Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a communication device, a method, and a program for appropriately communicating information on a logical MLD formed by the cooperation of a plurality of MLDs (Multi-Link Devices).SOLUTION: A communication device 102, which is a multi-link device (MLD) capable of establishing multiple parallel links via different frequency channels with other communication devices, performs a sequence of processing for communication by establishing connections (link establishment) with both communication device 101, which belongs to a Non-Collocated AP MLD, and a communication device 103 via the communication device 101. In this sequence, by sharing information related to Non-collocated AP MLD between the communication device 101 and the communication device 102, the communication device 102 establishes connections (link connections) with communication device 101 and the communication device 103.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard series is known as the main communication standard for WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks), and includes standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax.

[0003] In addition, the IEEE802.11be standard, which is the successor standard to IEEE802.11ax, is being developed. As a new function in the IEEE802.11be standard, a function such as multi-link communication, in which an AP (Access Point) and a STA (Station) establish multiple parallel links via multiple different frequency channels to communicate with each other, is being considered. In addition, a communication device capable of establishing multiple parallel links with other communication devices via multiple different frequency channels in this way is called an MLD (Multi-Link Device). For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mechanism for establishing multiple links with other communication devices 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] Furthermore, in IEEE802.11bn, the successor standard to IEEE802.11be, a configuration called Non-collocated AP MLD, which is configured by multiple AP MLDs cooperating, is being considered. In this way, if multiple AP MLDs can be integrated and operated in cooperation, STAs can seamlessly roam between multiple AP MLDs. However, until now, there has been no method for appropriately communicating information about Non-collocated AP MLDs.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to enable appropriate communication of information relating to a logical MLD formed by cooperation between a plurality of MLDs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a multilink device capable of establishing multiple parallel links with other communication devices via different frequency channels, and includes a communication means for communicating a predetermined radio frame with a first multilink device different from the first multilink device, and an establishment means for establishing a link with the first multilink device, and the predetermined radio frame communicated by the communication means includes a predetermined element including an identifier of a logical multilink device formed by cooperation at least between the first multilink device and a second multilink device different from the first multilink device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible to appropriately communicate information relating to a logical MLD formed by cooperation between a plurality of MLDs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an architecture for integrated control of logical AP MLD. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a communication device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a communication device according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a connection sequence between a communication device 102 and a Non-collocated AP MLD 104 in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element in this embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing a process executed in non-AP MLD in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing a process executed in AP MLD in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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.

[0011] (Network Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a network according to this embodiment. This embodiment is configured with a communication device 101 capable of constructing a network 100, a communication device 103 capable of constructing a network 105, a communication device 102 capable of participating in each network, and a communication device 106 capable of communicating with the communication devices 101 and 103. Each communication device (communication devices 101, 102, 103, 106) is configured to be able to execute communication of wireless frames conforming to the IEEE802.11bn standard, which is a successor standard to the IEEE802.11be standard and has a maximum transmission speed of 46.08 Gbps. Note that IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE802.11bn standard, which is a successor standard to the IEEE802.11be standard, has high reliability communication, low latency communication, and improved throughput during congestion as its main features. In addition, one of the goals of IEEE802.11bn is to reduce power consumption in APs. The wireless frame communicated under this successor standard is 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.

[0012] The name UHR is provided for convenience in consideration of the goals to be achieved by the successor standard and the features that are the main features of the 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. Meanwhile, 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. The communication devices 101, 103, and 106 are UHR AP MLDs (Ultra High Reliability access point multi-link devices, hereinafter simply referred to as AP MLDs) that comply with the IEEE802.11UHR standard. The communication device 102 is a UHR non-AP MLD (Ultra High Reliability non-access point multi-link device, hereinafter simply referred to as non-AP MLDs) that comply with the IEEE802.11UHR standard. The communication devices 101, 103, and 106, which are AP MLDs, include multiple APs (access points), and the communication device 102, which is a non-AP MLD, includes multiple non-AP STAs (non-access point stations, hereinafter also referred to as STAs). The AP MLD and non-AP MLD can establish multiple parallel links via multiple different frequency channels by establishing links between the APs and STAs that each device has. A communication device capable of establishing multiple parallel links via multiple different frequency channels in this way is called an MLD (multi-link device). In this embodiment, the communication device 102, which is an MLD, can establish links between the communication device 101 and the communication device 103, and can maintain them in parallel. Although the communication device 101 and the communication device 103 are physically located in different places, they are integrally controlled by the same Upper MAC (communication device 106), thereby constituting a Non-collocated AP MLD 104. Note that MAC is an abbreviation for Medium Access Control. Note that the details of the Non-collocated AP MLD (104) will be described later.In addition, each communication device can perform wireless communication compatible with the IEEE802.11 UHR standard.

[0013] Also, each communication device can communicate in the microwave band including the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band, or in the millimeter wave band above 45 GHz including the 60 GHz band. Also, each communication device can operate in the microwave band with a channel bandwidth of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz. In the millimeter wave band, it can operate in a channel bandwidth of 2.16 GHz, 4.32 GHz, 6.48 GHz, or 8.64 GHz. In the millimeter wave band, it can further operate at 2.16 / n [GHz] (n is a natural number of 2 or more) or 20 × m [MHz] (m is a natural number). Notwithstanding the above, each communication device may only operate in the millimeter wave band with a channel bandwidth of less than 2.16 GHz.

