Notification system, wireless device, notification device, and control program

Abstract

To provide a notification system, a wireless device, a notification device, and a control program that are capable of detecting that a factor of an Internet connection problem is non-wireless LAN radio waves in the usage environment on a user side.SOLUTION: A notification is given regarding a wireless LAN router 10 in a wireless LAN. The wireless LAN router 10 calculates a first ratio, which of a busy time during which wireless communication of the wireless LAN router 10 is busy is occupied by a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless LAN router 10 detects non-wireless LAN radio waves. If the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the server 30 notifies a user that the wireless communication of the wireless LAN router 10 is affected by non-wireless LAN radio waves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system, a wireless device, a notification device, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, it has become commonplace for various devices such as smartphones and laptop computers to be connected to networks and for apps and other devices to communicate with the Internet. In this situation, many users are complaining about unstable Internet connections.

[0003] Furthermore, a device management method for identifying the cause of a network connection failure between a terminal device and a printing device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-167650 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The causes of unstable Internet connections are not limited to factors on the provider side, but may also be non-wireless LAN radio waves, such as microwave ovens or Bluetooth (registered trademark) radio waves, in the user's environment.

[0006] However, because users do not know the cause of the Internet connection problem, they often contact their provider about the problem even if the cause is actually a non-wireless LAN signal in the user's environment. This increases the burden on providers, as they need to identify the cause of the Internet connection problem.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a notification system, wireless device, notification device, and control program that are capable of detecting that the cause of an Internet connection problem is non-wireless LAN radio waves in the user's environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The notification system of the present invention is a notification system for notifying a wireless device of a wireless LAN, a calculation unit that calculates a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state of wireless communication; a notification unit that notifies a user that a non-wireless LAN radio wave is affecting wireless communication of the wireless device when the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; It includes.

[0009] The wireless device of the present invention is a wireless device for a wireless LAN, a calculation unit that calculates a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state of wireless communication; an output unit that outputs information based on the first ratio; It is equipped with the following.

[0010] The notification device of the present invention is a notification device that notifies a wireless device of a wireless LAN, an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state of wireless communication; a notification unit that notifies a user that a non-wireless LAN radio wave is affecting wireless communication of the wireless device when the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; It is equipped with the following.

[0011] The control program of the present invention is a control program for a wireless device in a wireless LAN, a processor of the wireless device, calculating a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state; outputting information based on the first ratio; It causes the processing to be executed.

[0012] The control program of the present invention is a control program for a notification device that notifies a wireless device of a wireless LAN, A processor of the notification device, acquiring information indicating a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state; When the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a notification is given to a user that a non-wireless LAN radio wave is affecting wireless communication of the wireless device. It causes the processing to be executed. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a notification system, a wireless device, a notification device, and a control program that are capable of detecting that the cause of an Internet connection problem is non-wireless LAN radio waves in the user's environment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a notification system to which a wireless device and a notification device of the present invention are applied; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a wireless LAN router 10. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the processor 11. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of communication terminals 24 and 25. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a server 30. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of CSMA / CA for avoiding packet collisions in Wi-Fi. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing the count-up process in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing a process of calculating the ratio of various radio wave times during a busy time. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification of the use environment information by the server 30. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a processor 31 of a server 30. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing an example of notification information displayed on a manager information terminal 60. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (Embodiment) <Notification system to which the wireless device and notification device of the present invention are applied> 1 is a diagram showing an example of a notification system to which the wireless device and notification device of the present invention are applied. The notification system 1 shown in FIG.

[0017] The wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router 10 is an example of the "wireless device" of the present invention. The wireless LAN router 10 is also an example of the "calculation unit" of the present invention. The wireless LAN router 10 has a router function of relaying communication between an information terminal (e.g., communication terminals 21, 24, 25) connected to the wireless LAN router 10 and the network 2. The wireless LAN router 10 also has a function as an access point of a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The wireless LAN router 10 may also have a function of a switching hub or the like. The network 2 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet, and connection is possible after determining the connection method. The "wireless device" of the present invention may be, for example, a wireless LAN repeater.

[0018] The communication terminals 21, 24, and 25 are information terminals capable of wireless communication with the wireless LAN router 10 by connecting to the wireless LAN formed by the wireless LAN router 10. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the communication terminal 21 is a notebook personal computer, and the communication terminals 24 and 25 are smartphones.

