Communication control device, communication control method, wireless communication device, and wireless communication method

Abstract

The present technology relates to a communication control device, a communication control method, a wireless communication device, and a wireless communication method, which enable appropriate switching of a connection of a wireless terminal device based on a QoS function of a wireless communication device that is a switching destination of the connection. A first AP MLD and a second AP MLD among AP MLDs connectable to a STA MLD perform a switching determination process of determining whether to switch a connection destination of the STA MLD from the second AP MLD to the first AP MLD based on information associated with a QoS function of the first AP MLD, that is, QoS information. The present technology is applicable to, for example, a wireless communication system including a STA MLD corresponding to a slave device supporting MLO and a plurality of AP MLDs corresponding to base stations supporting MLO and connectable to the STA MLD through a plurality of links, and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to communication control devices, communication control methods, wireless communication devices, and wireless communication methods, and more specifically to communication control devices, communication control methods, wireless communication devices, and wireless communication methods capable of appropriately performing connection switching of wireless terminal devices based on the QoS function of the wireless communication device's connection switching destination. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the demand for low-latency and high-reliability wireless communication has been growing in order to support applications such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), and factory automation.

[0003] Therefore, the IEEE 802.11be standard (Wi-Fi 7) (“Wi-Fi” is a registered trademark) (“IEEE” is a registered trademark) incorporates Quality of Service (QoS) features such as TID-to-Link Mapping and restricted target wake time (R-TWT). TID-to-Link Mapping is a function that allocates traffic requiring low latency and high reliability wireless communication to specific links, while R-TWT is a function that sets priority transmission periods for such traffic.

[0004] Furthermore, in the IEEE 802.11 be standard, QoS functions such as QoS mapping and stream classification service (SCS) / mirroring stream classification service (MSCS) have been enhanced to identify traffic requiring low latency and high reliability in wireless communication. By using these QoS functions, Wi-Fi terminal devices are able to perform wireless communication that ensures low latency and high reliability for specific traffic.

[0005] On the other hand, in locations such as homes, offices, and factories where the aforementioned application scenarios occur, it is common to install multiple access point (AP) devices to provide sufficient radio waves to the required areas. In this case, it is desirable for station (STA) devices, such as Wi-Fi terminal devices, to select the optimal AP device based on the radio wave environment at their location and to perform a handover process for switching to the AP device.

[0006] One common method for selecting an AP device as a handover destination is for the AP or STA device to choose based on information such as radio wave strength and communication success rate. However, optimizing the selection of an AP device as a handover destination is not easy. For example, with frequent handovers, the period of temporary communication disruption increases. On the other hand, without handovers, the radio wave strength of the currently used link weakens, and satisfactory communication performance may not be achieved. Furthermore, the selection of an AP device as a handover destination needs to consider the capabilities and load status of each AP device.

[0007] Therefore, there is a great deal of research on methods for selecting AP devices as handover destinations. For example, as a method for selecting AP devices as handover destinations, there are methods that select based not only on the communication quality and voice quality of each AP device but also on the traffic volume (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0008] Reference List

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-98397 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] Incidentally, the implementation of QoS functions and the parameter settings within QoS functions are negotiated and executed by the STA device as a trigger with the connected AP device. Therefore, whether a QoS function can be implemented and whether the parameters are valid are only valid within the basic service set (BSS) that includes the currently connected AP and STA devices, and may not be valid within a BSS managed by another AP device.

[0013] For example, when a STA device implements QoS functionality to prioritize the transmission of predetermined traffic to a currently connected AP device, the STA device negotiates with the AP device serving as the handover destination and requests the implementation of QoS functionality. However, if the AP device serving as the handover destination has traffic that takes priority over this traffic, or if there are other STA devices under its management, the request may be rejected.

[0014] Therefore, when performing AP device handover without considering the QoS functions running in the BSS of each AP device, the STA device may be unable to use the expected QoS functions after the handover. This may result in transmission delays and reliability degradation.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that appropriately performs connection switching of wireless terminal devices based on the QoS function of wireless communication devices such as AP devices, which are the switching destinations of wireless terminal devices such as STA devices. However, this need has not yet been fully met.

[0016] In view of this situation, this technology was developed, and this technology enables the appropriate performance of connection switching of a wireless terminal device based on the connection switching destination of the wireless terminal device, i.e., the QoS function of the wireless communication device.

[0017] Technical solutions to solve technical problems

[0018] The first aspect of this technology is a communication control device comprising: a determination unit configured to perform a handover determination process based on QoS information to determine whether to switch the connection destination of a wireless terminal device from a second wireless communication device to a first wireless communication device, wherein the QoS information is information associated with the QoS function of the first wireless communication device in the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device that can be connected to the wireless terminal device.

[0019] The first aspect of this technology is a communication control method, comprising: a communication control device performing a handover determination process based on QoS information, the handover determination process being used to determine whether to switch the connection destination of a wireless terminal device from a second wireless communication device to a first wireless communication device, wherein the QoS information is information associated with the QoS function of the first wireless communication device in the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device that can be connected to the wireless terminal device.

[0020] In a first aspect of this technology, a handover decision process is performed based on QoS information to determine whether to switch the connection destination of a wireless terminal device from a second wireless communication device to a first wireless communication device. The QoS information is information associated with the QoS function of the first wireless communication device in the first and second wireless communication devices that can be connected to the wireless terminal device.

[0021] The communication control device of the first aspect of this technology can be a standalone device or a module incorporated into another device.

[0022] The second aspect of this technology is a wireless communication device comprising: an update determination unit configured to determine whether the QoS function of the wireless communication device can be updated based on an update request information sent from another wireless communication device connected to the wireless terminal device and determining a switch in the connection destination of the wireless terminal device; and a transmission control unit configured to control the transmission of information associated with the update of the QoS function, i.e., update information, to the other wireless communication device based on the determination result of the update determination unit.

[0023] The second aspect of this technology is a wireless communication method comprising: a wireless communication device determining whether its own QoS function can be updated based on an update request information sent from another wireless communication device connected to the wireless terminal device and determining a switch in the connection destination of the wireless terminal device; and controlling the transmission of information associated with the update of the QoS function, i.e., update information, to the other wireless communication device based on the result of the determination.

[0024] In a second aspect of this technology, a determination is made as to whether the QoS function of the wireless communication device can be updated based on an update request information sent from another wireless communication device connected to the wireless terminal device and determining the switching of the connection destination of the wireless terminal device. Control is then performed to send information associated with the update of the QoS function, i.e., update information, to the other wireless communication device based on the result of the determination.

[0025] Note that the communication control device of the first aspect of this technology and the wireless communication device of the second aspect of this technology can be implemented by having a computer execute a program.

[0026] Furthermore, the programs to be executed by a computer for implementing the communication control device of the first aspect of the present technology and the wireless communication device of the second aspect of the present technology can be provided by transmitting via a transmission medium or recording on a recording medium. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a first embodiment of a wireless communication system applying this technology.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the AP MLD.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of STA MLD.

[0030] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the switching determination unit.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the acquisition unit.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a first example of the connection switching decision process.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the first example of the element structure of a Measurement Request frame.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the first example of the element structure of a Measurement Report frame.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a second example of the element structure of a measurement request frame.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the element structure of a measurement request frame.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of compressed TID-to-Link Mapping information.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of compressed R-TWT information.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of compressed SCS / MSCS information.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of compressed QoS mapping information.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a UHR BSS Load Element.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a flowchart showing the details of a first example of the switching decision process.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a flowchart showing the details of a second example of the switching decision process.

[0044] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a TID Query Request frame.

[0045] Figure 19This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a TID Query Report frame.

[0046] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a BSS Load Query Request frame.

[0047] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a BSS Load Query Report frame.

[0048] Figure 22 This is a flowchart showing the details of a third example of the switching decision process.

[0049] Figure 23 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a second example of the connection switching decision process.

[0050] Figure 24 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a third example of the connection switching decision process.

[0051] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing the first example of the element structure of a Neighbor Report frame.

[0052] Figure 26 This is a second example diagram showing the element structure of a neighbor report frame.

[0053] Figure 27 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the fourth example of the connection switching decision process.

[0054] Figure 28 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the updated switching decision unit.

[0055] Figure 29 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the update unit.

[0056] Figure 30 This is a sequence diagram showing the switching decision process after the update.

[0057] Figure 31 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a QoS Status Request frame.

[0058] Figure 32 This is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a QoS Status Response frame.

[0059] Figure 33 This is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a QoS Update Request frame.

[0060] Figure 34 This is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a QoS Update Response frame.

[0061] Figure 35 This is a graph showing the update of the TID to link mapping.

[0062] Figure 36 This is a diagram showing the update of R-TWT.

[0063] Figure 37 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer's hardware configuration.

[0064] Figure 38 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone using this technology.

[0065] Figure 39 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an in-vehicle device applying the present technology.

[0066] Figure 40 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a wireless AP using this technology. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The following describes the methods used to implement this technology (hereinafter referred to as embodiments). Note that the descriptions will be presented in the following order.

[0068] 1. First Embodiment (Wireless Communication System for Determining Connection Switching of STA MLD)

[0069] 2. Second embodiment (a wireless communication system that attempts to update the QoS function of the APMLD as the handover destination before determining the handover of the STA MLD)

[0070] 3. Computer

[0071] 4. Application Examples

[0072] <1. First Embodiment>

[0073] <Configuration Example of a Wireless Communication System>

[0074] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a first embodiment of a wireless communication system applying this technology.

[0075] The wireless communication system 10 is configured such that two AP multi-link devices (MLD) 11-1 and 11-2 can be connected to one STA MLD 12 via two links 21-1 and 21-2 (front-haul links) respectively. The wireless communication system 10 determines whether to switch (hand over) the connection destination of the STA MLD 12 from the AP MLD 11-1 to the AP MLD 11-2.

[0076] Note that in the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish the AP MLD 11-1 and the AP MLD 11-2, these AP MLDs are collectively referred to as the AP MLD 11. Similarly, the links 21-1 and 21-2 are collectively referred to as the link 21.

[0077] The AP MLD 11 is a wireless communication device corresponding to a base station supporting multi-link operation (MLO), which is a logical entity including a plurality of APs, and is also referred to as APs affiliated to the AP MLD. MLO is a main function of the IEEE 802.11be standard, and is a wireless communication operation using a plurality of links. The STA MLD 12 is a wireless terminal device corresponding to a subordinate unit supporting MLO, which is a logical entity including a plurality of STAs, and is also referred to as STAs affiliated to the STA MLD. The STA MLD 12 has completed connection processing of at least one link 21 with the AP MLD 11, and can connect via the link 21. Here, it is assumed that the links 21-1 and 21-2 operate at different frequencies.

[0078] The AP MLD 11-1 and the AP MLD 11-2 can communicate with each other via a link 22 (backhaul link).

[0079] In Figure 1 In this example, the number of links connecting the AP MLD 11 and the STA MLD 12 is two, but may be three or more. The number of AP MLDs 11 connected to the STA MLD 12 is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0080] <Configuration Example of AP MLD>

[0081] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing Figure 1 a configuration example of the AP MLD 11.

[0082] AP MLD 11 includes two antennas 40-1 and 40-2, a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a wide area network (WAN) communication unit 44. The communication unit 41 is composed of an integrated circuit (IC) and includes two APs 51-1 and 51-2, a shared data processing unit 52, a communication control unit 53, and a communication storage unit 54.

[0083] AP 51-1 is an access point (AP) attached to AP MLD 11 and is the entity that performs processing related to link 21-1. AP 51-1 is connected to antenna 40-1 and includes an amplification unit 61-1, a wireless interface unit 62-1, a signal processing unit 63-1, and a separate data processing unit 64-1. AP 51-1 can be connected to STA MLD 12 via link 21-1.

[0084] AP 51-2 is an AP attached to AP MLD 11 and is the entity that performs processing related to link 21-2. AP 51-2 is connected to antenna 40-2 and includes an amplification unit 61-2, a wireless interface unit 62-2, a signal processing unit 63-2, and a separate data processing unit 64-2. AP 51-2 can be connected to STA MLD 12 via link 21-2.

[0085] Since AP 51-1 and AP 51-2 have similar configurations, in the following description, without special distinction between AP 51-1 and AP 51-2, these APs will be collectively referred to as AP 51. Similarly, antennas 40-1 and 40-2, amplifier units 61-1 and 61-2, and wireless interface units 61-1 and 61-2 will be collectively referred to as antenna 40, amplifier unit 61, and wireless interface unit 62, respectively. Similarly, signal processing units 63-1 and 63-2, and separate data processing units 64-1 and 64-2 will be collectively referred to as signal processing unit 63 and separate data processing unit 64, respectively.

[0086] Amplification unit 61 amplifies the transmitted signal provided from wireless interface unit 62. The amplified transmitted signal is transmitted from antenna 40. Amplification unit 61 amplifies the signal received by antenna 40, i.e., the received signal, and provides the received signal to wireless interface unit 62. Some components of amplification unit 61 may be disposed outside communication unit 41. Some components of amplification unit 61 may be included in wireless interface unit 62.

[0087] During transmission, the wireless interface unit 62 performs digital-to-analog signal conversion, filtering, up-conversion, and phase control on the symbol stream provided from the signal processing unit 63 to generate a transmission signal. The transmitting wireless interface unit provides the transmission signal to the amplification unit 61. During reception, the wireless interface unit 62 performs down-conversion, filtering, and analog-to-digital signal conversion on the received signal to generate a symbol stream. The receiving wireless interface unit provides the symbol stream to the signal processing unit 63.

[0088] During transmission, signal processing unit 63 performs encoding, interleaving, modulation, etc., on the data frames provided from separate data processing unit 64, adds physical headers, and generates a symbol stream. Signal processing unit 63 provides the symbol stream to radio interface unit 62. During reception, signal processing unit 63 analyzes the physical header of the symbol stream provided from radio interface unit 62, performs demodulation, deinterleaving, decoding, etc., on the symbol stream, and generates data frames. At this time, signal processing unit 63 performs complex channel characteristic estimation and spatial separation processing as needed. Signal processing unit 63 provides the generated data frames to separate data processing unit 64.

[0089] During transmission, the separate data processing unit 64 adds a MAC header and error detection code to the temporary data frame provided from the shared data processing unit 52, and generates a data frame. The separate data processing unit 64 performs processing such as concatenating multiple generated data frames, and provides the data frame to the signal processing unit 63. During reception, the separate data processing unit 64 performs deconcatenation, MAC header removal, analysis, and error detection on the data frame provided from the signal processing unit 63, and provides the temporary data frame obtained as a result to the shared data processing unit 52.

[0090] During transmission, the shared data processing unit 52 performs sequence management on the transmission packets, control information, and management information provided from the communication control unit 53. The shared data processing unit 52 performs encryption on the transmission packets, control information, and management information, and provides the resulting temporary data frame to the individual data processing unit 64 of the AP 51, which has obtained transmission rights. During reception, the shared data processing unit 52 decrypts the temporary data frame provided from the individual data processing unit 64 and performs reordering. The shared data processing unit 52 provides the data packet obtained as the decryption result to the communication control unit 53 as the received packet.

[0091] The communication control unit 53 controls the wireless communication with the STA MLD 12 by controlling the operation of each unit of the communication unit 41 and the information exchange between the units.

[0092] Specifically, the communication control unit 53 provides data packets from the control unit 42 to the communication storage unit 54 as transmission packets, and causes the communication storage unit 54 to store the transmission packets. The communication control unit 53 provides receive packets from the shared data processing unit 52 to the communication storage unit 54, and causes the communication storage unit 54 to store the receive packets. The communication control unit 53 reads the transmission packets from the communication storage unit 54 and provides the transmission packets to the shared data processing unit 52. The communication control unit 53 generates control and management information to be notified to STA MLD 12, and provides the control and management information to the shared data processing unit 52.

[0093] Using this arrangement, the communication control unit 53 of AP MLD 11-2, which serves as the switching destination for the connection of STA MLD 12, performs, for example, a switching destination process that sends communication environment information, including information related to its own QoS function, i.e., QoS information. The communication control unit 53 of AP MLD 11-1, which serves as the switching source for the connection of STA MLD 12, performs, for example, a switching decision process based on the communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2, to determine whether to switch the connection destination of STA MLD 12 from AP MLD 11-1 to AP MLD 11-2.

[0094] The communication storage unit 54 stores information used by the communication control unit 53. The communication storage unit 54 has a transmit buffer and stores transmit packets provided by the communication control unit 53. The communication storage unit 54 stores receive packets provided by the communication control unit 53.

