Communication device, communication method, and program

Abstract

Such a communication device is used to perform communications conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The communication device is characterized by comprising construction means for constructing a first basic service set (BSS) and transmission means for operating in conjunction with a first other communication device to transmit a radio frame to a second other communication device, wherein in a case of operating in conjunction with the first other communication device to transmit a radio frame to the second other communication device, a value different from a BSS color value of the first BSS and different from a BSS color value of a second BSS constructed by the second other communication device is set in a BSS color field of the radio frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to communication control technology for wireless LANs. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, in response to the increasing amount of data being transmitted, there has been a pursuit of developing communication technologies such as Wireless Local Area Networks (LANs). The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards series is known to be the main communication standard for wireless LANs. The IEEE 802.11 standards series includes standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be (PTL 1).

[0003] For example, the IEEE 802.11be standard considers multi-link communication, where an access point (AP) establishes multiple links with a station (STA) via multiple different frequency channels to communicate in parallel. Note that two or more links can be selected from the same frequency band (any of the 2.4 GHz band, 3.6 GHz band, 4.9 and 5 GHz bands, and 6 GHz band) or from separate frequency bands. APs and STAs that support multi-link communication are called AP Multilink Devices (MLDs) and STA MLDs.

[0004] Furthermore, the IEEE 802.11bn standard, which is the successor to the IEEE 802.11be standard, is considering technologies for improving availability through the use of multi-AP communication.

[0005] An example is Distributed MIMO technology, which is based on a technique called Multiple User Multiple Output (MIMO), where multiple transmit and receive antennas are used simultaneously and on the same channel. In Distributed MIMO, in an environment with multiple APs and multiple STAs, groups are formed among the APs to share information about the communication state and the state of each AP, and data is transmitted in parallel from multiple APs to the STAs at the same timing. Because multiple APs can perform joint transmissions to increase the number of spatial streams compared to the case of a single AP, an increase in throughput is expected.

[0006] Another example is a technique called joint beamforming. When an AP transmits data to STAs in a Basic Service Set (BSS), the AP uses an antenna pattern that has high antenna gain in the direction of the STA to which it is transmitting data and low antenna gain in the direction of STAs in another AP's BSS. By configuring the antenna patterns, adjusting the transmission power, and performing scheduling across multiple APs based on environmental information such as the location of the STAs, interference between BSSs can be reduced.

[0007] Another example is a technique that improves reception quality at a STA by having multiple APs transmit data to the STA at separate time intervals through time division.

[0008] This communication technique, in which multiple APs form a group and operate jointly, is called multi-AP communication. APs are classified into a single coordinating AP that manages all APs and coordinated APs that operate under the management of the coordinating AP.

[0009] Citation List

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-50133 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] IEEE 802.11ax and later standards define the use of information called BSS color for identifying the BSS. If the device is an Access Point (AP), the AP transmits a radio frame in which the BSS color value of the BSS formed by the AP is set in the BSS color field of the PHY preamble. If the device is a Station (STA), the STA transmits a radio frame in which the BSS color value of the AP to which the STA is connected is set in the BSS color field of the PHY preamble. If the STA receives a radio frame in which the BSS color field is set to the same value as the BSS color value of the AP to which the STA is connected, the STA treats and processes the radio frame as an intra-BSS frame, but otherwise discards the radio frame. On the other hand, IEEE 802.11bn does not specify how to set the BSS color of a radio frame when using multi-AP communication as described above.

[0014] The present invention relates to a technique for properly configuring multiple access points to jointly transmit radio frames to a terminal.

[0015] Solution to the problem

[0016] A communication device according to one aspect of the present invention performs communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The communication device is characterized by including a construction component for constructing a first Basic Service Set (BSS) and a transmission component for cooperating with a first other communication device to transmit radio frames to a second other communication device, wherein, when cooperating with the first other communication device to transmit radio frames to the second other communication device, a value different from the BSS color value of the first BSS and different from the BSS color value of the second BSS is set in the BSS color field of the radio frame, the second BSS being constructed by the second other communication device.

[0017] Advantages of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, a technique is provided for appropriately configuring multiple access points to jointly transmit radio frames to a terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the network configuration in this invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device in this invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the communication device in this invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing performed by the communication device in this invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless frame structure.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the processing performed by the communication devices 102-104 in this invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the processing performed by the communication devices 105-107 in this invention.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the processing performed by the communication devices 102-104 in this invention.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the processing performed by the communication devices 105-107 in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention as described in the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all features are necessarily essential to the invention, and furthermore, multiple embodiments can be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0029] (Network configuration)

[0030] Figure 1An example configuration of a wireless communication network according to this embodiment is illustrated. This wireless communication network is configured to include access points (communication devices 102, 103, and 104; hereinafter referred to as AP 102, AP 103, and AP 104) and terminals (communication devices 105, 106, and 107; hereinafter referred to as STA 105, STA 106, and STA 107). In the following, unless a specific device is specified, an access point may be referred to as an "AP," and a station may be referred to as an "STA," without the appended reference numerals.

[0031] Each of APs 102-104 and STAs 105-107 is configured to perform communication using wireless frames compliant with the IEEE 802.11bn standard, which targets maximum transmission rates from 90 Gbps to over 100 Gbps. It is the successor to the IEEE 802.11be standard, which targets a maximum transmission rate of 46.08 Gbps. Note that IEEE is an acronym for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

[0032] The main features of the IEEE 802.11bn standard are support for high reliability, low latency communication, and multi-AP communication. Based on this, in this embodiment, the IEEE 802.11bn standard, targeting a maximum transmission rate from 90 Gbps to over 100 Gbps, is also referred to as the IEEE 802.11 UHR or Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) standard. Radio frames transmitted under this successor standard are also called UHR PPDUs. PPDU is an abbreviation for PLCP Protocol Data Unit, and PLCP is an abbreviation for Physical Layer Convergence Protocol.

[0033] It should be noted that the names IEEE 802.11 UHR and UHR standard were established for convenience based on the objectives to be achieved in subsequent standards and the features that will be the main focus of this standard, and can be referred to by different names once the standard is finalized. On the other hand, it should be understood that this specification and the appended claims are essentially applicable to all successors to the 802.11be standard that can support the performance of functions for the joint transmission of data by multiple APs and STAs.