[0019] The server 30 is an example of a "notification device" of the present invention. The server 30 is also an example of a "notification unit" of the present invention. The server 30 can be connected to the network 2. The server 30 is a server for collecting information on the communication terminals 21, 24, 25, etc. connected to the wireless LAN from, for example, a router (for example, the wireless LAN router 10) connected to the network 2. The information on the communication terminals includes, for example, identification information of the communication terminals in the wireless LAN, information on the usage environment related to the communication of the communication terminals, etc. The server 30 is, for example, a server managed by the provider of the wireless LAN router 10. The server 30 may be a physical server or a virtual server on the cloud. The server 30 may also be an information terminal (personal computer (PC), smartphone, etc.) connectable to the wireless LAN router 10.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the wireless LAN router 10 is the "calculation unit" and the server 30 is the "notification unit", but this is not limited to this. For example, the wireless LAN router 10 or the communication terminals 24, 25 (wireless LAN terminals) may function as the "notification unit".

[0021] <Configuration of Wireless LAN Router 10> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless LAN router 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the wireless LAN router 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary memory 13, a wireless LAN communication I / F 14, a WAN communication I / F 15, and a wired LAN communication I / F 16.

[0022] The processor 11 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire wireless LAN router 10. The processor 11 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 11 may also be realized by combining a plurality of digital circuits.

[0023] The main memory 12 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory 12 is used as a work area for the processor 11. The auxiliary memory 13 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory. Various programs for operating the wireless LAN router 10 are stored in the auxiliary memory 13. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory 13 are loaded into the main memory 12 and executed by the processor 11.

[0024] The auxiliary memory 13 also stores correspondence information between identification information of communication terminals in the network and the usage environment related to communication of the communication terminals. The "network" refers to a wired and wireless local area network formed by the wireless LAN router 10. The "identification information" includes, for example, a logical address (IP (Internet Protocol) address) and a physical address (MAC (Media Access Control) address). The "correspondence information" may be, for example, an ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table. The ARP table includes, for example, information indicating the correspondence relationship between the logical address, physical address, and usage environment related to communication of the communication terminal.

[0025] The wireless LAN communication I / F 14 is a communication interface that performs wireless communication with a wireless communication terminal. The wireless LAN communication I / F 14 performs wireless communication using the 2.4 GHz band (frequency band), the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. Using the wireless LAN communication I / F 14, the wireless LAN router 10 can simultaneously connect to wireless communication terminals (e.g., communication terminals 24, 25, etc.) in multiple bands (e.g., MLO: Multi-Link Operation).

[0026] The WAN communication I / F 15 is connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet, and communicates with other communication devices via the WAN. The wired LAN communication I / F 16 is connected to a LAN, and communicates with other communication devices (e.g., communication terminals 21, 22, 23, etc.) via the LAN.

[0027] For example, the wireless LAN router 10 communicates with the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. through the wireless LAN communication I / F 14, and communicates with the WAN-side communication device through the WAN communication I / F 15, thereby relaying data communication between the communication terminals 24, 25, etc. and the WAN-side communication device. The wireless LAN router 10 also communicates with the LAN-side communication terminals 21, 22, 23, etc. through the wired LAN communication I / F 16, and communicates with the WAN-side communication device through the WAN communication I / F 15, thereby relaying data communication between the LAN-side communication terminals 21, 22, 23, etc. and the WAN-side communication device. The WAN communication I / F 15 or the wireless LAN communication I / F 14 is an example of the "output unit" of the present invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the wireless LAN router 10 regards the time during which the wireless LAN router 10 detects non-wireless LAN radio waves as the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during the busy time during which the wireless LAN router 10 is busy with wireless communication, and calculates the proportion of the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time as, for example, a first proportion. "The wireless communication of the wireless device is busy" refers to a state in which the wireless LAN router 10 has data to transmit, but is unable to transmit the data because the wireless LAN router 10 has detected radio waves from another device. "Non-wireless LAN radio waves" refers to radio waves other than wireless LAN, including, for example, radio waves from a microwave oven or Bluetooth.

[0029] In addition, the wireless LAN router 10 determines the time during the busy time during which the wireless LAN router 10 receives a response radio wave to the radio wave transmitted by the wireless LAN router 10 as its own device radio wave response reception time, and calculates the proportion of the own device radio wave response reception time as, for example, a second proportion.

