Access point device, station device, control method, and program

Abstract

According to the present invention, when operating in an Enhanced Multilink Single Radio (EMLSR) mode, an access point device performing wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.11 standard determines whether a prescribed type of frame has been received from a station device connected to the access point device. Upon determining that the prescribed type of frame has been received, the access point device cancels the EMLSR mode and performs data communication with the station device. After data communication has been performed, the access point device transitions its operating mode to an EMLSR mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to access point devices and station devices for communicating data. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the increase in the amount of data being communicated, the development of communication technologies such as Wireless Local Area Networks (LANs) has been promoted. As the main communication standard for wireless LANs, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard series is known. The IEEE 802.11 standard series includes standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax.

[0003] Furthermore, the development of the IEEE 802.11be standard, a successor to IEEE 802.11ax, is underway. New features in the IEEE 802.11be standard include multilink communication capabilities, where access points (APs) and stations (STAs) establish multiple links with different frequency channels and communicate in parallel. Additionally, PTL 1 describes a mechanism for establishing multiple links for multilink operation.

[0004] In addition, the specifications for the IEEE 802.11bn Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) standard, which is a successor to the IEEE 802.11be standard, are also under study.

[0005] Citation List Patent documents PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-103805 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In multilink operation, a simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) mode is defined, in which communication devices can simultaneously transmit and receive frames on multiple links. In this mode, power consumption is high because multiple links remain in standby mode for communication. Therefore, in the IEEE 802.11be standard, the Enhanced Multilink Single Radio (EMLSR) mode is defined as a method to reduce the power consumption of communication devices. This mode is only defined for non-access point multilink devices (non-AP MLDs) in the IEEE 802.11be standard. In other words, the application of EMLSR mode in access point multilink devices (AP MLDs) is not currently defined.

[0007] While operating in this EMLSR mode, the non-AP MLD waits to simultaneously receive initial control frames sent from the AP MLD on multiple links (EMLSR links) established with the AP MLD.

[0008] In this scenario, different channels are typically selected for each EMLSR link. The AP MLD then selects a link and transmits an initial control frame via that link. At this point, the AP MLD selects the optimal link (e.g., a link using a non-congested channel) and transmits the initial control frame. Upon receiving the initial control frame, the non-AP MLD uses the link through which it received the initial control frame to perform data exchange with the AP MLD. While operating in EMLSR mode, the non-AP MLD does not simultaneously transmit and receive via multiple links. Therefore, the non-AP MLD can perform data exchange with the AP MLD triggered by the reception of the initial control frame while conserving power.

[0009] However, as mentioned above, no method is defined for reducing the power consumption of AP MLDs, including EMLSR mode, and considering the specifications of the IEEE 802.11bn standard, the reduction of power consumption of AP MLDs has been raised as one of the topics of discussion.

[0010] To reduce the power consumption of AP MLDs, it is desirable to achieve power saving while quickly responding to changes in the throughput or transmission latency required by non-AP MLDs connected to the AP MLD. However, no method has been considered to achieve this.

[0011] Solution to the problem An access point device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a determining unit configured to determine, when the access point device is operating in an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) mode, whether a frame of a predetermined type has been received from a station device connected to the access point device, the access point device being configured to perform wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard; a communication control unit configured to, if the determining unit determines that a frame of the predetermined type has been received, deactivate the EMLSR mode and perform data communication with the station device; and a switching unit configured to switch back to the EMLSR mode after the data communication is performed by the communication control unit. Attached Figure Description

[0012] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the construction of a network system.

[0013] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware construction of a communication device (AP MLD / non-AP MLD).

[0014] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a communication device (AP MLD / non-AP MLD).

[0015] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control to be performed by AP MLD.

[0016] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information elements to be communicated.

[0017] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information elements to be communicated.

[0018] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information elements to be communicated.

[0019] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control to be performed by a non-AP MLD.

[0020] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control to be performed by AP MLD.

[0021] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control to be performed by a non-AP MLD.

[0022] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between mode and power saving.

[0023] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between EMLSR mode and power saving.

[0024] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of deformation. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although several features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and multiple features can be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar constructions, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0026] In the following embodiments or variations, a configuration is disclosed for rapidly responding to changes in throughput or transmission latency required by a non-AP MLD, while allowing the AP MLD to operate in a power-saving manner. Additionally, as another aspect, a mechanism for power-saving operation of the AP MLD is disclosed.

[0027] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 An example of the construction of a network system according to this embodiment is shown. The network system according to this embodiment is constructed to include one access point device (hereinafter also referred to as "AP", "AP STA" or "access point") and two station devices (hereinafter also referred to as "STA", "non-AP STA" or "station").

[0028] AP 101 and STA 102 are configured to perform wireless frame communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11bn standard, which is a successor to the IEEE 802.11be standard and aims to achieve a maximum transmission rate of 46.08 Gbps.

[0029] IEEE is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IEEE 802.11bn, the successor to IEEE 802.11be, lists high-reliability communication, low-latency communication, and improved throughput during congestion as key features. Additionally, reducing power consumption at the access point (AP) is also listed as a goal in the IEEE 802.11bn standard. Radio frames used for communication according to this subsequent standard are also called Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) PPDUs. PPDU stands for Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit.

[0030] For convenience, the name "UHR" is provided based on the objectives to be achieved by subsequent standards and the features that will be critical in the standard, and the name "UHR" may change once the standard is finalized. Similarly, the name "IEEE 802.11bn" may change once the standard is finalized. On the other hand, it should be noted that this specification and the appended claims apply substantially to all subsequent standards that are subsequent standards to the 802.11be standard.

[0031] Return to Figure 1As described, AP 101 is an access point that supports multi-band functionality for providing network access on multiple different frequency channels. In this embodiment, as an example, AP 101 is shown as a dual-band access point that provides network access in the 2.4 GHz band and in the 5 GHz band.

[0032] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, AP 101 and STA 102 can establish multiple communication links between the devices and perform multi-link communication to communicate with each other. Hereinafter, the communication link is also simply referred to as a link. AP 101 performing multi-link communication is also referred to as AP Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) 101, and STA 102 performing multi-link communication is also referred to as Non-AP MLD 102.

[0033] For example, AP 101 can establish link 103 with STA 102 on a 2.4 GHz network and communicate with STA 102. Additionally, in parallel with this link, AP 101 and STA 102 can establish link 104, for example, in a 5 GHz band and communicate with each other. In this case, STA 102 performs multi-link communication via link 103 in parallel with link 104. In this embodiment, for convenience, the mode of establishing two communication links and communicating simultaneously is referred to as the normal mode of multi-link operation. Hereinafter, multi-link operation is also referred to as MLO.

[0034] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the normal mode is Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (STR) mode, in which the STA and AP can simultaneously transmit and receive data on two or more links. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a restriction is imposed on the link pairs that operate in a multi-link manner for simultaneous transmission or simultaneous reception, and the normal mode can be NSTR mode, in which AP 101 and STA 102 communicate under this restriction. NSTR is an abbreviation for non-simultaneous transmit and receive.

[0035] In this way, by establishing links with STA 102 on multiple different frequency channels, AP 101 can improve throughput in communication with STA 102.

[0036] Simultaneously, non-AP MLDs conforming to the IEEE 802.11be standard can also operate in a multi-link operation mode called Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode. In this mode, the non-AP MLD establishes an EMLSR link with the AP MLD. EMLSR mode uses a single link for actual data communication, but it is a mode that allows dynamic switching of the link actually used for communication based on factors such as radio channel congestion. The non-AP MLD 102 according to this embodiment also supports EMLSR mode. The non-AP MLD 102 operating in EMLSR mode and waiting for communication operates while scanning the communication status of each channel of the EMLSR link. While operating in EMLSR mode and scanning the communication status, the non-AP MLD will not simultaneously transmit or wait to receive frames other than the initial control frame via multiple links.