[0034] Each communication device can communicate in the 2.4 Hz, 3.6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands, and also in the 45 GHz and 60 GHz bands known as millimeter waves. The frequency bands used by each communication device are not limited to the above bands, and different frequency bands, such as the sub-1 GHz band, can also be used. AP 102-104 and STA 105-107 can also communicate using bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, 540 MHz, 640 MHz, 1080 MHz, and 2160 MHz. The bandwidth used by each communication device is not limited to the above bandwidths, and different bandwidths, such as 240 MHz and 4 MHz, can also be used.

[0035] APs 102-104 and STAs 105-107 can achieve multi-user (MU) communication, where signals from multiple users are multiplexed, by performing OFDMA communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. OFDMA is an acronym for Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access. In OFDMA communication, portions of the divided frequency band (Resource Units (RUs)) are allocated to the STAs in a non-overlapping manner, and the corresponding carriers of the STAs are direct. For this reason, the AP can communicate in parallel with multiple STAs within a defined bandwidth.

[0036] Note that each communication device supports the IEEE 802.11bn standard, but it can also support legacy standards, i.e., standards prior to IEEE 802.11bn. Specifically, each communication device can also support at least one of the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards. In addition to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, each communication device can also support other communication standards such as Bluetooth®, NFC, UWB, ZigBee, and MBOA. Note that UWB is an abbreviation for ultra-wideband, and MBOA is an abbreviation for Multi Band OFDM Alliance. NFC is an abbreviation for near-field communication. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, WiNET, etc. Each communication device can also support communication standards for wired communication, such as wired LAN. Specific examples of AP 102-104 include wireless LAN routers and personal computers (PCs), but AP 102-104 is not limited to these. AP 102-104 can also be an information processing device such as a wireless chip capable of performing wireless communications compliant with the IEEE 802.11bn standard. Specific examples of STA 105-107 include cameras, tablets, smartphones, PCs, mobile phones, camcorders, and headsets, but STA 105-107 is not limited to these. STA 105-107 can also be an information processing device such as a wireless chip capable of performing wireless communications compliant with the IEEE 802.11bn standard.

[0037] It should be noted that, although Figure 1 The illustration shows a wireless communication network consisting of three access points (APs) and three STAs, but the number of these communication devices can be two or fewer, or even four or more. Figure 1 In the diagram, the range of available communication within the network formed by APs 102-104 is indicated by circle 101. Note that the range of available communication can also cover a wider or narrower area.

[0038] In this embodiment, each of APs 102-104 constructs a BSS, and the corresponding BSS color values ​​of each BSS are different from each other. BSS color is an acronym for Basic Service Set color and is used to identify the BSS. Note that the BSS color values ​​used for multi-AP communication can be pre-fixed, and each AP can use a BSS color value while avoiding the use of a specific BSS color value for multi-AP communication. The SSID indicated by APs 102-104 is all the same in each BSS. Note that SSID is an acronym for Service Set Identifier and is used to identify the access point.

[0039] Note that in this example, signals transmitted by AP 102 can be received by AP 103 and AP 104, and signals transmitted by AP 103 and AP 104 can be received by AP 102. However, the form of connection is not particularly limited, and each of AP 102, AP 103, and AP 104 can be connected wired or wirelessly. Note that AP 103 and AP 104 may or may not be able to transmit signals to and receive signals from each other. Note that AP 102-104 are capable of IEEE 802.11bn multi-AP communication. In other words, AP 102-104 support configurations where multiple APs communicate jointly with the same single STA, as defined in IEEE 802.11bn. For example, STA 105 can transmit and receive radio frames in parallel to and from jointly operating AP 103 and AP 104. STA 105 may, for example, have multiple wireless LAN control units and can be configured to transmit and receive wireless frames from multiple APs using separate wireless channels. Note that STA 105 may also have a physically single control unit capable of processing multiple frames received in parallel via multiple wireless channels. In other words, STA 105 is configured to allow physically single or multiple control devices to process logically multiple wireless communications in parallel.

[0040] In this document, APs controlled by a coordinating AP and that transmit and receive signals directly with each STA (such as AP 103 and AP 104) are referred to as coordinated APs. APs that can transmit and receive radio frames at least indirectly with each STA by issuing instructions to AP 103 and AP 104 (such as AP 102) are referred to as coordinating APs. The coordinating AP shares radio media resources with other APs to perform joint operations and is therefore also referred to as a sharing AP or master AP. Similarly, coordinated APs are also referred to as shared APs or slave APs. Note that the coordinating AP can also directly transmit signals to and receive signals from STA 105. For example, AP 102 can operate as both a coordinating AP and a coordinated AP. In this case, for example, AP 102 can transmit and receive radio frames between itself and STA 105, while also issuing instructions to AP 103 or AP 104 to transmit and receive radio frames from the STA. Note that when radio frames are transmitted from the coordinated AP, the coordinating AP can transmit the data to be transmitted to the coordinated AP. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, the coordinated AP can also obtain the data to be transmitted directly from the Internet. The coordinating AP can receive data received by the coordinated AP from the STA from the STA, but the coordinated AP can also forward the data received from the STA to its partner STA without forwarding the data to the coordinating AP.

[0041] It is important to note that any AP within the same network can operate as a coordinating AP, and any AP can be determined to operate as a coordinating AP based on certain criteria. It is also important to note that a coordinating AP can simply perform the role of a coordinating AP, such as sending instructions to each AP, without operating as an AP performing beacon frame transmissions. Each AP can also have multiple wireless LAN control units and thus operate as multiple coordinated APs. A coordinating AP can also be implemented as a logical function, and a single physical AP can operate as a coordinating AP while also operating as one or more coordinated APs.

[0042] (AP / STA configuration)

[0043] Figure 2 An example of the hardware configuration of the communication devices (AP 102-104 and STA 105-107) in this embodiment is illustrated. The communication devices include 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 an antenna 207. Note that multiple antennas may be present.

[0044] Storage unit 201 is formed by one or more memories such as ROM and / or RAM and stores various information, such as computer programs for performing various operations described later and communication parameters for wireless communication. ROM and RAM are abbreviations for read-only memory and random-access memory, respectively. It should be noted that, in addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, storage unit 201 may also use storage media such as floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, or DVDs. Storage unit 201 may also be provided with multiple memories, etc.

[0045] The control unit 202 is formed, for example, by one or more processors such as a CPU and / or an MPU, and controls the entire communication device, for example, by executing a computer program stored in storage unit 201. Note that the control unit 202 can also control the entire communication device through cooperation between the computer program stored in storage unit 201 and an operating system (OS). The control unit 202 also generates data and signals (wireless frames) to be transmitted in communications with other communication devices. CPU is an abbreviation for central processing unit, and MPU is an abbreviation for microprocessing unit. The control unit 202 may also be provided with multiple processors, such as multiple cores, and multiple processors may be used to control the entire communication device.