[0014] Although each communication device is described as being compatible with the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard, it may also be compatible with an IEEE 802.11 standard that precedes the IEEE 802.11 UHR standard. Specifically, the communication devices 101 and 102 may be compatible with at least one of the IEEE 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards.

[0015] In addition to the IEEE802.11 standard series, other communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, UWB, ZigBee, MBOA, etc. may be supported. UWB is an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band, and MBOA is an abbreviation for Multi Band OFDM Alliance. NFC is an abbreviation for Near Field Communication. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, WiNET, etc. Also, it may be supported by communication standards for wired communication such as wired LAN.

[0016] Specific examples of the communication devices 101, 103, and 106 include, but are not limited to, a wireless LAN router and a personal computer (PC).

[0017] Moreover, the communication devices 101, 103, and 106 may be information processing devices such as wireless chips capable of performing wireless communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 UHR standard.

[0018] Specific examples of the communication device 102 include, but are not limited to, a camera, a tablet, a smartphone, a PC, a mobile phone, a video camera, a headset, etc. The communication device 102 may be an information processing device such as a wireless chip capable of performing wireless communication compatible with the IEEE802.11 UHR standard.

[0019] (Non-collocated AP MLD) FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 in this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the communication device 101, the communication device 103, and the communication device 106 cooperate to logically function as one AP MLD. The Non-collocated AP MLD in this embodiment is a logical AP MLD that functions by coordinating a function as a lower MAC layer provided in a plurality of APs (communication devices 101 and 103) and a function as an Upper MAC layer provided in a device (communication device 106) that exists outside the plurality of APs. This means that two physically different APs are made to function as one AP MLD when viewed from a STA. Note that in this embodiment, the communication device 106 having a function as an Upper MAC layer in the Non-collocated AP MLD is provided, but this is not limited to this. For example, the function as the Upper MAC layer can be provided on a cloud server (not shown), and a function operating on the cloud server and a function as a lower MAC layer provided by each AP can be made to cooperate to realize a logical AP MLD. Also, the APs may cooperate with each other to share the functions of the Upper MAC layer of each AP, thereby forming a single AP MLD logically.

[0020] 2, the configuration of each communication device related to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 is indicated by a dashed line 104. Next, the configuration of each communication device constituting the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 will be described.

[0021] The communication device 101 is an AP MLD. Therefore, the communication device 101 has a plurality of APs (Affiliated APs) and can simultaneously control the number of links of the plurality of APs. The communication device 101, which is an AP MLD in this embodiment, is composed of a plurality of PHY (physical layer) processing units 201 provided in each Affiliated AP, a plurality of lower MAC processing units 202 provided in each Affiliated AP, a middle MAC processing unit 203, and an upper MAC processing unit 204. The PHY processing unit 201 and the lower MAC processing unit 202 process and control information of the PHY layer and MAC layer unique to each Affiliated AP, respectively. The middle MAC processing unit 203 distributes transmission data as AP MLD to each Affiliated AP based on, for example, TID To Link Mapping. Note that TID is an abbreviation for Traffic Identifier. Furthermore, the middle MAC processing unit 203 distributes the received data to the upper MAC processing unit 204 or the UHR upper MAC 210 of the Non-collocated AP MLD included in the communication device 106 based on the information of the received data. When the communication device 101 and the communication device 106 are wirelessly connected, when distributing the received data to the UHR upper MAC 210, the data is again transmitted to the communication device 106 via wireless communication via the PHY processing unit 201. The upper MAC processing unit 204 controls connection and authentication with other MLDs as, for example, the AP MLD. It is assumed that the communication device 103 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the communication device 101 described above.

[0022] The communication device 106 is a communication device having a UHR upper MAC 210 capable of functioning as at least the upper MAC of the Non-collocated AP MLD 104. In FIG. 2, only the UHR upper MAC 210 is illustrated for the sake of format, but for example, the communication device 106 may be a communication device having the same AP MLD configuration as the communication device 101. The communication device 106 receives a wireless frame addressed to the Non-collocated AP MLD received by the communication device 101 from the communication device 101, and the UHR upper MAC 210 controls connection and authentication as the Non-collocated AP MLD. In addition, the UHR upper MAC 210 distributes transmission data as the Non-collocated AP MLD to each AP MLD. In addition, the communication device 106 is connected to each of the above-mentioned AP MLDs (communication devices 101, 103) via wireless or wired connections, and cooperates as the Non-collocated AP MLD by communicating via the connections.

[0023] (Hardware configuration of communication device) 3 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the communication device 101 in this embodiment. The communication device 101 includes a storage unit 301, a control unit 302, a function unit 303, an input unit 304, an output unit 305, a communication unit 306, and an antenna 307. Note that there may be multiple antennas.

