Communication device, communication method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for an access point to perform power-saving operation, while preventing the occurrence of a problem in the connection with a Legacy STA.SOLUTION: A communication device provides an external device with a network identified by a first BSSID and a network identified by a second BSSID, and when the communication device uses a predetermined power-saving mechanism, and when the communication device functions as a Multi-Link Device (MLD) performing Multi-Link communication with another one communication device, performs control to transmit a Beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel where the communication device provides the first network. On the other hand, the communication device performs control not to transmit a Beacon frame including the second BSSID on a channel where the communication device provides the second network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device for communicating data. [Background technology]

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

[0003] In addition, the IEEE802.11be standard, which is the successor to the IEEE802.11ax standard, is being developed. As a new function of the IEEE802.11be standard, a function such as Multi-Link communication, in which an AP and a STA establish multiple links with different frequency channels and communicate in parallel, is being considered. In addition, Patent Document 1 describes a mechanism for establishing multiple links for Multi-Link communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-103805 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The EHT (Extreme High Throughput) TG is considering operating communication devices compatible with the IEEE802.11be standard in frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 4.9 and 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. TG stands for Task Group. Discussions on a successor standard to IEEE802.11be have also begun. The UHR (Ultra High Reliablity) SG, which is considering the successor standard, is focusing on the issue of increased power consumption by access points in the successor standard, and is considering some form of power-saving operation in the access points.

[0006] However, a specific power saving mechanism has not been considered. Here, an access point performing Multi-Link communication realizes Multi-Link communication by having a Multi-Link Upper MAC sublayer component comprehensively manage lower sublayers. This lower sublayer is a combination of a component as a Lower MAC sublayer and a PHY that corresponds to the component one-to-one. In addition, the access point has a non-Multi-Link Upper MAC sublayer component so that it can communicate with a STA that supports only Single-Link communication, and can also realize Single-Link communication. The combination of the non-Multi-Link Upper MAC sublayer and Lower MAC sublayer components and the PHY associated with the component logically functions in the same way as one conventional access point. This one access point can also be considered as an access point under the Multi-Link function, and is therefore also called an Affiliated AP.

[0007] There is an issue that power consumption increases if these multiple Affiliated APs are kept running all the time. On the other hand, simply performing power saving operations such as intermittent operation by stopping the power supply to Affiliated APs for a certain period of time may cause problems in connecting with STAs that use older standards such as the 802.11ax standard, which is a standard that predates the successor standard. Hereafter, for convenience, STAs that support older standards and do not support the new standard are also referred to as Legacy STAs.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for an access point to perform a power-saving operation while suppressing problems in connection with a legacy STA in an environment in which the access point complies with an old standard and includes a legacy STA. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for an access point to perform a power-saving operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A communication device as one aspect of the present invention is a communication device that provides an external device with a first network identified by a first BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​and a second network identified by a second BSSID, and is characterized in that when the communication device uses a predetermined power saving mechanism and functions as a Multi-Link Device (MLD) that performs Multi-Link communication with one other communication device, the communication device transmits a Beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel providing the first network, but has a communication control means that controls the communication device not to transmit a Beacon frame including the second BSSID on a channel providing the second network. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible for an access point to perform a power saving operation while suppressing the occurrence of problems in connection with a legacy STA. Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible for an access point to perform a power saving operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 2] A diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device (AP MLD / non-AP MLD / Legacy STA). [Diagram 3] A diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a communication device (AP MLD / non-AP MLD). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of Multi-Link communication in the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of notification control in the AP 101. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of connection control in the STA 102. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure for Multi-Link Setup. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of connection control in the STA 103. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a setting screen that the AP 101 provides to the user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a plurality of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0013] <First embodiment> An example of the configuration of a network according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 1. The network according to this embodiment includes one access point device (hereinafter, also simply referred to as AP, AP STA, or access point) and two station devices (hereinafter, also simply referred to as STA, Non-AP STA, or station).

[0014] The AP 101 and the STA 102 are configured to be able to communicate wireless frames conforming to the IEEE 802.11bn standard, which is the successor to the IEEE 802.11be standard and targets a maximum transmission speed of 46.08 Gbps. On the other hand, the STA 103 is a station device that supports a standard (e.g., IEEE 802.11ac / n / g / b / a) earlier than IEEE 802.11be that does not support Multi-Link communication.

[0015] IEEE is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The main features of IEEE802.11bn, the successor standard to IEEE802.11be, are highly reliable communication, low latency communication, and improved throughput during congestion. Another goal of 802.11bn is to reduce power consumption in APs. Wireless frames communicated under this successor standard are also called UHR (Ultra High Reliability) PPDU. PPDU is an abbreviation for PLCP Protocol Data Unit, and PLCP is an abbreviation for Physical Layer Convergence Protocol.

[0016] The name UHR is a name given for convenience in consideration of the goals and features of the successor standard, and may be a different name when the standard is completed. Similarly, the name IEEE802.11bn may be a different name when the standard is completed. However, it should be noted that this specification and the appended claims are essentially applicable to all successor standards that are successors to the 802.11be standard.

[0017] Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the AP 101 is an access point that supports a multi-band function that provides a network in a plurality of different frequency channels. In this embodiment, the AP 101 is illustrated as a tri-band access point that provides a 2.4 GHz band network (hereinafter also referred to as NW) 100, a 5 GHz band NW 110, and a 6 GHz band NW 120, as an example. The NW 100 provided by the AP 101 is a network that operates on any channel in the 2.4 GHz band, and the BSSID for identifying the network is a first BSSID. BSSID is an abbreviation for Basic Service Set Identifier, and BSS is an abbreviation for Basic Service Set. The NW 110 provided by the AP 101 is a network that operates on any channel in the 5 GHz band, and the BSSID is a second BSSID. The NW 120 provided by the AP 101 is a network that operates on any channel in the 6 GHz band, and the BSSID is a third BSSID. The NW 100 is an example of a first network, and the NWs 110 and 120 are examples of a second network.

[0018] Furthermore, the AP 101 and the STA 102 of this embodiment can establish multiple communication links between the devices and perform Multi-Link communication for communication. Hereinafter, the communication link is also simply called a link. The AP 101 that performs Multi-Link communication is also called an AP MLD (Multi-Link Device) 101, and the STA 102 that performs Multi-Link communication is also called a non-AP MLD 102.