[0037] Communication of data (such as user data) using the EMLSR link between AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 is triggered and initiated by the transmission of an initial control frame. For example, upon detecting the receipt of an initial control frame from AP MLD 101 via a scan, non-AP MLD 102 activates the link already used to transmit data such as user data. Communication of data such as user data with AP MLD is then performed using the activated link. Due to this mechanism, non-AP MLD 102 can perform data exchange with AP MLD with high throughput and low latency while conserving power consumption.

[0038] Meanwhile, considering the specifications of the IEEE 802.11bn standard, reducing the power consumption of the AP MLD has been raised as one of the topics of discussion. Therefore, in this embodiment, the concept of EMLSR mode is also applied to the AP MLD 101. A mechanism is provided that enables power-saving operation on the AP side via EMLSR mode, while simultaneously allowing for rapid response to changes in the throughput or transmission latency required by non-AP MLDs connected to the AP MLD.

[0039] A detailed description will be given below. Although Figure 1 An example of a network system including one AP MLD 101 and one non-AP MLD 102 is shown, but the number of non-AP MLDs constituting the network system can be greater than that. Figure 1The number of non-AP MLDs shown is [number missing]. Additionally, although it is assumed that AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 support communication (transmission and reception) of UHR PPDUs, they can also be configured to support communication of PPDUs conforming to legacy standards prior to the UHR standard. Specifically, AP 101 and STA 102 can also be configured to support the transmission and reception of PPDUs conforming to standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be.

[0040] Furthermore, the frequency bands used by AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 are not limited to the aforementioned 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. For example, different frequency bands, such as the 6GHz band, Sub-1GHz band, and millimeter-wave band, can be used. Additionally, AP 101 and STA 102 can communicate using bandwidths such as 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320MHz, 540MHz, and 640MHz. The bandwidth used by each communication device is not limited to this. Furthermore, in this embodiment, links 103 and 104 used for multi-link communication are shown as links in different frequency bands, but this is not a limitation. AP MLD 101 can also use multiple links with the same frequency band but different channels to perform multi-link communication with non-AP MLD 102.

[0041] Additionally, AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 can also be configured to support wireless communication based on other communication standards such as Bluetooth®, NFC, and Bluetooth® Low Power (LE). NFC stands for Near Field Communication. AP 101 and STA 102 can also be configured to support wired communication using Ethernet® cables and wired communication using fiber optics. Specific examples of AP 101 include, but are not limited to, wireless LAN routers and personal computers (PCs). AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 can also be information processing devices (such as wireless chips) that support the transmission and reception of UHR PPDUs. In this case, various controls can be performed by the hardware circuitry within the wireless chip. The wireless chip can also be configured to perform various processes through the cooperation of a processor such as an Application-Specific Instruction Set Processor (ASIP), memory, and the hardware circuitry within the wireless chip.

[0042] Specific examples of STA 102 include, but are not limited to, cameras, tablets, smartphones, PCs, mobile phones, camcorders, and wearable devices such as smart glasses.

[0043] <Hardware Structure of Communication Equipment> Figure 2 An example of the hardware configuration of a communication device (AP MLD 101, non-AP MLD 102) is shown. As an example of its hardware configuration, the communication device includes a storage unit 201, a control unit 202, a functional unit 203, an input unit 204, an output unit 205, a communication unit 206, and antennas 207 and 208.

[0044] Storage unit 201 is composed of either or both of read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), and stores programs for performing the various operations described below, as well as various types of information such as communication parameters for wireless communication. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. In addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, storage media such as non-volatile storage devices like hard disks or solid-state drives (SSDs) can also be used as storage unit 201.

[0045] The control unit 202 is composed of, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor unit (MPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Here, CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, and MPU is an abbreviation for Microprocessor Unit. The control unit 202 controls the entire device by executing programs stored in the storage unit 201 and operating hardware circuitry such as an ASIC. The control unit 202 can also be configured to control the entire device through cooperation between the programs stored in the storage unit 201 and an operating system (OS).

[0046] Control unit 202 also controls functional unit 203 to perform predetermined processes such as image capture, printing, and projection. Functional unit 203 is hardware for the device to perform predetermined processes. For example, if the communication device is a camera such as a digital still camera or a smartphone including a camera, functional unit 203 acts as an image capture unit and performs processing for capturing surrounding images via a camera unit (not shown) included in the communication device. Furthermore, for example, if the communication device is a printer, functional unit 203 acts as a printing unit and performs printing processing on a sheet of material such as paper based on printing data obtained from an external source via wireless communication. Furthermore, for example, if the communication device is a projector or smart glasses, functional unit 203 acts as a projection unit and performs projection processing on image data or video data obtained from an external source via wireless communication. In the case of smart glasses, the projection surface is the end user's retina, etc. The data to be processed by functional unit 203 may be data stored in storage unit 201 or data communicated with another AP or STA via communication unit 206 described below. Furthermore, communication devices such as AP 101 may provide network storage functions such as Network Attached Storage (NAS). This functionality is provided to another communication device as a network service, such as a network storage service. For example, a communication device such as an STA connects to a network storage service provided by an AP MLD 101 using protocols such as Server Message Block (SMB), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or Web-based Distributed Authoring and Version Control (WebDAV). The communication device such as the STA then uploads files to the storage service and downloads files from its storage. This data communication for uploading and downloading is achieved by communicating UHR PPDUs between devices.

[0047] Input unit 204 receives various operations from the user. Output unit 205 performs various output operations to the user. Here, the output of output unit 205 includes at least one of on-screen display, audio output from speaker, and vibration output. Input unit 204 and output unit 205 can be implemented as a single module, such as a touch panel.

[0048] The output unit 205 serves as a display unit for presenting information to the user. The input unit serves as a receiving unit for receiving user operations.

[0049] Communication unit 206 controls wireless communication according to the IEEE 802.11 standard family and controls Internet Protocol (IP) communication. In this embodiment, communication unit 206 can cooperate with antennas 207 and 208 to perform communication control for transmitting and receiving UHR PPDUs as UHR-compliant wireless frames and PPDUs of standards prior to UHR. Antennas 207 and 208 are, for example, antennas capable of transmitting and receiving signals in at least one frequency band, such as the sub-GHz band, 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, 6GHz band, and millimeter wave band. In this embodiment, as an example, a communication device including two antennas is shown, but it is not limited to this. The number of antennas can be three or more.

[0050] If the various communication devices support the aforementioned NFC standard, Bluetooth® standard, wired communication standard, etc., then the communication unit 206 can be configured to control wireless or wired communication according to these communication standards. The communication unit 206 in each of the AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 includes hardware circuitry for decoding and encoding signals to be communicated via each link. The antenna and hardware circuitry are configured to allow individual power control. The device can also be configured to include a communication unit corresponding to each link.

[0051] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 The functional configurations of each of the AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 are described. Communication devices such as AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 include functional units such as multi-link control unit 301, multi-link communication setting user interface (UI) unit 302, frame generation unit 305, and frame transmission / reception unit 306.

[0052] The multi-link control unit 301 is a functional block that controls the communication initiation process to establish one or more links for wireless communication between the communication device and the peer device, mode determination, change processing, link addition / deletion processing after communication initiation, and communication termination processing for deleting all links. Specifically, the connection processing includes authentication processing, association processing, and four-way handshake processing. In the case of AP MLD 101, the peer device is a STA such as a non-AP MLD 102, while in the case of a non-AP MLD 102, the peer device is an AP such as an AP MLD 101. Additionally, the multi-link control unit 301 also performs control related to power saving modes. Specifically, if the power saving mode is set to active, power controls such as stopping power supply to some hardware circuits are performed.