[0024] The storage unit 301 is composed of one or more memories such as a ROM and a RAM, and stores various information such as computer programs for performing various operations described below and communication parameters for wireless communication. ROM stands for Read Only Memory, and RAM stands for Random Access Memory. As the storage unit 301, in addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, storage media such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and DVDs may be used. Furthermore, the storage unit 301 may include multiple memories.

[0025] The control unit 302 is configured with one or more processors such as a CPU or an MPU, and controls the entire communication device 101 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 301. The control unit 302 may control the entire communication device 101 in cooperation with the computer program stored in the storage unit 301 and an OS (Operating System). The control unit 302 also generates data and signals (radio frames) to be transmitted in communication with other communication devices. The CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and the MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit. The control unit 302 may also include multiple processors such as multi-core processors, and the entire communication device 101 may be controlled by the multiple processors.

[0026] Furthermore, the control unit 302 controls the functional unit 303 to execute predetermined processes such as wireless communication, imaging, printing, projection, etc. The functional unit 303 is hardware that enables the communication device 101 to execute predetermined processes.

[0027] The input unit 304 receives various operations from the user. The output unit 305 outputs various types of information to the user via a monitor screen or a speaker. Here, the output by the output unit 305 may be a display on a monitor screen, a voice output by a speaker, a vibration output, or the like. Note that both the input unit 304 and the output unit 305 may be realized by one module, such as a touch panel. Also, the input unit 304 and the output unit 305 may be integrated with the communication device 101, or may be separate from it.

[0028] The communication unit 306 controls wireless communication compatible with the IEEE802.11bn standard. The communication unit 306 may also control wireless communication compatible with other IEEE802.11 series standards in addition to the IEEE802.11bn standard, and control wired communication such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 306 controls an antenna 307 to transmit and receive signals generated by the control unit 302 for wireless communication.

[0029] If the communication device 101 supports the NFC standard, Bluetooth standard, etc. in addition to the IEEE802.11bn standard, the communication device 101 may control wireless communication corresponding to these communication standards. If the communication device 101 can execute wireless communication corresponding to a plurality of communication standards, the communication device 101 may have a communication unit and an antenna corresponding to each communication standard. The communication device 101 communicates data such as image data, document data, and video data with the communication device 102 via the communication unit 306. The antenna 307 may be configured as a separate unit from the communication unit 306, or may be configured as a single module together with the communication unit 306.

[0030] Antenna 307 is an antenna capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. Communication device 101 may have one or more antennas. Also, communication device 101 may have a different antenna for each frequency band. Also, when communication device 101 has multiple antennas, communication device 101 may have communication units 306 corresponding to each antenna.

[0031] The communication devices 102 and 103 have the same hardware configuration as the communication device 101.

[0032] (Functional configuration of communication device) 4 shows an example of a block diagram of the functional configuration of the communication device 101 in this embodiment. Here, the communication device 101 is assumed to include a wireless LAN control unit 401. Note that the number of wireless LAN control units is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The communication device 101 further includes a frame processing unit 402, a UI control unit 403, a storage unit 404, and a wireless antenna 405.

[0033] The wireless LAN control unit 401 includes an antenna and a circuit for transmitting and receiving wireless signals to and from other wireless LAN devices, and a program for controlling them. The wireless LAN control unit 401 executes wireless LAN communication control based on frames generated by the frame processing unit 402 in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard series.

[0034] The frame processing unit 402 processes wireless control frames transmitted and received by the wireless LAN control unit 401. The contents of wireless control generated and analyzed by the frame processing unit 402 may be restricted by settings stored in the storage unit 404, and may also be changed by user settings from the UI control unit 403. Information on the generated frame is sent to the wireless LAN control unit 401 and transmitted to the communication partner. Information on the frame received by the wireless LAN control unit 401 is passed to the frame processing unit 402 and analyzed.

[0035] The UI control unit 403 is configured to include hardware related to a user interface (UI) such as a touch panel or buttons for accepting an operation on the communication device 102 by a user (not shown) of the communication device 101, and a program for controlling the hardware. The UI control unit 403 also has a function for presenting information such as display of images or audio output to the user. The UI control unit 403 can also display a setting screen related to the Non-collocated AP MLD of the communication device 101 and accept a user operation on the display. For example, the UI control unit 403 can be configured so that a user can specify other AP MLDs that cooperate to form a Non-collocated AP MLD using a UI or the like. In this case, the UI control unit 403 of the communication device 101 displays a setting screen for selecting several other AP MLDs that can cooperate with the communication device 101 to form a Non-collocated AP MLD. The user may then select, via the setting screen, which other AP MLD to cooperate with to form a Non-collocated AP MLD.

[0036] The storage unit 404 is a storage device that can be configured with a ROM, a RAM, etc., for storing programs and data that the communication device 101 operates on.

[0037] The communication devices 102 and 103 have the same functional configuration as the communication device 101.