[0046] Control unit 202 also controls functional unit 203 to perform prescribed processes, such as wireless communication, imaging, printing, and projection. Functional unit 203 is the hardware used by the communication device to perform the prescribed processes. If the functional unit is a printer, then the functional unit prints image data acquired via communication unit 206. If the functional unit is a scanner, then image data generated by scanning using the scanner is transmitted to an external device via communication unit 206. If the functional unit is a camera, then image data generated by imaging using the camera is transmitted to an external device via communication unit 206.

[0047] The input unit 204 accepts various operations from the user. The input unit 204 is formed, for example, by a touch panel, hardware buttons and / or buttons.

[0048] Output unit 205 provides various outputs to the user via a monitor screen and / or speakers. In this context, the outputs provided by output unit 205 can be visual presentations on the monitor screen, sound outputs from the speakers, vibration outputs, etc. Note that input unit 204 and output unit 205 can also be implemented as a single module, such as a touch panel. Input unit 204 and output unit 205 can be integrated with the communication device or separate from it.

[0049] Communication unit 206 controls wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11bn standard. In addition to the IEEE 802.11bn standard, communication unit 206 can also control wireless communication conforming to other IEEE 802.11 series standards, and can also control wired communication such as wired LAN. Communication unit 206 controls antenna 207 to transmit and receive signals generated by control unit 202 for wireless communication.

[0050] Note that if the communication device supports standards such as NFC and Bluetooth in addition to the IEEE 802.11bn standard, then the communication unit 206 can also control wireless communications conforming to these standards. If the communication device can perform wireless communications conforming to multiple standards, then the communication device can be configured to have separate communication units and antennas corresponding to each of the communication standards. Communication transmits data, such as image data, document data, and video data, to peer communication devices via the communication unit 206. Note that the antenna 207 can be configured to be separate from the communication unit 206, or it can be combined with the communication unit 206 to form a single module.

[0051] Antenna 207 is capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band, 45 GHz band, and 60 GHz band. In this embodiment, the communication device has two antennas, but it can also have three antennas. The communication device can also have different antennas for each frequency band. If the communication device has multiple antennas, it can also have a communication unit 206 corresponding to each antenna.

[0052] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a block diagram of the functional configuration of AP 102-104 and STA 105-107 in this embodiment. The diagram illustrates a functional configuration implemented, for example, by causing one or more processors to execute programs stored in one or more memories.

[0053] AP 102-104 and STA 105-107 include a multi-AP communication control unit 301, a BSS color processing unit 302, a wireless frame generation unit 303, and a wireless frame processing unit 304.

[0054] The multi-AP communication control unit 301 is a functional unit that controls APs 102-104 to form groups for multi-AP communication, add or remove participating APs, share network information including BSS color values ​​for multi-AP communication, and communicate between APs. Among other things, the multi-AP communication control unit 301 also performs control of STAs 105-107 to establish connections for multi-AP communication.

[0055] BSS color processing unit 302 is a functional unit that sets the BSS color associated with the BSSs constructed by APs 102-104 respectively, and configures the BSS color value of the radio frame to be transmitted to the STA according to whether the radio frame supports multi-AP communication. BSS color processing unit 302 is also a functional unit that acquires the BSS color value included in the radio frame received by STAs 105-107, confirms whether the BSS color value is used for multi-AP communication, and confirms whether the radio frame should be processed or discarded based on the BSS color value.

[0056] The wireless frame generation unit 303 is a functional unit that generates wireless frames for wireless frame exchange during communication with connected STAs or APs. In the case of multi-AP communication, APs 102-104 set the BSS color value for multi-AP communication in the BSS color field of the generated wireless frames.

[0057] The wireless frame processing unit 304 transmits wireless frames generated by the wireless frame generation unit 303, including management frames, data frames, and control frames, and receives wireless frames from partner devices.

[0058] (Processing flow)

[0059] The following describes several embodiments of the processing flow, sequences, etc., performed by APs and STAs with the above configuration.

[0060] (Example 1)

[0061] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which AP 102 operates as a coordinating AP and AP 103 and AP 104, as coordinated APs, jointly operate to transmit data to STA 105 in parallel.

[0062] In this process, firstly, a multi-AP configuration process (S401) is performed between APs 102-104. In this process, capability information and parameters are exchanged between the APs, and a group is formed for performing multi-AP communication. Next, a multi-AP coordination process (S402) is performed between APs 102-104. In this process, a multi-AP communication scheme, such as distributed MIMO or joint beamforming, is determined; which AP will operate as the coordinator AP (and which APs will operate as coordinated APs) is determined; the communication quality between each AP and the STA is measured; and parameters and network information are exchanged between the APs. For example, parameters for the APs are exchanged between APs 102, 103, and 104, and the parameters are compared to determine which AP will operate as the coordinator AP. Note that in this example, AP 102 is determined to operate as the coordinator AP, and APs 103 and 104 are determined to operate as coordinated APs. Subsequently, network information such as the BSS color value, SSID, and BSSID used for multi-AP communication is provided in a notification from AP 102, which operates as the coordinating AP, to APs 103 and 104, which operate as the coordinated APs. APs 103 and 104 receive the network information provided in the notification. The selected BSS color value for multi-AP communication is then set to a value different from the BSS color value set by each AP for its own network to perform multi-AP communication. It is also possible to check the BSS color values ​​used by surrounding APs from radio frames such as beacon frames and probe response frames received from surrounding APs, and select a value not used by surrounding APs as the BSS color value for multi-AP communication. It is also possible to consider the coordinating AP and the coordinated AP as APs associated with the same AP MLD, and determine the BSS color value for multi-AP communication based on the MLD MAC address. The coordinated AP can also respond by accepting or rejecting the use of the BSS color value for multi-AP communication provided in the notification from the coordinating AP. For example, if the BSS color value for multi-AP communication provided in the notification from the coordinating AP is already being used by an AP near the coordinated AP, the coordinated AP can reject that value. In the event of rejection, the coordinated AP can also notify the coordinating AP of the desired BSS color value for multi-AP communication. A value agreed upon through negotiation among multiple APs in this way can be used as the BSS color for multi-AP communication, or a value determined by the coordinating AP and provided in the notification from the coordinating AP can be used. Note that if the roles of the coordinating AP and the coordinated AP are predetermined, some of the processes in S401 and S402 can be omitted.Note that the BSS color values ​​used for multi-AP communication can be shared during multi-AP setup processing (S401), but can also be shared in the multi-AP trigger frame described later.