[0095] Control unit 42 controls the entire AP MLD 11. For example, control unit 42 reads received packets from communication storage unit 54 via communication control unit 53 and provides the received packets to storage unit 43 for storage. Control unit 42 generates data packets to be sent to another AP MLD 11 or STA MLD 12, provides the data packets to storage unit 43, and causes storage unit 43 to store the data packets. Control unit 42 reads data packets to be sent to STA MLD 12 from storage unit 43 and provides the data packets to communication control unit 53, thereby causing the data packets to be sent as transmit packets.

[0096] The control unit 42 provides the received packets from the WAN communication unit 44 to the storage unit 43, and causes the storage unit 43 to store the received packets. The control unit 42 reads the received packets from the storage unit 43 and provides the received packets to the communication control unit 53.

[0097] The control unit 42 may perform part of the control of the communication control unit 53 in place of the communication control unit 53. For example, the control unit 42 may directly exchange data packets with the common data processing unit 52. The communication control unit 53 and the control unit 42 may be integrated.

[0098] The storage unit 43 stores information used in the communication unit 41 and the control unit 42. For example, the storage unit 43 stores received packets received by the communication unit 41 or the WAN communication unit 44, and data packets generated by the control unit 42. The storage unit 43 may perform part of the work of the communication storage unit 54 in place of the communication storage unit 54. The storage unit 43 and the communication storage unit 54 may be integrated. The storage unit 43 may directly exchange data packets with the communication storage unit 54 or the common data processing unit 52.

[0099] The WAN communication unit 44 decodes a packet acquired from the backhaul, and provides the packet to the control unit 42 as a received packet, thereby transmitting the packet to the communication unit 41. The format of the received packet may be a format in which the Internet Protocol (IP) header remains unchanged (access point mode), or a format in which the IP header is decoded and removed by the WAN communication unit 44 (router mode).

[0100] It should be noted that the number of APs included in the AP MLD 11 may be three or more. The AP 51 has a 1×1 Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) configuration including one antenna 40 and one amplification unit 61, but may have a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) configuration including a plurality of antennas 40 and a plurality of amplification units 61. The communication unit 41 may be configured by a plurality of ICs instead of one IC. For example, the wireless interface unit 62 may be configured by an IC different from the IC of other units of the communication unit 41.

[0101] <Configuration Example of STA MLD>

[0102] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 a block diagram of a configuration example of the STA MLD 12.

[0103] The STA MLD 12 includes two antennas 140-1 and 140-2, a communication unit 141, a control unit 142, and a storage unit 143. The communication unit 141 is configured by one IC, and includes two STAs 151-1 and 151-2, a common data processing unit 152, a communication control unit 153, and a communication storage unit 154.

[0104] STA 151-1 is a STA attached to STA MLD 12 and is the entity that performs the processing associated with link 21-1. STA 151-1 is connected to antenna 140-1 and includes an amplification unit 161-1, a radio interface unit 162-1, a signal processing unit 163-1, and a separate data processing unit 164-1. STA 151-1 can be connected to AP MLD 11 via link 21-1.

[0105] STA 151-2 is a STA associated with STA MLD 12 and is the entity that performs processing related to link 21-2. STA 151-2 is connected to antenna 140-2 and includes an amplification unit 161-2, a radio interface unit 162-2, a signal processing unit 163-2, and a separate data processing unit 164-2. STA 151-2 can be connected to AP MLD 11 via link 21-2.

[0106] Since STA 151-1 and STA 151-2 have similar configurations, in the following description, without special distinction between STA 151-1 and STA 151-2, these STAs are collectively referred to as STA 151. Similarly, antennas 140-1 and 140-2, amplifier units 161-1 and 161-2, and wireless interface units 162-1 and 162-2 are collectively referred to as antenna 140, amplifier unit 161, and wireless interface unit 162, respectively. Similarly, signal processing units 163-1 and 163-2, and separate data processing units 164-1 and 164-2 are collectively referred to as signal processing unit 163 and separate data processing unit 164, respectively.

[0107] Since the processing of the amplification unit 161, the wireless interface unit 162, and the signal processing unit 163 is respectively similar to Figure 2 The processing of the amplification unit 61, the wireless interface unit 62, and the signal processing unit 63 is omitted from description. Since the processing of the individual data processing unit 164 and the shared data processing unit 152 is similar to that of the individual data processing unit 64 and the shared data processing unit 52, respectively, their descriptions are also omitted.

[0108] Similar to the communication control unit 53, the communication control unit 153 controls the wireless communication with the AP MLD 11 by controlling the operation of each unit of the communication unit 141 and the information exchange between the units. Therefore, in response to a request (interrogation) from the AP MLD 11-1, the communication control unit 153 performs acquisition processing to obtain communication environment information of the AP MLD 11-2.

[0109] Since the processing of communication storage unit 154 is similar to that of communication storage unit 54, its description is omitted.

[0110] Control unit 142 controls the entire STA MLD 12. For example, control unit 142 reads received packets from communication storage unit 154 via communication control unit 153 and provides the received packets to storage unit 143 for storage. Control unit 142 generates data packets to be sent to AP MLD 11, provides the data packets to storage unit 143, and causes storage unit 143 to store the data packets. Control unit 142 reads the data packets and provides them to communication control unit 153, thereby causing the data packets to be transmitted as transmit packets.

[0111] Similar to control unit 42, control unit 142 can replace communication control unit 153 in performing a portion of the control functions of communication control unit 153. Communication control unit 153 and control unit 142 can be integrated. Since the processing of storage unit 143 is similar to that of storage unit 43, its description is omitted.

[0112] It should be noted that the number of STAs included in STA MLD 12 can be more than three. STA 151 has a 1×1 SISO configuration including one antenna 140 and one amplification unit 161, but can have a MIMO configuration including multiple antennas 140 and multiple amplification units 161. Communication unit 141 can be composed of multiple ICs instead of one IC. For example, wireless interface unit 162 can be composed of ICs from other units different from communication unit 141.

[0113] <Configuration example of the switching decision unit>

[0114] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a handover determination unit when the communication control unit 53 of AP MLD 11-1 is used as a handover determination unit to perform handover determination processing.

[0115] Figure 4 The switching determination unit 200 includes a transmission control unit 201, a reception control unit 202, and a determination unit 203.

[0116] The sending control unit 201 controls AP 51 and sends a measurement request frame (acquire request information) to STA MLD 12 requesting STA MLD 12 to obtain communication environment information of surrounding AP MLD 11-2, which is a candidate for the switching destination of the connection of STA MLD 12.

[0117] The receiving control unit 202 controls AP 51 and receives communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2 sent from STA MLD 12 in response to a measurement request frame sent under the control of the sending control unit 201.

[0118] The decision unit 203 performs the handover decision process based on the communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2 received under the control of the receiving control unit 202.

[0119] <Example of obtaining unit configuration>

[0120] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the acquisition unit when the communication control unit 153 of the STA MLD 12 is used as an acquisition unit to perform acquisition processing.

[0121] Figure 5 The acquisition unit 220 includes a receiving control unit 221 and a transmitting control unit 222.

[0122] The receive control unit 221 controls STA 151 and receives measurement request frames sent from AP MLD 11-1. The receive control unit 221 also controls STA 151 and receives probe response frames sent from AP MLD 11-2, including communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2, in response to probe request frames sent under the control of the transmit control unit 222. The probe request frame is a transmission request message requesting the transmission of communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2.

[0123] In response to a measurement request frame received under the control of the receiving control unit 221, the transmitting control unit 222 controls STA 151 and sends a probe request frame to AP MLD 11-2. The transmitting control unit 222 also controls STA 151 to send a measurement response frame to AP MLD 11-1. The measurement response frame includes communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2 included in the probe response frame received under the control of the receiving control unit 221.

[0124] <First Example of Connection Switching Decision Processing>

[0125] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a connection handover determination process performed by the wireless communication system 10, including a handover determination process performed by AP MLD 11-1. For example, the connection handover determination process is initiated when AP MLD 11-1 determines that the communication success rate between AP MLD 11-1 and STA MLD 12, or the radio wave strength of the signal transmitted from STA MLD 12, has deteriorated.

[0126] exist Figure 6In step S11, the transmission control unit 201 of AP MLD 11-1 controls AP 51 to send a measurement request frame to STA MLD 12. In step S21, the reception control unit 221 of STA MLD 12 controls STA 151 and receives the measurement request frame sent through the processing in step S11.

[0127] In step S22, the transmission control unit 222 controls STA 151 to send a probe request frame to AP MLD 11-2 in response to the measurement request frame received through the processing in step S21. If STA MLD 12 detects the presence of AP MLD 11-2, the probe request frame is sent to AP MLD 11-2 only as a unicast frame. Conversely, if STA MLD 12 does not detect the presence of AP MLD 11-2, the probe request frame is sent as a broadcast frame.

[0128] In step S31, the communication control unit 53 of AP MLD 11-2 controls AP 51 and receives the probe request frame sent through the processing in step S22. In step S32, the communication control unit 53 of AP MLD 11-2 controls AP 51 and sends a probe response frame in response to the probe request frame received through the processing in step S31.

[0129] In step S23, the receiving control unit 221 controls STA 151 and receives the probe response frame sent through the processing in step S32. In step S24, the sending control unit 222 controls STA 151 to send a measurement response frame to AP MLD 11-1, reporting the communication environment information included in the probe response frame received through the processing in step S23.

[0130] In step S12, the receiving control unit 202 controls AP 51 and receives the measurement response frame sent through the processing in step S24. In step S13, the determination unit 203 performs a handover determination process based on the communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2 contained in the measurement response frame received through the processing in step S12. (See below for further details.) Figure 16 and Figure 17 The details of the handover decision process are described. After the processing in step S13, the connection handover decision process ends.

[0131] Note that if no probe response frame is received after a certain period of waiting following the sending of the probe request frame in step S22, the process in step S23 is skipped and proceeds to step S24. In this case, the measurement response frame may, for example, record that communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2 was not obtained.

[0132] <First example of the element structure of a measurement request frame>

[0133] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a first example of the element structure of a measurement request frame.

[0134] Figure 7 The element structure of the measurement request frame is adapted from the structure of the measurement request (beacon measurement request) element in IEEE 802.11. Figure 7 The elements of the measurement request frame are elements of a measurement operation (measurement operation) that requests communication environment information from AP MLD 11-2.

[0135] Specifically, Figure 7 The elements of the measurement request frame include the element ID field, length field, measurement token field, measurement request mode field, measurement type field, and measurement request field.

[0136] In the element ID, the value indicating the measurement request element is recorded as indication of the element's type. In the length field, information indicating the element's length is recorded. In the measurement token field, information indicating the processing number of the measurement operation requested by this element is recorded.

[0137] The measurement request mode contains information indicating the details of the measurement operation requested by the element. This information includes information on parallel processing availability, report request availability, and report availability before predicted duration. Parallel processing availability indicates whether the measurement operation can be executed in parallel with other measurement operations. Report request availability indicates whether a report or request can be made within the measurement operation. Report availability before predicted duration indicates whether a report can be made within the measurement operation before the measurement duration (described later) has elapsed.

[0138] The measurement type contains the numerical value of the beacon measurement, which serves as information specifying the type of measurement operation requested by this element. The measurement request contains an information group corresponding to the beacon measurement, which corresponds to the type of measurement operation requested by this element.

[0139] Specifically, the measurement request includes the operation category field, channel number field, randomization interval field, measurement duration field, measurement mode field, BSSID field, and optional sub-element field.

[0140] The operation category section contains the operation category information for the channel where the measurement operation (information collection) will be performed. The channel number section contains information indicating the channel for which the measurement operation will be performed. The randomization interval section contains information indicating the upper limit of the time until the start of the measurement operation. The measurement duration section contains the recommended or required value for the measurement time. The measurement mode section contains information specifying "Active" as the measurement method. Besides "Active," other measurement methods include "Passive" and beacon tables. The BSSID section contains the BSSID of the AP MLD 11-2 for which the measurement operation will be performed. Wildcard information can be used instead of specifying the BSSID of the AP MLD 11-2 in the BSSID section.

[0141] Optional sub-elements include at least the report details sub-element field and n (n is an integer greater than 1) request sub-element fields as supplementary information for the measurement operation.

[0142] The Report Details sub-element contains information specifying the elements indicated by the information contained in the Request sub-element as the elements to be reported and measured by the measurement operation. The Report Details sub-element may also contain information specifying that there are no elements (indicating information that does not need to be reported) or specifying that all measurement elements are the elements to be reported and measured by the measurement operation.

[0143] In each request sub-element, the element ID of each of the n elements that record communication environment information serves as information indicating the type of the element being requested to be reported.

[0144] The elements of communication environment information include QoS information elements such as EHT capability elements, basic multi-link elements, TID to link mapping elements, TWT elements, QoS mapping elements, and MSCS descriptor elements.

[0145] EHT capability elements are elements that describe the capability information of R-TWT. R-TWT is a QoS function that performs scheduling control to ensure reliable transmission of traffic requiring low-latency delivery by setting a portion of time as a priority transmission period that can only transmit specific traffic. In R-TWT, information indicating the priority transmission period is broadcast from AP MLD 11 to subordinate STA MLD 12 attached to the same BSS, and AP MLD 11 and STA MLD 12 attached to the same BSS must stop data transmission that was being performed before the priority transmission period during the priority transmission period. During the priority period, data transmission between AP MLD 11 and STA MLD 12 without specified traffic is prohibited.

[0146] The basic multilink element is an element that describes the capability information of TID-to-link mapping. TID-to-link mapping is a QoS function based on MLO. TID-to-link mapping enables traffic requiring low latency to be transmitted with minimal latency by limiting the traffic that can be transmitted on a portion of the multiple links 21 between AP MLD 11 and STA MLD 12 in the MLO.

[0147] The TID-to-link mapping element records information indicating whether TID-to-link mapping is implemented, such as traffic indicators (TIDs) and other parameter information, including the traffic that can be transmitted on the traffic-limited portion of the links in the TID-to-link mapping. Note that in the following description, the traffic that can be transmitted on the traffic-limited portion of the links in the TID-to-link mapping is referred to as limited traffic. The information described in the TID-to-link mapping element is referred to as TID-to-link mapping information. In this embodiment, a TID-to-link mapping element is not generated if TID-to-link mapping is not implemented, but it may still be generated.

[0148] A TWT element is an element that records information indicating whether R-TWT is implemented, such as priority transmission periods in R-TWT and the TID of priority traffic that can be transmitted during the priority transmission period. In this embodiment, a TWT element is not generated if R-TWT is not implemented, but a TWT element can still be generated.

[0149] A QoS mapping element is an element that contains parameter information for QoS mapping. QoS mapping is a QoS function that modifies a mapping table that indicates the correspondence between Differentiated Service Code Points (DSCPs) assigned to Ethernet headers and TIDs or Access Classes (ACs). For example, the QoS mapping element contains parameter information indicating the modified mapping table.

[0150] The MSCS descriptor element contains information indicating whether SCS / MSCS is implemented, as well as parameter information within SCS / MSCS. SCS / MSCS is a QoS function used in the IEEE 802.11aa standard to prioritize specific traffic. In SCS / MSCS, priorities are set by assigning TIDs or ACs to traffic classified based on sender address, receiver address, DSCP, etc. SCS is essentially a QoS function that prioritizes uplink (UL) traffic from STA MLD 12 to AP MLD 11, while MSCS is a QoS function that prioritizes downlink (DL) traffic from AP MLD 11 to STA MLD 12. The MSCS descriptor element contains parameter information related to priority settings.

[0151] As mentioned above, TID is basically a value uniquely determined based on DSCP, but it can also be obtained through the negotiation between the QoS mapping element or the SCS / MSCS allocation AP MLD 11 and STA MLD 12.

[0152] The element IDs of EHT functional elements, basic multilink elements, TID-to-link mapping elements, TWT elements, QoS mapping elements, and MSCS descriptor elements can be considered as information indicating the type of QoS function corresponding to the QoS information recorded in these elements.

[0153] In addition, as elements of communication environment information, there is also the UHR BSS load element. The UHR BSS load element is an element that records BSS load information, including channel utilization information in units of links and in units of predetermined time periods. Channel utilization information indicates the ratio of BUSY (busy) time to the total available time.

[0154] Received Figure 7 STA MLD 12 sends a probe request frame to AP MLD 11-2 as a measurement operation requested by the measurement request frame. Then, STA MLD 12 receives a probe response frame sent from AP MLD 11-2 in response to the probe request frame, and sends a measurement report frame to AP MLD 11-1 that reports the communication environment information included in the probe response frame.

[0155] <First example of the element structure of a measurement report frame>

[0156] Figure 8 This shows the response of STA MLD 12 to... Figure 7 A diagram illustrating an example of the element structure of a measurement report frame sent in response to a measurement request frame.