[0038] (Connection sequence) 5 shows an example of a processing sequence in which the communication device 102 connects (establishes a link) with each of the communication devices 101 and 103 belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 via the communication device 101, and executes communication. In this sequence, the communication device 101 and the communication device 102 share information on the Non-collocated AP MLD 104, and the communication device 102 connects (establishes a link) with the communication devices 101 and 103. Note that in this sequence, a Beacon frame, a Probe Request frame, a Probe Response frame, an Association Request frame, and an Association Response frame exist, but the wording of the frames will be omitted in the following description.

[0039] In this embodiment, the STA1 and each AP1 in each communication device processes communication via a first frequency channel (e.g., 1ch in the 2.4 GHz band), and the STA2 and each AP2 processes communication via a second frequency channel (e.g., 36ch in the 5 GHz band).

[0040] The process of this sequence is started when each communication device is powered on. Alternatively, the process may be started when the communication device 102 receives an instruction from a user or an application to connect to another communication device. Alternatively, at least one of the communication devices 102 and 103 may start the process when the amount of data to be communicated with the other device reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0041] First, the communication devices 101, 103, and 106 form a group that forms a Non-collocated AP MLD (S500). As a method of forming a group, the communication device 101 can, for example, inquire about a group to a preset destination and grasp the AP MLD contained in the group based on the list obtained therefrom. Alternatively, a request can be issued to surrounding APs, and whether or not they belong to the same Non-collocated AP MLD can be determined based on the response. Also, it is possible to configure so that the user can specify the group that forms the AP MLD using a UI or the like.

[0042] After the communication device 101 participates in the Non-collocated AP MLD, the communication device 101 transmits a Beacon including its own network information on the first frequency channel to notify surrounding STAs of the network information (S501). The communication device 101 notifies surrounding STAs of its own network information to other communication devices by periodically broadcasting the Beacon (for example, at intervals of 100 Time Units). Here, the network information specifically refers to the transmission interval at which the communication device 101 transmits the Beacon and the SSID of the communication device 101. In addition, the communication device 101 broadcasts information related to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 to which the communication device 101 belongs by including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element shown in FIG. 6 described later in the Beacon as network information.

[0043] When the communication device 102 receives a Beacon of the communication device 102 transmitted in the first frequency channel, the communication device 102 transmits a Probe Request to the communication device 101 in the first frequency channel in order to inquire about network information of the communication device 101 (S502). The Probe Request includes the SSID of the communication device 101. In addition to this, the communication device 102 may request information about the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 to which the communication device 101 belongs by including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element shown in FIG. 6 described later in the Probe Request. In this embodiment, the communication device 102 includes an ID or a MAC Address, which is information for identifying the Non-collocated AP MLD 104, in the Probe Request. This allows the communication device 102 to request information about the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 (for example, information about other AP MLDs to which the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 belongs) from the communication device 101.

[0044] When the communication device 101 receives the Probe Request, it transmits a Probe Response to the communication device 102 on the first frequency channel as a response (S503). The communication device 101 includes at least information on the Non-collocated AP MLD corresponding to information identifying the Non-collocated AP MLD included in the received Probe Request in the Probe Response. In this embodiment, the communication device 101 includes information on the communication device 101 and the communication device 103 as information on the Non-collocated AP MLD 104. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the Probe Response includes at least the AP MLD ID or AP MLD MAC Address corresponding to each communication device, which is information identifying the communication device 101 and the communication device 103, as information on the communication device 101 and the communication device 103.

[0045] For example, if the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 is composed of several APs in addition to the communication devices 101, 103, and 106, the communication device 101 may include information on all of those APs in the Probe Response, or may include information on some of the APs. Also, the number of APs to be included in the Probe Response may be determined based on the result of an inquiry to the communication device 106. In response to this, the communication device 101 selects an AP to which the device itself wishes to connect from among the multiple APs included in the Probe Response.

[0046] Then, the communication device 102 acquires information on the AP MLD belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD from the Probe Response, and determines which AP MLD to request a connection to. In this embodiment, the communication device 102 acquires information on the AP MLD belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 from the Probe Response, and determines to request a connection between the communication device 101 and the communication device 103 in the AP MLD.

[0047] By performing the processes of S501 to S503 in this manner, the communication devices 101 and 102 can exchange information related to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104.

[0048] Next, the communication device 102 transmits an Association Request, which is a connection request, to the communication device 101 on the first frequency channel (S504). In this case, the communication device 102 may request a connection with the communication device 103 or may request a connection with the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 by including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element shown in FIG. 6 in the Association Request. The communication device 102 may determine information to be transmitted in S504 based on information on the Non-collocated AP MLD acquired in at least one of S501 and S503. In this embodiment, the communication device 102 selects a connection between the communication device 101 and the communication device 103 from a plurality of AP MLDs belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 included in the Probe Response in S503, and requests a connection between the communication device 101 and the communication device 103. For this reason, the Association Request transmitted in S504 includes an identifier of the communication device 101 and an identifier of the communication device 103. Thereby, communication device 102 indicates a request for connection between communication device 101 and communication device 103 .

[0049] Next, when the communication device 101 receives an Association Request including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element, it transmits all or part of the information of the Association Request to the communication device 106 (S505). Note that all or part of the Association Request may be transferred to the communication device 106 using an AP2 different from the AP1 that received the Association Request.