[0063] AP 103 transmits a beacon frame (S403) based on the network information provided in the notification. Note that the beacon frame contains information indicating that multi-AP communication can be performed for the connected STAs. Note that the AP can be a logical AP, and two logical APs, specifically, for example, an AP operating in the 2.4 GHz band and an AP operating in the 5 GHz band, can be included within a single AP. In other words, data transmission and reception by multiple APs can include data transmission and reception by a single physical AP capable of operating as multiple logical APs. AP 103, for example, adds a multi-AP information element to the beacon frame and transmits a beacon frame including information such as SSID, BSSID, BSS color value for multi-AP communication, and information for operating the radio channel, to be used by multiple coordinated APs capable of joint operation. The method and configuration for storing the above information are not limited, and AP 103 can store and transmit similar information in a similar format. The multi-AP information element can have other names, such as multi-AP element, MAP information element, and MAP element. Note that the multi-AP information element can also be included in a radio frame such as a probe response frame or some other action frame. Upon receiving a beacon frame, STA 105 performs connection processing with at least one of the multiple coordinated APs based on the information included in the beacon frame (S404). This connection processing includes processes such as authentication and association as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard series. STA 105 indicates a request for multi-AP communication, for example, by adding a multi-AP information element to an association request frame to be transmitted. AP 103, having received the association request frame, transmits an association response frame as a response. Note that the BSS color value used for multi-AP communication can be included in the association response frame for the STA. After achieving a connection state in which a connection with STA 105 is established, AP 103 notifies the coordinating AP, along with connection parameters, that a connection state with the STA has been achieved (S405). At this time, if a single physical AP has achieved a connection state with the STA as two logical APs, the coordinating AP can also be notified in the same way. Note that in Figure 4In this configuration, only AP 103 has established a connection with STA 105, but AP 104 can similarly transmit beacon frames, connect to STA 105, and notify the coordinating AP (AP 102) that a connection has been established. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, the STA can establish a connection with only one of the multiple coordinated APs. In this case, for example, a radio frame transmitted from another coordinated AP that is not in a connected state can be treated as a radio frame from a coordinated AP that is in a connected state from the STA's perspective. Note that in this embodiment, the PHY preamble of the radio frame can be decoded to identify that the signal was transmitted from multiple coordinated APs (a multi-AP coordination system has been configured) based on the BSS color value.

[0064] The coordinating AP manages the connection parameters of the coordinated APs that are connected to the STA, thereby determining transmission parameters based on the information and subsequently allocating transmission data. The transmission parameter information determined in the coordinating AP is provided to the coordinated APs in a notification via a multi-AP trigger frame, and AP 103 and AP 104 set their own transmission parameters based on the information provided in the notification (S406). The multi-AP trigger frame is a convenient name given to the frame that triggers transmissions by each AP during multi-AP communication, but it can also have other names. The multi-AP trigger frame can be an extension of the trigger frame in the IEEE 802.11ax or IEEE 802.11be standards. Note that the BSS color values ​​used for multi-AP communication and / or the transmission timing information for the data to be transmitted and forwarded in S407 can also be provided to the APs and / or STAs in the notification by being included in the transmission parameters. When the BSS color value used for multi-AP communication is included in the transmission parameters of the multi-AP trigger frame, a padding field can be provided in the multi-AP trigger frame to give AP 103 and AP 104 processing time to prepare for transmitting multi-AP communication data frames (S408). The multi-AP trigger frame can also be transmitted to STA 105, which may include the BSS color value used for multi-AP communication, and a padding field can be provided in the multi-AP trigger frame to give the STA processing time to prepare for receiving multi-AP communication data frames (S408). The padding field may include, for example, a bit sequence for filling in a specified amount of time (such as 8 microseconds or 16 microseconds). This ensures the processing time required to switch from previously used BSS color values ​​to those used for multi-AP communication. Connection parameters may also include information about the transmission rate and error rate of each connection. For example, the coordinating AP may allocate more transmission data to coordinated APs connected to a high transmission rate and less transmission data to coordinated APs connected to a low transmission rate. This allows for efficient execution of data transmission from each coordinated AP to the STA. Connection parameters can also be periodically updated by each coordinated AP to reflect the current connection status and can be provided to the coordinating AP in a notification. Subsequently, the coordinated AP receives data transmission for the STA from the coordinating AP (S407) and transmits the data to the STA (S408). At this time, the PHY preamble of the radio frame of the data transmitted by each of APs 103 and 104 contains a BSS color value for multi-AP communication, which is set to the same value. STA 105 compares the BSS color value for multi-AP communication obtained from AP 103 with which it has established a connection with with the BSS color value included in the PHY preamble of the radio frame received in S408.If the BSS color values ​​match, STA 105 processes the received radio frame; otherwise, STA 105 discards the received radio frame. Note that in this example, the data to be transmitted is forwarded from AP102 to AP103 and AP104 after the multi-AP trigger frame is transmitted. However, the data to be transmitted can also be pre-forwarded during the multi-AP coordination processing phase in S402. This eliminates the need for transmission timing information for the data to be transmitted that is forwarded in S407, which is included in the transmission parameter information of the multi-AP trigger frame.

[0065] On the other hand, the coordinating AP transmits the received data to the coordinated AP after receiving it from the STA. Note that this sequence of data transmission and reception is an example, and data can also be transmitted and received in a different manner than illustrated in the diagram. For example, data reception from the STA can be performed before data is transmitted to the STA.

[0066] (Wireless frame structure)

[0067] An example of a Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) established in the IEEE 802.11bn standard and transmitted in this invention is shown below. Figure 5 The diagram in the middle is shown.

[0068] UHR PPDU includes a short training field (STF), a long training field (LTF), and a signal field (SIG). For example... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the PPDU begins with L (legacy)-STF 501, L-LTF 502, and L-SIG 503 to ensure backward compatibility with IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ax standards. Note that L-LTF immediately follows L-STF, and LSIG immediately follows L-LTF. Figure 5 The configuration also includes a duplicate L-SIG (RL-SIG504) placed immediately after the L-SIG. In the RL-SIG, the contents of the L-SIG are repeated and transmitted. The RL-SIG allows the receiver to identify that the PPDU conforms to IEEE 802.11ax and later standards, and in some cases can be omitted in IEEE 802.11bn. Instead of the RL-SIG, fields can be provided to allow the receiver to identify the PPDU as an IEEE 802.11bn PPDU. The PPDU fields do not need to be specified with the L-SIG name. Figure 5 The order of the diagram in the middle, and may also include Figure 5 New field not shown in the diagram.