[0019] In addition, in this embodiment, the STA103 that supports only standards prior to 802.11ax and does not support standards subsequent to 802.11be, i.e., does not support the Multi-Link function, is also referred to as a Legacy STA103 for convenience.

[0020] For example, AP 101 can establish link 104 in the 2.4 GHz band with STA 102 and communicate with it. In parallel with this, AP 101 and STA 102 can establish link 105 in the 5 GHz band, for example, and communicate with it. In this case, STA 102 executes Multi-Link communication in which it also communicates via link 105 in parallel with link 104. In this way, AP 101 can improve the throughput in communication with STA 102 by establishing links with STA 102 on multiple different frequency channels.

[0021] The legacy STA 103 can establish, for example, a 2.4 GHz link 106 with the AP 101 and communicate with it. In this embodiment, establishing only one link between devices and communicating through the established link is called Single-Link communication.

[0022] 1 shows a communication system including one AP MLD 101 and two STAs (non-AP MLD 102, Legacy STA 103) as an example, but the number of these may be more than that shown. Also, the AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 are described as supporting UHR PPDU communication (transmission and reception), but in addition to this, they can also be configured to support PPDU communication of a legacy standard that is a standard that precedes the UHR standard. Specifically, the AP 101 and STA 102 can also be configured to support PPDU transmission and reception of the IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standard, etc.

[0023] The AP 101 and the STAs 102 to 103 are configured to be able to communicate in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. The frequency bands used by the AP 101 and the STAs 102 to 3 are not limited to these, and may use different frequency bands such as the Sub 1 GHz band or the millimeter wave band. The AP 101 and the STAs 102 can communicate using bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, 540 MHz, and 640 MHz. The bandwidths used by each communication device are not limited to these. In addition, in this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which the links 104 and 105 that perform Multi-Link communication are links of different frequency bands, but this is not limited to this. The AP 101 can also perform Multi-Link communication with the STA 102 using multiple links of the same frequency band and different channels. In this case, the AP 101 is configured to provide multiple networks of the same frequency band and different channels to the surrounding area. More specifically, multiple communication links for Multi-Link communication may be established between devices, with W52, 36ch in the 5GHz band as the first link and W53, 60ch also in the 5GHz band as the second link. Also, links with the same frequency band and links with different frequency bands may be mixed.

[0024] The AP 101 and the STAs 102 and 103 can also be configured to support wireless communication based on other communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, and Bluetooth (registered trademark) LE (Low Energy). NFC stands for Near Field Communication. The AP 101 and the STAs 102 can also be configured to support wired communication using an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable or wired communication using optical fiber. Specific examples of the AP 101 include, but are not limited to, a wireless LAN router and a personal computer (PC). The AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 may be information processing devices such as wireless chips that support the transmission and reception of UHR PPDU. In this case, the AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 can be configured to execute various controls using hardware circuits inside the wireless chip. The AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 can also be configured to execute various processes by cooperation between a processor, memory, and hardware circuits such as an ASIP inside the wireless chip. The ASIP stands for Application-specific instruction set processor.

[0025] Specific examples of the STA102 and STA103 include, but are not limited to, cameras, tablets, smartphones, PCs, mobile phones, video cameras, and wearable devices such as smart glasses.

[0026] Meanwhile, in the IEEE802.11bn standard, the increase in power consumption of an access point is considered as a problem, and some power saving operation is considered in the access point. As described above, the AP MLD realizes Multi-Link communication by having the components of the Multi-Link Upper MAC sublayer comprehensively manage the lower sublayer. This lower sublayer is realized by a combination of a component as the Lower MAC sublayer and a PHY that corresponds to the component one-to-one. In addition, the AP MLD has a component of a non-Multi-Link Upper MAC sublayer so that it can communicate with a STA that supports only Single-Link communication. The combination of the components of the non-Multi-Link Upper MAC sublayer and the Lower MAC sublayer and the PHY associated with the component logically functions in the same way as one conventional access point. In other words, the combination of these components and PHY is used to realize Single-Link communication with Legacy STAs, etc. This one access point can also be considered as an AP under the management of the Multi-Link function, and is therefore also called an Affiliated AP.

[0027] In AP MLD, if multiple Affiliated APs are kept running at all times, power saving will increase. On the other hand, if power saving operations such as intermittent operation by simply stopping the power supply to Affiliated APs for a certain period of time are performed, problems may occur in connection with STAs that only support standards earlier than IEEE802.11bn.

[0028] In view of this, this embodiment provides a mechanism for an access point to perform a power saving operation while suppressing problems in connection with legacy STAs in an environment where legacy STAs coexist. This will be specifically described below.

[0029] <Hardware configuration of communication device> 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device (AP MLD 101, non-AP MLD 102, Legacy STA 103). The communication device includes, as an example of the hardware configuration, a storage unit 201, a control unit 202, a function unit 203, an input unit 204, an output unit 205, a communication unit 206, and antennas 207 to 209.

[0030] The storage unit 201 is configured with both or either one of a ROM and a RAM, and stores various information such as programs for performing various operations described below and communication parameters for wireless communication. RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and ROM stands for Read Only Memory. Note that, as the storage unit 201, in addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, storage media such as non-volatile storage devices such as hard disks and SSDs (Solid State Drives) may be used.

[0031] The control unit 202 is configured with, for example, a processor such as a CPU or MPU, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. Here, CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit. The control unit 202 executes the programs stored in the storage unit 201 and controls the entire device by operating hardware circuits such as the ASIC. The control unit 202 may control the entire device in cooperation with the programs stored in the storage unit 201 and an OS (Operating System).