[0050] The communication device 106 receives an Association Request from the communication device 101 (S505). Then, based on information in the received Association Request, the communication device 106 performs connection processing and authentication processing with the communication device 102 as the Non-collocated AP MLD 104. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 connects to the communication device 102 via the communication device 101 and the communication device 103.

[0051] Then, the communication device 106 transmits an Association Response to the communication device 101 in response to the Association Request (S506). Also, the communication device 106 transmits an Association Response including information similar to that of the Association Response to the communication device 103 (S507). Note that the order of S506 and S507 is not critical, and either step may be performed first, or both steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0052] Then, the communication device 101 transmits an Association Response to the communication device 102 on the first frequency channel (S508). The Association Response transmitted here includes a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element indicating information regarding communication between the communication device 101 and the Non-collocated AP MLD 104, determined by the communication device 106.

[0053] In response to receiving the Association Response, the communication device 102 establishes a connection with the communication device 101 and the communication device 103, and starts data communication (S509).

[0054] In this embodiment, the communication device 102 connects to two communication devices by transmitting and receiving frames on one frequency channel, but the present invention is not limited to this and may connect to three or more communication devices.

[0055] Also, in this embodiment, a sequence has been described in which communication device 102 connects communication device 101 to communication device 103 when a link has not yet been established between communication device 102 and communication device 101, but this is not limiting. A link has already been established between communication device 102 and communication device 101, and communication device 102 may add a connection to communication device 103 in addition to the connection to communication device 101. In this case, if communication device 102, which is a Non-AP MLD, has already acquired information on Non-collocated AP MLD 104, it may start from the process of S504.

[0056] 5, the communication device 102 can connect to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 only through communication with the communication device 101. Also, the communication device 102 can connect to the communication device 103 belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 only through communication with the communication device 101.

[0057] Also, as described above, the communication device 102 can obtain information on the communication device 103 belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 by requesting information on the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 from the communication device 101. For example, a case is assumed in which the communication device 102 is already connected to the communication device 101 and the communication device 102 wants to roam from the communication device 101 to the communication device 103. In this case, the communication device 102 obtains information on the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 and information on the communication device 103 from the communication device 101 with which the connection has already been established. This allows the communication device 102 to add a connection to the communication device 103 in addition to the connection to the communication device 101. At this time, the communication device 101 and the communication device 103 belong to the same Non-collocated AP MLD 104 and operate as one logical AP MLD. Therefore, the communication device 102 can establish multiple links with the communication device 101 and the communication device 103 in parallel. In this way, the communication device 102 can obtain information about the Non-collocated AP MLD. This allows connection to be made between APs belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD and any of the APs. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately communicate with an AP with a high signal strength without the need for connection switching processing. Furthermore, the mechanism of this case can be applied to cases where one logical AP MLD is actually composed of several tens of APs or more, and the STA cannot communicate with all APs at the same time. For example, in the initial setup sequence, the STA selects an AP with a high signal strength near itself and establishes one or more links. After that, in response to the signal strength with the connected physical AP becoming weak, the STA searches for an AP with a good signal strength among the multiple APs that construct the logical MLD, and performs link reconfiguration processing to add a link with the AP with the good signal strength. The link reconfiguration processing is performed by the STA transmitting a Link Reconfiguration Request frame to the AP.This frame is an Action frame indicating that the STA requests the AP to reconfigure the link, and by storing the identifier of the Non-collocated AP MLD in the frame, it is possible to indicate that the link with the MLD will be reconfigured.

[0058] For example, a case will be described where the communication device 102, which has already established a link with the communication device 101, adds a link with the communication device 103. Here, it is assumed that the communication device 102 has already acquired information on the communication device 103 participating in the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 based on at least any of the frames from S501 to S503 described above. The communication device 102 starts link reconfiguration processing based on the fact that the radio wave strength of the radio wave received from the communication device 103 has become higher than the radio wave strength of the radio wave received from the communication device 101, or based on the fact that communication with the communication device 103 has become possible. The communication device 102 that has started link reconfiguration processing transmits a Link Reconfiguration Request frame to the communication device 101. The Link Reconfiguration Request frame includes an identifier of the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 and an identifier of the communication device 103, thereby requesting the addition of a link with the communication device 103. In addition, the Link Reconfiguration Request frame includes a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element, which will be described later. Then, a Reconfiguration Operation Type field is included in Link Info 634 corresponding to the information of communication device 103 in the element. More specifically, the Link Info 634 is configured to include a STA Control field, and the STA Control field is configured to include a Reconfiguration Operation Type field. The communication device 102 indicates a request to add a link corresponding to the Link Info 634 by setting or storing 2 in the Reconfiguration Operation Type field. Note that when the communication device 102 requests to delete a link, it is possible to indicate a request to delete the link corresponding to Link Info 634 by setting or storing 3 in the Reconfiguration Operation Type field.

[0059] In this way, the communication device 102 shares information about Non-collocated AP MLD with the communication device 101, and can switch the main communication partner to another AP with better signal strength without disconnecting communication by using the above-mentioned Link Reconfiguration Request frame. Note that it is also possible to appropriately disconnect a link with an AP whose signal strength has become weak, and in that case, the above-mentioned Link Reconfiguration Request frame is also used.