[0053] The multi-link communication setup user interface (UI) unit 302 provides a setup screen as a UI for users to input settings related to multi-link communication. The UI unit 302 is a function block that receives user operations on the setup screen via the input unit 204 and stores the settings as operational settings for the communication device in the storage unit 201. The UI unit 302 receives setting change operations regarding whether to activate a power-saving mode via the setup screen (not shown). The UI unit 302 also stores operational settings related to the AP power-saving mode corresponding to the setting change operation in the storage unit 201. These operational settings are appropriately used, for example, to determine whether to execute the controls shown in the flowchart described below.

[0054] Return to Figure 3 As described, frame generation unit 305 is a block that generates UHR PPDUs, which are wireless frames used for communication with external devices. Frame transmission / reception unit 306 transmits the wireless frames generated by frame generation unit 305 and receives wireless frames from the corresponding device. In the case of non-AP MLD 102, it sends probe request frames, association request frames, and data frames to the AP. Non-AP MLD 102 also sends authentication request frames and other frames for connection processing to the AP. Non-AP MLD 102 also sends request to transmit (RTS) frames, null data PPDU (NDP) frames, and enhanced multilink (EML) operation mode notification frames to the AP. Non-AP MLD 102 also sends initial control frames to the AP.

[0055] In the case of AP MLD 101, it sends beacon frames, probe response frames, association response frames, and data frames to the STA. AP MLD 101 also sends association request frames, authentication request frames, and other frames for connection processing to the STA. AP MLD 101 also sends the aforementioned initial control frames to STAs that are not using AP MLD.

[0056] <Communication Control Using EMLSR Mode> Next, we will refer to Figure 4 and Figures 8 to 10 The flowchart shown and Figures 5 to 7 The information element diagram in the diagram is used to describe the communication control using the EMLSR mode according to this embodiment.

[0057] Figure 4 and Figure 9 These are flowcharts illustrating examples of communication control in the AP MLD 101, and... Figure 8 and Figure 10 These are flowcharts illustrating examples of communication control in a non-AP MLD 102. Figures 5 to 7 Each element is a schematic diagram showing the information elements that need to be communicated between devices.

[0058] Figure 4 and Figure 9 The various processes shown in the flowchart are executed by the processor of the control unit 202 in AP MLD 101, which executes computer programs stored in the storage unit 201. Some of these processes (such as transmission and modulation) can be implemented through the processor of the control unit 202, the various processors, ASICs, DSPs and FPGAs constituting the communication unit 206, the antenna, and the cooperation between the ASICs, DSPs and FPGAs constituting the control unit 202. However, this is not the case, and of course, the communication unit 206 and the antenna can be constructed to cooperate in executing the various processes shown in the flowchart. When it is necessary to explicitly specify the subject of the process, Figure 3 The functional units shown are described as topics.

[0059] The computer program stored in the storage unit 201 is executed by the processor of the control unit 202 in the non-AP MLD 102. Figure 8 and Figure 10 The various processes in the flowchart are as follows. Some of these processes (such as transmission and modulation) can be implemented through the collaboration between the processor of the control unit 202, the various processors, ASICs, DSPs, and FPGAs constituting the communication unit 206, and the ASICs, DSPs, and FPGAs constituting the control unit 202.

[0060] However, this is not the only possibility, and communication unit 206 and antenna can certainly be constructed to collaboratively execute the various processes shown in the flowchart. When it is necessary to explicitly specify the subject of the process, Figure 3 The functional units shown are described as topics.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 Describe the operation of AP MLD 101. Figure 4 The processes shown are excerpts from a series of processes from when AP MLD 101 starts operating as MLO to when AP MLD 101 starts operating in EMLSR mode as MLO. When the control unit 202 of AP MLD 101 determines that the storage unit 201 contains an operation setting that does not use the power-saving mode, the control unit 202 executes control in normal mode (not shown) instead. Figure 4 The control shown. In other words, when the operation settings for using power-saving mode are stored in the storage unit 201, the operation is executed. Figure 4 The various controls shown.

[0062] The normal mode (not shown) will be briefly described. In normal mode, AP MLD 101 establishes and maintains both networks described above. AP MLD 101 then allows STAs such as those not connected to AP MLD 102 to connect to AP MLD 101 in EMLSR mode. Furthermore, for STAs connected to AP MLD 101 in EMLSR mode, as described above, the EMLSR link is activated, triggered by the initial control frame. The activated EMLSR link can then be used to perform data communication, such as user data communication. Additionally, in normal mode, AP MLD 101 can simultaneously use multiple links as needed to provide data communication to non-AP MLDs connected to AP MLD 101 in STR or NSTR modes.

[0063] Return to Figure 4 The description will describe the control in the case where the operation setting using power-saving mode has been performed. The search phase and MLO setup phase of the MLO device will now be described. In the search phase, the STA searches for and connects to the destination AP. In the MLO setup phase, the STA establishes a multi-link connection with the AP found as a search result. In step S400, the multi-link control unit 301 cooperates with the frame generation unit 305, the frame transmission / reception unit 306, the communication unit 206, and the antennas 207 and 208, and performs control to transmit a frame including information indicating that the EMLSR mode should be activated. The frame transmitted in step S400 is the frame transmitted during the search phase or the MLO setup phase of the MLO device.

[0064] More specifically, AP MLD 101 includes information indicating whether to activate EMLSR mode in a beacon frame or probe response frame. Hereinafter, the information indicating whether to activate EMLSR mode will be referred to simply as "activation information." Additionally, the information indicating whether to deactivate EMLSR mode, as described below, will be referred to simply as "deactivation information."

[0065] Beacon frames are frames that AP MLD 101 sends periodically at predetermined intervals (e.g., 100 milliseconds). Additionally, probe response frames are frames sent in response to probe request frames received from STAs other than AP MLD 102. This is not a limitation, and information indicating whether to activate or deactivate EMLSR mode can be sent in any other timed frame or in any other frame during the search or connection phase at the connection destination.

[0066] Although details will be described below, AP 101 performs a multi-link setup process when the search process in the search phase is completed and the connection process with AP MLD 101 begins at the STA of the corresponding device.

[0067] AP MLD 101 can include activation information in association response frames or reassociation response frames sent during multi-link setup. These frames are response frames that store response information when an association request frame or reassociation request frame is received from a STA, such as a non-AP MLD 102.

[0068] In addition, AP MLD 101 can send frames containing UHR operation elements that control the operation of devices supporting the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard to STAs such as non-AP MLD 102, and can include activation information in the UHR operation elements.

[0069] Reference Figure 5 This describes a specific example of activation information included in a UHR operation element. The UHR operation element consists of fields 500 through 506. The UHR operation element includes the UHR operation parameter field 503 and the EMLSR control field 506. The UHR operation element also includes information of the same type as that defined in the EHT operation element in IEEE 802.11be.

[0070] Each of the element ID field 500, length field 501, and element ID extension field 502 includes information similar to the fields with the same names defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0071] UHR operating parameter field 503 includes EMLSR control presence subfield 515. Field 503 also includes information similar to the EHT operating parameter fields defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0072] The basic UHR-MCS and NSS set field 504 includes information similar to the basic EHT-MCS and NSS set fields defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. Furthermore, the UHR operation information field 505 includes information similar to the EHT operation information field. Then, the EMLSR control field 506 is a field that includes information for controlling the operation of the device associated with the EMLSR mode. This field will be described in detail below.