[0030] Furthermore, the wireless LAN router 10 regards the time during the busy time during which the wireless LAN router 10 detects wireless LAN radio waves transmitted by other devices other than the wireless LAN router 10 and its communication destinations as the other device radio wave detection time, and calculates the proportion of the other device radio wave detection time as, for example, a third proportion. The "wireless LAN router 10 and its communication destinations" refer to the wireless LAN router 10 (access point) and communication terminals 24, 25. The "other devices" refer to other devices within the same wireless LAN, and for example, refer to communication terminal 25 when the wireless LAN router 10 is communicating with communication terminal 24.

[0031] Moreover, the wireless LAN router 10 calculates the ratio of busy time to a given time as, for example, a fourth ratio. The ratio of busy time to a given time is called, for example, a "congestion rate."

[0032] Furthermore, the wireless LAN router 10 may calculate the first ratio for each communication terminal of the wireless LAN that communicates with the wireless LAN router 10. The wireless LAN router 10 may calculate the first ratio for each frequency band available in the wireless LAN. The wireless LAN router 10 may calculate the first ratio for each of a plurality of networks included in the wireless LAN. "A plurality of networks" refers to a plurality of networks formed by one wireless LAN router 10 (access point) and having different SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers). The wireless LAN router 10 may calculate the second to third ratios in the same manner, for example. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that the ratio calculated for each frequency band can be subdivided by each communication terminal, or other combinations according to the situation.

[0033] The wireless LAN router 10 outputs information based on the calculated first ratio. "Outputting information based on the first ratio" means transmitting information indicating the first ratio to the server 30. The wireless LAN router 10 may notify the server 30 when the first ratio becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0034] <Functions of Processor 11> 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the processor 11. The processor 11 includes wireless LAN communication units 14a to 14c, a wired WAN communication unit 15a, a wired LAN communication unit 16a, a Kernel processing unit 17, a Bridge_br0 processing unit 18, and a NAPT / ROUTER processing unit 19.

[0035] The wireless LAN communication units 14a to 14c are communication units that control the wireless LAN communication I / F 14 and perform wireless communication with wireless terminals. The wireless LAN communication unit 14a is capable of performing wireless communication using a 6 GHz frequency band. The wireless LAN communication unit 14b is capable of performing wireless communication using a 5 GHz frequency band. The wireless LAN communication unit 14c is capable of performing wireless communication using a 2.4 GHz frequency band.

[0036] The wired WAN communication unit 15a controls the WAN communication I / F 15 to communicate with other communication devices via the WAN. The wired LAN communication unit 16a controls the wired LAN communication I / F 16 to communicate with other communication devices via the LAN.

[0037] The kernel processing unit 17 provides an interface between hardware and software, and performs process management, memory management, loading of device drivers, etc. The kernel processing unit 17 is an example of the "calculation unit" in the wireless LAN router 10 of the present invention.

[0038] The Bridge_br0 processing unit 18 is a network bridge that connects different network segments and enables communication. For example, the Kernel processing unit 17 connects a physical Ethernet port and a wireless LAN interface. This bridges wired and wireless networks, allowing devices in the same network segment to communicate with each other.

[0039] The "NAPT" in the NAPT / ROUTER processing unit 19 is an abbreviation for Network Address Port Translation. The NAPT / ROUTER processing unit 19 controls communication between networks. For example, the NAPT / ROUTER processing unit 19 is used when a device in a local network using a private IP address communicates with a device having a global IP address on the Internet. This allows multiple devices to share the same global IP address and connect to the Internet (network 2). The NAPT / ROUTER processing unit 19 also converts port numbers. When devices in a local network use the same global IP address, it is possible to ensure accuracy and security of communication by converting the port number. The NAPT / ROUTER processing unit 19 allows the wireless LAN router 10 to connect to the Internet and enhance network security.

[0040] <Configuration of communication terminals 24 and 25> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication terminals 24, 25. As shown in Fig. 4, the communication terminals 24, 25 include a processor 26, a main memory 27, an auxiliary memory 28, and a wireless LAN communication I / F 29.

[0041] The processor 26 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU that controls the entire communication terminals 24 and 25. The processor 26 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA or a DSP. The processor 26 may also be realized by combining a plurality of digital circuits.