[0060] (Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element) 6 shows an example of a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element in this embodiment. The communication device 101 transmits the element by including it in a management frame such as a Beacon frame, a Probe Response frame, or an Association Response frame. The communication device 102 transmits the element by including it in a management frame such as a Probe Request frame or an Association Request frame.

[0061] The Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element includes an Element ID 601, Length 602, Element ID Extension 603, Multi-Link Control 604, AP MLD Common Info 605, and AP MLD Info 606.

[0062] Element ID 601 and Element ID Extension 603 are identifiers for identifying information elements, and in this embodiment, an identifier indicating a non-collocated AP MLD multi-link element is included. Length 602 includes information indicating the data length of the element. The information included in Multi-Link Control 604, AP MLD Common Info 605, and AP MLD Info 606 will be described later.

[0063] Multi-Link Control 604 includes Type 610 and Non-collocated AP MLD ID Present 611. Type 610 is information indicating the type of this element. Non-collocated AP MLD ID Present 611 is information indicating whether or not information on the Non-collocated AP MLD ID is included in AP MLD Common Info 605. For example, if the included value is 1, this indicates that information on the Non-collocated AP MLD ID is included in AP MLD Common Info 605, and if the included value is 0, this indicates that information is not included.

[0064] AP MLD Common Info 605 includes Common Info Length 620, Non-collocated AP MLD MAC Address 621, and Non-collocated AP MLD ID 622. Common Info Length 620 includes information indicating the data length of AP MLD Common Info 605. Non-collocated AP MLD MAC Address 621 specifies the MAC Address of the Non-collocated AP MLD related to the information included in the element. Non-collocated AP MLD ID 622 includes information indicating the identifier of the Non-collocated AP MLD whose MLD information is stored in the element.

[0065] AP MLD Info 606 includes subelements including AP MLD information for each AP MLD belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD. Each subelement includes Subelement ID 630, Length 631, Presence Bitmap 632, Common Info 633, and Link Info 634. Subelement ID 630 includes information indicating an identifier for identifying each subelement. Length 631 includes information indicating the data length of the subelement. Presence Bitmap 632 indicates which field is included in Common Info 633. Common Info 633 includes information common to multiple links indicated in Link Info 634. The information included in Common Info 633 will be described later. Link Info 634 includes information about links in which the AP MLD indicated in the subelement establishes a network, the number of which is the same as the number of links.

[0066] Common Info 633 includes Common Info Length 640, MLD MAC Address 641, Link ID Info 642, BSS Parameters Change Count 643, Medium Synchronization Delay Information 644, EML Capabilities 645, MLD Capabilities And Operations 646, AP MLD ID 647, and Extended MLD Capabilities And Operations 648. Common Info Length 640 includes information indicating the data length of Common Info 633. MLD MAC Address 641 includes information indicating the MAC Address of the AP MLD indicated in the subelement. Link ID Info 642 includes information indicating the link ID of the AP belonging to the AP MLD. BSS Parameters Change Count 643 includes information indicating the number of major changes in BSS parameters. Medium Synchronization Delay Information 644 includes a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of TXOPs that the STA can attempt to start while the MediumSyncDelay timer is running in the STA. EML Capabilities 645 includes capability information related to the EML of the AP MLD indicated in the sub-element. MLD Capabilities And Operations 646 includes capability and operation information of the AP MLD indicated in the sub-element. AP MLD ID 647 includes information indicating the ID of the AP MLD indicated in the sub-element. Extended MLD Capabilities And Operations 648 includes capability and operation information of the AP MLD that is different from MLD Capabilities And Operations 646.

[0067] Note that the information included in the Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element is not limited to the above. Each communication device may be configured to include new information as necessary, or to delete unnecessary information. For example, when the communication device 102 requests information on the Non-collocated AP MLD, it is sufficient to configure the Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element to include at least either the Non-collocated AP MLD ID or the Non-collocated AP MLD MAC Address that can identify the Non-collocated AP MLD.

[0068] (Processing flow) Next, a process of requesting and providing information on Non-collocated AP MLD using the above-mentioned Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element will be described. The flowcharts shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are flowcharts showing processes that are executed by the control unit 202 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 201 of the communication device 102 and the communication device 101, respectively.

[0069] 7 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 202 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 201 when the communication device 102, which is a Non-AP MLD, connects to the Non-collocated AP MLD. This flowchart shows an example of a process in which the communication device 102 requests information on the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 from the AP MLD 101 when acquiring information on the AP MLD 103 belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104. This flowchart also shows an example of a process of connection between the communication device 101 and the communication device 103, with the communication device 102 connecting to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the communication device 102 requests information on the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 by transmitting a Probe Request frame including the above-mentioned Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element. In the present embodiment, the communication device 102 requests connection to the Non-collocated AP MLD 104 by transmitting an Association Request frame including the above-mentioned Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element.