[0032] The control unit 202 controls the functional unit 203 to perform predetermined processing such as imaging, printing, and projection. The functional unit 203 is hardware for the device to perform predetermined processing. For example, when the communication device is a camera such as a digital still camera or a smartphone having a camera, the functional unit 203 is an imaging unit that performs imaging processing of surrounding images via a camera unit (not shown) of the communication device. For example, when the communication device is a printer, the functional unit 203 is a printing unit that performs printing processing on a sheet such as paper based on print data obtained from the outside through wireless communication. For example, when the communication device is a projector or smart glasses, the functional unit 203 is a projection unit that performs projection processing of image data or video data obtained from the outside through wireless communication. In the case of smart glasses, the projection surface is the retina of an end user. The data processed by the functional unit 203 may be data stored in the storage unit 201, or may be data communicated with other APs or STAs via the communication unit 206 described later. Furthermore, a communication device such as the AP 101 can provide a network storage function such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage). This function is provided to other communication devices as a Web service such as a network storage service. For example, a communication device such as an STA connects to a network storage service provided by an AP MLD 101 or the like using a protocol such as SMB, FTP, or WebDAV. The communication device such as an STA then uploads files to the storage service and downloads files from the storage. The data communication for uploading and downloading is also realized by communicating UHR PPDU between devices.

[0033] The input unit 204 receives various operations from the user. The output unit 205 performs various outputs to the user. Here, the output by the output unit 205 includes, for example, at least one of display on a screen, audio output by a speaker, and vibration output. Note that both the input unit 204 and the output unit 205 may be realized by one module, such as a touch panel. The output unit 205 functions as a display unit that presents information to the user. The input unit also functions as a receiving unit that receives user operations.

[0034] The communication unit 206 controls wireless communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series and IP communication. In this embodiment, the communication unit 206 can execute communication control for transmitting and receiving UHR PPDU, which is a wireless frame of the UHR standard, and PPDU corresponding to the earlier standard in cooperation with the antennas 207 to 209. The antennas 207 to 209 are antennas capable of transmitting and receiving signals in at least one of the frequency bands of the sub-GHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band, and the millimeter wave band, for example.

[0035] If the communication device is compatible with the above-mentioned NFC standard, Bluetooth standard, wired communication standard, etc., the communication unit 206 may be configured to control wireless communication and wired communication in accordance with these communication standards. The communication units 206 of the AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 each have a hardware circuit for decoding and encoding signals communicated through each link. Each antenna and hardware circuit is configured to be capable of individual power control. It is also possible to configure the device to have a communication unit corresponding to each link individually.

[0036] Next, the functional configuration of the AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The communication devices such as the AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 have functional units such as a multi-link control unit 301, a multi-link communication setting UI unit 302, a frame generation unit 305, and a frame transmission / reception unit 306.

[0037] The multi-link control unit 301 is a functional block that controls a communication start process for establishing one or more links used by a communication device for wireless communication with a partner device, a process for adding and deleting links after communication has started, and a communication end process for deleting all links. Specifically, the connection process is composed of an authentication process, an association process, and a 4-way-handshake process. In the case of AP MLD 101, the partner device is an STA such as non-AP MLD 102, and in the case of non-AP MLD 102, the partner device is an AP such as AP MLD 101. The multi-link control unit 301 also controls the AP power saving mode. Specifically, when the AP power saving mode is set to be enabled, the multi-link control unit 301 performs power control such as stopping the power supply to the components that function as Affiliated APs. Setting the AP power saving mode to be enabled means that the AP MLD 101 uses a predetermined power saving mechanism.

[0038] A multi-link communication setting UI (User Interface) unit 302 provides a setting screen as a UI for a user to input settings related to Multi-Link communication. The UI unit 302 is also a functional block that accepts user operations on the setting screen via the input unit 204 and stores the settings in the storage unit 201 as operation settings of the communication device.

[0039] For example, the UI unit 302 of the AP MLD 101 can display a setting screen shown in Fig. 9 and accept setting changes from the user. Fig. 9 is an example of a setting screen that the UI unit 302 of the AP MLD 101 displays on the output unit 205. In Fig. 9, display items in the area indicated by dashed lines are display items that are displayed only in a modified example described later. Therefore, description thereof will be omitted in the first embodiment.

[0040] Display item 903 is a check box for setting whether to enable or disable the AP power saving mode. The user can change whether the AP power saving mode is enabled or disabled by operating the check box. After the change operation is performed, when it is detected that the user has selected the OK button, the UI unit 302 stores the operation setting corresponding to the change operation (setting for enabling or disabling the AP power saving mode) in the storage unit 201. The operation setting is referred to as appropriate in the flowchart described later.

[0041] Moreover, the UI unit 302 of the AP MLD 101 further functions as an HTTP server, and provides Web content corresponding to a setting screen to the connected STA that it provides. For example, the AP MLD 101 provides Web content corresponding to the setting screen described in FIG. 9 to the connected STA. The STA displays the setting screen as a Web screen based on the received Web content. The STA transmits information specifying the operation content performed via the display items on the Web screen to the HTTP server. The transmission can be performed using a POST method or the like. The UI unit 302 appropriately changes the operation settings stored in the storage unit 201 based on the information.

[0042] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 3, the frame generation unit 305 is a block that generates UHR PPDUs, which are wireless frames for communicating with the outside. The frame transmission / reception unit 306 transmits the wireless frames generated by the frame generation unit 305 and receives wireless frames from the other device. In the case of the non-AP MLD 102, it transmits Probe Request frames, Association Request frames, and data frames to the AP. The non-AP MLD 102 also transmits Authentication Request frames and other frames for connection processing to the AP.

[0043] In the case of the AP MLD 101, it transmits a Beacon frame, a Probe Response frame, an Association Response frame, and a data frame to the STA 102. The AP MLD 101 also transmits an Association Request frame, an Authentication Request frame, and other frames for connection processing to the STA.

[0044] Note that the Legacy STA 103 differs from the non-AP MLD 102 in that it has a Single-Link control unit for establishing one link with an AP instead of the Multi-Link control unit 301 and performs Single-Link communication. In other words, the Legacy STA 103 is an STA that cannot perform Multi-Link communication but supports Single-Link communication with an Affiliated AP.

[0045] <Connection process> Next, an example of Multi-Link communication in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a processing procedure in the AP MLD 101 when the AP power saving mode is set to be enabled. In this embodiment, in the AP power saving mode, two states, Active State and Power Saving State, are used separately. The Active State is a state in which all Affiliated APs (Affiliated APs 1 to 3) are operated in an awake state. The Power Saving State is a state aimed at reducing power consumption per unit time compared to the Active State. The AP MLD 101 in this embodiment assumes that, after transitioning to the Power Saving State, the power supply to Affiliated AP 2 and Affiliated AP 3 is limited to operate them in a doze state, thereby reducing power consumption. On the other hand, Affiliated AP 1 is operated in an awake state even after transitioning to the Power Saving State so that the Legacy STA can perform data communication without problems. Putting Affiliated APs 2-3 into the doze state specifically means stopping the power supply to the circuits for transmitting and receiving frames for Affiliated APs 2-3, and changing to a state in which frames are not transmitted or received. The active state is an example of a first state that is an operating state of a predetermined power saving mechanism. The power saving state is an example of a second state that is an operating state of a predetermined power saving mechanism.