[0157] Figure 8 The element structure of the measurement response frame is adapted from the structure of the measurement response elements in IEEE 802.11. Figure 8 The elements of the measurement response frame are reported by Figure 7 The measurement request frame is an element of the communication environment information to be measured by the measurement operation requested.

[0158] Specifically, the elements of the measurement response frame include an element ID field, a length field, a measurement token field, a measurement report mode field, a measurement type field, and a measurement report field.

[0159] The element ID contains a numerical value indicating the type of the measurement response element. The length contains information indicating the length of the element. The measurement token contains information indicating the processing number of the measurement operation corresponding to the communication environment information reported by this element.

[0160] In the measurement report mode, details indicating the measurement operation corresponding to the communication environment information reported by the element are recorded, such as information indicating whether the measurement operation can be performed. In the measurement type mode, information indicating the value of the beacon measurement is recorded as a type of measurement operation corresponding to the communication environment information reported by the element. In the measurement report, information groups corresponding to the beacon measurement are recorded as information groups corresponding to the type of measurement operation corresponding to the communication environment information reported by the element.

[0161] Specifically, the measurement report includes the following fields: operation category, channel number, actual measurement start time, measurement duration, report frame information, RCPI, RSNI, BSSID, antenna ID, parent TSF, and optional child element fields.

[0162] The operation category section contains the operation category information for the channel being measured. The channel number section contains information indicating the channel being measured. The actual measurement start time section contains information indicating the time when the actual measurement operation began. The measurement duration section contains the actual measurement time. The report frame information section contains information indicating the type of frame being measured.

[0163] The RCPI contains information indicating the received signal strength obtained through the measurement operation. The RCNI contains the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) information of the signal obtained through the measurement operation. The BSSID contains the BSSID information of the AP MLD 11-2 being measured. The Antenna ID contains information indicating the ID of the antenna 40 used for the measurement. The Parent TSF contains the timing synchronization function (TSF) timer information of the STA MLD 12 when acquiring signals through the measurement operation. Optional sub-elements include at least n report frame body sub-elements as supplementary information for the measurement operation.

[0164] Each report frame body sub-element records the information with... Figure 7 The element ID described in each request sub-element is the element of the communication environment information. The communication environment information element is the element of the communication environment information contained in the probe response frame sent from AP MLD 11-2.

[0165] Note that if an element with an element ID recorded in the request sub-element cannot be obtained from AP MLD 11-2, a newly defined sub-element can be included to replace the report frame body sub-element corresponding to the request sub-element. This sub-element records the fact that the corresponding element could not be obtained and the reason why. Reasons for not being able to obtain an element include that the element was not included in the probe response frame, or that the element was included in the probe response frame but could not be decoded. Through these sub-elements, AP MLD 11-1 can identify elements for which communication environment information cannot be obtained from AP MLD 11-2, or can identify the reason why an element cannot be obtained.

[0166] Using the measurement response frame configured as described above, AP MLD 11-1 obtains its type in Figure 7 The communication environment information is specified in the request sub-element of the measurement request frame. Then, AP MLD 11-1 performs handover decision processing based on the communication environment information.

[0167] <Second example of the element structure of a measurement request frame>

[0168] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of the element structure of a measurement request frame sent by AP MLD 11-1.

[0169] Figure 9 The measurement request frame is a newly defined frame with an element structure based on the measurement request element structure of IEEE 802.11.

[0170] Specifically, Figure 9 The elements of the measurement request frame are configured with optional sub-elements similar to... Figure 7 The elements of the measurement request frame are different, the rest are the same as... Figure 7 The elements are configured in a similar way. Therefore, only the configuration of optional child elements will be described.

[0171] Figure 9 The optional sub-elements of the measurement request frame may include at least a newly defined QoS-aware request sub-element as a sub-element specifying the communication environment information of the AP MLD 11-2 to be reported. The QoS-aware request sub-element includes a sub-element ID field, a length field, an LL traffic TID field, and a requested QoS feature bitmap field.

[0172] The sub-element ID contains a value indicating the type of the QoS-aware request sub-element. The length contains information indicating the length of the sub-element. The LL traffic TID contains the TID of low-latency traffic currently communicating between AP MLD 11-1 and STA MLD 12, which implements QoS functionality, and which is expected to also implement QoS functionality between AP MLD 11-2 and STA MLD 12. The requested QoS feature bitmap contains bitmap information specifying the QoS functionality corresponding to the requested reported communication environment information. The bit depth of the bitmap information is, for example, 4 bits, and these bits are assigned TIDs to link mapping, R-TWT, SCS / MSCS, and QoS mapping.

[0173] Received Figure 9 STA MLD 12 sends a probe request frame to AP MLD 11-2 as a measurement operation requested by the measurement request frame. STA MLD 12 receives a probe response frame sent from AP MLD 11-2 in response to the probe request frame. Then, STA MLD 12 sends a measurement report frame to AP MLD 11-1, which reports in a compressed manner the elements of the QoS information specified by the requested QoS feature bitmap from the communication environment information included in the probe response frame.

[0174] <Second example of the element structure of a measurement report frame>

[0175] Figure 10 This shows the response of STA MLD 12 to... Figure 9 A diagram illustrating an example of the element structure of a measurement report frame sent in response to a measurement request frame.

[0176] Figure 10 The measurement response frame is a newly defined frame with an element structure based on the measurement response elements of IEEE 802.11.

[0177] Specifically, Figure 10 The elements of the measurement report frame are configured with optional sub-elements similar to... Figure 8 The elements of the measurement report frame are different, the rest are the same as... Figure 8 The elements are configured in a similar way. Therefore, only the configuration of optional child elements will be described.

[0178] Figure 10 The optional sub-elements of the measurement report frame include the newly defined UHR BSS payload sub-element and QoS awareness report sub-element. The UHR BSS payload sub-element contains the UHR BSS payload element included in the probe response sent from AP MLD 11-2, as is.

[0179] In the QoS-aware report sub-element, by Figure 9 The QoS information of the QoS function specified by the requested QoS feature bitmap in the low-latency traffic identified by the LL traffic TID is compressed and recorded as compressed QoS information.

[0180] Specifically, the QoS-aware report sub-element includes a sub-element ID, a length, and a report QoS feature bitmap. The sub-element ID contains a numerical value indicating the type of the QoS-aware report sub-element. The length contains information indicating the length of the sub-element. The report QoS feature bitmap contains bitmap information used to specify the QoS functions corresponding to the QoS information recorded in the sub-element. The bitmap information is, for example, similar to... Figure 9 The method of configuring the bitmap information recorded in the request QoS feature bitmap.

[0181] The QoS Aware Report sub-element also includes fields for recording compressed QoS information for each QoS function. These fields include TID to link mapping status, R-TWT status, MSCS status, QoS mapping status, etc.

[0182] The TID-to-link mapping status records compressed TID-to-link mapping information, which is related to the TID-to-link mapping of AP MLD 11-2 and serves as compressed QoS information. (See below for further details.) Figure 11 This describes the details of the compressed TID to link mapping information. The R-TWT state contains compressed R-TWT information related to the R-TWT of AP MLD 11-2, serving as compressed QoS information. (See later description.) Figure 12 This describes the details of the compressed R-TWT information. The MSCS status contains compressed SCS / MSCS information related to the SCS / MSCS of AP MLD 11-2, serving as compressed QoS information. (See below for further details.) Figure 13This describes the details of compressed SCS / MSCS information. The QoS mapping state contains compressed QoS mapping information related to the QoS mapping of AP MLD 11-2, which serves as compressed QoS information. (See below for further details.) Figure 14 Describe the details of the compressed QoS mapping information.

[0183] <Example of compressing TID to link mapping information>

[0184] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of compressed TID-to-link mapping information recorded in the TID-to-link mapping status.

[0185] Figure 11 The TID to link mapping status is a 2-bit field. For example... Figure 11 As shown, when the capability information recorded in the basic multi-link elements included in the probe response frame is disabled, the compressed TID to link mapping information is "00".

[0186] On the other hand, if the capability information recorded in the basic multi-link element is enabled and the probe response frame does not include the TID-to-link mapping element, the compressed TID-to-link mapping information is "01".

[0187] When the capability information recorded in the basic multi-link element is enabled and low-latency traffic is restricted, the compressed TID to link mapping information is "10". On the other hand, when the capability information recorded in the basic multi-link element is enabled and low-latency traffic is not restricted, the compressed TID to link mapping information is "11".

[0188] Based on the TID-to-link mapping element, QoS mapping element, and MSCS descriptor element included in the probe response frame, and Figure 9 The LL traffic TID of the measurement request frame is used to determine whether low-latency traffic is restricted traffic.

[0189] Specifically, if the TID of low-latency traffic is not recorded in the TID-to-link mapping element, the low-latency traffic is determined to be non-restricted traffic. On the other hand, if the TID of low-latency traffic is recorded, the low-latency traffic is determined to be restricted traffic.

[0190] The TID of the low-latency traffic used for this determination is the TID of the low-latency traffic in AP MLD 11-2, which is the handover destination. The TID of the low-latency traffic in AP MLD 11-2 is essentially the same as the TID recorded in the LL traffic TID of AP MLD11-1, which is currently connected to STA MLD 12. However, if QoS mapping or SCS / MSCS is implemented in AP MLD 11-2, the TID of the low-latency traffic in AP MLD 11-2 may differ from the TID in AP MLD 11-1. Therefore, in the presence of QoS mapping elements or MSCS descriptor elements, the TID of the low-latency traffic in AP MLD 11-2 is identified based not only on the LL traffic TID but also on the QoS mapping elements or MSCS descriptor elements.

[0191] <Example of compressing R-TWT information>

[0192] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of compressed R-TWT information recorded in the R-TWT state.

[0193] Figure 12 The R-TWT status is a 2-bit field. For example... Figure 12 As shown, when the capability information recorded in the EHT capability element contained in the probe response frame is disabled, the compressed R-TWT information is "00".

[0194] On the other hand, if the capability information recorded in the EHT capability element is enabled and the probe response frame does not include the TWT element, the compressed R-TWT information is "01".

[0195] When the capability information recorded in the EHT capability element is enabled and low-latency traffic is the priority traffic, the compressed R-TWT information is "10". On the other hand, when the capability information recorded in the EHT capability element is enabled and low-latency traffic is not the priority traffic, the compressed R-TWT information is "11".

[0196] Based on the TWT element, QoS mapping element, and MSCS descriptor element included in the probe response frame, and Figure 9 The LL traffic TID of the measurement request frame is used to determine whether low-latency traffic is priority traffic.

[0197] Specifically, if the TID of low-latency traffic is not recorded in the TWT element, the low-latency traffic is determined to be non-priority traffic. On the other hand, if the TID of low-latency traffic is recorded, the low-latency traffic is determined to be priority traffic.

[0198] The TID of the low-latency traffic used for this determination is the TID of the low-latency traffic in the AP MLD 11-2 that is the handover destination. Since the method for identifying the TID of the low-latency traffic in the AP MLD 11-2 is similar to the identification method described with reference to Figure 11 the description thereof is omitted.

[0199] <Example of compressed SCS / MSCS information recorded in MSCS state>

[0200] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of compressed SCS / MSCS information recorded in the MSCS state.

[0201] Figure 13 The MSCS state of is a 2-bit field. As shown in Figure 13 , when the probe response frame includes an MSCS descriptor element, the compressed SCS / MSCS information is "00".

[0202] On the other hand, when the probe response frame includes the MSCS descriptor element and the priority of low-latency traffic is not set, the compressed SCS / MSCS information is "01". When the probe response frame includes the MSCS descriptor element and the priority of low-latency traffic is set, the compressed SCS / MSCS information is "10". The determination as to whether the priority of low-latency traffic is set is made based on the MSCS descriptor element. The compressed SCS / MSCS information "11" is a reserved value that does not indicate any content.

[0203] <Example of compressed QoS mapping information recorded in QoS mapping state>

[0204] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of compressed QoS mapping information recorded in the QoS mapping state.

[0205] Figure 14 The QoS mapping state of is a 2-bit field. As shown in Figure 14 , when the probe response frame includes a QoS mapping element, the compressed QoS mapping information is "00".

[0206] On the other hand, when the probe response frame includes the QoS mapping element and the TID setting of low-latency traffic is not changed, the compressed QoS mapping information is "01". When the probe response frame includes the QoS mapping element and the TID setting of low-latency traffic has been changed, the compressed QoS mapping information is "10". The determination as to whether the TID setting of low-latency traffic has been changed is made based on the QoS mapping element. The compressed QoS mapping information "11" is a reserved value that does not indicate any content.

[0207] As described above, in Figure 10 the measurement response frame, elements of QoS information are recorded in a compressed manner. Therefore, compared with Figure 10 the measurement response frame in which the elements of QoS information are recorded as they are, the measurement response frame Figure 8 can reduce the amount of information, that is, the frame size. As a result, the overhead caused by the transmission of the measurement response frame can be reduced.

[0208] It should be noted that in the wireless communication system 10, Figure 7 the element structure of the measurement request frame( Figure 8 the measurement report frame) and Figure 9 the element structure of the measurement request frame( Figure 10 the measurement report frame) may be combined. For example, when the TID-to-link mapping information is "11", that is, when low-latency traffic is not restricted traffic, the TID-to-link mapping element itself may be stored in the measurement report frame.

[0209] <Configuration Example of UHR BSS Load Element>

[0210] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the UHR BSS load element.

[0211] Figure 15 The structure of the UHR BSS load element is based on the element structure of the BSS load element of IEEE 802.11, and is extended to be able to describe BSS load information in units of links and in units of predetermined periods. It should be noted that "UHR" in the UHR BSS load element is the name of the standard, and the name is not limited to "UHR".

[0212] Figure 15 The UHR BSS load element includes an Element ID field, a Length field, a Segment Count field, and N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) BSS Load fields.

[0213] In the Element ID, a numerical value indicating the UHR BSS load element is recorded as information indicating the type of the element. In the Length, information indicating the length of the element is recorded. In the Segment Count, the number of BSS loads included in the element is recorded. In the BSS Load, BSS load information is recorded in units of links and in units of predetermined periods.

[0214] Each BSS load includes a Link ID bitmap field, a Time Period Type field, a Broadcast TWT ID field, a Station Count field, a Channel Utilization field, and an Available Admission Capacity field. The Link ID bitmap contains link bitmap information indicating the link ID corresponding to the BSS load information recorded in the BSS load. The Time Period Type field contains information indicating the type of the predetermined time period corresponding to the BSS load information recorded in the BSS load. The types of predetermined time periods include, for example, the entire time period, the priority transmission period (R-TWT SP) in the R-TWT, and time periods other than the priority transmission period in the R-TWT.

[0215] In the broadcast TWT ID, if the time period type in the BSS load indicates information indicating a priority transmission period or a time period other than the priority transmission period, information indicating the ID of the R-TWT corresponding to the priority transmission period is also recorded. In the station count, the number of STA MLDs or STAs connected to AP MLD 11-2 is recorded.

[0216] The channel utilization and available admission capacity records BSS load information for the time period corresponding to the link ID indicated by the bitmap information recorded in the link ID bitmap and the record of the broadcast TWT ID.

[0217] Specifically, the channel utilization information includes information on the channel utilization of the time period corresponding to the link ID indicated by the bitmap information in the link ID bitmap and the recorded broadcast TWT ID. The available admission capacity information includes information indicating the remaining amount of available intermediate time for the time period corresponding to the link ID indicated by the bitmap information in the link ID bitmap and the recorded broadcast TWT ID.

[0218] It should be noted that as long as the unit of the BSS load information recorded in the UHR BSS load element is in either the link or the predetermined time period, it is not necessary to use the link and the predetermined time period as the unit.

[0219] <First Example of Switching Decision Processing>

[0220] Figure 16 It is a diagram. Figure 6 A flowchart detailing the first example of the switching decision process in step S13. Figure 16 In the example, AP MLD 11-1 performs handover decision processing based on QoS information mapped from TID to link.

[0221] Specifically, in Figure 16In step S51, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the TID-to-link mapping capability information of AP MLD 11-2, which is the switching destination, is enabled.

[0222] For example, in Figure 8 If the capability information recorded in the basic multi-link elements included in the measurement response frame is enabled, AP MLD 11-1 determines that the TID-to-link mapping capability information is enabled. Alternatively, in Figure 10 If the compressed TID to link mapping information included in the measurement response frame is a value other than "00", AP MLD 11-1 determines that the TID to link mapping capability information is enabled. On the other hand, if the capability information recorded in the basic multi-link element is disabled, or if the compressed TID to link mapping information is "00", AP MLD 11-1 determines that the TID to link mapping capability information is not enabled.

[0223] If the TID-to-link mapping capability information is enabled in step S51, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether a TID-to-link mapping element exists.