[0071] First, the communication device 102 judges whether the communication device 101 belongs to a Non-collocated AP MLD (S701). The judgment of whether the communication device 101 belongs to a Non-collocated AP MLD is made based on whether information on the Non-collocated AP MLD is included in a Beacon transmitted by the communication device 101. For example, it is judged that the communication device 101 belongs to a Non-collocated AP MLD based on the fact that the Beacon transmitted by the communication device 101 includes the above-mentioned Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element.

[0072] If it is determined that the communication device 101 does not belong to a Non-collocated AP MLD (S701, No), the process ends.

[0073] If it is determined that the communication device 101 belongs to a Non-collocated AP MLD (S701, Yes), the wireless LAN control unit 401 of the communication device 102 acquires the ID or MAC address of the Non-collocated AP MLD, which is the identifier of the Non-collocated AP MLD to which the communication device 101 belongs (S702). In S702, the identifier of the Non-collocated AP MLD is acquired from a Beacon transmitted by the communication device 101, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the identifier of the Non-collocated AP MLD has already been acquired, the wireless LAN control unit 401 of the communication device 102 acquires the identifier of the Non-collocated AP MLD from the storage unit 404.

[0074] Next, in S703, frame processing unit 402 generates a Probe Request frame including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element. The value included in Non-collocated AP MLD ID Present 611 of the Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element generated by frame processing unit 402 in S703 is 1, indicating that AP MLD Common Info 605 includes information on the Non-collocated AP MLD ID. Furthermore, Non-collocated AP MLD MAC Address 621 of the element stores information indicating the MAC Addeess of Non-collocated AP MLD 104. Furthermore, Non-collocated AP MLD ID 622 of the element stores information indicating the ID of Non-collocated AP MLD 104.

[0075] After generating the probe request in S703, the communication device 102 transmits the generated probe request to the communication device 101 (S704).

[0076] Next, the wireless LAN control unit 401 of the communication device 102 receives a Probe Response transmitted by the communication device 101 as a response to the Probe Request transmitted in S704 (S705). Note that in this embodiment, the communication device 102 determines to connect to each communication device based on information on the communication device 101 and the communication device 103 included in the Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element included in the received Probe Response.

[0077] Next, communication device 102 transmits an Association Request including information for identifying the Non-collocated AP MLD, which includes information about communication device 101 and communication device 103, and information about the communication device requesting connection (S706). Note that in this embodiment, communication device 102 indicates a partner device to which it wishes to connect by including information about the partner device to which it wishes to connect (e.g., MLD ID or MLD MAC Address) in the element included in the Association Request.

[0078] Then, the communication device 102 receives an Association Response as a response to the Association Request (S707). Upon recognizing in the Association Response that the connections with the communication device 101 and the communication device 103 have been successful, the communication device 102 starts data communication with the communication device 101 and the communication device 103.

[0079] In this way, by sending a Probe Request including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element including the identifier of the Non-collocated AP MLD, the communication device 102 can indicate to the communication device 101 that it requests information about the Non-collocated AP MLD indicated by the identifier of the Non-collocated AP MLD.

[0080] Furthermore, the communication device 102 can request a connection with each communication device by transmitting an Association Request including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element including an identifier of each AP MLD belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD.

[0081] Next, a flow of processing by the communication device 101 when a Probe Request frame including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element is received will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] First, the wireless LAN control unit 401 of the communication device 101 receives a Probe Request transmitted by the communication device 102 (S801). Next, the wireless LAN control unit 401 of the communication device 101 determines whether or not other AP MLD information belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD is requested based on the ID or MAC Address that identifies the Non-collocated AP MLD contained in the Probe Request frame received in S801, or based on the fact that the wireless frame contains a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element (S802).

[0083] If it is determined that the request is not made (S802, No), the frame processing unit 402 of the communication device 101 generates a Probe Response frame that does not include information about the Non-collocated AP MLD (S804). Then, the wireless LAN control unit 401 transmits the generated Probe Response to the communication device 102 in S805.

[0084] In S802, when it is determined that other AP MLD information belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD is requested (S802, Yes), the frame processing unit 402 generates a Probe Response frame including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-link Element that stores information corresponding to the identification information of the Non-collocated AP MLD included in the received Probe Request (S803). Then, in S805, the wireless LAN control unit 401 transmits the Probe Response frame generated in S803 to the communication device 102.

[0085] Next, the communication device 101 determines whether an Association Request has been received from the communication device 102 (S806). If the communication device 101 has not received an Association Request, it determines No in this step and performs the process of this step again. Note that if a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication device 101 sent a Probe Response in S805 and it has not determined Yes in this step, the communication device 101 notifies the user of an error and ends the process of this flow. On the other hand, if the communication device 101 has received an Association Request, it determines Yes in this step and performs the process of S807.

[0086] Next, the communication device 101 transmits an Association Response as a response to the Association Request (S807). Note that the Association Response transmitted includes a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-link Element including information regarding whether or not the AP MLD requested for connection in the Association Request received in S806 and the communication device 102 can be connected.