[0046] First, the operation of AP MLD 101 in Active State will be described. AP 101 periodically transmits Beacon 401 identified by BSSID1 described above. Beacon 401 of Affiliated AP 1 is transmitted in non-HT (non-high-throughput) PPDU format so that Legacy STAs receiving the frame can decode the frame. In other words, Beacon frame 401 as a MAC (Medium Access Control) frame is periodically transmitted to the outside as a wireless frame in non-HT PPDU format.

[0047] At this time, the AP MLD 101 operates Affiliated APs 2 to 3 in an awake state, but controls so as not to transmit a Beacon of Affiliated AP 2, i.e., a Beacon identified by BSSID 2, and a Beacon of Affiliated AP 3, i.e., a Beacon identified by BSSID 3.

[0048] The non-AP MLD 102 that receives the Beacon shown in 401 establishes multiple different links with the AP MLD 101 based on the Multi-Link Setup procedure described later (402). Information on the other Affiliated APs 2 and 3 that the AP MLD 101 operates in an awake state is notified to the STA as appropriate through the Multi-Link Setup procedure, and is used to select the appropriate link to be established. When the setup is complete, the AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 are able to perform Multi-Link communication. For example, the non-AP MLD 102 performs Multi-Link communication by simultaneously transmitting data using two communication links, or by using one link for data transmission and another link for data reception. Here, a case where the links 104 and 105 described in FIG. 1 are established is illustrated.

[0049] On the other hand, the Legacy STA 103 executes the Legacy Setup procedure to establish Single-Link communication. At this time, the Beacons of Affiliated APs 2 to 3 are not transmitted due to the above-mentioned control. Therefore, when the Legacy STA 103 searches for APs that are candidates for connection, the search results show that Affiliated AP 1 is found, but Affiliated APs 2 to 3 are not found. Therefore, Legacy Setup is attempted for the found Affiliated AP 1, etc., to establish Single-Link communication. When the setup is completed, Affiliated AP 1 and the Legacy STA 103 are able to perform Single-Link communication using one link.

[0050] In this manner, in this embodiment, control is performed so that an affiliated AP that may be in a doze state does not transmit a beacon in the power saving state, thereby preventing an affiliated AP that may be in a doze state from being captured by a legacy STA.

[0051] Next, the transition to the Power Saving State will be described. The AP MLD 101 judges whether or not the conditions for transitioning to the Power Saving State, such as the amount of data being communicated being equal to or less than a predetermined amount, are met. If it is judged that the conditions for transitioning to the Power Saving State are met, transition processing for transitioning to the Power Saving State is performed (404).

[0052] In the transition process, power control for changing Affiliated APs 2-3 to the doze state and a transition notification (405) indicating a state transition for the non-AP MLD that has established multi-link communication are performed. The non-AP MLD that has received the transition notification performs power control on the STA side based on the notification. In this embodiment, as an example, a case is illustrated in which the non-AP MLD 102 puts Affiliated STA 102 into the doze state and uses only the link 104 as a data communication link.

[0053] Then, even after the AP MLD 101 transitions to the Power Saving State, it continues to operate the Affiliated AP 1 in the awake state and to transmit the Beacon of BSSID 1. Therefore, the Legacy STA 103 can perform conventional Single-Link communication without being aware of whether the AP MLD 101 transitions to the Power Saving State or not.

[0054] Next, specific control processing executed in the AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 to perform the Multi-Link communication illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0055] The flowchart in Fig. 5 shows an excerpt of the communication procedure executed by the AP MLD 101 with the peer device, the non-AP MLD 102, and STAs such as the Legacy STA 103. Each process in Fig. 5 shows the process executed after power is supplied to the AP MLD 101 and preparations for operation as an access point are completed. The flowchart in Fig. 6 shows an excerpt of the communication procedure executed by the non-AP MLD 102 with the peer device, the AP MLD 101, and other APs. Each process in Fig. 6 shows the process executed after power is supplied to the non-AP MLD 102 and preparations for operation as an STA are completed.

[0056] First, the control of the AP MLD 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Each process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is executed by the processor of the control unit 202 of the AP MLD 101 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 201. Note that some processes such as transmission and modulation are realized by the processor of the control unit 202 in cooperation with various processors, ASICs, DSPs, and FGPAs constituting the communication unit 206, and the ASICs, DSPs, and FPGAs constituting the control unit 202. Note that when it is desired to clearly indicate the subject of processing, the functional units described in Fig. 3 will be used as the subject of the description.

[0057] In S501, the control unit 301 determines whether or not an operation setting that enables the AP power saving mode has been made. If an operation setting that enables the AP power saving mode has been made, the control unit 301 advances the process to S502, and if an operation setting that enables the AP power saving mode has not been made, the control unit 301 advances the process to S509.

[0058] Specifically, control unit 301 refers to the operation settings stored in storage unit 201, and when an operation setting that enables the AP power save mode is stored, determines that the operation setting that enables the AP power save mode has been set. On the other hand, control unit 301 refers to the operation settings stored in storage unit 201, and when an operation setting that disables the AP power save mode is stored, determines that the operation setting that enables the AP power save mode has not been set.

[0059] In S502, the control unit 301 judges whether the AP MLD 101 is operating in the Active State in the AP power saving mode. If the AP MLD 101 is operating in the Active State in the AP power saving mode, the control unit 301 advances the process to S503. On the other hand, if the AP MLD 101 is not operating in the Active State in the AP power saving mode (i.e., if it is operating in the Power Saving State), the control unit 301 advances the process to S505.

[0060] In S503, the control unit 301 judges whether the power saving mode should be transitioned from the Active State to the Power Saving State. If it is judged that the power saving mode should be transitioned from the Active State to the Power Saving State, the process proceeds to S504. On the other hand, if it is judged that the power saving mode should not be transitioned from the Active State to the Power Saving State, the process proceeds to S508. Whether or not the transition should be made can be judged based on whether or not a condition for transitioning to the Power Saving State, such as the amount of data being communicated being equal to or less than a predetermined amount, is satisfied.