[0073] UHR operation parameter field 503 consists of subfields 510 to 515. UHR operation information presence subfield 510 includes information similar to the EHT operation information presence subfield defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. Disabled subchannel bitmap presence subfield 511 includes information similar to the subfield of the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. UHR default PE duration subfield 512 includes information similar to the EHT default PE duration subfield defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. Group addressing BU indication limit subfield 513 includes information similar to the subfield of the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. Furthermore, Group addressing BU indication index subfield 514 includes information similar to the subfield of the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. EMLSR control presence subfield 515 indicates whether the UHR operation element includes the EMLSR control field 506. This subfield consists of one bit. A value of "1" indicates that the UHR operation element includes the EMLSR control field 506. On the other hand, when its value is "0", it means that the UHR operation element does not include the EMLSR control field 506.

[0074] The EMLSR control field 506 exists when the value in subfield 515 is "1", and does not exist when the value is "0". This field consists of subfields 520 and 521. Subfield 520 of the EMLSR mode indicates whether the EMLSR mode should be activated.

[0075] This subfield consists of one bit. A value of "1" indicates that EMLSR mode is activated. Conversely, a value of "0" indicates that EMLSR mode is deactivated. EMLSR Link Bitmap subfield 521 indicates the link ID of the link used as the EMLSR link. This subfield consists of 16 bits, and the i-th bit corresponds to the state of the link with link ID "i". For example, bit 0 corresponds to the state of the link with link ID "0", and bit 1 corresponds to the state of the link with link ID "1".

[0076] Storing a "1" in the EMLSR mode subfield 520 is an example of including activation information in the frame. Conversely, storing a "0" in the EMLSR mode subfield 520 is an example of including deactivation information in the frame.

[0077] The AP MLD 101, which has already sent activation information, receives a message indicating whether to permit or deny AP MLD activation of EMLSR mode, as a response to the activation message from an MLD device such as a non-AP MLD 102. In the following text, the message permitting AP MLD activation of EMLSR mode is referred to as a permit message, and the message denying AP MLD activation of EMLSR mode is referred to as a denial message.

[0078] This information can be included in probe request frames, association request frames, or reassociation request frames sent from MLD devices such as non-AP MLD 102.

[0079] Specifically, MLD devices such as non-AP MLD 102 can be configured to include probe request multilink elements in probe request frames. These may include permission information or denial information.

[0080] Figure 6 An example of a probe request multilink element is shown. The probe request multilink element consists of fields 600 through 605. The probe request multilink element includes a multilink control field 603 and a public information field 604. Fields 603 and 604 include information similar to the elements with the same names defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard, except for some subfields. The element ID field 600, length field 601, and element ID extension field 602 each include information similar to the fields with the same names defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The multilink control field 603 includes information similar to the fields with the same names defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard, except for some subfields present in the bitmap subfield 612. This field will be described in detail below. The public information field 604 includes information similar to the fields with the same names defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard, except for including the EMLSR control subfield 632.

[0081] The following describes this field in detail. The Link Information field 605 includes information similar to the field of the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0082] The multilink control field 603 consists of subfields 610 to 612. The type subfield 610 and the reserved subfield 611 each contain information similar to the subfields of the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0083] The presence bitmap subfield 612 consists of subfields 620 and 621. The AP MLD ID presence subfield 620 includes information similar to the subfield of the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The EMLSR control presence subfield 612 indicates whether the probe request multilink element includes the EMLSR control subfield 632 in the common information field 604. This subfield consists of one bit. A value of "1" indicates that the probe request multilink element includes the EMLSR control subfield 632. Conversely, a value of "0" indicates that the probe request multilink element does not include the EMLSR control subfield 632.

[0084] Public information field 604 consists of subfields 630 to 632. Public information length subfield 630 and AP MLD ID subfield 631 each include information similar to the subfields of the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0085] EMLSR control subfield 632 exists when the value in subfield 621 is "1", and does not exist when the value is "0". This subfield consists of EMLSR mode subfield 640 and EMLSR link bitmap subfield 641. Setting EMLSR mode subfield 640 to "1" indicates that AP MLD 101 is authorized to activate EMLSR mode. On the other hand, setting EMLSR mode subfield 640 to "0" indicates that AP MLD 101 is not authorized to activate EMLSR mode.

[0086] Furthermore, when the MLD device responds with permission or rejection information in an association request frame or reassociation request frame, this information is included in the basic multilink element.

[0087] Reference Figure 7 Describe the information elements in this situation. Figure 7An example of the construction of a basic multilink element included in an association request frame or reassociation request frame sent from a non-AP MLD 102 is shown. The basic multilink element consists of fields 700 through 705. Each field includes information similar to the element with the same name defined in IEEE 802.11be, except for some subfields in the multilink control field 703 and some subfields in the public information field 704. The element ID field 700, length field 701, and element ID extension field 702 each include information similar to the field with the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The multilink control field 703 includes information similar to the field with the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard, except for some subfields in the bitmap subfield 712. This field will be described in detail below. The public information field 704 includes information similar to the field with the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard, except for including the EMLSR control subfield 739. This field will be described in detail below. The link information field 705 includes information similar to the field with the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The multilink control field 703 consists of subfields 710 to 712. The type subfield 710 and the reserved subfield 711 each include information similar to the subfields with the same name defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0088] The existence bitmap subfield 712 consists of subfields 720 to 726 and EMLSR control existence subfield 621.

[0089] Subfield 712 includes subfield 720 containing link ID information, subfield 721 containing BSS parameter change count, subfield 722 containing media synchronization delay information, subfield 723 containing EML capabilities, subfield 724 containing MLD capabilities and operations, subfield 725 containing AP MLD ID, and subfield 726 containing extended MLD capabilities and operations. Subfields 720 to 726 each contain information similar to the subfields with the same names defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. Subfield 621 containing EMLSR control is the same as the subfield in the aforementioned probe request multi-link element.

[0090] The public information field 704 consists of subfields 730 to 738 and an EMLSR control subfield 632. Field 704 includes the public information length subfield 730, MLD MAC address subfield 731, link ID information subfield 732, BSS parameter change count subfield 733, media synchronization delay information subfield 734, EML capability subfield 735, MLD capability and operation subfield 736, AP MLD ID subfield 737, and extended MLD capability and operation subfield 738. Fields 730 to 737 each include information similar to the subfields with the same names defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The EMLSR control subfield 632 is the same as the subfield in the aforementioned probe request multilink element. That is, the basic multilink element also includes the aforementioned EMLSR mode subfield 640 and EMLSR link bitmap subfield 641.

[0091] If a non-AP MLD 102 sends a permission message, a "1" is stored in the EMLSR pattern subfield of the UHR operation element. On the other hand, if a rejection message is sent, a "0" is stored in the EMLSR pattern subfield of the UHR operation element.

[0092] Return to Figure 4 As described above, AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 exchange the following frames, which include the same information referenced above. Figures 5 to 7 The aforementioned information related to multi-link communication is used to perform the multi-link setup process. In other words, they exchange requests and accept or reject requests regarding which link to use in multi-link communication and in which mode to operate in the MLO. Then, multi-link communication is established via the agreed-upon link in the agreed-upon operating mode.

[0093] In step S401, the control unit 301 determines whether the multi-link setup process has been completed normally. If it is determined that the multi-link setup process has been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S402; if it is determined that the multi-link setup process has not been completed normally, the exchange of frames for various setup processes continues.

[0094] In step S402, the control unit 301 determines whether a frame including permission information is received during the exchange indicated in the above process when communicating with the AP MLD 102, which has already established multi-link communication.

[0095] If it is determined that a frame including license information has been received, the process proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a frame including license information has been received (i.e., if it is determined that a frame including rejection information has been received, or if the response frame does not include information elements corresponding to rejection or license information), the process proceeds to step S404.