[0069] L-STF 501 is used for PHY frame signal detection, automatic gain control (AGC), timing detection, etc. L-LTF 502 is used for precise frequency / time synchronization, channel state information (CSI) acquisition, etc. L-SIG 503 is used to transmit control information, including information about data transmission rate and PHY frame length.

[0070] Legacy equipment conforming to the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ax / be standards can decode these various legacy fields.

[0071] The UHR PPDU also includes a U-SIG (General SIG, U-SIG 505) field, which is placed immediately after RL-SIG and includes information common to IEEE 802.11be and later standards.

[0072] The UHR PPDU also includes a UHR-SIG (UHR-SIG 506) for transmitting control information for the UHR. Furthermore, each PPDU has an STF (UHR-STF 507) and an LTF (UHR-LTF 508) for the UHR. In each PPDU, the data field 509 and the packet extension field 510 are placed after these control fields. The fields from L-STF to UHR-LTF in the UHR PPDU are referred to as the PHY preamble.

[0073] Note that, Figure 5 The illustration shows a PPDU that ensures backward compatibility, but if backward compatibility is not necessary, then legacy fields can be omitted.

[0074] In this scenario, for example, UHR-STF and UHR-LTF can be used instead of L-STF and L-LTF to establish synchronization. Furthermore, in this case, one of the UHR-STF and / or multiple UHR-LTFs following UHR-SIG can be omitted.

[0075] As indicated in Table 1 below, U-SIG 506 included in the UHR PPDU includes U-SIG1 and U-SIG2, which are necessary for PPDU reception.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077]

[0078] Table 1 indicates U-SIG1 and USIG2 used in the IEEE 802.11be standard. The BSS identifier can be stored in the BSS color fields of B7-B12. An AP performing multi-AP communication sets its own BSS color value in the BSS color field to a value different from the BSS color value of the other AP performing joint operation. When not performing multi-AP communication, the AP sets its own BSS color value in the BSS color field.

[0079] U-SIG 506 may also include U-SIG1 and USIG2 as indicated in Table 2 below.

[0080] [Table 2]

[0081]

[0082] In this example, the Non-Multi-AP field of B20 is used to indicate whether multi-AP communication is in progress. A value of 0 in the Non-Multi-AP field indicates that multi-AP joint communication is in progress, while a value of 1 indicates that multi-AP joint communication is not in progress.

[0083] The following uses Figure 6 and Figure 7 This describes the process flow performed by the AP and STA with the above configuration.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed in the AP. This processing is performed when the AP transmits a radio frame. In S601, the AP confirms whether the radio frame to be transmitted is a radio frame used for multi-AP communication. If the radio frame is used for multi-AP communication, then in S602, the AP sets the BSS color value for multi-AP communication in the BSS color field of the PHY preamble of the radio frame, and transmits the radio frame in S604. The BSS color value for multi-AP communication is, for example, determined during the execution of... Figure 4 The multi-AP coordination process in S402 is determined and shared in advance among multiple APs. If the radio frame to be transmitted by the AP is not a radio frame used for multi-AP communication, then the AP sets its own BSS color value in the BSS color field of the PHY preamble of the radio frame and transmits the radio frame in S604.

[0085] Figure 7This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed in the STA. This processing is performed when the STA receives a radio frame. In S701, the STA obtains the value of the BSS color field of the PHY preamble of the received radio frame. Next, in S702, the STA confirms whether the received radio frame is a radio frame used for multi-AP communication. For example, if the PPDU format in Table 1 is used, the STA can refer to the value of the BSS color field to confirm whether the value is set to the BSS color value used for multi-AP communication. The BSS color value used for multi-AP communication can be, for example, in... Figure 4 The beacon frame in the signal is obtained from the AP, either from the probe response frame or association response frame transmitted by the AP when the STA connects to the AP, or from the multi-AP trigger frame. If the PPDU format in Table 2 is used, the STA can confirm whether the radio frame is for multi-AP communication by referring to the value of the non-multi-AP field. If the confirmation result is that the radio frame is not for multi-AP communication, the STA proceeds to S703. In S703, the STA checks whether the value of the BSS color field obtained in S701 matches the BSS color value of the STA's own BSS. If the value matches, the STA proceeds to S704, decodes the data field of the radio frame, and performs processing according to the content of the data field. On the other hand, if the value does not match, the STA proceeds to S705 and discards the received radio frame. Moreover, if the radio frame received in S702 is confirmed to be a radio frame for multi-AP communication, the STA proceeds to S706. In S706, the STA checks whether the value of the BSS color field obtained in S701 matches the BSS color value used for multi-AP communication. If the value matches, the STA proceeds to S707 to decode the data field of the radio frame and performs processing based on the content of the data field. On the other hand, if the value does not match, the STA proceeds to S705 and discards the received radio frame.

[0086] As described above, in this example, when performing multi-AP communication, the coordinating AP and the coordinated AP transmit PPDUs with the same BSS color set in the PHY preamble. At this time, the BSS color value used for multi-AP communication is used. APs share the BSS color value used for multi-AP communication during multi-AP setup or multi-AP coordination processing, or through the use of multi-AP trigger frames, etc. The BSS color value used for multi-AP communication is provided to the STA in a notification via management frames (such as beacon frames, association response frames, or probe response frames), via multi-AP trigger frames, etc.

[0087] A STA performing multi-AP communication can check the BSS color value to confirm that a radio frame is intended for multi-AP communication and process radio frames received from multiple APs appropriately. While PHY preamble conflicts can occur when radio frames transmitted by the coordinating AP and the coordinated AP have different PHY preambles, in this example, the PHY preamble content of the radio frame can match across multiple APs, thus avoiding PHY preamble conflicts. Furthermore, when an older STA supporting IEEE 802.11be or earlier standards, or a STA not performing multi-AP communication, receives a radio frame intended for multi-AP communication, the STA can check the BSS color value and discard the radio frame without further processing. This allows the STA to perform power-saving operations.

[0088] It should be noted that, in addition to AP 102-104 and STA 105-107 as communication devices, it is also possible to use information processing devices (e.g., wireless chips) that generate the above PHY preamble to execute the present invention.

[0089] (Example 2)

[0090] Example 2 illustrates an example of properly handling a radio frame for multi-AP communication by providing two BSS color fields in the UHR PPDU instead of setting the BSS color value for multi-AP communication in the UHR PPDU.