[0061] In S504, the control unit 301 generates a Transition notification frame for non-AP MLD in cooperation with the frame generation unit 305. Next, the control unit 301 cooperates with the transmission / reception unit 306 and the communication unit 206 to transmit the generated Transition notification frame.

[0062] In S505, the control unit 301 judges whether the state of the power saving mode should be transitioned from a power saving state to an active state. If it is judged that the state of the power saving mode should be transitioned from a power saving state to an active state, the process proceeds to S506. On the other hand, if it is judged that the state of the power saving mode should not be transitioned from a power saving state to an active state, the process proceeds to S507. Whether or not the transition should be made can be judged based on the occurrence status of data to be communicated, the passage of a predetermined time, etc.

[0063] In S506, the control unit 301 generates a Transition notification frame for non-AP MLD in cooperation with the frame generation unit 305. Next, the control unit 301 cooperates with the transmission / reception unit 306 and the communication unit 206 to transmit the generated Transition notification frame.

[0064] Next, in S507, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit to control Affiliated AP1-2 to operate in a doze state and Affiliated AP3 to operate in an awake state. The control unit 301 also cooperates with the generation unit 305, the transmission / reception unit 306, and the communication unit 206 to execute a process of periodically transmitting a Beacon identified by BSSID1, which is a Beacon of Affiliated AP1, on the operating channel of Affiliated AP1. That is, a Beacon of BSSID1 that identifies NW100 is periodically transmitted on the channel that provides NW100.

[0065] Next, a Beacon transmission operation in the Active State will be described. In S506, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit to control Affiliated APs 1 to 3 to operate in an awake state. At this time, the control unit 301 cooperates with the generation unit 305, the transmission / reception unit 306, and the communication unit 206 to execute a process of periodically transmitting a Beacon of Affiliated AP 1 on the operating channel of Affiliated AP 1. At this time, the control unit 301 controls so as not to transmit Beacons of Affiliated APs 2 to 3 operating in an awake state (Beacons identified by BSSID2 and Beacons identified by BSSID3).

[0066] Next, a control when no operation setting is made to enable the AP power saving mode will be described. In S509, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit to control Affiliated APs 1 to 3 to operate in an awake state. At this time, the control unit 301 cooperates with the generation unit 305, the transmission / reception unit 306, and the communication unit 206 to execute a process of periodically transmitting each Beacon. More specifically, the control unit 301 executes a process of periodically transmitting a Beacon of Affiliated AP 1 in the operating channel of Affiliated AP 1, and a Beacon of Affiliated AP 2 in the operating channel of Affiliated AP 2. Furthermore, the control unit 301 executes a process of periodically transmitting a Beacon of Affiliated AP 3 in the operating channel of Affiliated AP 3.

[0067] In S510, a link setup process and a data transmission process are performed, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0068] In S511, the AP MLD 101 judges whether or not to perform a shutdown. If it is judged that a shutdown is to be performed, a shutdown process not shown in the figure is executed, and the series of processes is terminated and the power is turned off. On the other hand, if the AP MLD 101 does not judge that a shutdown is to be performed, the process proceeds to S501.

[0069] In the above control, the process of stopping periodic transmission of Beacon frames has been exemplified as a representative example, but the AP MLD 101 also controls so as not to respond to other frames for connection that may be transmitted from the Legacy STA. A specific control will be explained using Table 1. The AP MLD 101, in which the AP power saving mode is enabled, controls the transmission of frames shown in Table 1 differently for Affiliated AP 1, which remains awake, and other Affiliated APs 2 to 3, which may transition to doze.

[0070] [Table 1]

[0071] The Beacon frame in which "0b00" is set in the type field and "0b1000" is set in the subtype field may be controlled as described in the representative example above. Furthermore, the AP MLD 101 in which the AP power saving mode is set to be enabled controls so as not to respond with a Probe Response frame to a Probe Request frame to which the Affiliated APs 2 to 3 should respond. Furthermore, the AP MLD 101 in which the AP power saving mode is set to be enabled controls so as not to respond with an Association Response frame to an Association Request frame addressed to the Affiliated APs 2 to 3. The above control can prevent the Affiliated APs 2 to 3 from being discovered by an active scan by the Legacy STA. Furthermore, it can also prevent the Legacy STA from connecting to the Affiliated APs 2 to 3 based on the communication parameters input by the user to the Legacy STA. Note that the Association Request may be responded to with an Association Response frame notifying that the Association was not successful. In this case, the AP MLD 101 may transmit an Association Response frame with a Status code other than Success.

[0072] The above-described process enables the access point to perform power saving operation while suppressing problems in connection with legacy STAs in an environment where legacy STAs coexist.

[0073] Next, the control of the non-AP MLD 102, which is the opposing device, will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Each process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6 is executed by the processor of the control unit 202 of the non-AP MLD 102 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 201. Note that some processes such as transmission and modulation are realized by the processor of the control unit 202 in cooperation with various processors, ASICs, DSPs, and FGPAs constituting the communication unit 206, and the ASICs, DSPs, and FPGAs constituting the control unit 202. Note that when it is desired to clearly indicate the subject of processing, the functional units described in Fig. 3 will be used as the subject in the description.

[0074] In S601, the control unit 301 of the non-AP MLD 102 searches for surrounding APs in cooperation with the frame transmission / reception unit 306 and the communication unit 206. The search is performed by passive scanning, active scanning that transmits a probe request to the surroundings, or the like.

[0075] In S602, the control unit 301 determines an AP to be set up. The determination is, for example, a process of listing multiple APs found in a search and having a user select an AP to determine the target, or a process of automatically determining an AP that has been connected to in the past and has good radio wave strength as the target.

[0076] Next, in S603, the control unit 301 determines whether or not to establish Multi-Link communication with the AP determined as the setup target. If the control unit 301 determines that Multi-Link communication is to be established with the AP determined as the setup target, the process proceeds to S608. On the other hand, if the control unit 301 determines that Multi-Link communication is not to be established with the AP determined as the setup target (i.e., if the control unit 301 determines that one link is to be established with the AP determined as the setup target), the process proceeds to S604.