[0096] In step S403, the control unit 301 cooperates with units such as the communication unit 206 and antennas 207 and 208 to initiate EMLSR mode. The following will refer to... Figure 9 The flowchart shown describes the specific control processes to be performed after starting EMLSR mode.

[0097] On the other hand, in step S404, the control unit 301 cooperates with units such as the communication unit 206 and antennas 207 and 208 to begin operation in normal mode. Operation in normal mode can be performed... Figure 4 The data communication control described at the beginning.

[0098] Subsequently, refer to Figure 8 This describes the processing of the search phase and the MLO setup phase performed on the non-AP MLD 102 side. This operation is performed starting from the beginning of the search phase processing for the AP MLD that supports MLO, based on the non-AP MLD 102's search. Figure 8 and Figure 10 The processes shown are excerpts of the processes by which the non-AP MLD 102 determines the MLO mode and communicates with the AP MLD 101 via multiple links.

[0099] The non-AP MLD 102 searches for surrounding APs by scanning beacon frames sent from surrounding APs, or by sending probe request frames to surrounding APs and receiving probe response frames. Then, by exchanging the above reference... Figures 5 to 7 The aforementioned multi-link related information elements can identify AP MLDs that support MLO and establish connections with the identified AP MLDs.

[0100] In step S800, the control unit 301 determines whether a search response frame or a frame for MLO setting is received from the AP MLD 101, which includes information indicating that the EMLSR mode should be activated (activation information).

[0101] If it is determined that a frame including activation information has been received, the process proceeds to step S801. On the other hand, if it is determined that no frame including activation information has been received (i.e., if it is determined that a frame including deactivation information has been received, or if it is determined that a frame including neither deactivation nor activation information has been received), the process proceeds to step S802.

[0102] In step S801, the control unit 301 determines whether to permit activation of the EMLSR mode. At this time, the non-AP MLD 101 may be configured to make the determination based on information prestored in the storage unit 201. Subsequently, in step S802, the control unit 301 cooperates with units such as the generation unit 305, the transmission / reception unit 306, the communication unit 206, and the antennas 207 and 208, and transmits a search frame and / or a frame for setting including information corresponding to the determination result. Specifically, in the case where it is determined that activation of the EMLSR mode is permitted, the non-AP MLD 102 transmits a frame including permission information. Further, in the case where it is determined that activation of the EMLSR mode is not permitted, the non-AP MLD 102 transmits a frame including rejection information.

[0103] In step S803, the control unit 301 determines whether the multi-link setting process has been normally completed. In the case where it is determined that the multi-link setting process has been normally terminated, the process proceeds to step S804, and in the case where it is determined that the multi-link setting process has not been normally completed, the process proceeds to step S800 to continue the exchange of frames for various processes such as search and setting.

[0104] In step S804, the control unit 301 determines whether to present permission for activating the EMLSR mode in various processes such as search and setting. In the case where the control unit 301 determines that permission for activating the EMLSR mode has been presented, the process proceeds to step S805. On the other hand, in the case where the control unit 301 does not determine that permission for activating the EMLSR mode has been presented (i.e., in the case of transmitting rejection information, or in the case where the frame received from the AP does not include activation / deactivation information), the process proceeds to step S806.

[0105] In step S805, the control unit 301 cooperates with the generation unit 305, the transmission / reception unit 306, the communication unit 206, the antennas 207 and 208, etc., and starts the operation in the EMLSR mode. The operation will be described in detail below Figure 10 On the other hand, in step S806, the control unit 301 cooperates with the generation unit 305, the transmission / reception unit 306, the communication unit 206, the antennas 207 and 208, etc., and starts control for communication with the AP in the normal mode (such as the STR mode). In the normal mode, general multi-link communication such as simultaneous data communication using a plurality of link pairs for which communication has already been established is performed.

[0106] <Communication Control in the EMLSR Mode> Next, the communication control after starting the operation in the EMLSR mode will be described with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ​

[0107] First, now we will refer to Figure 9 This describes the control procedures following the commencement of EMLSR mode operation in AP MLD 101. In step S900, the control unit 301 of AP MLD 101, in cooperation with the communication unit 206, monitors multiple EMLSR links and determines whether a frame of a predetermined type has been received from an EMLSR non-AP MLD. An EMLSR non-AP MLD refers to a non-AP MLD that has established a connection with AP MLD 101 and is operating in EMLSR mode, such as non-AP MLD 102.

[0108] The EMLSR link monitored by AP MLD 101 in step S900 is referenced. Figure 4 The links indicated during the description process. That is, they are the links presented by AP MLD 101 to the EMLSR non-AP MLD in the EMLSR link bitmap subfield 521 of the UHR operation element. In this embodiment, refer to... Figure 1 Links 103 and 104 are described as EMLSR links.

[0109] At this time, AP MLD 101 uses antennas 207 and 208 to listen to both the channel corresponding to link 103 and the channel corresponding to link 104 in order to obtain the received signals.

[0110] A frame of a predetermined type is either a frame that triggers data exchange operations while temporarily deactivating EMLSR mode, or an initial control frame used to perform data exchange while maintaining EMLSR mode. In the following text, a frame that triggers data exchange operations while temporarily deactivating EMLSR mode is referred to as an "EMLSR mode temporary deactivation frame".

[0111] These frames can be newly defined to indicate that they are used for temporary release of Media Access Control (MAC) frames. Additionally, the initial control frame can be a newly defined MAC frame whose purpose is to communicate from the STA to the AP the start of communication via the EMLSR link. These frames can be management frames or data frames.

[0112] Furthermore, when operating in EMLSR mode, certain types of existing control frames or data frames can be considered as temporary EMLSR mode release frames.

[0113] For example, the RTS frame (which is a non-AP MLD used to request a transmission opportunity) is an example of an EMLSR mode temporary release frame. The NDP frame (which is a data frame that does not contain a large amount of data) is also an example of an EMLSR mode temporary release frame.

[0114] It should be noted that EMLSR mode temporary release frames and initial control frames are MAC frames of different or the same type, but are defined as MAC frames with different values ​​in the fields of each frame.

[0115] In addition, an EML operation mode notification frame with a value of "0" in the EML control field's EML mode subfield is an example of an EML mode temporary release frame.

[0116] Subsequently, in step S901, the control unit 301 determines whether the frame received in step S900 is an EMLSR mode temporary release frame. If the frame received in step S900 is an EMLSR mode temporary release frame, the process proceeds to step S902. If the frame received in step S900 is not an EMLSR mode temporary release frame (i.e., if it is an initial control frame), the process proceeds to step S905.

[0117] In step S902, control unit 301 temporarily deactivates EMLSR mode and switches to normal mode. Then, it exchanges with the non-AP MLD, which is the source of the temporary EMLSR mode deactivation frame, to reconstruct the MLO's operating mode. Then, the operating mode of the MLO with the non-AP MLD is switched to a communication mode using multiple links, such as STR mode or NSTR mode. Then, data communication using multiple links is performed. When data communication is complete, AP MLD 101 switches back to EMLSR mode. In the case of switching back, AP MLD 101 can notify non-AP MLDs connected to AP MLD 101 of activation information. Alternatively, AP MLD 101 can automatically switch back to EMLSR mode when data communication is complete. When the switch back to EMLSR mode is complete, control unit 301 proceeds to step S906. In step S902, multiple links can be used simultaneously for data communication. Therefore, data exchange can be achieved with higher throughput or lower transmission latency compared to operations that maintain EMLSR mode while communicating data via an EMLSR link (which will be described below).

[0118] Next, the control when no frame of the predetermined type is received will be described. Control unit 301 determines whether there is data to be communicated with the EMLSR non-AP MLD. For example, if data to be sent to the EMLSR non-AP MLD is present, control unit 301 determines that data to be communicated with the EMLSR non-AP MLD exists. For example, this data may be data addressed to the EMLSR non-AP MLD that has already been received from an external network (such as the Internet) via a wired LAN. It may also be data addressed to the EMLSR non-AP MLD that has already been received from a communication device connected to a wired LAN.