[0087] In this way, by using the above-mentioned Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element, the communication device 101 can provide the communication device 102 with information on AP MLDs belonging to a Non-collocated AP MLD requested by the communication device 102. Furthermore, the communication device 101 can indicate whether or not connection with each communication device is possible by transmitting an Association Response including a Non-collocated AP MLD Multi-Link Element including an identifier of each AP MLD belonging to the Non-collocated AP MLD.

[0088] <Other embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, the names of the fields are not limited to these as long as the information contents contained in the above-described fields are similar.

[0089] Also, at least a part or all of the flowcharts shown in Figures 7 and 8 may be realized by hardware provided in each communication device. When realizing by hardware, for example, a specific compiler may be used to generate a dedicated circuit on an FPGA from a computer program for realizing each step, and this may be used. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array. Also, a gate array circuit may be formed in the same manner as an FPGA, and realized as hardware. Also, it may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0090] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-mentioned 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) for realizing one or more functions.

[0091] The disclosure of the above-described embodiment also includes the following configurations.

[0092] (Configuration 1) A multi-link device capable of establishing multiple parallel links with other communication devices over different frequency channels, comprising: A communication means for communicating a predetermined radio frame with a first multilink device different from the multilink device; and means for establishing a link with the first multilink device, A predetermined element including an identifier of a logical multilink device formed by cooperation of at least the first multilink device and a second multilink device different from the first multilink device is included in the predetermined radio frame communicated by the communication means. A communication device comprising:

[0093] (Configuration 2) The predetermined elements further include an identifier of the first multilink device and an identifier of the second multilink device. 2. The communication device according to configuration 1.

[0094] (Configuration 3) The identifier is the MAC address of the multilink device identified by the identifier. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein:

[0095] (Configuration 4) The first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are access point multi-link devices capable of constructing a network, The identifier of the first multi-link device and the identifier of the second multi-link device are AP MLD IDs. 4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second communication devices are connected to each other.

[0096] (Configuration 5) The multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device capable of participating in a network established by a first multi-link device, The multilink device requests information about the second multilink device by transmitting a predetermined frame including a predetermined element that includes an identifier of the logical multilink device. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second communication devices are connected to each other.

[0097] (Configuration 6) The predetermined frame is a Probe Request frame, The communication means transmits the Probe Request frame including a predetermined element including an identifier of the logical multilink device to the first multilink device; The communication means receives the Probe Response frame transmitted by the first multilink device in response to the Probe Request frame. 6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein:

[0098] (Configuration 7) The Probe Response frame includes an identifier of the logical multilink device and an identifier of the second multilink device. 7. The communication device according to configuration 6.

[0099] (Configuration 8) The establishing means is capable of establishing a first link with the first multilink device and a second link with the second multilink device in parallel, When a first link between the first multilink device and the second multilink device is to be established in parallel, the communication means transmits an Association Request frame including an identifier of the first multilink device and an identifier of the second multilink device to the first multilink device. 8. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second communication devices are connected to each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 100 105 Network 101, 103, 106 AP MLD 102 non-AP MLD

Claims

1. A multi-link device capable of establishing multiple parallel links with other communication devices over different frequency channels, comprising: A communication means for communicating a predetermined radio frame with a first multilink device different from the multilink device; and means for establishing a link with the first multilink device, A predetermined element including an identifier of a logical multilink device formed by cooperation between at least the first multilink device and a second multilink device different from the first multilink device is included in the predetermined radio frame communicated by the communication means. A communication device comprising:

2. The predetermined elements further include an identifier of the first multilink device and an identifier of the second multilink device.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The identifier is the MAC address of the multilink device identified by the identifier.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to the first and second inputs.

4. The first multi-link device and the second multi-link device are access point multi-link devices capable of constructing a network, The first multi-link device identifier and the second multi-link device identifier are AP MLD IDs.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to the first and second inputs.

5. The multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device capable of participating in a network established by a first multi-link device, The multilink device requests information about the second multilink device by transmitting a predetermined frame including a predetermined element that includes an identifier of the logical multilink device.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 .

6. The predetermined frame is a Probe Request frame, The communication means transmits the Probe Request frame including a predetermined element including an identifier of the logical multilink device to the first multilink device; The communication means receives the Probe Response frame transmitted by the first multilink device in response to the Probe Request frame.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 .

7. The Probe Response frame includes an identifier of the logical multilink device and an identifier of the second multilink device.

7. The communication device according to claim 6.

8. The establishing means is capable of establishing a first link with the first multilink device and a second link with the second multilink device in parallel, When a first link between the first multilink device and the second multilink device is established in parallel, the communication means transmits an Association Request frame including an identifier of the first multilink device and an identifier of the second multilink device to the first multilink device.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 .

9. A method for controlling a multi-link device capable of establishing multiple parallel links with other communication devices via different frequency channels, comprising: a communication step of communicating a predetermined wireless frame with a first multilink device different from the multilink device; and establishing the plurality of links with the first multilink device; A predetermined element including an identifier of a logical multilink device formed by cooperation between at least the first multilink device and a second multilink device different from the first multilink device is included in the predetermined radio frame communicated in the communication process. A method for controlling a communication device comprising:

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling a communication device according to claim 9.

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