coordinates with the first access point to perform at least one of uplink and downlink communication.

4. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The first access point is the main access point that controls the second access point.

5. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The receiving unit includes the value assigned to the identifier in the signal that serves as an association request.

6. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, In the user information field of the signal that serves as the trigger frame, the value assigned to the identifier is set to the destination.

7. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, In the user information field of the signal that serves as the trigger frame, information indicating that the destination is an access point is set, and in the user information field, the information field for non-access points is set with a value assigned to the identifier.

8. A wireless communication method, comprising: A second access point that is not included in the basic service set to which the first access point belongs receives a signal from the first access point, the signal containing a value of an identifier assigned to the second access point in the associated identifier field of the user information field; as well as The second access point uses the value contained in the signal as the value of the identifier assigned to the second access point.

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