[0224] For example, in Figure 8 If the measurement response frame includes a TID-to-link mapping element, AP MLD 11-1 determines that a TID-to-link mapping element exists. Alternatively, in... Figure 10 If the compressed TID-to-link mapping information included in the measurement response frame is "10" or "11", AP MLD 11-1 determines that a TID-to-link mapping element exists. On the other hand, if the TID-to-link mapping element is not included, or if the compressed TID-to-link mapping information is "01", AP MLD 11-1 determines that a TID-to-link mapping element does not exist.

[0225] If a TID-to-link mapping is determined to exist in step S52, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the low-latency traffic is restricted traffic due to the TID-to-link mapping implemented by AP MLD 11-2.

[0226] For example, AP MLD 11-1 is based on Figure 8 The measurement response frame includes TID-to-link mapping elements, QoS mapping elements, and MSCS descriptor elements to determine whether low-latency traffic is restricted traffic. Alternatively, in... Figure 10When the compressed TID-to-link mapping information included in the measurement response frame is "10", AP MLD 11-1 determines that the low-latency traffic is restricted traffic. On the other hand, when the TID-to-link mapping information is "11", AP MLD 11-1 determines that the low-latency traffic is not restricted traffic.

[0227] If it is determined in step S51 that the TID-to-link mapping capability information of AP MLD 11-2 is not enabled, or if it is determined in step S52 that TID-to-link mapping exists, the process proceeds to step S54. If it is determined in step S53 that the low-latency traffic is restricted traffic, the process proceeds to step S54.

[0228] In step S54, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the channel utilization of all links included in the UHR BSS load element exceeds a threshold throughout the entire time period. The UHR BSS load element is recorded in Figure 8 The measurement response frame report frame body sub-element or Figure 10 The UHR BSS payload sub-element of the measurement response frame. As a threshold for the determination in step S54, a channel utilization that can ensure sufficient transmission of low-latency traffic is set.

[0229] If it is determined in step S54 that the channel utilization of all links exceeds the threshold for the entire time period, the process proceeds to step S55. In step S55, AP MLD 11-1 determines to switch the connection destination of STA MLD 12 from AP MLD 11-1 to AP MLD 11-2, and ends the handover determination process.

[0230] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that the channel utilization of all links does not exceed the threshold throughout the entire time period, the process proceeds to step S56. In step S56, AP MLD 11-1 determines that it will not perform the handover of the connection destination of STA MLD 12 from AP MLD 11-1 to AP MLD 11-2, and ends the handover determination process. As a result, STA MLD 12 maintains its connection with AP MLD 11-1.

[0231] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S53 that the low-latency traffic is not restricted traffic, that is, if the available links for communication of low-latency traffic by AP MLD11-2 are restricted, the process proceeds to step S57. In step S57, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the channel utilization of the available links included in the UHR BSS load element recorded in the measurement response frame exceeds a threshold throughout the entire time period.

[0232] As the threshold used for the determination in step S57, a channel utilization rate is set that ensures sufficient transmission of low-latency traffic. The threshold used for the determination in step S57 may be the same as or different from the threshold used for the determination in step S54.

[0233] If it is determined in step S57 that the channel utilization of the available link exceeds the threshold throughout the entire time period, the process proceeds to step S55 and the above-mentioned processing is performed.

[0234] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S57 that the channel utilization of the available links does not exceed the threshold throughout the entire time period, the process proceeds to step S56 and the above-mentioned processing is performed.

[0235] Note that the time period corresponding to the channel utilization used in steps S54 and S57 can be a time period in units of predetermined time periods, in addition to the entire time period.

[0236] As mentioned above, in Figure 16 In the handover decision-making process, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether to perform a handover based on the QoS information of the TID-to-link mapping of AP MLD 11-2, the handover destination, and the channel utilization information of the available links. Therefore, AP MLD 11-1 can pre-identify the impact of the TID-to-link mapping of the handover destination on low-latency traffic and only perform the handover if the handover destination is suitable for low-latency traffic transmission. This reduces unnecessary overhead during connection handover.

[0237] It's important to note that the TID-to-link mapping at the handover destination can affect how low-latency traffic that could be transmitted on all links before the handover may only be able to be transmitted on a subset of links after the handover. Furthermore, the TID-to-link mapping at the handover destination can affect how low-latency traffic that was prioritized for transmission on a subset of links before the handover may no longer be prioritized for transmission after the handover.

[0238] <Second example of switching decision handling>

[0239] Figure 17 yes Figure 6 A flowchart detailing the second example of the switching decision process in step S13. Figure 17 In the example, AP MLD 11-1 performs handover decision processing based on the QoS information of R-TWT.

[0240] Specifically, in Figure 17 In step S71, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the R-TWT capability information of AP MLD 11-2, which is the switching destination, is enabled.

[0241] For example, in Figure 8 If the capability information recorded in the EHT capability element included in the measurement response frame is enabled, AP MLD 11-1 determines that the R-TWT capability information is enabled. Alternatively, in Figure 10 If the compressed R-TWT information recorded in the measurement response frame is a value other than "00", AP MLD 11-1 determines that the R-TWT capability information is enabled. On the other hand, if the capability information recorded in the basic multi-link element is disabled, or if the compressed R-TWT information is "00", AP MLD 11-1 determines that the R-TWT capability information is not enabled.

[0242] If the R-TWT capability information is determined to be enabled in step S71, the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether a TWT element exists.

[0243] For example, in Figure 8 In the case that the measurement response frame includes a TWT element, or in Figure 10 If the compressed R-TWT information included in the measurement response frame is "10" or "11", AP MLD 11-1 determines that a TWT element exists. On the other hand, if no TWT element exists, or if the compressed R-TWT information is "01", AP MLD 11-1 determines that a TWT element does not exist.

[0244] If in step S71 it is determined that the R-TWT capability information of AP MLD 11-2 is not enabled, or in step S72 it is determined that there is no TWT element, the process proceeds to step S73.

[0245] In step S73, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the channel utilization of all links included in the UHR BSS load element recorded in the measurement response frame exceeds a threshold throughout the entire time period. The threshold used for the determination in step S73 is set to ensure sufficient channel utilization for transmitting low-latency traffic.

[0246] If, in step S73, it is determined that the channel utilization of all links exceeds the threshold for the entire time period, the process proceeds to step S74. In step S74, AP MLD 11-1 determines to switch the connection destination of STA MLD 12 from AP MLD 11-1 to AP MLD 11-2, and the handover determination process ends.

[0247] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S73 that the channel utilization of all links does not exceed the threshold throughout the entire time period, the process proceeds to step S75. In step S75, AP MLD 11-1 determines that it will not perform the handover of the connection destination of STA MLD 12 from AP MLD 11-1 to AP MLD 11-2, and ends the handover determination process. As a result, STA MLD 12 maintains its connection with AP MLD 11-1.

[0248] If a TWT element is determined to exist in step S72, that is, if the communication period for AP MLD 11-2 to send low-latency traffic to STA MLD 12 is limited, the process proceeds to step S76. In step S76, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the low-latency traffic is priority traffic of R-TWT implemented by AP MLD 11-2.

[0249] For example, AP MLD 11-1 is based on Figure 8 The measurement response frame includes TWT elements, QoS mapping elements, and MSCS descriptor elements to determine whether low-latency traffic is priority traffic. Alternatively, in... Figure 10 When the compressed R-TWT information included in the measurement response frame is "10", AP MLD 11-1 determines that low-latency traffic is priority traffic. On the other hand, when the compressed R-TWT information is "11", AP MLD 11-1 determines that low-latency traffic is not priority traffic.

[0250] If it is determined in step S76 that low-latency traffic is not priority traffic, the process proceeds to step S77. In step S77, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the channel utilization of all links exceeds a threshold during the period other than the communication period used to transmit low-latency traffic (i.e., the priority transmission period), as recorded in the UHR BSS payload element of the measurement response frame. The threshold used for the determination in step S77 is set to ensure sufficient channel utilization for transmitting low-latency traffic. This threshold may be the same as or different from the threshold in the process of step S73.

[0251] If it is determined in step S77 that the channel utilization of all links exceeds the threshold during the period other than the priority transmission period, the process proceeds to step S74 and the above-mentioned processing is performed.

[0252] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S77 that the channel utilization of all links does not exceed the threshold during the time period other than the priority transmission period, the process proceeds to step S75 and the above-mentioned process is executed.

[0253] If, in step S76, it is determined that low-latency traffic is priority traffic, the process proceeds to step S78. In step S78, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the channel utilization of all links during the communication period used for transmitting low-latency traffic, i.e., the priority transmission period, as recorded in the UHR BSS payload element of the measurement response frame, exceeds a threshold. The threshold used for the determination in step S78 is set to ensure sufficient channel utilization for transmitting low-latency traffic. The threshold may be the same as or different from the threshold used in steps S73 and S77.

[0254] If it is determined in step S78 that the channel utilization of all links exceeds the threshold during the priority transmission period, the process proceeds to step S74 and the above-mentioned processing is performed.

[0255] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S78 that the channel utilization of all links does not exceed the threshold during the priority transmission period, the process proceeds to step S75 and the above-mentioned process is executed.

[0256] Note that the links corresponding to the channel utilization used in steps S73, S77 and S77 can be partial links rather than all links.

[0257] As mentioned above, in Figure 17 In the handover decision-making process, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether to perform a handover based on the QoS information of the R-TWT of AP MLD 11-2, the handover destination, and the channel utilization information for a predetermined period corresponding to low-latency traffic. Therefore, AP MLD 11-1 can pre-identify the impact of the handover destination's R-TWT on low-latency traffic and perform the handover only when the handover destination is suitable for transmitting low-latency traffic. As a result, unnecessary overhead during connection handover can be reduced.

[0258] It is important to note that due to the impact of R-TWT at the destination of the handover, low-latency traffic that was prioritized before the handover may no longer be prioritized after the handover and may become unable to be transmitted within the required latency time. Furthermore, due to the impact of R-TWT at the destination of the handover, low-latency traffic that could be transmitted within the required latency time before the handover may become unable to be transmitted within the required latency time due to the presence of prioritized traffic.

[0259] Figure 16 Switching decision processing and Figure 17 The handover decision-making process can be combined. That is, AP MLD 11-1 can perform handover decision-making based on AP MLD 11-2's TID-to-link mapping, R-TWT's QoS information, and channel utilization.

[0260] STA MLD 12 may query the surrounding AP MLD 11-2 for the TID of low-latency traffic, instead of receiving a probe response frame including a QoS mapping element and an MSCS descriptor element by transmitting a probe request frame to AP MLD 11-2. In this case, STA MLD 12 transmits a TID query request frame to AP MLD 11-2.

[0261] <Structural Example of TID Query Request Frame>

[0262] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a structural example of the TID query request frame in this case.

[0263] Figure 18 the TID query request frame is an action frame defined in IEEE 802.11. Specifically, the TID query request frame includes a category field, an action field, a dialog token field, and a DSCP value field.

[0264] In the category of the TID query request frame, a value indicating a TID query is recorded as information indicating the type of the action frame. In the action, a value indicating the TID query request frame is recorded as information indicating the detailed type of the action frame. In the dialog token, information indicating the processing number of the action frame is recorded. In the DSCP value, the DSCP of low-latency traffic is recorded as the DSCP of the traffic corresponding to the queried TID.

[0265] When transmitted from STA MLD 12 Figure 18 the TID query request frame, AP MLD 11-2 transmits a TID query report frame to STA MLD 12 that notifies the TID corresponding to the DSCP recorded in the DSCP value of the TID query request frame.

[0266] <Structural Example of TID Query Report Frame>

[0267] Figure 19 is a diagram showing a structural example of the TID query report frame.

[0268] Figure 19 the TID query report frame is an action frame defined in IEEE 802.11. Specifically, the TID query report frame includes a category field, an action field, a dialog token field, and a TID value field.

[0269] In the category of the TID query report frame, a value indicating a TID query is recorded as information indicating the type of the action frame. In the action, a value indicating the TID query report frame is recorded as information indicating the detailed type of the action frame. In the dialog token, information indicating the processing number of the action frame is recorded. In the TID value, corresponding to Figure 18 the TID corresponding to the DSCP recorded in the DSCP value of.

[0270] As described above, by exchanging a TID query request frame and a TID query report frame between the STA MLD 12 and the AP MLD 11-2, the STA MLD 12 can reliably confirm the TID of low-latency traffic with low load. More specifically, the QoS mapping element and the MSCS descriptor element are not necessarily included in the probe response frame. In addition, the QoS mapping element and the MSCS descriptor element contain a large amount of information. Therefore, by exchanging the TID query request frame and the TID query report frame between the STA MLD 12 and the AP MLD 11-2, the STA MLD 12 can reliably confirm the TID of low-latency traffic with a small amount of information.

[0271] Incidentally, in the above UHR BSS load element, the BSS load information is recorded on a per-link basis and per predetermined period basis, but may also be recorded on a per-link basis and per detailed period obtained by subdividing the predetermined period. In this case, for example, the AP MLD 11-1 that performs handover determination processing transmits a BSS load query request frame to the AP MLD 11-2.

[0272] <Structural Example of BSS Load Query Request Frame>

[0273] Figure 20 is a diagram showing a structural example of the BSS load query request frame in this case.

[0274] Figure 20 the BSS load query request frame of is an action frame defined in IEEE 802.11. Specifically, the BSS load query request frame includes a category field, an action field, a dialog token field, and a UHR BSS load query element field.

[0275] In the category of the BSS load query request frame, a value indicating BSS load query is recorded as information indicating the type of the action frame. In the action, a value indicating the BSS load query request frame is recorded as information indicating the detailed type of the action frame. In the dialog token, information indicating the processing number of the action frame is recorded. In the UHR BSS load query element, information indicating the link and period corresponding to the requested BSS load information and the like are recorded.

[0276] Specifically, the UHR BSS load query element includes an element ID field, a length field, a segment count field, a link ID bitmap field, a period type field, and a period information field.

[0277] The element ID contains information indicating the type of the UHR BSS load query element. The length contains information indicating the length of the element. The segment count contains the number of requested BSS load messages, per link and per detailed time period. The link ID bitmap contains bitmap information indicating the Link ID of the link corresponding to the requested BSS load message. The time period type contains information indicating the type of time period corresponding to the requested BSS load message. Time period types include, for example, the entire time period, the priority transmission time period in R-TWT, a time period other than the priority transmission time period, and a specified detailed time period.

[0278] The time period information contains information indicating the time period corresponding to the requested BSS load information. If the time period type contains information indicating the entire time period, the time period information may not be provided.

[0279] The time period information includes the time period ID field, the broadcast TWT ID field, the internal SP flag field, the start time field, and the end time field.

[0280] The Time Period ID contains the ID of the time period indicated by the Time Period Information. Information is also recorded in the Broadcast TWT ID and Internal SP Flag if the Time Period Type indicates a priority transmission time period or a time period other than a priority transmission time period. Specifically, the Broadcast TWT ID contains information indicating the ID of the R-TWT corresponding to the time period indicated by the Time Period Information. The Internal SP Flag contains information indicating whether the time period indicated by the Time Period Information is a priority transmission time period.

[0281] The start and end times are recorded when the time period type contains information indicating the detailed time period specified. Specifically, the start time records the start time of the time period indicated by the time period information. The end time records the end time of the time period indicated by the time period information.

[0282] Note that if the time period type contains information indicating the detailed time period to be specified, the broadcast TWT ID field and the internal SP flag field may be omitted. If the time period type contains information indicating the priority transmission time period or a time period other than the priority transmission time period, the start time field and the end time field may be omitted.

[0283] When sent from AP MLD 11-1 Figure 20Upon receiving the BSS load query request frame, the AP MLD 11-2 transmits a BSS load query report frame to the AP MLD 11-1. The BSS load query report frame is a frame that notifies and indicates the BSS load information corresponding to the link and time period information recorded in the UHR BSS load query element of the received BSS load query request frame.

[0284] <Structural example of BSS load query report frame>

[0285] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the BSS load query report frame.

[0286] Figure 21 The BSS load query report frame is an action frame defined in IEEE 802.11. Specifically, the BSS load query report frame includes a category field, an action field, a dialog token field, and a UHR BSS load element field.

[0287] In the category, a value indicating BSS load query is recorded as information indicating the type of the action frame. In the action, a value indicating the BSS load query report frame is recorded as information indicating the detailed type of the action frame. In the dialog token, information indicating the processing number of the action frame is recorded. In the UHR BSS load element, the information corresponding to the indication Figure 20 The BSS load information corresponding to the link and time period information recorded in the UHR BSS load query element.

[0288] Specifically, the UHR BSS load element includes an element ID field, a length field, a segment count field, and m (m is an integer of 1 or more) BSS load fields.