[0119] If the control unit 301 determines that there is data to be communicated with the EMLSR non-AP MLD, the process proceeds to step S904; if it does not determine that there is data to be communicated with the EMLSR non-AP MLD, the process proceeds to step S906.

[0120] In step S904, the control unit 301, in cooperation with the generation unit 305, the transmission / reception unit 306, the communication unit 206, and antennas 207 and 208, sends an initial control frame to the EMLSR non-AP MLD, which is the destination for data communication. More specifically, the AP MLD 101 sends the initial control frame defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard to the EMLSR non-AP MLD, which is the communication destination for EMLSR data, via one of links 103 and 104. When the transmission is complete, the process proceeds to step S905. The control unit 301 can determine which link to use to send the initial control frame based on factors such as communication congestion.

[0121] In step S905, the control unit 301 cooperates with the generation unit 305, the transmission / reception unit 306, the communication unit 206, and the antennas 207 and 208, and activates a link that has already transmitted or received the initial control frame, enabling normal data communication. Then, data exchange with a non-AP MLD is performed using the activated link. That is, while maintaining EMLSR mode, data exchange is performed using the EMLSR link activated for communication.

[0122] Upon receiving an EMLSR mode temporary release frame or an initial control frame, the AP MLD 101 can send a response frame to the frame's sender and then perform data exchange. The response frame can be a CTS (Complete Transmission) frame or an ACK frame. Alternatively, the AP MLD 101 can perform control equivalent to CTS if it sends an initial control frame to a non-AP MLD to transmit a data frame. In this case, the AP MLD 101 can perform data exchange after sending a CTS-to-self frame via the active EMLSR link.

[0123] EMLSR mode temporary release frames or initial control frames and subsequent data exchanges can be performed in a single frame exchange sequence. Alternatively, they can each be included in different frame exchange sequences. In this embodiment, "data exchange" refers to a series of exchanges including the transmission of data frames from one side to one side and the transmission of frames including information indicating that data frames have been received from one side to another. Frames from one side to another that include information indicating that data frames have been received are, for example, ACK frames or block ACK frames.

[0124] In step S906, the control unit 301 determines whether to terminate operation in EMLSR mode. Specifically, if it is determined that the AP MLD 101 has received a setting change operation to disable the power-saving mode, it is determined to terminate operation in EMLSR mode. Furthermore, for example, if data communication with non-AP MLDs tends to increase, or if it is inferred from past communication trends that data communication is likely to increase, it is determined to terminate operation in EMLSR mode. Additionally, if the number of STAs connected to non-AP MLDs exceeds a predetermined value, it is possible to determine to terminate operation in EMLSR mode. On the other hand, if data communication does not show an increasing trend, the control unit 301 determines not to terminate operation in EMLSR mode.

[0125] If the control unit 301 determines that operation in EMLSR mode should not be terminated, the process proceeds to step S900. Conversely, if the control unit 301 determines that operation in EMLSR mode should be terminated, it sends a frame notifying the termination of the operation. This frame may include information indicating that EMLSR mode should be disabled (disable information). This frame may also be an EML operation mode notification frame, where the value of the EML control field's EMLSR mode subfield is "0". When operation in EMLSR mode ends, AP MLD 101 begins to operate as a normal MLO capable of simultaneous communication on the networks corresponding to link 103 and link 104.

[0126] Finally, refer to Figure 10Describes the control after starting operation in EMLSR mode in a non-AP MLD 102.

[0127] In step S1000, the control unit 301 of the non-AP MLD 102 determines whether data to be sent to AP MLD 101 has appeared. If it is determined that data to be sent has appeared, the process proceeds to step S1002. If it is not determined that data to be sent has appeared, the process proceeds to step S1006.

[0128] In step S1006, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit and determines whether an initial control frame has been received from the AP MLD 101. If it is determined that an initial control frame has been received from the AP MLD 101, the process proceeds to step S1004; otherwise, if it is not determined that an initial control frame has been received, the process proceeds to step S1005.

[0129] In step S1002, the control unit 301 determines whether to switch to a normal multi-link mode, such as STR mode, and communicates to perform data exchange.

[0130] If it is determined that the non-AP MLD 102 is in a situation where multiple links are needed to perform data exchange, it is determined that a switch to normal multi-link mode is required for communication. More specifically, if the control unit 301 determines that data exchange requiring high throughput or low latency has occurred, it is determined that a switch to normal multi-link mode is required for communication. If the control unit 301 determines that a switch to normal multi-link mode is required for communication, the process proceeds to step S1003; if the control unit 301 does not determine that a switch to normal multi-link mode is required for communication, the process proceeds to step S1004.

[0131] In step S1003, the control unit 301 collaborates with each unit and sends the aforementioned EMLSR mode temporary release frame to the AP MLD 101. It then switches to a normal multilink mode, such as STR mode, and performs data exchange with the AP MLD 101. Upon completion of the data exchange, it again negotiates mode with the AP MLD 101 and re-switches back to EMLSR mode. Alternatively, it automatically re-switches back to EMLSR mode upon completion of the data exchange. When the re-switching is complete, the control unit 301 proceeds to step S1005.

[0132] On the other hand, in step S1004, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit and sends an initial control frame to the AP MLD 101. If the initial control frame is received from the AP MLD in step S1006, the process of sending the initial control frame to the AP MLD 101 is omitted. Next, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit and activates a link through which the initial control frame has been sent or received, enabling normal data communication. Then, data exchange with the AP MLD 101 is performed via the activated link. That is, while maintaining EMLSR mode, data exchange is performed via the EMLSR link activated for communication. When the control unit 301 determines that a series of data exchanges have been completed, the process proceeds to step S1005.

[0133] Control unit 301 transmits an EMLSR mode temporary release frame or an initial control frame via any EMLSR link. Control unit 301 can appropriately determine which EMLSR link to use to transmit the frame, taking into account factors such as channel usage.

[0134] As described above, this configuration allows for receiving a response frame after sending an EMLSR mode temporary release frame or initial control frame, followed by actual data exchange. In this case, if the non-AP MLD 102 does not receive a response frame from AP MLD 101, it can retransmit the EMLSR mode temporary release frame or initial control frame without performing data exchange. Furthermore, if an EMLSR mode temporary release frame has been sent and no response frame has been received, control can be applied to treat AP MLD 101 as operating in EMLSR mode. In this situation, the non-AP MLD 102 can attempt to perform data exchange only via the EMLSR link, through which the EMLSR mode temporary release frame has already been sent.

[0135] Return to Figure 10 As described above, in step S1005, the control unit 301 determines whether to terminate the EMLSR mode. If it is determined that the EMLSR mode should be terminated, the EMLSR mode is terminated, and the operation mode is switched to a normal multi-link mode such as STR mode. On the other hand, if it is determined that the EMLSR mode should not be terminated, the process proceeds to step S1000. Specifically, for example, if the data communication volume with AP MLD 101 shows an increasing trend, or if it is inferred from past communication trends that the data communication volume tends to increase, the control unit 301 determines that the operation in EMLSR mode should be terminated. Furthermore, if the data communication volume does not show an increasing trend, the control unit 301 determines that the operation in EMLSR mode should not be terminated, and the process proceeds to step S1000.

[0136] The above processing allows for rapid response to changes in throughput or transmission latency required by non-AP MLDs, while also allowing AP MLDs to operate in a power-saving manner.

[0137] Reference Figure 11 Describe the effects of this embodiment. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the EMLSR mode, normal modes such as STR mode, and power consumption according to this embodiment.