[0077] In S604, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit to execute Legacy Setup processing (in other words, Single-Link Setup processing). This processing corresponds to the authentication processing, association processing, and 4-way-handshake processing using a MAC frame that does not include a Multi-Link Element, which were performed in standards before IEEE802.11ax.

[0078] In S605, the control unit 301 determines whether or not single-link communication has been established. If single-link communication has been established, the process proceeds to S606, and if single-link communication has not been established, the process proceeds to S601, where a search process and a determination process for an AP to be newly set up are performed.

[0079] In S606, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit to execute Single-Link communication with the AP with which the connection has been established. In S607, the control unit 301 judges whether or not to terminate the connection with the AP. If it is judged that the connection with the AP is to be terminated, the process proceeds to S614, and if it is not judged that the connection with the AP is to be terminated, the process proceeds to S606 again to execute Single-Link communication.

[0080] Next, a case where Multi-Link communication is performed will be described. In S608, the control unit 301 executes Multi-Link Setup processing in cooperation with each unit and the AP MLD (for example, AP MLD 101) which is the opposite device.

[0081] This Multi-Link Setup process will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the Multi-Link Setup process by the AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 and the subsequent communication procedure.

[0082] As mentioned above, AP MLD101 periodically transmits beacons from Affiliated AP1.

[0083] The Affiliated AP 1 of the AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 communicate a Probe Request and a Probe Response (S701, S702). The request may include a Multi-Link Element.

[0084] Next, the STA 102 and the AP 101 exchange an ML Probe Request (S703) and an ML Probe Response (S704) to obtain information on each link. The ML Probe Request is a Probe Request that includes a Complete Profile Requested that requests a Complete Profile as a Multi-Link Element. This frame exchange exchanges information on each link that can be used for Multi-Link communication, as well as other capability information related to Multi-Link communication.

[0085] S703 and S704 are frame exchanges to obtain detailed link information that could not be obtained by the probe response. Therefore, if this is the second connection and parameters were exchanged during the previous connection, the frame exchanges in S703 and S704 can be omitted.

[0086] Next, the AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 execute each process of authentication to perform authentication between the devices (S705).

[0087] Next, the non-AP MLD 102 transmits an Association Request as a connection request to the AP (S706). Note that the connection request transmitted here may be a Re-Association Request.

[0088] The STA 102 includes information for identifying a link to which the STA 102 wishes to establish multi-link communication in the Association Request. In this embodiment, the STA 102 notifies the AP MLD 101 of a link ID that identifies a link to which the STA 102 wishes to establish a connection by utilizing a multi-link element. More specifically, the STA 102 indicates which link the STA 102 is requesting to establish a connection by storing a plurality of link IDs to which the STA 102 wishes to connect in the per-STA profile of the multi-link element.

[0089] The AP 101 that receives the Association Request returns an Association Response (S707).

[0090] Next, the AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 perform a 4-way handshake and generate a key for encrypted communication (S708). When the key exchange for authentication and encryption is completed, the STA 102 and the AP 101 are ready to communicate data frames.

[0091] The AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102, which are now in a state where data frame communication is possible, communicate application data such as video, moving images, and audio.

[0092] Through the above-described procedure, a Multi-Link communication connection can be established between the AP 101 and the STA 102.

[0093] Returning to the description of Fig. 6, next, in S609, the control unit 301 judges whether or not Multi-Link communication has been established. If Multi-Link communication has been established, the process proceeds to S610, and if Multi-Link communication has not been established, the process proceeds to S601, where a search process and a determination process for an AP to be newly set up are performed.

[0094] In S610, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit to execute multi-link communication with the AP MLD (for example, AP MLD 101) with which a connection has been established. The operation mode during communication may be nonsimultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) operation. Alternatively, it may be simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) operation. Alternatively, the operation mode during communication may be enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) operation. Alternatively, it may be enhanced multi-link multi-radio (EMLMR) operation.

[0095] In S611, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit to determine whether or not a Transition notification has been received from the AP MLD (for example, AP MLD 101) of the connection destination. If a Transition notification has been received, the process proceeds to S612, and if not, the process proceeds to S613. In S612, the control unit 301 cooperates with each unit to execute control corresponding to the Transition notification. For example, in the case of a notification related to a transition to a Power Saving State, some Affiliated STAs are transitioned to a doze state. Also, for example, in the case of a notification related to a transition to an awake state, some Affiliated STAs are transitioned to an awake state. It is desirable for the Transition notification to be a frame in a format that can also interpret non-AP MLDs that do not support the 802.11bn standard and support the 802.11be standard, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] For example, for non-AP MLDs that support only the 802.11be standard, a request to delete a link or a request to add a link may be transmitted to deal with the case where some Affiliated APs transition to the doze state. Specifically, when transitioning to the Power Saving State, a request to delete the links of Affiliated APs 2 to 3 is transmitted, and only the link of Affiliated AP 1 that remains awake is transitioned to a usable state. Also, when transitioning to the Active State, a request to add the links of Affiliated APs 2 to 3 may be transmitted, and the number of links may be increased. In this case, the AP MLD 101 may appropriately define a new control frame for non-AP MLDs that support the 802.11bn standard and notify using the frame.

[0097] In S613, the control unit 301 judges whether to terminate the connection with the AP. If the control unit 301 judges to terminate the connection with the AP, it cooperates with each unit to transmit a Disassociation frame or a Deauthentication frame to the AP, terminates the connection with the AP MLD, and proceeds to processing at S614. On the other hand, if the control unit 301 does not judge to terminate the connection with the AP, it proceeds to processing at S610 and performs further Multi-Link communication.

[0098] In S614, the non-AP MLD 102 judges whether or not to perform a shutdown. If it judges that a shutdown should be performed, it executes a shutdown process (not shown), ends the series of processes, and transitions to a power-off state. On the other hand, if the non-AP MLD 102 does not judge that a shutdown should be performed, it advances the process to S601.

[0099] The series of processes described above enables proper connection to AP MLD where AP power save mode is enabled, and also enables the STA's power save state to be switched in conjunction with the AP's State based on a Transition notification.