[0289] In the element ID, a value indicating the UHR BSS load query element is recorded as information indicating the type of the element. In the length, information indicating the length of the element is recorded. In the segment count, the number of BSS loads to be stored in the element is recorded. In the BSS load, BSS load information in units of links and in units of detailed time periods is recorded.

[0290] Specifically, the BSS load includes a link ID bitmap field, a time period type field, a time period ID field, a station count field, a channel utilization field, and an available admission capacity field. In the link ID bitmap, bitmap information of the link ID indicating the link corresponding to the BSS load information recorded in the BSS load is recorded.

[0291] In the time period type, information indicating the time period type corresponding to the BSS load information recorded in the BSS load is recorded. The type of time period is similar to that defined by Figure 20The information recorded in the time period type indicates the type. The time period ID records the ID of the time period corresponding to the BSS load information recorded in the BSS load. The time period ID is... Figure 20 The ID is recorded in the time period ID. The station count records the number of STA MLDs or STAs connected to AP MLD 11-2.

[0292] The channel utilization and available admission capacity records the BSS load information for the time period corresponding to the link ID of the link and the time period ID recorded in the link ID bitmap.

[0293] Specifically, the channel utilization record includes the time period type and time period ID corresponding to the link ID indicated by the record in the link ID bitmap. Figure 20 The recorded time period information indicates the channel utilization information for the indicated time period. Within the available admission capacity, the time period type and the corresponding time period ID of the link ID indicated by the link ID bitmap are recorded. Figure 20 The time period information records the remaining amount of available intermediate time for the indicated time period.

[0294] <Third example of switching decision handling>

[0295] Figure 22 This diagram illustrates QoS information based on R-TWT and Figure 21 A flowchart detailing the handover decision process performed by AP MLD 11-1 based on the BSS load query report frame.

[0296] Figure 22 Switching decision processing and Figure 17 The difference in handover decision processing lies in the fact that the unit of channel utilization used for handover decision is a detailed time period unit, otherwise it is the same as... Figure 17 The switching decision process is similar.

[0297] Specifically, due to Figure 22 The processing of steps S171 and S172 and Figure 17 The processes in steps S71 and S72 are similar, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0298] In step S173, AP MLD 11-1 determines and Figure 21 The BSS load query report frame records whether the target detailed time period and the channel utilization corresponding to all links exceed the threshold for the entire time period. The target detailed time period is, for example, the time period from low-latency traffic to reaching the required latency time, expressed in detailed time periods.

[0299] As a threshold for the determination in step S173, a channel utilization rate is set that ensures sufficient transmission of low-latency traffic. Therefore, if it is determined in step S173 that the channel utilization rate exceeds the threshold, AP MLD 11-1 determines that even after switching the connection destination of STA MLD 12 to AP MLD 11-2, it can still transmit low-latency traffic within the required latency time.

[0300] If it is determined in step S173 that the channel utilization rate exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds to step S174. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S173 that the channel utilization rate does not exceed the threshold, the process proceeds to step S175. Since the processing of steps S174 to S176 is similar to that of steps S74 to S76, their description is omitted.

[0301] If it is determined in step S176 that low-latency traffic is not priority traffic, the process proceeds to step S177. In step S177, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether the channel utilization of the target detailed time period other than the priority transmission period recorded in the BSS load query report frame and all links exceeds the threshold.

[0302] As the threshold used for the determination in step S177, a channel utilization rate is set that ensures sufficient transmission of low-latency traffic. Therefore, if it is determined in step S177 that the channel utilization rate exceeds the threshold, AP MLD 11-1 determines that even after switching the connection destination of STA MLD 12 to AP MLD 11-2, low-latency traffic can still be transmitted within the required latency time. The threshold used for the determination in step S177 may be the same as or different from the threshold used for the determination in step S173.

[0303] If it is determined in step S177 that the channel utilization rate exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds to step S174. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S173 that the channel utilization rate does not exceed the threshold, the process proceeds to step S175.

[0304] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S176 that low-latency traffic is priority traffic, the process proceeds to step S178. In step S178, it is determined whether the channel utilization corresponding to the target detailed time period and all links within the priority transmission period recorded in the BSS load query report frame exceeds the threshold.

[0305] As the threshold used for the determination in step S178, a channel utilization rate is set that ensures sufficient transmission of low-latency traffic. Therefore, if it is determined in step S178 that the channel utilization rate exceeds the threshold, AP MLD 11-1 determines that after switching the connection destination of STA MLD 12 to AP MLD 11-2, low-latency traffic can also be transmitted within the required latency time. The threshold used for the determination in step S178 may be the same as or different from the threshold used for the determinations in steps S173 and S177.

[0306] If it is determined in step S178 that the channel utilization rate exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds to step S174. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S178 that the channel utilization rate does not exceed the threshold, the process proceeds to step S175.

[0307] It should be noted that the arrival time and packet size of the low-latency traffic used to determine the target detailed time period and threshold in steps S173, S177 and S178 can be worst-case or average values.

[0308] As mentioned above, in Figure 22 In the handover decision-making process, AP MLD 11-1 determines whether to perform a handover based on the QoS information of the R-TWT of AP MLD 11-2, which is the handover destination, and the channel utilization corresponding to the target detailed time period of low-latency traffic. Therefore, AP MLD 11-1 can perform a handover when the handover destination can reliably transmit low-latency traffic within the required latency time.

[0309] Figure 20 BSS load query request frames and Figure 21 The exchange of BSS load query report frames can be performed Figure 22 It can be executed before the switching decision process, or it can be executed immediately before the process in steps S173, S177 or S178.

[0310] In the above description, the handover decision process is performed by AP MLD 11-1, but it can also be performed by STA MLD 12. In this case, the communication control unit 53 of AP MLD 11-1 is used as an acquisition unit to obtain communication environment information, and this acquisition unit includes... Figure 4 The STA MLD 12 includes a transmission control unit 201 and a reception control unit 202. The communication control unit 153 of the STA MLD 12 serves as a handover determination unit for performing handover determination processing, and this handover determination unit includes... Figure 5 The receiving control unit 221 and the transmitting control unit 222, as well as the determination unit for performing the switching determination process.

[0311] <Second example of connection switching decision processing>

[0312] Figure 23 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the connection handover determination process performed by the wireless communication system 10 in this situation, including the handover determination process performed by the STA MLD 12. The connection handover determination process is initiated when the AP MLD 11-1 determines that the communication success rate between the AP MLD 11-1 and the STAMLD 12, or the radio wave strength of the signal transmitted from the STA MLD 12, has deteriorated.

[0313] because Figure 23 The processing of steps S211 and S212 is similar to Figure 6 The processes of steps S11 and S12 are omitted from the description. The processes of steps S221 to S223 are similar to those of steps S21 to S23, and the processes of steps S231 and S232 are similar to those of steps S31 and S32.

[0314] In step S224, the decision unit of STA MLD 12 performs the handover decision process in a manner similar to that in step S13. The threshold used for the handover decision process can be notified to STA MLD 12 from AP MLD 11-1. Since the process of step S225 is similar to that of step S24, its description is omitted. After the process of step S212, the connection handover decision process ends.

[0315] In the above description, the determination of whether to perform connection handover decision processing is performed by AP MLD 11-1, but it can also be performed by STA MLD 12. In this case, the communication control unit 53 of AP MLD 11-1 is used as a handover decision unit for performing handover decision processing, and this handover decision unit includes a receive control unit and a decision unit. The communication control unit 153 of STAMLD 12 is used as an acquisition unit for acquiring communication environment information, and this acquisition unit includes a receive control unit 221 and a transmit control unit.

[0316] <Third example of connection switching decision-making>

[0317] Figure 24 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the connection handover determination process performed by the wireless communication system 10 in this situation, including the handover determination process performed by AP MLD 11-1. The connection handover determination process begins when STA MLD 12 determines that the communication success rate between AP MLD 11-1 and STA MLD 12 or the radio wave strength of the signal transmitted from STA MLD 12 has deteriorated.

[0318] exist Figure 24In step S321, the transmission control unit of STA MLD 12 controls STA 151 to send a probe request frame to AP MLD 11-2. Since the processing of steps S331, S332, and S322 is similar... Figure 6 The processing steps S31, S32 and S23 are omitted from the description.

[0319] In step S323, the transmission control unit of STA MLD 12 controls STA 151 to send a neighbor report frame containing communication environment information included in the probe response frame received through the processing in step S322 to AP MLD 11-1.

[0320] In step S311, the receive control unit of AP MLD 11-1 controls AP 51 and receives the neighbor report frame sent through the process in step S323. In step S312, the decision unit of AP MLD 11-1 performs a handover decision process in a manner similar to that in step S13, based on the communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2 included in the neighbor report frame received through the process in step S311. Then, the connection handover decision process ends.

[0321] <First example of the element structure of a neighbor report frame>

[0322] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing the first example of the element structure of a neighbor report frame.

[0323] Figure 25 The element structure of the neighbor report frame is adapted from the structure of the neighbor report element in IEEE 802.11. Figure 25 The neighbor report frame contains elements that report communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2 obtained by STA MLD 12.

[0324] Specifically, the elements of the neighbor report frame include an element ID field, a length field, a BSSID field, a BSSID information field, an operation category field, a channel number field, a PHY type field, and an optional sub-element field.

[0325] The element ID contains a numerical value indicating the type of the element and instructing neighbors to report it. The length contains information indicating the length of the element. The BSSID contains the BSSID of the AP MLD 11-2 that is the source of the communication environment information reported by this element. The BSSID information also contains additional information about the BSS of the AP MLD 11-2 that is the source of the communication environment information reported by this element, such as security, capabilities, and mobility.

[0326] The operation category section contains operation category information for the channel that performs the measurement of the communication environment information reported by this element. The channel number section contains information indicating the channel that performs the measurement of the communication environment information reported by this element. The PHY type section contains information indicating the type of signal acquired through the measurement operation of the communication environment information reported by this element.

[0327] Among the optional sub-elements, elements containing communication environment information included in the probe response frame sent from AP MLD 11-2 are used as supplementary reporting information. Specifically, the optional sub-elements include EHT capability sub-element fields, basic multi-link sub-element fields, EHT BSS load sub-element fields, QoS mapping sub-element fields, TID to link mapping sub-element fields, TWT sub-element fields, and MSCS descriptor sub-element fields.

[0328] <Second example of the element structure of a neighbor report frame>

[0329] Figure 26 This is a second example diagram showing the element structure of a neighbor report frame.

[0330] Figure 26 The neighbor report frame is a newly defined frame with a new element structure based on the neighbor report element structure of IEEE 802.11.

[0331] Specifically, Figure 26 The elements of the neighbor report frame and Figure 25 The difference between the elements of the neighbor report frame and the other elements lies in the configuration of optional child elements; the rest are the same as... Figure 25 The elements are configured in a similar way. Figure 26 The configuration of optional child elements of the neighbor report element is similar to Figure 10 The configuration of optional sub-elements. That is, compressed QoS information is recorded in the QoS-aware report sub-element.

[0332] Note that in wireless communication system 10, Figure 25 The element structure of the neighbor report frame and Figure 26 The element structure of a neighbor report frame can be combined. For example, when the TID-to-link mapping information is "11", that is, when low-latency traffic is not restricted traffic, the TID-to-link mapping element itself can be stored in the neighbor report frame.

[0333] Even when the STA MLD 12 determines whether to perform a connection handover decision, the STA MLD 12 can still perform the handover decision. In this case, the communication control unit 53 of the AP MLD 11-1 is used as an acquisition unit to obtain communication environment information, and the acquisition unit includes a receiving control unit. The communication control unit 153 of the STA MLD 12 is used as a handover decision unit to perform the handover decision, and the handover decision unit includes a receiving control unit, a transmitting control unit, and a decision unit.

[0334] <Fourth example of connection switching decision-making and processing>

[0335] Figure 27 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the connection handover determination process performed by the wireless communication system 10 in this situation, including the handover determination process performed by the STA MLD 12. This connection handover determination process begins when the STA MLD 12 determines that the communication success rate between the AP MLD 11-1 and the STA MLD 12, or the radio wave strength of the signal transmitted from the STA MLD 12, has deteriorated.

[0336] because Figure 27 The processing of steps S421 and S422 and steps S431 and S432 Figure 24 The processes of steps S321 and S322, as well as steps S331 and S332, are similar, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0337] In step S423, the decision unit of STA MLD 12 performs a handover decision process based on the communication environment information of AP MLD 11-2 included in the detection report received through the processing in step S422, in a manner similar to the processing in step S13. Because the processing in steps S424 and S411 is similar to... Figure 24 The processes in steps S323 and S311 are similar, so their descriptions are omitted. After the process in step S411, the connection switching determination process ends.

[0338] As described above, the communication control unit 53 of AP MLD 11-1 (communication control unit 153 of STAMLD 12) performs handover decision processing based on the QoS information of AP MLD 11-2, which is the handover destination. Therefore, the communication control unit 53 (153) can determine, for example, based on the QoS information of AP MLD 11-2 whether a similar QoS function to that before the handover can be achieved after the handover, and can perform the handover appropriately. In other words, the communication control unit 53 (153) can predict the impact of the handover destination change on the transmission of low-latency traffic and can perform the handover appropriately. As a result, degradation of transmission delay and reliability due to the handover of the STAMLD 12's connection destination can be prevented.

[0339] QoS information includes QoS mapping information and SCS / MSCS information. Therefore, in the handover decision-making process, the communication control unit 53 (153) can accurately identify the QoS functions implemented for low-latency traffic after handover based on the QoS information.

[0340] The communication control unit 53 (153) also performs handover decision processing based on the channel utilization of the AP MLD 11-2, which is the handover destination. Therefore, for example, even if similar QoS functions cannot be achieved after the handover, the handover can be performed if the channel utilization is determined to be sufficient to ensure the transmission of low-latency traffic.

[0341] <2. Second Embodiment>

[0342] <Switch Judgment Unit After Update>

[0343] The second embodiment of the wireless communication system applying this technology differs from the wireless communication system 10 in that the updated handover decision process is performed between AP MLDs 11 instead of the connection handover decision process, while the rest is configured in a similar manner to the wireless communication system 10. Therefore, the following description focuses on the processing of AP MLDs 11-1 and AP MLDs 11-2 in the updated handover decision process.

[0344] In the updated handover decision-making process, prior to the handover decision-making process, AP MLD 11 directly exchanges its own AP MLD 11 QoS information without going through STA MLD 12. Then, AP MLD 11-1 negotiates with AP MLD 11-2 to synchronize AP MLD 11-2's QoS information with its own QoS information or to modify it to be suitable for the connected STA MLD 12. AP MLD 11-1 performs the handover decision-making process based on the negotiation result and AP MLD 11-2's BSS load information.

[0345] For example, AP MLD 11-1 can perform BSS load information acquisition from AP MLD 11-2 by exchanging frames similar to BSS load query request frames and BSS load query report frames between AP MLD 11-1 and AP MLD 11-2.

[0346] Figure 28 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an updated handover decision unit in a second embodiment of a wireless communication system, where the control unit 42 of AP MLD 11-1 is used as an updated handover decision unit to perform handover decision processing after requesting an update of the QoS function.

[0347] Figure 28 The updated switching determination unit 300 includes a sending control unit 301, a receiving control unit 302, and a determination unit 303.

[0348] The transmission control unit 301 transmits its own QoS information and sends a QoS status request frame to AP MLD 11-2, which is the switching destination of the connection of STA MLD 12, requesting the transmission of QoS information.

[0349] The transmitting control unit 301 generates a QoS update request frame based on a QoS status response frame received under the control of the receiving control unit 302, which includes QoS information from AP MLD 11-2. The QoS update request frame includes QoS information about the desired updated QoS function of AP MLD 11-2 and requests an update to the QoS function based on this information (update request information). The desired updated QoS function of AP MLD 11-2 is, for example, the same as the QoS function of AP MLD 11-1, or a QoS function suitable for STA MLD 12. A QoS function suitable for STA MLD 12 is, for example, a QoS function that enables low-latency traffic to be transmitted within the required latency time. The transmitting control unit 301 sends the QoS update request frame to AP MLD 11-2.

[0350] The receiving control unit 302 receives a QoS status response sent from AP MLD 11-2 in response to a QoS status request frame. The receiving control unit 302 also receives a QoS update response frame (update information), which is information associated with an update to the QoS function and is sent from AP-MLD 11-2 in response to a QoS update request frame.

[0351] The determination unit 203 identifies the updated QoS function of APMLD 11-2 based on the QoS update response frame received under the control of the receiving control unit 202. The determination unit 203 performs the above-mentioned handover determination process based on the QoS information and BSS load information of AP MLD 11-2.