[0138] AP MLD 101 operates in EMLSR mode during period 1100, which is the period before sending response frame 1111 to EMLSR mode temporary release frame 1110.

[0139] During periods when AP MLD 101 operates in EMLSR mode, AP MLD 102 waits to receive EMLSR mode temporary release frames or initial control frames via multiple EMLSR links. However, only one link can be used as a link through which AP MLD 101 can actually receive and decode data frames. Furthermore, only one link can be used as a link through which frames can be transmitted. During periods when AP MLD 101 operates in EMLSR mode, AP MLD 101 waits to receive frames via multiple EMLSR links. In this case, control unit 301 cooperates with the respective units and controls the power supply to the circuits used for monitoring the multiple channels corresponding to the multiple EMLSR links and the circuits used for transmitting and receiving frames via one link. In this case, control unit 301 stops supplying power and / or providing clock signals to circuits that need to exchange frames simultaneously via two links but would not cause any problems even when power is stopped in EMLSR mode. For example, control is performed to prevent power from being supplied to... Figure 12 Circuit 2 shown is powered and / or provides a clock signal. Therefore, the sustaining circuit (such as...) can be reduced. Figure 12 The power consumption of circuit 2) shown is reduced because this circuit needs to exchange frames simultaneously via two links, but does not need to operate in EMLSR mode. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced compared to periods of normal multi-link operation.

[0140] Next, non-AP MLD 102 sends an EMLSR mode temporary release frame 1110 to AP MLD 101 via one of the EMLSR links.

[0141] Upon receiving an EMLSR mode temporary release frame 1110 from non-AP MLD 102, AP MLD 101 sends a response frame 1111 to non-AP MLD 102 via one of the EMLSR links. Then, the EMLSR mode is released, and normal multi-link operation begins. At this time, as... Figure 12 As shown in normal multi-link operation, power is supplied to the circuit that needs to exchange frames simultaneously via two links, and data exchange is actually performed, which leads to increased power consumption.

[0142] During period 1101, AP MLD 101 exchanges data with non-AP MLD 102 via multiple links using normal modes such as STR mode or NSTR mode.

[0143] During the data exchange, AP MDL 101, which has received data frame 1112, sends a response frame (ACK frame 1113 in this case) to non-AP MLD 102. After completing a series of data exchanges, AP MLD 101 switches back to EMLSR mode (segment 1102).

[0144] As mentioned above Figure 11 and Figure 12 As described above, while introducing EMLSR mode into AP MLD 101, it can quickly switch from EMLSR mode to normal mode such as STR mode or NSTR mode. Therefore, while enabling power-saving operation in AP MLD 101, it can also quickly respond to changes in throughput or transmission delay required by non-AP MLDs.

[0145] <Example of Transformation 1> The AP MLD 101 already described in the above embodiments can be omitted. Figure 4 The operations of steps S402 and S404 are shown. In this case, AP MLD 101 starts operating in EMLSR mode, regardless of whether a frame including information indicating permission to activate EMLSR mode is received from non-AP MLD 102. Furthermore, in this case, non-AP MLD 102 can omit steps S801, S803, and S805. In this case, non-AP MLD 102 determines that AP MLD 101 is operating in EMLSR mode based on a frame received from AP MLD 101 including information indicating that EMLSR mode is tending to be activated. Then, if non-AP MLD 102 determines that AP MLD 101 is operating in EMLSR mode, the processing of step S804 can be performed.

[0146] <Example of Transformation 2> In the above embodiments, a case has been illustrated in which power is stopped to a circuit that requires simultaneous frame exchange via two links but would not cause any problems even if power is stopped in EMLSR mode. However, the power control method is not limited to this and can be configured to perform more aggressive power-saving control.

[0147] Here, the power state corresponding to the EMLSR mode is called the first power state, and the power state corresponding to the normal mode is called the second power state. To further suppress power consumption in the first power state, the general-purpose hardware processor, such as the CPU, constituting the control unit 202 can be controlled to operate in a power-saving mode. This will be referred to... Figure 13 Provide a detailed description.

[0148] In Variation Example 2, it is assumed that the control unit 202 is composed of a general-purpose hardware processor (such as a CPU) and executes a control program to control the communication unit 206 (such as a wireless chip). That is, the control unit 202 includes a general-purpose hardware processor that cooperates with the communication chip to perform communication control.

[0149] The instruction set architecture for general-purpose hardware processors can be x64, ARM (Advanced Reliable RISC Machine), or RISC-V (Reduced Instruction Set Computer V). Alternatively, the instruction set architecture can be x86 or a microprocessor with a non-interlocked pipeline stage (MIPS) architecture.

[0150] When the power state of AP MLD 101 is switched to the first power state, the control unit 301 of AP MLD 101 changes the operating mode of the general hardware processor, so that AP MLD 101 operates in a power-saving state.

[0151] Changing the operating mode only requires having effects such as clock gating and / or power gating within a general-purpose hardware processor. Furthermore, the operating mode can be changed to allow general-purpose memories such as dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) to operate in a power-saving state.

[0152] This effect will be described. Considering the data processing load in normal modes such as STR mode or NSTR mode, when designing the AP MLD 101, it is appropriate to use a general-purpose hardware processor and general-purpose memory with the hardware capability to process this data without problems.

[0153] Therefore, during periods 1100 and 1102, when the processing load is assumed to be lower than in normal mode, processing power becomes excessive. In this embodiment, during periods 1100 and 1102 with lower load, the processing power of the general-purpose hardware processor and general-purpose memory can be intentionally reduced to reduce power consumption, thereby further achieving power saving. Therefore, power consumption in EMLSR mode can be reduced compared to normal mode operation, such as STR or NSTR mode.

[0154] The first and second power states can be configured to switch between the various states constituting the EMLSR mode. Specifically, the power states can be different between the state of listening to the EMLSR link and the communication state of actually using the EMLSR link for communication. For example, in this case, in the state of listening to data packets in EMLSR mode, a first power state can be used where the general-purpose hardware processor and general-purpose memory also operate in a power-saving state. On the other hand, in the communication state where data communication is actually performed using the EMLSR link, a second power state can be used where the general-purpose hardware processor and general-purpose memory also operate in normal mode.

[0155] <Example of Transformation 3> In the above embodiments, the case where the non-AP MLD 102 is configured to begin operation in EMLSR mode in step S804 has been described. However, the non-AP MLD 102 may simply initiate appropriate control to begin communication with the AP MLD 101, which has already begun operation in EMLSR mode, without actually starting operation in EMLSR mode. That is, the non-AP MLD itself may be configured not to switch to EMLSR mode.

[0156] in this case, Figure 10 The various processes used to describe the details of step S804 can be modified as follows. First, when the process of step S804 in this modified example begins, Figure 10The processing proceeds as follows: In step S1006, the control unit 301 collaborates with each unit and determines whether any frames have been received from AP MLD 101, not limited to the initial control frame. In this case, AP MLD 101 operates in EMLSR mode and sends frames via only one link, so that non-AP MLD 102 receives frames via only one link. If non-AP MLD 102 determines that any frames have been received from AP MLD 101, the process proceeds to step S1004; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1000. Furthermore, in step S1004, the control unit 301 collaborates with each unit and sends the initial control frame to AP MLD 101. If any frames have been received from AP MLD 101 in step S1006, the process of sending the initial control frame to AP MLD 101 is omitted. Subsequently, the control unit 301 collaborates with each unit and performs data exchange with AP MLD 101 using either the link through which the initial control frame was sent or the link through which any frames have been received. In other words, data exchange is performed while maintaining the state corresponding to the operation of AP MLD 101 in EMSLR mode. When the control unit 301 determines that a series of data exchange processes have been completed, the process proceeds to step S1000. The non-AP MLD 102 according to this variant example (which does not start operation in EMSLR mode) only needs to repeat the receiving operation according to the variant example, without needing to make a determination in step S1005.