[0100] Finally, the control of the legacy STA 103 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the control of the legacy STA 103. Each process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8 is executed by the processor of the control unit 202 of the legacy STA 103 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 201. S801 to S802 are search and decision controls similar to S601 to S602. Since the legacy STA 103 does not support the Multi-Link function, after the decision, the process proceeds to S804, which is a single-sink connection process, which is different from the process of Fig. 6.

[0101] The Single-Link connection and communication processing in S804 to S808 is the same as the processing in S604 to S608, and the shutdown processing in S814 is also the same as the processing in S614.

[0102] The Affiliated AP 1 is also found in the search performed by the Legacy STA 103. Therefore, the Legacy STA 103 can properly establish a Single-Link. In addition, the Affiliated AP 1 always operates in the awake state and does not transition to the doze state, so that it is possible to avoid unstable connections and communications.

[0103] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the AP MLD 101 in which the AP power saving mode is set to be enabled is controlled not to transmit frames for connection to the affiliated APs 2 and 3 that may transition to the doze state. On the other hand, it is also possible to provide a new management frame that notifies, notifies, and responds to information for connection to STAs of IEEE802.11bn or later. This new management frame is a MAC frame to which a type and subtype different from those of the MAC frame defined before IEEE802.11be are assigned. This new management frame cannot be interpreted by STAs that do not support the IEEE802.11bn or later standards, and is discarded. The affiliated APs 2 and 3 can be configured to periodically transmit, respond to, and notify such new management frames for notifying, notifying, and responding to information for connection. Note that, if the Beacon is in a frame format having a preamble that can be identified as a PPDU compatible with IEEE802.11bn or a later standard, it may be configured to periodically transmit the Beacon to the affiliated APs 2 and 3. For example, if the frame is a frame in which a Beacon frame as a MAC frame is encapsulated in the payload of a PPDU in the UHR PPDU format, the Affiliated APs 2 and 3 may also periodically transmit the frame. In this case, the AP MLD 101 may periodically transmit a UHR PPDU storing a Beacon frame of BSSID2 on the channel of the NW 110, and periodically transmit a UHR PPDU storing a Beacon frame of BSSID3 on the channel of the NW 120. In other words, if the frame is a type that cannot be decoded by a STA that does not support the IEEE802.11bn standard, the Affiliated APs 2 and 3 may also be configured to appropriately transmit frames that notify the outside of information regarding their presence.

[0104] (Variation 2) Furthermore, the AP MLD 101 may respond to a Probe Request or Association Request to which the Affiliated APs 2 and 3 that may transition to the doze state should respond if a specific condition is satisfied. Specifically, the AP MLD 101 may be configured to respond to a Probe Request or Association Request that includes a Multi-Link Element. Also, even if it is identified that the Probe Request or Association Request frame is received from a STA that complies with the IEEE802.11bn or later standard, the AP MLD 101 may respond to the frame.

[0105] (Variation 3) Furthermore, the AP MLD 101 may be configured to transmit a frame indicating a period during which other Affiliated APs are in an awake state or a doze state in the Affiliated AP 1 that is always in an awake state. The frame is assigned a type and a subtype different from those of frames defined before IEEE802.11be. In this case, the non-AP MLD 102 may be configured to interpret the frame indicating the period and appropriately change its own power state, etc. Note that the frame indicating the period can also be configured to be transmitted by the Affiliated APs 2 and 3 that are in an awake state. The frame described in the third modification may be a frame having a preamble that can identify that it is a PPDU that complies with IEEE802.11bn or a later standard. Furthermore, this frame may be a type of frame that can only be decoded by STAs that are compatible with IEEE802.11bn or later standards, and cannot be decoded by Legacy STAs. The frame described in the third modification may be transmitted periodically.

[0106] (Variation 4) In the first embodiment and the above-mentioned modified example, the Affiliated AP 1 providing the 2.4 GHz band network is always in an awake state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to these forms, a configuration may be made in which a user or an administrator can set an Affiliated AP to be always in an awake state. This modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 9. A display item 904 is a pull-down list for allowing a user to select a network to be always active. The UI unit 302 displays options that list BSSID, SSID (Service Set Identifier), operating frequency band of the network, etc., as options for the pull-down list. The user can change the always-active network by selecting one option from multiple options displayed in the pull-down list.

[0107] Furthermore, when the UI unit 302 detects that the OK button has been pressed after detecting the change operation on 904, the UI unit 302 stores the operation settings made via the setting screen of Fig. 9 in the storage unit 201. In this case, the control unit 301 of the AP MLD 101 determines the Affiliated AP to be constantly activated based on the operation settings.

[0108] At this time, information 905 to assist the user in making a selection may be presented. For example, if the user has an old slave station (STA), information recommending the 2.4 GHz band may be displayed.

[0109] (Variation 5) In the first embodiment and the above-mentioned modified example, the AP MLD 101 uses the Multi-Link function. On the other hand, in addition to these forms, it is also possible to configure the AP MLD 101 so that whether to use the Multi-Link function can be selected by a user operation. In this case, the AP MLD 101 is configured to switch between an operation setting that uses the Multi-Link function and an operation setting that does not use the Multi-Link function based on a change operation on the display item 901 of the setting screen in FIG. 9. When the OK button is pressed after detecting the change operation on 901, the UI unit 302 stores the corresponding operation setting in the storage unit 201. Then, when the operation setting that uses the Multi-Link function is configured, the AP MLD 101 performs the process described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified example. On the other hand, when the operation setting that uses the Multi-Link function is not configured, the AP MLD 101 may simply operate as an access point that supports multiple bands.

[0110] Also, when the operation setting for using the Multi-Link function is configured, the user can be configured to select a network to be used in the Multi-Link communication. In this case, the user can specify a network for which the establishment of the Multi-Link communication is permitted by operating the display item 902. When the OK button is pressed after detecting the change operation on 903, the UI unit 302 stores the corresponding operation setting in the storage unit 201. The AP MLD 101 changes the link information to be notified in the Multi-Link Setup process based on the operation setting. For example, when a network corresponding to Affiliated AP1 and Affiliated AP2 is specified, the AP MLD 101 handles only Affiliated AP1 to Affiliated AP2 as a communication link for which a Multi-Link connection can be established.