[0352] <Configuration example of an update unit>

[0353] Figure 29 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the update unit in a second embodiment of the wireless communication system, where the control unit 42 of AP MLD 11-2 is used as an update unit for updating the QoS function.

[0354] Figure 29 The update unit 320 includes a receiving control unit 321, a sending control unit 322, and an update determination unit 323.

[0355] The receiving control unit 321 receives QoS status request frames and QoS update request frames sent from AP MLD 11-1.

[0356] The transmitting control unit 322 generates a QoS status response frame in response to the QoS status request frame and sends the QoS status response frame to AP MLD 11-1. The transmitting control unit 322 generates a QoS update response frame based on the update determination process of the update determination unit 323. The transmitting control unit 322 sends the QoS update response frame to AP MLD 11-1.

[0357] The update determination unit 323 performs update determination processing based on the QoS update request frame received under the control of the receiving control unit 321. The update determination processing involves determining whether a QoS function can be updated, and if it is determined that an update is possible, identifying the updatable QoS function as the update content based on the QoS update request frame. If the update determination processing determines that an update is possible, the update determination unit 323 updates the current QoS function to the identified updatable QoS function.

[0358] <First example of switching judgment processing after update>

[0359] Figure 30 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an updated handover determination process performed by a second embodiment of the wireless communication system, including the handover determination process of AP MLD 11-1. For example, this updated handover determination process begins when AP MLD 11-1 determines that the communication success rate between AP MLD 11-1 and STA MLD 12 or the radio wave strength of the signal transmitted from STA MLD 12 has deteriorated.

[0360] exist Figure 30 In step S511, the transmission control unit 301 of AP MLD 11-1 sends a QoS status request frame to AP MLD 11-2. In step S521, the reception control unit 321 of AP MLD 11-2 receives the QoS status request frame sent through the processing in step S511.

[0361] In step S522, the transmitting control unit 322, in response to the QoS status request frame received through the processing in step S521, sends a QoS status response frame to AP MLD 11-2. In step S512, the receiving control unit 302 receives the QoS status response frame sent through the processing in step S522.

[0362] In this way, AP MLD 11-1 and AP MLD 11-2 exchange QoS information with each other by exchanging QoS status request frames and QoS status response frames.

[0363] In step S513, the transmission control unit 301 generates a QoS update request frame based on the QoS information contained in the QoS status response frame received through the processing in step S512, and sends the QoS update request frame to AP MLD 11-2.

[0364] In step S523, the receiving control unit 321 receives the QoS update request frame sent through the processing in step S513. In step S524, the update determination unit 323 performs update determination processing based on the QoS update request frame received through the processing in step S523. If the update determination processing determines that an update is possible, the update determination unit 323 updates to the determined updatable QoS function after a predetermined time has elapsed. In step S525, the sending control unit 322 generates a QoS update response frame based on the result of the update determination processing in step S524 and sends the QoS update response frame to AP MLD 11-1.

[0365] In step S514, the receiving control unit 302 receives the QoS update response frame sent through the processing in step S524. In step S515, the determination unit 303 performs the aforementioned handover determination process based on the QoS update response frame received through the processing in step S514 and the BSS load information. Then, the post-update handover determination process ends.

[0366] In this way, after exchanging QoS information with each other, AP MLD 11-1 and AP MLD 11-2 exchange a QoS update request frame and a QoS update response frame. Therefore, for example, AP MLD 11-1 and AP MLD 11-2 negotiate to update the QoS function of AP MLD 11-2 to the following QoS function that enables low-latency traffic to be transmitted within a required delay time even after handover to AP MLD 11-2 which is the connection destination.

[0367] Note that after receiving the QoS update response frame transmitted from AP MLD 11-2, AP MLD 11-1 may transmit a QoS update request frame to AP MLD 11-2 again. That is, the handover determination processing may be performed after the QoS function of AP MLD 11-2 is updated through multiple exchanges of QoS update response frames and QoS update request frames.

[0368] Instead of AP MLD 11-1 and AP MLD 11-2 directly exchanging QoS information with each other, AP MLD 11-1 may acquire the QoS information of AP MLD 11-2 via STA MLD 12 in a manner similar to that in the first embodiment. AP MLD 11-1 may acquire a part of the QoS information of AP MLD 11-2 via STA MLD 12 in a manner similar to that in the first embodiment, and acquire the other part through direct exchange with AP MLD 11-2.

[0369] The communication between AP MLDs 11 may be wired communication or wireless communication. The AP MLDs 11 may communicate via another device instead of direct communication.

[0370] <Structural Example of QoS Status Request Frame>

[0371] Figure 31 is a diagram showing a structural example of a QoS status request frame.

[0372] Figure 31 The QoS status request frame is a newly defined Multi-AP (MAP) action frame within an action frame defined in IEEE 802.11.

[0373] Figure 31 The QoS status request frame includes a category field, a MAP action field, a dialog token field, and a QoS status element field.

[0374] In the category of the QoS status request frame, a value indicating the MAP action frame is recorded as information indicating the type of this action frame. In the MAP action, information indicating the QoS status request frame is recorded as information indicating the type of this MAP action frame. In the dialog token, information indicating the processing number of this action frame is recorded. In the QoS status element, QoS information and the like of the AP MLD 11-1 that is the source of this action frame are recorded.

[0375] Specifically, the QoS status element includes a QoS capability bitmap field, a TID-to-link mapping sub-element field, a TWT sub-element field, an MSCS descriptor sub-element field, a QoS mapping sub-element field, and the like.

[0376] In the QoS capability bitmap, bitmap information indicating the QoS functions included in this element is recorded. In the TID-to-link mapping sub-element, TWT sub-element, MSCS descriptor sub-element, and QoS mapping sub-element, the TID-to-link mapping information, R-TWT information, SCS / MSCS information, and QoS mapping information in the QoS information are recorded respectively.

[0377] Note that the QoS status element may further include an EHT capability sub-element field in which R-TWT capability information is recorded and a basic multi-link sub-element field in which TID-to-link mapping capability information is recorded.

[0378] <Configuration Example of QoS Status Response Frame>

[0379] Figure 32 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the QoS status response frame.

[0380] Figure 32 The QoS status response frame of is a newly defined MAP action frame within the action frames defined in IEEE 802.11.

[0381] Figure 32 The QoS status response frame of includes a category field, a MAP action field, a dialog token field, a status code field, and a QoS status element field.

[0382] In the category of the QoS status response frame, a value indicating the MAP action frame is recorded as information indicating the type of this action frame. In the MAP action, a value indicating the QoS status response frame is recorded as information indicating the type of this MAP action frame. In the dialog token, information indicating the processing number of this action frame is recorded. In the status code, OK, NG, and the like are recorded as information indicating the response type to the request of the QoS status request frame. When NG is recorded in the status code, the subsequent QoS status element is omitted.

[0383] In the QoS status element, QoS information and the like of the AP MLD 11-2 that is the source of the action frame are recorded. Since the configuration of the QoS status element is similar to that of Figure 31 the QoS status element, the description thereof is omitted.

[0384] <Configuration Example of QoS Update Request Frame>

[0385] Figure 33 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the QoS update request frame.

[0386] Figure 33 the QoS update request frame is a newly defined MAP action frame within the action frames defined in IEEE 802.11.

[0387] Figure 33 the QoS update request frame includes a category field, a MAP action field, a dialog token field, and a QoS status element field.

[0388] In the category of the QoS update request frame, a value indicating the MAP action frame is recorded as information indicating the type of the action frame. In the MAP action, a value indicating the QoS update request frame is recorded as information indicating the type of the MAP action frame. In the dialog token, information indicating the processing number of the action frame is recorded. In the QoS update element, information for requesting an update of the QoS function is recorded.

[0389] Specifically, the QoS status element includes an update type field, a traffic information field, a requested QoS characteristics bitmap field, a TID-to-link mapping subfield field, a TWT subfield field, an MSCS descriptor subfield field, a QoS mapping subfield field, and the like.

[0390] In Figure 33 the update type, information indicating the type of the update request for the QoS information, that is, update request type information, is recorded. The types indicated by the update request type information include, for example, "the requester specifies both the desired updated QoS function and parameters" and "the requester specifies only the desired updated QoS function". In addition, the types indicated by the update request type information further include "the requester entrusts the determination of the updated QoS function and parameters to the responder" and the like. When the update request type information indicates "the requester entrusts the determination of the updated QoS function and parameters to the responder", the responder refers to the QoS characteristic sub-element described later, and determines the QoS function and parameters suitable for low-latency traffic as the updated QoS function and parameters.

[0391] In the traffic information, information associated with low-latency traffic corresponding to the QoS function requested to be updated is recorded. Specifically, the traffic information includes an STA AID field, a DSCP field, and a QoS characteristic sub-element field. In the STA AID, the association ID (AID) of the STA MLD 12 is recorded. In the DSCP, the DSCP of the low-latency traffic is recorded. In the QoS characteristic sub-element, detailed information of the low-latency traffic is recorded. The traffic information is not necessarily set.

[0392] In the requested QoS characteristic bitmap, bitmap information indicating the QoS function requested to be updated is recorded. In a case where "the requester entrusts the determination of the updated QoS function and parameters to the responder" is recorded in the update type, all zeros are recorded as the bitmap information, or the requested QoS characteristic bitmap is omitted.

[0393] In the TID-to-link mapping sub-element and the TWT sub-element, TID-to-link mapping information and R-TWT information among the QoS information of the updated QoS function desired by the AP MLD 11-2 are recorded respectively. In the MSCS descriptor sub-element and the QoS mapping sub-element, SCS / MSCS information and QoS mapping information among the QoS information of the updated QoS function desired by the AP MLD 11-2 are recorded respectively.

[0394] <Configuration Example of QoS Update Response Frame>

[0395] Figure 34 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a QoS update response frame.

[0396] Figure 34 the QoS update response frame is a newly defined MAP action frame within the action frames defined in IEEE 802.11.

[0397] Figure 34 the QoS update response frame includes a category field, a MAP action field, a dialog token field, a status code field, a reason code field, an update time field, and a QoS status element field.

[0398] In the category of the QoS update response frame, a numerical value indicating the MAP action is recorded as information indicating the type of the action frame. In the MAP action, a numerical value indicating the QoS update response frame is recorded as information indicating the type of the MAP action frame. In the dialog token, information indicating the processing number of the action frame is recorded.

[0399] In the status code, it is recorded that Figure 30 the information of the determination result of the update determination processing in step S524 is recorded as information indicating the type of response to the request for the QoS update request frame, that is, the update response type.

[0400] Specifically, when it is determined by the update determination processing that updating is not possible, information indicating "updating is not possible" is recorded as the update response type. When it is determined by the update determination processing that updating is possible and the QoS function corresponding to the QoS information of the QoS update request frame is determined as the updatable QoS function, information indicating "updating to the QoS function based on the QoS update request frame is possible" is recorded as the update response type. When it is determined by the update determination processing that updating is possible and a QoS function other than the QoS function corresponding to the QoS information of the QoS update request frame is determined as the updatable QoS function, "updating to a QoS function other than the QoS function based on the QoS update request frame is possible" is recorded as the update response type.

[0401] In the reason code, information indicating the reason is recorded when the update response type is "updating is not possible". In the update time, when it is determined by the update determination processing that updating is possible, information indicating the time from the current time to the update start time, i.e., the update time, is recorded. In the QoS status element, updatable QoS information and the like of the AP MLD 11-2 determined by the update determination processing are recorded. Since the configuration of the QoS status element is similar to that of Figure 31 the QoS status element, the description thereof is omitted.

[0402] <Description of Update of TID-to-Link Mapping>

[0403] Figure 35 is a diagram illustrating the update of TID-to-link mapping.

[0404] In Figure 35 the example of, as shown in the upper part of Figure 35 , the AP MLD 11-1 implements TID-to-link mapping by using only the traffic with TID 1 on link 21-1 as restricted traffic. The AP MLD 11-2 implements TID-to-link mapping by using only the traffic with TID 2 on link 21-1 as restricted traffic. The TID of the low-latency traffic transmitted by the STA MLD 12 is 1.

[0405] In this scenario, AP MLD 11-1 confirms the TID-to-link mapping information from the QoS information of AP MLD 11-2, included in the QoS status response frame sent from AP MLD 11-2. Then, AP MLD 11-1 sends a QoS update request frame to AP MLD 11-2, requesting an update to the TID-to-link mapping so that even after switching the connection destination to AP MLD 11-2, only low-latency traffic becomes restricted traffic on link 21-1. In other words, AP MLD 11-1 requests AP MLD 11-2 to update the TID-to-link mapping to a similar format to the one in AP MLD 11-1.

[0406] AP MLD 11-2 performs update determination processing based on the TID-to-link mapping information included in the QoS update request frame. If the TID-to-link mapping can be updated based on the TID-to-link mapping information in the QoS update request frame, it is determined in the update determination processing that it can be updated, and the TID-to-link mapping is identified as an updatable QoS function. Therefore, as... Figure 35 As shown on the lower left, AP MLD 11-2 updates the TID to the link mapping, so that traffic with TID 1 becomes restricted traffic on link 21-1 after the update start time has elapsed.

[0407] On the other hand, when it's possible to update the TID-to-link mapping but not possible to update the TID-to-link mapping information based on the QoS update request frame, the update determination process uses the TID-to-link mapping information to determine the updatable QoS function. For example, if both traffic with TID 1 and traffic with TID 2 on link 21-1 can be restricted traffic, AP MLD 11-2 compromises by determining the TID-to-link mapping that treats both as restricted traffic as the updatable QoS function. Therefore, as... Figure 35 As shown on the lower right, AP MLD 11-2 updates the TID to link mapping, making traffic with TID 1 or 2 restricted traffic on link 21-1 after the update start time has elapsed. At this time, AP MLD 11-2 sends a control signal to the STA MLD under its management to notify of the TID to link mapping update.

[0408] It is important to note that whether to determine the updatable QoS function as the TID-to-link mapping based on the TID-to-link mapping information of the QoS update request frame is a comprehensive judgment based on the traffic status of the AP MLD 11-2 itself and the status of the STA MLD under its management.

[0409] For example, when the QoS standard required for the traffic with TID 2, which is the restricted traffic on link 21-1, is not high, the updatable QoS function is determined to be the TID-to-link mapping based on the TID-to-link mapping information of the QoS update request frame. When there is sufficient available capacity in the channel of link 21-1, the updatable QoS function is determined to be the TID-to-link mapping that takes the traffic with TID 1 or 2 on link 21-1 as the restricted traffic.

[0410] On the other hand, when making other traffic also restricted traffic causes the channel of link 21-1 to become congested, the AP MLD 11-2 determines in the update determination process that the update cannot be performed, and rejects the request from the AP MLD 11-1.

[0411] <Description of R-TWT Update>

[0412] Figure 36 is a diagram illustrating R-TWT update.

[0413] Note that, in Figure 36 , the horizontal axis represents time t.

[0414] In the example Figure 36 as shown in the upper part of Figure 36 , the AP MLD 11-1 implements R-TWT in which only the traffic with TID 1 serves as the priority traffic of the priority transmission period T1. The AP MLD 11-2 implements R-TWT in which only the traffic with TID 2 serves as the priority traffic of the priority transmission period T2. The TID of the low-latency traffic transmitted by the STA MLD 12 is 1.

[0415] In this case, the AP MLD 11-1 confirms the R-TWT information in the QoS information of the AP MLD 11-2 included in the QoS status response frame transmitted from the AP MLD 11-2. Then, the AP MLD 11-1 transmits a QoS update request frame to the AP MLD 11-2. The QoS update request frame is a frame that requests to update R-TWT so as to set the priority transmission period T1 on link 21-1 that takes only the low-latency traffic as priority traffic even after switching the connection destination to the AP MLD 11-2. That is, the AP MLD 11-1 requests the AP MLD 11-2 to update to an R-TWT similar to the R-TWT in the AP MLD 11-1.

[0416] AP MLD 11-2 performs update determination processing based on the R-TWT information included in the QoS update request frame. If the R-TWT can be updated based on the R-TWT information in the QoS update request frame, the update determination processing determines that an update is possible, and the R-TWT is identified as an updatable QoS function. Therefore, as... Figure 36 As shown on the lower left, AP MLD 11-2 updates R-TWT so that after the update start time, in addition to the priority transmission period T2, a priority transmission period T1 is set for traffic with TID 1 as the priority traffic.

[0417] On the other hand, when it is possible to update the R-TWT but not to update the R-TWT information based on the QoS update request frame, the update determination process determines the updatable QoS function based on the R-TWT information. For example, if both traffic with TID 1 and traffic with TID 2 can be set as priority traffic in priority transmission period T2, AP MLD11-2 makes a compromise by determining the R-TWT of the priority traffic with both as priority traffic in priority transmission period T2 as the updatable QoS function. Therefore, as Figure 35 As shown on the lower right, AP MLD 11-2 updates R-TWT so that after the update start time, both traffic with TID 1 and traffic with TID 2 are priority traffic in priority transmission period T2. At this time, AP MLD11-2 sends a control signal notifying the STA MLD under its management of the R-TWT update.