[0091] The U-SIG field included in the UHR PPDU in this example uses the format indicated in Table 3 below.

[0092] [Table 3]

[0093]

[0094] In Table 3, in addition to the BSS color1 field (B7–B12) indicating the first BSS identifier, a BSS color2 field (B20–B25) indicating the second BSS identifier is also provided. This allows an AP to store both its own BSS color value and the BSS color value of another AP performing joint operation in U-SIG1. A STA receiving such a UHR PPDU can check that the BSS color1 and BSS color2 values ​​are set to identify that the PPDU is for multi-AP communication. Furthermore, APs performing multi-AP communication can pre-share the order in which the BSS color values ​​of the APs to be stored in the BSS color1 and BSS color2 fields, ensuring that each AP uses a PHY preamble with the same content. This makes it possible to avoid PHY preamble conflicts between UHR PPDUs transmitted from two APs. As an example, in an AP performing multi-AP communication, the BSS color value with the smaller number can be set in the BSS color1 field, and the BSS color value with the larger number can be set in the BSScolor1 field. As another example, the BSS color values ​​that should be set in the BSS color1 and BSS color2 fields can be... Figure 4 The information is shared among APs in the multi-AP configuration processing (S401), multi-AP coordination processing (S402), beacon frame (S403), connection information (S405), or multi-AP trigger frame.

[0095] As yet another example, the U-SIG field may also include USIG1 and U-SIG2 as indicated in Table 4 below.

[0096] [Table 4]

[0097]

[0098] Unlike Table 3, Table 4 provides a Non-Multiple AP field in U-SIG1 and a BSS color2 field in U-SIG2. The content of the Non-Multiple AP field is similar to that in Table 2. By providing the Non-Multiple AP field, the content of the BSS color2 field is only checked and processed when the Non-Multiple AP field of the received PPDU is 0.

[0099] Note that in the examples in Tables 3 and 4, the configuration causes BSS color2 to be stored in the U-SIG field. However, the configuration could also cause BSS color2 to be stored in a SIG field different from the USIG field (such as the UHR-SIG field). Furthermore, while the examples in Tables 3 and 4 provide two fields for storing BSS colors, it is also possible to provide three or more fields for storing BSS colors.

[0100] The following uses Figure 8 and Figure 9 This describes the process flow performed by the AP and STA with the above configuration.

[0101] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed in an AP. This processing is performed when the AP transmits a radio frame. In S801, the AP confirms whether the radio frame to be transmitted is a radio frame used for multi-AP communication. If the radio frame is used for multi-AP communication, then in S802, the AP sets its own BSS color value in the BSS color1 field of the PHY preamble of the radio frame, and sets the BSS color value of the AP performing the joint transmission in the BSS color2 field. The APs share the BSS color values ​​used for multi-AP communication through multi-AP settings, multi-AP coordination, beacon frames, connection information, multi-AP trigger frames, etc. Afterwards, the AP transmits the radio frame in S804. Note that a PHY preamble conflict can occur if the radio frames transmitted by the coordinating AP and the coordinated AP have different PHY preambles. For this reason, it is assumed that another AP performing the joint transmission sets its own BSS color value in the BSS color2 field and sets the BSS color value of the AP performing the joint transmission, which is different from its own, in the BSS color1 field. This allows the content of the PHY preamble of a radio frame to match across multiple APs and avoids PHY preamble conflicts. If the radio frame to be transmitted by an AP is not a radio frame used for multi-AP communication, then the AP sets its own BSS color value in the BSS color1 field of the radio frame's PHY preamble, sets the value of the BSScolor2 field to all 1s, and transmits the radio frame in S803.

[0102] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed in the STA. This processing is performed when the STA receives a radio frame. In S901, the STA obtains the values ​​of the BSS color1 field and the BSS color2 field of the PHY preamble of the received radio frame. Next, in S902, the STA confirms whether the received radio frame is for multi-AP communication. For example, if the PPDU format in Table 3 is used, the STA refers to the value of the BSS color2 field, and if all bits are set to 1, the STA confirms that the radio frame is not for multi-AP communication and proceeds to S903. If the PPDU format in Table 4 is used, the STA can confirm whether the radio frame is for multi-AP communication by referring to the value of the non-multi-AP field. In S903, the STA checks whether the value of the BSS color1 field obtained in S901 matches the BSS color value of the STA's own BSS. If the values ​​match, the STA proceeds to S904. In S904, the STA decodes the data field of the radio frame and performs processing based on the content of the data field. On the other hand, if the values ​​do not match, the STA proceeds to S905 and discards the received radio frame. Furthermore, if the radio frame received in S902 is confirmed to be a radio frame used for multi-AP communication, the STA proceeds to S906. In S906, the STA checks whether the values ​​of the BSS color1 field and BSS color2 field obtained in S901 match the BSS color values ​​of the STA's own BSS and the BSS color values ​​of another AP performing joint transmission, respectively. If the values ​​match, the STA proceeds to S907. Note that the order of the BSS color values ​​to be stored in the BSS color1 and BSS color2 fields is assumed to be predetermined among the APs performing multi-AP communication. Moreover, the BSS color values ​​to be used for multi-AP communication are provided to the STA in a notification via management frames (such as beacon frames, association response frames, or probe response frames), via multi-AP trigger frames, etc. In S907, the STA decodes the data field of the radio frame and performs processing based on the content of the data field. On the other hand, if the values ​​do not match, the STA advances the processing to the S905 and discards the received radio frame.

[0103] As described above, in this example, by adding a new BSS color field to the PHY preamble, when performing multi-AP communication, the coordinating AP and the coordinated AP transmit a PPDU that sets the BSS colors of both the coordinating AP and the coordinated AP in the PHY preamble. Using this arrangement, when performing multi-AP communication, the AP transmitting data can convey the BSS color values ​​of the multiple APs performing the multi-AP communication to the STA. Using this arrangement, the STA performing multi-AP communication can confirm whether a radio frame is intended for multi-AP communication with the multiple APs it desires and can appropriately process radio frames received from the multiple APs.

[0104] (Other embodiments)

[0105] The present invention can also be implemented by supplying a program for implementing one or more functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and causing one or more processors in the computer of the system or device to read and execute the processing of the program. The present invention can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0106] (Summary of Examples)

[0107] At least some of the above embodiments are summarized below.