[0111] (Variation 6) The AP MLD 101 may be configured to have a color LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like that indicates a status as the output unit 205. In this case, the AP MLD 101 may have different display modes of the color LED when operating in the Power Saving State and when operating in the Active State. When operating in the Active State, it may be displayed as a constant green or white light. Also, when operating in the Power Saving State, it may be displayed as a constant orange light or a flashing light.

[0112] (Other embodiment 1) The disclosure of this embodiment also includes the following configuration.

[0113] (Configuration 1) A communication device that provides a first network identified by a first BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​and a second network identified by a second BSSID to an external device, A communication device characterized in that, when the communication device uses a predetermined power saving mechanism and functions as a Multi-Link Device (MLD) that performs Multi-Link communication with another communication device, the communication device transmits a Beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel providing the first network, but controls the communication device not to transmit a Beacon frame including the second BSSID on a channel providing the second network.

[0114] (Configuration 2) the communication device is an access point device, the predetermined power saving mechanism has, as an operating state, a first state and a second state consuming less power than the first state; The communication device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the communication control means transmits a Beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel providing the first network, even when the access point device is operating in the second state.

[0115] (Configuration 3) The communication device described in configuration 2, characterized in that the communication control means controls the communication device not to transmit, in addition to a Beacon frame, a Probe Response frame and / or an Association Response frame on a channel through which the communication device provides the second network.

[0116] (Configuration 4) the second state is a state in which some Affiliated APs among a plurality of Affiliated APs that can be used for Multi-Link communication are operated in a doze state; The communication device described in configuration 2 or 3, wherein the communication control means further transmits a frame on a channel through which the communication device provides the first network, notifying the period during which some of the Affiliated APs will be in an awake state and / or a doze state.

[0117] (Configuration 5) The communication device further includes a selection unit for selecting a network to which a Beacon frame is to be transmitted when the communication device utilizes a predetermined power saving mechanism; 5. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the network selected by the selection means is the first network.

[0118] (Configuration 6) The communication device according to configuration 5, wherein the selection means selects a network to which a Beacon frame is to be transmitted based on a user operation performed via a setting screen.

[0119] (Configuration 7) 7. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the Beacon frame is a Medium Access Control (MAC) frame in which 00 is set in a type field and 1000 is specified in a subtype field.

[0120] (Configuration 8) The communication device according to configuration 7, characterized in that the communication control means controls the communication device to transmit frames of a type that cannot be decoded by a station device that does not support the IEEE 802.11bn standard and that notify the outside of information regarding the presence of the communication device, also on a channel provided by the communication device to provide the second network.

[0121] (Configuration 9) A communication device that provides a first network identified by a first BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​and a second network identified by a second BSSID to an external device, A communication device characterized by having a communication control means that controls the communication device to transmit a non-HT PPDU format wireless frame including a Beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel providing the first network, and to transmit a UHR PPDU format wireless frame including a Beacon frame including the second BSSID on a channel providing the second network, when the communication device uses a predetermined power saving mechanism and functions as a Multi-Link Device (MLD) that performs Multi-Link communication with another communication device.

[0122] (Configuration 10) A method for controlling a communication device that provides an external device with a first network identified by a first BSSID and a second network identified by a second BSSID, comprising: and a communication control process for controlling the communication device so that, when the communication device uses a predetermined power saving mechanism and functions as a Multi-Link Device (MLD) that performs Multi-Link communication with another communication device, the communication device transmits a Beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel providing the first network, but does not transmit a Beacon frame including the second BSSID on a channel providing the second network.

[0123] (Configuration 11) A program for causing a computer to execute the communication device control method according to configuration 10.

[0124] (Other embodiment 2) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0125] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 101 AP MLD 102 non-AP MLD 103 Legacy STA 206 Communications Department

Claims

1. A communication device that provides an external device with a first network identified by a first BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​and a second network identified by a second BSSID, The communication device has a communication control means for controlling the communication device to transmit a beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel providing the first network, but not to transmit a beacon frame including the second BSSID on a channel providing the second network, when the communication device utilizes a predetermined power saving mechanism and when the communication device functions as a Multi-Link Device (MLD) that performs Multi-Link communication with another communication device.

2. the communication device is an access point device, the predetermined power saving mechanism has, as an operating state, a first state and a second state consuming less power than the first state; The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication control means transmits a Beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel providing the first network, even when the access point device is operating in the second state.

3. 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the communication control means controls the communication device not to transmit a Probe Response frame and / or an Association Response frame in addition to a Beacon frame on a channel through which the communication device provides the second network.

4. The second state is a state in which some Affiliated APs among a plurality of Affiliated APs that can be used for Multi-Link communication are operated in a doze state; The communication device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the communication control means further transmits a frame on a channel through which the communication device provides the first network, notifying the period during which the part of the Affiliated APs will be in an awake state and / or a doze state.

5. The communication device further includes a selection unit for selecting a network to transmit a beacon frame when the communication device uses a predetermined power saving mechanism; 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the network selected by said selection means is said first network.

6. 6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the selection means selects a network from which a beacon frame is to be transmitted based on a user operation performed via a setting screen.

7. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the beacon frame is a MAC frame in which 00 is set in a type field and 1000 is specified in a subtype field.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that the communication control means controls the communication device to transmit frames of a type that cannot be decoded by a station device that does not support the IEEE 802.11bn standard and that notify the outside of information regarding the presence of the communication device, also on a channel on which the communication device provides the second network.

9. A communication device that provides an external device with a first network identified by a first BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​and a second network identified by a second BSSID, A communication device characterized by comprising a communication control means for controlling the communication device to transmit a wireless frame in a non-HT PPDU format including a beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel providing the first network, and to transmit a wireless frame in a UHR PPDU format including a beacon frame including the second BSSID on a channel providing the second network, when the communication device utilizes a predetermined power saving mechanism and when the communication device functions as a Multi-Link Device (MLD) that performs Multi-Link communication with another communication device.

10. A method for controlling a communication device that provides an external device with a first network identified by a first BSSID and a second network identified by a second BSSID, the method comprising: and a communication control step of controlling the communication device so that, when the communication device uses a predetermined power saving mechanism and functions as a Multi-Link Device (MLD) that performs Multi-Link communication with another communication device, the communication device transmits a Beacon frame including the first BSSID on a channel that provides the first network, but does not transmit a Beacon frame including the second BSSID on a channel that provides the second network.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling a communication device according to claim 10.

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