[0418] It should be noted that whether to determine the updatable QoS function as the QoS function based on the R-TWT information of the QoS update request frame is based on a comprehensive judgment of the AP MLD 11-2's own traffic status and the status of the STA MLD under its management.

[0419] For example, if sufficient available capacity exists in the channel during periods outside the priority transmission period T2, the updatable QoS information is determined to be the R-TWT based on the R-TWT information of the QoS update request frame. If a new priority transmission period T1 causes channel congestion, but sufficient available capacity exists in the channel within the priority transmission period T2, the updatable QoS function is determined to be the R-TWT of traffic with TID 1 or 2 as the priority traffic in priority transmission period T2. On the other hand, if available capacity in the channel is insufficient both inside and outside the priority transmission period T2, AP MLD 11-2 determines in its update decision process that an update cannot be performed and rejects the request from AP MLD 11-1.

[0420] As described above, the update determination unit 323 determines in the update determination process whether the QoS function can be updated based on the QoS update request frame sent from AP MLD 11-1. The transmission control unit 322 sends a QoS update response frame to AP MLD 11-1 based on the determination result. Therefore, AP MLD 11-1 can perform the handover determination process based on the QoS update response frame and perform the handover appropriately.

[0421] AP MLD 11-1 and AP MLD 11-2 can negotiate QoS function updates for AP MLD 11-2 by exchanging QoS update request frames and QoS update response frames, enabling low-latency traffic to be transmitted in a similar manner to before the handover, even after the handover. This increases the probability of transmitting low-latency traffic with the desired transmission success rate within the required latency time after the handover. Consequently, it increases the probability of being determined to perform a handover during the handover decision process.

[0422] Note that the negotiation of QoS function updates for AP MLD 11-2 can be performed independently of the handover decision process between an AP MLD 11 currently connected to STA MLD 12 and another AP MLD 11 that can be connected to STA MLD 12.

[0423] exist Figure 30 In the post-update handover decision-making process, if the status code of the QoS update response frame contains information indicating "able to update to the QoS function based on the QoS update request frame," then the handover decision-making process in step S515 does not need to be executed. In this case, since the transmission performance of low-latency traffic after handover is guaranteed, AP MLD 11-1 performs the handover decision-making process based on, for example, the radio wave environment and communication success rate.

[0424] <3. Computer>

[0425] <Example of computer configuration>

[0426] The above series of processes can be performed by hardware or software. When the processes are performed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from the program recording medium into a computer, general-purpose personal computer, or other dedicated hardware.

[0427] Figure 37 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that performs the above series of processes through a program.

[0428] The central processing unit (CPU) 801, read-only memory (ROM) 802 and random access memory (RAM) 803 are interconnected via bus 804.

[0429] Input / output interface 805 is also connected to bus 804. Input / output interface 805 is connected to input unit 806, including keyboard, mouse, etc., and output unit 807, including display, speaker, etc. Information related to this technology can be output or displayed via output unit 807. Information related to this technology can be input via input unit 806, and confirmation or response to information output or displayed on output unit 807 can be performed. In addition, input / output interface 805 is connected to storage unit 808, including hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc., communication unit 809, including network interface, etc., and driver 810 that drives removable media 811.

[0430] In a computer configured as described above, for example, CPU 801 loads a program stored in storage unit 808 into RAM 803 via input / output interface 805 and bus 804, and executes the program to perform the series of processes described above. For example, CPU 801 can execute operations related to the present technology. Figure 6 , 23 The sequence diagrams of 24, 27, and 30, and Figure 16 , 17 The corresponding processing procedure for flowchart 22.

[0431] The program to be executed by the CPU 801 is provided, for example, by recording on a removable medium 811 or via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet or digital broadcasting, and is installed on the storage unit 808.

[0432] It should be noted that the program to be executed by the computer can be a program that performs processing in the time-series order described in this specification, or a program that performs processing in parallel or at necessary time intervals, such as when a call is made.

[0433] <4. Application Examples>

[0434] This technology can be applied to various products. For example, Figure 3 The STA MLD 12 can be implemented as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet PC, laptop PC, portable gaming console, or digital camera; a fixed terminal such as a television receiver, projector, printer, digital scanner, or network storage device; or an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation device or driving recorder. Furthermore, the STA MLD 12 can be implemented as a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication terminal or Internet of Things (IoT) terminal such as a smart meter, vending machine, remote monitoring device, or point-of-sale (POS) terminal. Additionally, the STA MLD 12 can be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module configured with a single die) installed on these terminals.

[0435] On the other hand, for example, Figure 2 The AP MLD 11 can be implemented as a wireless LANAP (wireless base station) with or without router functionality. Furthermore, the AP MLD 11 can be implemented as a mobile wireless LAN router. Additionally, the AP MLD 11 can be implemented as a base station and femtocell for cellular communication schemes. Furthermore, the AP MLD 11 can be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module configured with a single die) installed on these devices.

[0436] <Sample smartphone configuration>

[0437] Figure 38 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone 900 to which this technology is applied. Figure 38 This is described as a configuration example for a smartphone 900, but it is not limited to this; it can also be a configuration example for the various devices and functions mentioned above.

[0438] Smartphone 900 includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a storage device 903, an external connection interface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone 908, an input device 909, and a display device 910. Furthermore, smartphone 900 includes a speaker 911, a wireless communication interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an antenna 915, a bus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller 919. It should be noted that smartphone 900 may include all of the above, or only some of them.

[0439] The processor 901 can be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a system-on-a-chip (SoC), and controls the functions of the application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900.

[0440] The memory 902 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data to be executed by the processor 901.

[0441] Storage device 903 includes storage media such as semiconductor memory or hard disk.

[0442] External connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting external devices such as memory cards or Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices to smartphone 900.

[0443] The camera 906 includes imaging elements such as charge-coupled devices (CCDs) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and generates captured images.

[0444] Sensor 907 includes, for example, a sensor group that includes a positioning sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an accelerometer, etc.

[0445] Microphone 908 converts the sound input to smartphone 900 into an audio signal.

[0446] Input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor, keypad, keyboard, button, or switch that detects touch on the screen of display device 910, and receives operation or information input from the user.

[0447] The display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or a quantum dot (QD) display, and displays the output image of the smartphone 900.

[0448] Speaker 911 converts the audio signal output from smartphone 900 into sound.

[0449] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more of the wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn and their successors, and performs wireless communication.

[0450] The wireless communication interface 913 communicates with other devices via a wireless LAN AP in infrastructure mode. Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 913 communicates directly with other devices in point-to-point mode or direct communication modes such as Wi-Fi Direct.

[0451] It is important to note that in Wi-Fi Direct, unlike peer-to-peer mode, although one of the two terminals works as an access point, the two terminals communicate directly with each other.

[0452] The wireless communication interface 913 typically includes a baseband processor, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 913 can be a single-chip module that integrates a memory storing communication control programs, a processor executing the programs, and related circuitry.

[0453] In addition to wireless LAN solutions, the wireless communication interface 913 can also support other types of wireless communication solutions, such as short-range wireless communication solutions like Bluetooth, near-field wireless communication solutions like NFC, or 3GPP (registered trademark) cellular communication solutions like 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 913 can be a single-chip module supporting multiple wireless communication solutions, or a combination of modules supporting several wireless communication solutions.

[0454] Antenna switch 914 switches the connection destination of antenna 915 among multiple circuits included in wireless communication interface 913 (e.g., circuits for different wireless communication schemes, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0455] Antenna 915 has one or more antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements constituting a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna, or multiple antenna elements constituting an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals of wireless communication interface 913.

[0456] It should be noted that the smartphone 900 is not limited to Figure 38 Examples can be provided, and multiple antennas can be included (e.g., an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for short-range wireless communication schemes, and an antenna for cellular communication schemes). In this case, the antenna switch 914 can be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0457] Bus 917 interconnects processor 901, memory 902, storage device 903, external connection interface 904, camera 906, sensor 907, microphone 908, input device 909, display device 910, speaker 911, wireless communication interface 913 and auxiliary controller 919.

[0458] Battery 918 is connected to the power line shown in the diagram, which is partially indicated by the dashed line. Figure 38 Each block of the smartphone 900 shown is powered. The auxiliary controller 919 enables the smartphone 900 to operate, for example, the minimum necessary functions, in sleep mode. Furthermore, the battery 918 can be charged via an external connection interface 904. The battery 918 may also have the ability to read information about remaining battery power, cumulative power-on time, or cumulative power supply, and the processor 901, wireless communication interface 913, or auxiliary controller 919 can control any of the functions described above based on the information read from the battery 918.

[0459] exist Figure 38 In the smartphone 900 shown, for example, Figure 3 The STA MLD 12 can be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. For example, corresponding to Figure 6 and Figure 27 The sequence diagram processing program can be executed in the wireless communication interface 913. Furthermore, at least some of these functions can be installed on the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919.

[0460] It is important to note that when the processor 901 performs AP functions at the application layer, the smartphone 900 can be used as a wireless AP (i.e., a software AP). Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 913 can also have wireless AP functionality. Additionally, the processor 901 or the wireless communication interface 913 can have tethering functionality using both wireless LAN and cellular communication schemes, and can transmit payload data received via cellular communication using either the wireless LAN or cellular communication scheme. The hotspot function of the smartphone 900 can be enabled via user input.

[0461] Furthermore, the smartphone 900 may include a biometric authentication unit (such as fingerprint authentication, palm shape authentication, voice authentication, blood vessel authentication, facial authentication, iris authentication, and retinal authentication). In this case, [the following is implemented] Figure 3 The wireless communication interface 913 of the STA MLD 12 is configured to receive power from the same battery 918 with at least one of the display device 910, speaker 911 or biometric authentication unit.

[0462] Furthermore, in the smartphone 900, information is displayed from at least one of the display device 910 or the speaker 911 based on communication with an external device via the wireless communication interface 913. At this time, information about the present technology can be output as information from at least one of the display device 910 or the speaker 911. Additionally, the input device 909 can receive confirmation or response to information output from at least one of the display device 910 or the speaker 911.

[0463] <Configuration Example of Vehicle-Mounted Equipment>

[0464] Figure 39 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an in-vehicle device 920 applying this technology. Although Figure 39 The configuration example described is for in-vehicle device 920, but is not limited to it, and can be a configuration example of the various devices and functions mentioned above.

[0465] The vehicle-mounted device 920 includes a processor 921, a memory 922, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, a content player 927, and a storage medium interface 928. Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 920 includes an input device 929, a display device 930, a speaker 931, a wireless communication interface 933, an antenna switch 934, an antenna 935, and a battery 938. It should be noted that the vehicle-mounted device 920 may have all of the above configurations, or it may have only some of them.

[0466] The processor 921 can be, for example, a CPU or a SoC, and controls the navigation and other functions of the in-vehicle device 920. Furthermore, the processor 921 can also control vehicle drive systems such as brakes, accelerators, or steering based on information obtained through communication based on this technology.

[0467] The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data to be executed by the processor 921.

[0468] The GNSS module 924 measures the position (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the vehicle-mounted equipment 920 by using GNSS signals received from GNSS satellites.

[0469] Sensor 925 includes, for example, a sensor group including a gyroscope sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a millimeter-wave radar, a camera (such as an imaging element like a CCD or CMOS), and a barometric pressure sensor.

[0470] The data interface 926 is connected to the vehicle network 941 via, for example, a terminal (not shown), and acquires data generated on the vehicle side, such as vehicle-side data.

[0471] Content player 927 reproduces content stored on a storage medium (such as a CD or DVD) inserted into storage medium interface 928, or content received via wireless communication interface 933.

[0472] Input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects touch on the screen, button, or switch of display device 930, and receives operation or information input from the user. For example, input device 929 can input confirmation or response to information output from at least one of display device 930 or speaker 931.

[0473] The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD, OLED display or QD display, and displays images of navigation functions or content to be reproduced, as well as information related to the present technology.

[0474] The speaker 931 outputs navigation functions, audio of the content to be reproduced, or information related to this technology.

[0475] It should be noted that in the in-vehicle device 920, the navigation function and the content player 927 are optional. The navigation function and the content player 927 can be removed from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0476] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more of the wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn and their successors, and performs wireless communication.

[0477] The wireless communication interface 933 communicates with other devices via a wireless LANAP in infrastructure mode. Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 933 communicates directly with other devices in point-to-point mode or direct communication modes such as Wi-Fi Direct.

[0478] It is important to note that in Wi-Fi Direct, unlike peer-to-peer mode, one of the two terminals acts as an access point (AP), but communication between the two terminals is performed directly.

[0479] The wireless communication interface 933 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 933 can be a single-chip module that integrates a memory storing communication control programs, a processor executing the programs, or related circuitry.

[0480] In addition to wireless LAN solutions, the wireless communication interface 933 can also support other types of wireless communication solutions, such as short-range wireless communication solutions like Bluetooth, near-field wireless communication solutions like NFC, or 3GPP cellular communication solutions such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 933 can be a single-chip module supporting multiple wireless communication solutions, or a combination of modules supporting several wireless communication solutions.

[0481] Antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of antenna 935 among multiple circuits included in wireless communication interface 933 (e.g., circuits for different wireless communication schemes, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0482] Antenna 935 has one or more antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements constituting a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna, or multiple antenna elements constituting an array antenna) and is used by wireless communication interface 933 to transmit and receive wireless signals.

[0483] It should be noted that the vehicle-mounted device 920 is not limited to Figure 39 Examples can be provided, and multiple antennas can be included (e.g., an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for short-range wireless communication schemes, and an antenna for cellular communication schemes). In this case, the antenna switch 934 can be omitted from the configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 920.

[0484] Battery 938 is connected to the power supply line, which is partially shown by the dashed line in the diagram. Figure 39 Each block of the on-board device 920 shown is powered. Additionally, the battery 938 can store power supplied from the vehicle side. Alternatively, the on-board device 920 may not be equipped with a battery and may use power supplied from the vehicle side via a voltage regulator or capacitor.

[0485] exist Figure 39In the vehicle-mounted device 920 shown, for example, Figure 3 The STA MLD 12 can be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. For example, it can be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933 with... Figure 6 and Figure 27 The corresponding processing program for the sequence diagram. Furthermore, at least part of this functionality can be installed on processor 921.

[0486] Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 933 can be used as the aforementioned AP MLD 11 and provide wireless connectivity for the terminal of a user in the vehicle. For example, the wireless communication interface 933 can connect the in-vehicle device 920 to another peripheral device, and the in-vehicle device 920 can use CarPlay (registered trademark) or Android Auto (registered trademark). It should be noted that the wireless communication interface 933 can connect the in-vehicle device 920 to another peripheral device via a short-range wireless communication scheme, an infrastructure mode, or a wireless LAN scheme utilizing Wi-Fi Direct.

[0487] It should be noted that when the processor 921 performs AP functions at the application level, the vehicle-mounted device 920 can be used as a wireless AP (software AP). Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 933 can also have wireless AP functionality. Additionally, the processor 921 or the wireless communication interface 933 has hotspot functionality using both wireless LAN and cellular communication schemes, and can transmit payload data received via the cellular communication scheme via the wireless LAN scheme, and vice versa.

[0488] The hotspot function of the vehicle device 920 can be enabled by user input.

[0489] Furthermore, this technology can be implemented as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or more blocks of the aforementioned in-vehicle device 920, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 can generate vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed information, engine speed information, information about the vehicle-side battery, or fault information, and output the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941. The processor 921 or the wireless communication interface 933 can control any function of the above embodiments based on the vehicle-side data obtained via the in-vehicle network 941.

[0490] <Configuration Example of Wireless AP>

[0491] Figure 40 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a wireless AP 950 that applies this technology. Figure 40 The configuration example described is for a wireless AP 950, but it is not limited to this and can be a configuration example for various devices and functions mentioned above.

[0492] The wireless AP 950 includes a controller 951, a memory 952, an input device 954, a display device 955, a network interface 957, a wireless communication interface 963, an antenna switch 964, and an antenna 965. Note that the wireless AP 950 may include all of the above, or only some of them.

[0493] The controller 951 can be, for example, a CPU or a digital signal processor (DSP) and runs various functions of the wireless AP 950 at the Internet Protocol (IP) layer and higher layers (e.g., access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall, log management, etc.).

[0494] The memory 952 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs executed by the controller 951 as well as various control information (e.g., terminal list, routing table, encryption key, security settings, logs, etc.).