[0108] (Project 1)

[0109] A communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, characterized in that it comprises:

[0110] Construction components, the construction components being used to construct a first basic service set (BSS); and

[0111] A transmission component, which operates in conjunction with a first other communication device to transmit a wireless frame to a second other communication device, wherein...

[0112] When operating in conjunction with the first other communication device to transmit a radio frame to the second other communication device, a value that is different from the BSS color value of the first BSS and different from the BSS color value of the second BSS is set in the BSS color field of the radio frame, the second BSS being constructed by the second other communication device.

[0113] (Project 2)

[0114] The communication device according to Project 1 is characterized by comprising:

[0115] A notification component, which provides the first other communication device with the value set in the BSS color field of the radio frame in a notification.

[0116] (Project 3)

[0117] The communication device according to Project 2 is characterized in that...

[0118] The notification made by the notification component is executed using a trigger frame.

[0119] (Project 4)

[0120] The communication device according to Project 3 is characterized in that...

[0121] The trigger frame includes padding information about the processing time up to the time until the wireless frame is received.

[0122] (Project 5)

[0123] The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 4 is characterized by comprising:

[0124] An acquisition component is used to acquire, from the first other communication device, the value set in the BSS color field of the wireless frame.

[0125] (Project 6)

[0126] The communication device according to Project 5 is characterized in that...

[0127] The acquisition performed by the acquisition component is executed using a trigger frame.

[0128] (Project 7)

[0129] The communication device according to Project 6 is characterized in that...

[0130] The trigger frame includes padding information about the processing time up to the transmission or reception of the wireless frame.

[0131] (Project 8)

[0132] The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 7 is characterized by comprising:

[0133] A notification component, which is used to provide the second other communication device with the value set in the BSS color field of the radio frame in a notification.

[0134] (Project 9)

[0135] The communication device according to Project 8 is characterized in that...

[0136] The notification made by the notification component is performed using at least one of a beacon frame, an associated response frame, a probe response frame, and a trigger frame.

[0137] (Project 10)

[0138] A communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, characterized in that it comprises:

[0139] Construction components, the construction components being used to construct a first basic service set (BSS); and

[0140] A transmission component, which operates in conjunction with a first other communication device to transmit a wireless frame to a second other communication device, wherein...

[0141] When operating in conjunction with the first other communication device to transmit a radio frame to the second other communication device, the BSS color value of the first BSS is set in the first BSS color field of the radio frame, and the BSS color value of the second BSS is set in the second BSS color field of the radio frame.

[0142] (Project 11)

[0143] The communication device according to Item 10 is characterized in that...

[0144] The first BSS color field and the second BSS color field are included in the PHY preamble of the radio frame.

[0145] (Project 12)

[0146] The communication device according to item 10 or item 11 is characterized in that...

[0147] Information indicating whether the communication device is operating in conjunction with another communication device to transmit the radio frame is included in the PHY preamble of the radio frame.

[0148] (Project 13)

[0149] A communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, characterized in that it comprises:

[0150] A first receiving component, the first receiving component being configured to receive radio frames from a first other communication device constructing a first basic service set (BSS); and

[0151] The second receiving component is configured to receive radio frames from a second other communication device that constructs the second BSS, wherein...

[0152] When receiving a wireless frame jointly transmitted from the first communication device and the second communication device, a value that is different from the BSS color value of the first BSS and different from the BSS color value of the second BSS constructed by the second other communication device is set in the BSS color field of the jointly transmitted wireless frame.

[0153] (Project 14)

[0154] The communication device according to item 13 is characterized by comprising:

[0155] Components for obtaining the value from the first other communication device and / or the second other communication device when the first other communication device and the second other communication device operate together to transmit a wireless frame.

[0156] (Project 15)

[0157] The communication device according to item 14 is characterized in that...

[0158] The acquisition performed by the acquisition component is performed using at least one of a beacon frame, an associated response frame, a probe response frame, and a trigger frame.

[0159] (Project 16)

[0160] A communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, characterized in that it comprises:

[0161] A first receiving component, the first receiving component being configured to receive radio frames from a first other communication device constructing a first basic service set (BSS); and

[0162] The second receiving component is configured to receive radio frames from a second other communication device that constructs the second BSS, wherein...

[0163] When receiving a radio frame jointly transmitted from the first communication device and the second communication device, the BSS color value of the first BSS is set in the first BSS color field of the jointly transmitted radio frame, and the BSS color value of the second BSS is set in the second BSS color field of the jointly transmitted radio frame.

[0164] (Project 17)

[0165] A communication method in a communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the communication method being characterized by comprising:

[0166] The construction steps are used to construct a first basic service set (BSS); and

[0167] The transmission step, which operates in conjunction with a first other communication device to transmit a wireless frame to a second other communication device, wherein...

[0168] When operating in conjunction with the first other communication device to transmit a radio frame to the second other communication device, a value that is different from the BSS color value of the first BSS and different from the BSS color value of the second BSS is set in the BSS color field of the radio frame, the second BSS being constructed by the second other communication device.

[0169] (Project 18)

[0170] A communication method in a communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the communication method being characterized by comprising:

[0171] The construction steps are used to construct a first basic service set (BSS); and

[0172] The transmission step, which operates in conjunction with a first other communication device to transmit a wireless frame to a second other communication device, wherein...

[0173] When operating in conjunction with the first other communication device to transmit a radio frame to the second other communication device, the BSS color value of the first BSS is set in the first BSS color field of the radio frame, and the BSS color value of the second BSS is set in the second BSS color field of the radio frame.

[0174] (Project 19)

[0175] A communication method in a communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the communication method being characterized by comprising:

[0176] A first receiving step, the first receiving step being configured to receive radio frames from a first other communication device constructing a first basic service set (BSS); and

[0177] The second receiving step is used to receive radio frames from a second other communication device that constructs the second BSS, wherein...

[0178] When receiving a wireless frame jointly transmitted from the first communication device and the second communication device, a value that is different from the BSS color value of the first BSS and different from the BSS color value of the second BSS constructed by the second other communication device is set in the BSS color field of the jointly transmitted wireless frame.

[0179] (Project 20)

[0180] A communication method in a communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the communication method being characterized by comprising:

[0181] A first receiving step, the first receiving step being configured to receive radio frames from a first other communication device constructing a first basic service set (BSS); and

[0182] The second receiving step is used to receive radio frames from a second other communication device that constructs the second BSS, wherein...

[0183] When receiving a radio frame jointly transmitted from the first communication device and the second communication device, the BSS color value of the first BSS is set in the first BSS color field of the jointly transmitted radio frame, and the BSS color value of the second BSS is set in the second BSS color field of the jointly transmitted radio frame.