[0157] (Other Implementation Example 1) Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following structure.

[0158] (Construction 1) A communication device comprising: The determining unit is configured to determine, when the access point device is operating in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode, whether a frame of a predetermined type has been received from a station device connected to the access point device, the access point device being configured to conduct wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard; A communication control unit, configured to, upon the determining unit determining that a frame of the predetermined type has been received, deactivate the EMLSR mode and engage in data communication with the station equipment; and A conversion unit is configured to switch to the EMLSR mode after the data communication is performed by the communication control unit.

[0159] (Construction 2) According to the communication device described in configuration 1, the frame of the predetermined type is a request to send (RTS) frame.

[0160] (Construction 3) According to the communication device described in configuration 1, the frame of the predetermined type is an empty data PPDU (NDP) frame.

[0161] (Construction 4) According to the communication device described in configuration 1, the frame of the predetermined type is an enhanced multi-link (EML) operation mode notification frame.

[0162] (Construction 5) A station device for wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the station device comprising: A communication control unit is configured to send frames of a predetermined type to an access point device connected to the station equipment, the access point device operating in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode, and The communication control unit is configured to communicate with the access point device that has deactivated the EMLSR mode when it receives the frame of the predetermined type as a trigger condition, after sending the frame of the predetermined type.

[0163] (Construction 6) According to the station device described in configuration 5, the frame of the predetermined type is a request to send (RTS) frame.

[0164] (Construction 7) According to the station equipment described in configuration 5, the frame of the predetermined type is an empty data PPDU (NDP) frame.

[0165] (Construction 8) According to the station equipment described in configuration 5, the frame of the predetermined type is an Enhanced Multi-Link (EML) Operation Mode Notification Frame.

[0166] (Construction 9) An access point device for wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the access point device comprising: The determining unit is configured to determine whether a frame of a predetermined type has been received from a station device connected to the access point device when the access point device is in a first power state and operating in an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) mode. A communication control unit, configured to switch to a second power state and perform data communication with the station equipment after the determining unit determines that a frame of the predetermined type has been received; and A control unit is configured to, after the data communication has been performed by the communication control unit, control the power state of the communication device to switch from the second power state to the first power state. Wherein, the first power state is a power state with lower power consumption than the second power state, and When the power state of the communication device is switched to the first power state, the control unit changes the operating mode of the general-purpose hardware processor that cooperates with the communication chip to perform communication control, so that the general-purpose hardware processor operates in a power-saving state.

[0167] (Construction 10) According to the access point device described in configuration 9, the instruction set architecture of the general-purpose hardware processor is any one of x64 architecture, advanced RISC machine (ARM) architecture, and reduced instruction set computer V (RISC-V) architecture.

[0168] (Construction 11) According to the access point device described in configuration 9 or 10, the change in the operating mode causes clock gating and / or power gating within the general-purpose hardware processor.

[0169] (Construction 12) According to any one of the constructions of the access point device in 9 to 11, the frame of the predetermined type is an initial control frame.

[0170] (Construction 13) A control method for an access point device that performs wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the control method comprising: The determination step, when the access point device is operating in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode, is to determine whether a frame of a predetermined type has been received from a station device connected to the access point device. A communication control step, which, upon determination by the determining step, cancels the EMLSR mode and initiates data communication with the station equipment; and The conversion step involves switching to the EMLSR mode after the data communication has already been performed in the communication control step.

[0171] (Construction 14) A control method for a station device that performs wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the control method comprising: A transmission control step, which sends a frame of a predetermined type to an access point device connected to the station equipment, the access point device operating in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode; and A communication control unit is configured to communicate with the access point device that has deactivated the EMLSR mode upon receiving a frame of the predetermined type after transmitting the frame of the predetermined type.

[0172] (Construction 15) A program for causing a computer to perform the control method described in construction 13 or 14.

[0173] 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, the appended claims are provided to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0174] According to one aspect of the above embodiments or variations, changes in throughput or transmission delay not required by the AP MLD can be responded to quickly, while allowing the AP MLD to operate in a power-saving state. According to another aspect of the invention, the AP MLD can perform power-saving operation.

[0175] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-131393, filed on August 10, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0176] List of reference numerals 101AP MLD; 102 Non-AP MLD; 206 Communication Units.

Claims

1. A communication device comprising: The determining unit is configured to determine, when the access point device is operating in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode, whether a frame of a predetermined type has been received from a station device connected to the access point device, the access point device being configured to conduct wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard; A communication control unit is configured to, when the determining unit determines that a frame of the predetermined type has been received, deactivate the EMLSR mode and perform data communication with the station equipment. as well as A conversion unit is configured to switch to the EMLSR mode after the data communication is performed by the communication control unit.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The frame of the predetermined type is a Request to Send (RTS) frame.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The frame of the predetermined type is an empty data PPDU (NDP) frame.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The frame of the predetermined type is an Enhanced Multilink (EML) Operation Mode Notification Frame.

5. A station device that wirelessly communicates based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the station device comprising: A communication control unit is configured to send frames of a predetermined type to an access point device connected to the station equipment, the access point device operating in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode, and After sending the frame of the predetermined type, the communication control unit performs data communication with the access point device that has deactivated the EMLSR mode when it receives the frame of the predetermined type as a trigger condition.

6. The station equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The frame of the predetermined type is a Request to Send (RTS) frame.

7. The station equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The frame of the predetermined type is an empty data PPDU (NDP) frame.

8. The station equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The frame of the predetermined type is an Enhanced Multilink (EML) Operation Mode Notification Frame.

9. An access point device that performs wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the access point device comprising: The determining unit is configured to determine whether a frame of a predetermined type has been received from a station device connected to the access point device when the access point device is in a first power state and operating in an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) mode. A communication control unit is configured to switch to a second power state and perform data communication with the station equipment after the determining unit determines that a frame of the predetermined type has been received. as well as A control unit is configured to, after the data communication has been performed by the communication control unit, control the power state of the communication device to switch from the second power state to the first power state. Wherein, the first power state is a power state with lower power consumption than the second power state, and When the power state of the communication device is switched to the first power state, the control unit changes the operating mode of the general-purpose hardware processor that cooperates with the communication chip to perform communication control, so that the general-purpose hardware processor operates in a power-saving state.

10. The access point device according to claim 9, wherein, The instruction set architecture of the general-purpose hardware processor can be any of the x64 architecture, the advanced RISC machine (ARM) architecture, and the reduced instruction set computer V (RISC-V) architecture.

11. The access point device according to claim 10, wherein, The change in the operating mode results in clock gating and / or power gating within the general-purpose hardware processor.

12. The access point device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The frame of the predetermined type is the initial control frame.

13. A control method for an access point device, the access point device performing wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the control method comprising: The determination step, when the access point device is operating in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode, is to determine whether a frame of a predetermined type has been received from a station device connected to the access point device; The communication control step, if the determining step determines that a frame of the predetermined type has been received, cancels the EMLSR mode and initiates data communication with the station equipment; as well as The conversion step involves switching to the EMLSR mode after the data communication has already been performed in the communication control step.

14. A control method for a station device, the station device performing wireless communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the control method comprising: The transmission control step involves sending a frame of a predetermined type to an access point device connected to the station device, the access point device operating in Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) mode; as well as A communication control unit is configured to communicate with the access point device that has deactivated the EMLSR mode upon receiving a frame of the predetermined type after transmitting the frame of the predetermined type.

15. A program for causing a computer to perform the control method according to claim 13 or 14.

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