[0495] Input device 954 includes, for example, buttons, switches, etc., and receives operations from the user. For example, input device 954 can input confirmation or response to information output from display device 955. Furthermore, in response to user operations, input device 954 can receive input for switching wireless functions on / off and for switching router / access point functions.

[0496] The display device 955 includes LED lights, etc., and displays the operating status of the wireless AP 950. The display device 955 can display information related to this technology.

[0497] Network interface 957 is a wired communication interface used to connect wireless AP 950 to wired communication network 958. Network interface 957 may have multiple connection terminals. Network interface 957 can output payload data included in the wireless signal input from wireless communication interface 963 as a wired signal, and can receive payload data output as a wireless signal from wireless communication interface 963 as a wired signal. It can also operate in parallel with or independently of the input and output of wireless signals from wireless communication interface 963 to input and output wired signals. Wired communication network 958 can be a local area network (LAN) such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wide area network (WAN).

[0498] The wireless communication interface 963 supports more than one wireless LAN standard, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn and subsequent standards, and provides wireless connectivity as an access point (AP) to nearby terminals. Note that when the wireless AP 950 is installed in a cellular communication base station and femtocell, in addition to wireless LAN, the wireless communication interface 963 can also support other types of wireless communication schemes, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and 6G 3GPP cellular communication schemes. The wireless communication interface 963 can be a single-chip module supporting multiple wireless communication schemes, or a combination of modules supporting several wireless communication schemes.

[0499] The wireless communication interface 963 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, power amplifier, etc.

[0500] The wireless communication interface 963 can be a single-chip module that integrates a memory storing a communication control program, a processor executing the program, or related circuitry.

[0501] Antenna switch 964 switches the connection destination of antenna 965 among multiple circuits included in wireless communication interface 963 (e.g., circuits for different wireless communication schemes, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0502] Antenna 965 has one or more antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements constituting a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna, or multiple antenna elements constituting an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving radio wave signals through wireless communication interface 963.

[0503] exist Figure 40 In the wireless AP 950 shown, for example, Figure 2 The AP MLD 11 can be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. For example, with... Figure 6 , Figure 23 , Figure 24 , Figure 27 and Figure 30 sequence diagram and Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 22 The corresponding processing program for the flowchart can be executed in the wireless communication interface 963. Furthermore, at least some of these functions can be installed on the controller 951.

[0504] It should be noted that the above embodiments illustrate examples for implementing the present technology, and there is a correspondence between the matters in the embodiments and the matters defined in the claims. Similarly, there is a correspondence between the matters defined in the claims and the matters in the embodiments having the same name. However, the present technology is not limited to the embodiments, and can be embodied by various modifications to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0505] Furthermore, some or all of the information processing device described in the above embodiments can be implemented as, for example, a semiconductor chip (integrated circuit (IC)) with wireless communication control function. Additionally, some or all of the information processing device can be implemented on a single semiconductor chip (e.g., a system-on-a-chip (SoC)) on which multiple functions are mounted, or it can be implemented by combining multiple semiconductor chips with a single function (e.g., a processor). Furthermore, some or all of the information processing device can be implemented by combining multiple SoCs, or it can be implemented by combining a semiconductor chip with a single function and an SoC. Furthermore, some or all of the information processing device can be implemented as a semiconductor chip such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for implementing each unit, or it can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose processor, software, firmware, etc., or as a semiconductor chip such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0506] Furthermore, the processes described in the above embodiments can be considered as a method that includes a series of such processes, or as a program that causes a computer to perform a series of processes, or a recording medium that stores the program.

[0507] As recording media, for example, compact discs (CDs), mini discs (MDs), digital multifunction discs (DVDs), memory cards, Blu-ray discs, etc. can be used.

[0508] It should be noted that in this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it is not important whether all components are housed in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in a separate housing and connected via a network, and a single device consisting of multiple modules housed in a single housing, are both systems.

[0509] Furthermore, the beneficial effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limited thereto; other beneficial effects may also be provided.

[0510] The embodiments of this technology are not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of this technology.

[0511] For example, this technology can have a cloud computing configuration, in which a function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0512] Furthermore, each step described in the flowchart above can be performed by one device or by multiple devices sharing the execution.

[0513] Furthermore, when a step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in a step can be performed by one device or by multiple devices in a distributed manner.

[0514] The effects described in this manual are merely examples and are not limited to any particular effect; other effects can be achieved.

[0515] This technology can have the following configurations.

[0516] (1) A wireless communication device, comprising: The determination unit is configured to perform a handover determination process based on QoS information to determine whether to switch the connection destination of the wireless terminal device from the wireless communication device itself to another wireless communication device, wherein the QoS information is information related to the QoS function of the other wireless communication device.

[0517] (2) The wireless communication device according to (1) above, wherein the determination unit is configured to perform the handover determination process based on channel utilization information in units of at least one of the links or predetermined time periods of the other wireless communication device.

[0518] (3) The wireless communication device according to (2) above, The determination unit is configured as follows: Based on the QoS information, it is determined whether the available links for communication between the other wireless communication device and the wireless terminal device are restricted, and When the available links are limited, the handover decision process is performed based on the channel utilization information of the available links.

[0519] (4) The wireless communication device according to (2) or (3) above, Wherein, the predetermined time period is either the priority transmission period of R-TWT or a time period other than the priority transmission period, and The decision unit is configured as follows: Based on the QoS information, it is determined whether the communication period between the other wireless communication device and the wireless terminal device is restricted, and When the communication period is limited, the handover decision process is performed based on the channel utilization information of the priority transmission period or a period other than the priority transmission period.

[0520] (5) The wireless communication device according to (1) above, The determination unit is configured to perform the handover determination process based on channel utilization information in units of either the link of the other wireless communication device or a time period obtained by subdividing a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is the entire time period, the priority transmission time period of R-TWT, or a time period other than the priority transmission time period.

[0521] (6) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (5) above further includes: The receiving control unit is configured to control the reception of the QoS information sent from the wireless terminal device.

[0522] (7) The wireless communication device according to (6) above further includes: The transmission control unit is configured to control the transmission of a request to obtain the QoS information to the wireless terminal device. The request information includes information indicating the type of the QoS function corresponding to the QoS information, and The receiving control unit is configured to control the reception of QoS information sent by the wireless terminal device in response to the acquisition request information sent by the sending control unit.

[0523] (8) The wireless communication device according to (7) above, wherein the QoS information is information associated with the QoS function of the other wireless communication device in the traffic of the wireless communication device itself communicating with the wireless terminal device.

[0524] (9) The wireless communication device according to (7) above, The transmitting control unit is further configured to control the transmission of update request information for updating the QoS function of the other wireless communication device based on the QoS information received under the control of the receiving control unit. The receiving control unit is also configured to control the reception of update information, which is information associated with an update of the QoS function and is sent from the other wireless communication device based on an update request information sent under the control of the transmitting control unit. The determination unit is configured to perform the switching determination process based on the updated information.

[0525] (10) The wireless communication device according to (9) above, wherein the update request information includes the updated QoS information of the QoS function of the other wireless communication device.

[0526] (11) The wireless communication device according to (9) above, wherein the update request information includes information indicating that the determination of the update content of the QoS function is entrusted to the other wireless communication device.

[0527] (12) A wireless communication method, comprising: The wireless communication device performs a handover decision process based on QoS information associated with the QoS function of another wireless communication device, which determines whether to switch the connection destination of the wireless terminal device from itself to the other wireless communication device.

[0528] (13) A wireless terminal device, comprising: The determination unit is configured to perform a handover determination process to determine whether to switch the connection destination of the wireless terminal device from the second wireless communication device to the first wireless communication device based on information associated with the QoS function of the first wireless communication device among the first and second wireless communication devices that can be connected to the wireless terminal device itself.

[0529] (14) The wireless terminal device according to (13) above, wherein the determination unit is configured to perform the handover determination process based on channel utilization information in units of at least one of the links of the first wireless communication device or a predetermined time period.

[0530] (15) The wireless terminal device according to (14) above, The determination unit is configured as follows: Based on the QoS information, it is determined whether the available links for communication between the first wireless communication device and the wireless terminal device itself are restricted, and When the available links are limited, the handover decision process is performed based on the channel utilization information of the available links.

[0531] (16) The wireless terminal device according to (14) or (15) above, Wherein, the predetermined time period is either the priority transmission period of R-TWT or a time period other than the priority transmission period, and The determination unit is configured as follows: Based on the QoS information, it is determined whether the communication time between the first wireless communication device and the wireless terminal device is restricted, and When the communication period is limited, the handover decision process is performed based on the channel utilization information of the priority transmission period or a period other than the priority transmission period.

[0532] (17) The wireless terminal device according to (13) above, The determination unit is configured to perform the handover determination process based on channel utilization information in units of either the link of the first wireless communication device or a time period obtained by subdividing a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is the entire time period, the priority transmission time period of R-TWT, or a time period other than the priority transmission time period.

[0533] (18) The wireless terminal device according to (13) above further includes: A receiving control unit is configured to control the reception of the QoS information transmitted from the first wireless communication device.

[0534] (19) The wireless terminal device according to (18) above further includes: A transmission control unit is configured to control the transmission of a transmission request message to the first wireless communication device, the transmission request message requesting the transmission of the QoS information. The receiving control unit is configured to control the reception of QoS information sent from the first wireless communication device in response to the transmission request information sent by the transmitting control unit.

[0535] (20) According to the wireless terminal device described in (19) above, wherein the transmitting control unit further controls the transmission of the QoS information received under the control of the receiving control unit to the second wireless communication device.

[0536] (21) According to the wireless terminal device described in (20) above, wherein the transmitting control unit is configured to control the transmission of the QoS information in the QoS information received under the control of the receiving control unit, which is the traffic of the second wireless communication device communicating with itself, to the second wireless communication device.

[0537] (22) A wireless communication method, comprising: The wireless terminal device performs a handover decision process to determine whether to switch the connection destination of the wireless terminal device from the second wireless communication device to the first wireless communication device based on information associated with the QoS function of the first wireless communication device among the first and second wireless communication devices that can be connected to the wireless terminal device.

[0538] (23) A wireless communication device, comprising: The update determination unit is configured to determine whether the QoS function of the wireless communication device can be updated based on an update request information sent from another wireless communication device connected to the wireless terminal device and determining a switch in the connection destination of the wireless terminal device, requesting an update of the QoS function of the wireless communication device itself; and The transmitting unit is configured to transmit information related to the QoS function update, i.e., update information, to the other wireless communication device based on the determination result of the update determination unit.

[0539] (24) According to the wireless communication device described in (23) above, wherein the transmitting unit is configured to send information indicating the start time of the update of the QoS function as the update information to the other wireless communication device when the update determination unit determines that the QoS function can be updated.

[0540] (25) The wireless communication device according to (23) or (24) above, The update determination unit is further configured to determine the update content of the QoS function when the update determination unit determines that the QoS function can be updated, and The update information includes the update content of the QoS function determined by the update determination unit.

[0541] (26) A wireless communication method, comprising: The wireless communication device determines whether its own QoS function can be updated based on an update request information sent by another wireless communication device connected to the wireless terminal device and determining the connection destination of the wireless terminal device, requesting an update of the QoS function of the wireless communication device itself; and The wireless communication device sends information related to the update of the QoS function, i.e., update information, to the other wireless communication device based on the result of the determination.

[0542] Figure Labels

[0543] 11-1, 11-2: AP MLD; 12: STA MLD; 53: Communication Control Unit; 153: Communication Control Unit; 201: Transmit Control Unit; 202: Receive Control Unit; 203: Decision Unit; 221: Receive Control Unit; 222: Transmit Control Unit; 301: Transmit Control Unit; 302: Receive Control Unit; 322: Transmit Control Unit; 323: Update Decision Unit.

Claims

1. A communication control device, comprising: The determination unit is configured to perform a handover determination process to determine whether to switch the connection destination of the wireless terminal device from the second wireless communication device to the first wireless communication device based on information associated with the QoS function of the first wireless communication device in the first and second wireless communication devices that can be connected to the wireless terminal device, namely QoS information.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein, The determination unit is configured to perform the handover determination process based on channel utilization information in units of at least one of the links of the first wireless communication device or a predetermined time period.

3. The communication control device according to claim 2, in, The determination unit is configured as follows: Based on the QoS information, it is determined whether the available links for communication between the first wireless communication device and the wireless terminal device are restricted, and When the available links are limited, the handover decision process is performed based on the channel utilization information of the available links.

4. The communication control device according to claim 2, in, The predetermined time period is either the priority transmission period of R-TWT or a period other than the priority transmission period, and The determination unit is configured as follows: Based on the QoS information, it is determined whether the communication time between the first wireless communication device and the wireless terminal device is restricted, and When the communication period is limited, the handover decision process is performed based on the channel utilization information of the priority transmission period or the period other than the priority transmission period.

5. The communication control device according to claim 1, in, The determination unit is configured to perform the handover determination process based on channel utilization information in units of either the link of the first wireless communication device or a time period obtained by subdividing a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is the entire time period, the priority transmission period of R-TWT, or a time period other than the priority transmission period.

6. The communication control device according to claim 1, further comprising: The receiving control unit is configured to control the reception of the QoS information sent from the wireless terminal device.

7. The communication control device according to claim 6, further comprising: The transmission control unit is configured to control the transmission of a request for QoS information to the wireless terminal device. The request information includes information indicating the type of the QoS function corresponding to the QoS information, and The receiving control unit is configured to control the reception of QoS information sent from the wireless terminal device in response to the acquisition request information sent by the transmitting control unit.

8. The communication control device according to claim 7, wherein, The QoS information is information associated with the QoS function of the first wireless communication device in the traffic of communication between the second wireless communication device and the wireless terminal device.

9. The communication control device according to claim 1, further comprising: A receiving control unit is configured to control the reception of the QoS information transmitted from the first wireless communication device.

10. The communication control device according to claim 9, further comprising: The transmission control unit is configured to control the transmission of a transmission request information requesting the transmission of the QoS information to the first wireless communication device. The receiving control unit is configured to control the reception of QoS information sent from the first wireless communication device in response to the transmission request information sent by the transmitting control unit.

11. The communication control device according to claim 10, wherein, The transmitting control unit also controls the transmission of the QoS information received under the control of the receiving control unit to the second wireless communication device.

12. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein, The transmitting control unit is configured to control the transmission of the QoS information received under the control of the receiving control unit, specifically the QoS information in the traffic of communication between the second wireless communication device and the wireless terminal device, to the second wireless communication device.

13. The communication control device according to claim 10, in, The transmitting control unit is further configured to control the transmission of update request information for updating the QoS function of the first wireless communication device based on the QoS information received under the control of the receiving control unit. The receiving control unit is also configured to control the reception of update information, which is information associated with an update of the QoS function and is sent from the first wireless communication device based on the update request information sent under the control of the transmitting control unit. The determination unit is configured to perform the switching determination process based on the updated information.

14. The communication control device according to claim 13, wherein, The update request information includes the updated QoS information of the QoS function of the first wireless communication device.

15. The communication control device according to claim 13, wherein, The update request information includes information indicating that the determination of the update content for the QoS function should be delegated to the first wireless communication device.

16. A communication control method, comprising: The communication control device performs a handover decision process to determine whether to switch the connection destination of the wireless terminal device from the second wireless communication device to the first wireless communication device based on information associated with the QoS function of the first wireless communication device, which can be connected to the wireless terminal device.

17. A wireless communication device, comprising: The update determination unit is configured to determine whether the QoS function of the wireless communication device itself can be updated based on update request information, wherein the update request information is sent from another wireless communication device connected to the wireless terminal device and determining the switching of the connection destination of the wireless terminal device, and requests to update the QoS function of the wireless communication device itself. as well as The transmission control unit is configured to control the transmission of information associated with the update of the QoS function, i.e., update information, to the other wireless communication device based on the result of the determination by the update determination unit.

18. The wireless communication device according to claim 17, wherein, The transmission control unit is configured to, when the update determination unit determines that the QoS function can be updated, control the transmission of information indicating the start time of the QoS function update as the update information to the other wireless communication device.

19. The wireless communication device according to claim 17, wherein, The update determination unit is further configured to, when the update determination unit determines that the QoS function can be updated, determine the update content of the QoS function, and The update information includes the update content of the QoS function determined by the update determination unit.

20. A wireless communication method, comprising: The wireless communication device determines whether it can update its own QoS function based on update request information, wherein the update request information is sent from another wireless communication device connected to the wireless terminal device and determining the switching of the connection destination of the wireless terminal device, and requests to update the QoS function of the wireless communication device itself. as well as The wireless communication device controls the transmission of information associated with the QoS function update, i.e., update information, to the other wireless communication device based on the result of the determination.

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