[0184] (Project 21)

[0185] A program for enabling a computer to operate as a communication device according to any one of items 1 to 16.

[0186] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the claims are appended to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0187] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-188039, filed on November 1, 2023, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A communication device for performing communication compliant with IEEE 802.11 standards, the communication device characterized by comprising: a constructing section for constructing a first basic service set (BSS); and a transmitting section for operating in conjunction with a first other communication device to transmit a wireless frame to a second other communication device, wherein in a case where the wireless frame is transmitted to the second other communication device in conjunction with the first other communication device, a value different from a BSS color value of the first BSS and different from a BSS color value of a second BSS is set in a BSS color field of the wireless frame, the second BSS being constructed by the second other communication device.

2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein including a notifying section for providing the value set in the BSS color field of the wireless frame to the first other communication device in a notification.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that the notification by the notifying section is performed using a trigger frame.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that the trigger frame includes padding information on a processing time until reception of the wireless frame.

5. The communication device of claim 1, wherein including an acquiring section for acquiring the value set in the BSS color field of the wireless frame from the first other communication device.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that the acquisition by the acquiring section is performed using a trigger frame.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that the trigger frame includes padding information on a processing time until transmission or reception of the wireless frame.

8. The communication device of claim 1, wherein including a notifying section for providing the value set in the BSS color field of the wireless frame to the second other communication device in a notification.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification by the notifying section is performed using at least one from among a beacon frame, an association response frame, a probe response frame, and a trigger frame.

10. A communication device for performing communication compliant with IEEE 802.11 standards, the communication device characterized by comprising: a constructing section for constructing a first basic service set (BSS); and a transmitting section for operating in conjunction with a first other communication device to transmit a wireless frame to a second other communication device, wherein in a case where the wireless frame is transmitted to the second other communication device in conjunction with the first other communication device, a BSS color value of the first BSS is set in a first BSS color field of the wireless frame, and a BSS color value of the second BSS is set in a second BSS color field of the wireless frame.

11. The communication device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first BSS color field and the second BSS color field are included in a PHY preamble of the wireless frame.

12. The communication device according to claim 10, characterized in that Information indicating whether the communication apparatus is operating in conjunction with another communication apparatus to transmit the wireless frame is included in a PHY preamble of the wireless frame.

13. A communication apparatus for performing communication compliant with IEEE 802.11 standards, the communication apparatus characterized by comprising: a first reception section for receiving a wireless frame from a first other communication apparatus that constructs a first basic service set (BSS); and a second reception section for receiving a wireless frame from a second other communication apparatus that constructs a second BSS, wherein in a case of receiving a wireless frame that is transmitted in conjunction with the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus, a value that is different from a BSS color value of the first BSS and different from a BSS color value of a second BSS constructed by the second other communication apparatus is set in a BSS color field of the wireless frame that is transmitted in conjunction.

14. The communication device of claim 13, wherein comprising a section for acquiring the value from the first other communication apparatus and / or the second communication apparatus in a case where the first other communication apparatus and the second other communication apparatus operate in conjunction to transmit a wireless frame.

15. The communication apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the acquisition by the acquisition section is performed using at least one from among a beacon frame, an association response frame, a probe response frame, and a trigger frame.

16. A communication apparatus for performing communication compliant with IEEE 802.11 standards, the communication apparatus characterized by comprising: a first reception section for receiving a wireless frame from a first other communication apparatus that constructs a first basic service set (BSS); and a second reception section for receiving a wireless frame from a second other communication apparatus that constructs a second BSS, wherein in a case of receiving a wireless frame that is transmitted in conjunction with the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus, a BSS color value of the first BSS is set in a first BSS color field of the wireless frame that is transmitted in conjunction, and a BSS color value of the second BSS is set in a second BSS color field of the wireless frame that is transmitted in conjunction.

17. A communication method in a communication apparatus for performing communication compliant with IEEE 802.11 standards, the communication method characterized by comprising: a constructing step for constructing a first basic service set (BSS); and a transmitting step for operating in conjunction with a first other communication apparatus to transmit a wireless frame to a second other communication apparatus, wherein in a case of operating in conjunction with the first other communication apparatus to transmit a wireless frame to the second other communication apparatus, a value that is different from a BSS color value of the first BSS and different from a BSS color value of a second BSS is set in a BSS color field of the wireless frame, the second BSS being constructed by the second other communication apparatus.

18. A communication method in a communication apparatus for performing communication compliant with IEEE 802.11 standards, the communication method characterized by comprising: a receiving step for receiving a wireless frame from a first other communication apparatus that constructs a first basic service set (BSS); and a second reception section for receiving a wireless frame from a second other communication apparatus that constructs a second BSS, wherein in a case of receiving a wireless frame that is transmitted in conjunction with the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus, a BSS color value of the first BSS is set in a first BSS color field of the wireless frame that is transmitted in conjunction, and a BSS color value of the second BSS is set in a second BSS color field of the wireless frame that is transmitted in conjunction. The construction steps are used to construct the first basic service set (BSS). as well as The transmission step, which operates in conjunction with a first other communication device to transmit a wireless frame to a second other communication device, wherein... When operating in conjunction with the first other communication device to transmit a radio frame to the second other communication device, the BSS color value of the first BSS is set in the first BSS color field of the radio frame, and the BSS color value of the second BSS is set in the second BSS color field of the radio frame.

19. A communication method in a communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the communication method being characterized by comprising: A first receiving step, wherein the first receiving step is used to receive radio frames from a first other communication device that constructs a first basic service set (BSS); as well as The second receiving step is used to receive radio frames from a second other communication device that constructs the second BSS, wherein... When receiving a wireless frame jointly transmitted from the first communication device and the second communication device, a value that is different from the BSS color value of the first BSS and different from the BSS color value of the second BSS constructed by the second other communication device is set in the BSS color field of the jointly transmitted wireless frame.

20. A communication method in a communication device for performing communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the communication method being characterized by comprising: A first receiving step, wherein the first receiving step is used to receive radio frames from a first other communication device that constructs a first basic service set (BSS); as well as The second receiving step is used to receive radio frames from a second other communication device that constructs the second BSS, wherein... When receiving a radio frame jointly transmitted from the first communication device and the second communication device, the BSS color value of the first BSS is set in the first BSS color field of the jointly transmitted radio frame, and the BSS color value of the second BSS is set in the second BSS color field of the jointly transmitted radio frame.

21. A program for enabling a computer to operate as a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images