[0042] The main memory 27 is, for example, a RAM. The main memory 27 is used as a work area for the processor 26. The auxiliary memory 28 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory. Various programs for operating the communication terminals 24, 25 are stored in the auxiliary memory 28. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory 28 are loaded into the main memory 27 and executed by the processor 26.

[0043] The wireless LAN communication I / F 29 is a communication interface that performs wireless communication with the wireless LAN router 10. The wireless LAN communication I / F 29 may be capable of performing wireless communication using, for example, frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The communication terminals 24 and 25 may be wireless terminals that support wireless LAN wireless communication such as Wi-Fi 7.

[0044] Furthermore, the communication terminals 24, 25 (wireless LAN terminals) may be an example of the "wireless device" of the present invention. When the communication terminals 24, 25 operate as wireless devices, the communication terminals 24, 25 function as "calculation units" that calculate the above-mentioned first ratio, second ratio, third ratio, fourth ratio, etc. At this time, the communication destination of the communication terminals 24, 25 becomes the wireless LAN router 10.

[0045] <Server 30 Configuration> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 30. As shown in Fig. 5, the server 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary memory 33, and a WAN communication I / F .

[0046] The processor 31 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU that controls the entire server 30. The processor 31 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA or a DSP. The processor 31 may also be realized by combining a plurality of digital circuits.

[0047] The main memory 32 is, for example, a RAM. The main memory 32 is used as a work area for the processor 31. The auxiliary memory 33 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory. Various programs for operating the server 30 are stored in the auxiliary memory 33. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory 33 are loaded into the main memory 32 and executed by the processor 31. The auxiliary memory 33 also stores identification information of the communication terminal received from the wireless LAN router 10 and information on the usage environment related to communication of the communication terminal.

[0048] The WAN communication I / F 34 is connected to a WAN such as the Internet, and communicates with other communication devices via the WAN. The WAN communication I / F 34 is an example of an "acquisition unit" of the present invention. The WAN communication I / F 34 and the processor 31 are an example of a "notification unit" of the present invention.

[0049] For example, the server 30 receives information on the usage environment of the wireless LAN router 10 from the wireless LAN router 10. Specifically, the server 30 receives information from the wireless LAN router 10 indicating a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless LAN router 10 detects non-wireless LAN radio waves to a busy time during which the wireless communication of the wireless LAN router 10 is busy. The server 30 may receive the busy time and the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time from the wireless LAN router 10. In this case, the server 30 functions as a calculation unit that calculates a first ratio of the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time to the busy time based on the received busy time and non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time.

[0050] Furthermore, the server 30 receives information indicating a second ratio of its own device's radio wave response reception time to the busy time, a third ratio of other device's radio wave detection time to the busy time, and a fourth ratio of the busy time per predetermined time from the wireless LAN router 10. Note that the server 30 may function as a calculation unit and calculate the second ratio, third ratio, and fourth ratio, similar to the above-mentioned first ratio.

[0051] Furthermore, when the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the server 30 notifies the user that the wireless communication of the wireless LAN router 10 is affected by non-wireless LAN radio waves. The "notification" may be, for example, sending an email or a short message. The notification may also be a push notification by an application installed in the user's information terminal (communication terminals 21 to 25, etc.). The "user" refers to the owner or manager of the wireless LAN router 10.

[0052] Furthermore, the server 30 may provide a notification to the user based on the second ratio. The "notification based on the second ratio" may be, for example, a notification that there is a problem in the communication section between communicating wireless devices (a parent device and a terminal), or a notification encouraging a change in the positional relationship between the wireless devices. For example, the parent device is the wireless LAN router 10, and the terminals are the communication terminals 24 and 25. The notification that there is a problem in the communication section between the wireless devices may be, for example, a notification that there is a possibility of a malfunction in the wireless devices themselves, such as repeated retransmissions between the wireless devices. The server 30 may provide the notification after actually checking whether or not retransmissions are being repeated between the wireless devices.

[0053] Furthermore, the server 30 may provide a notification to the user based on the third ratio. The "notification based on the third ratio" may be, for example, a notification that the device is affected by radio waves from other devices in the same wireless LAN. The "notification based on the third ratio" may be a notification to encourage a change in channel or band, a notification to encourage a change in channel or band of a terminal connected to the same wireless LAN, or a notification to encourage a reduction in the number of terminals connected to the same wireless LAN.

[0054] Furthermore, the server 30 does not issue a notification when the fourth ratio is less than a predetermined value, that is, when the wireless communication state of the wireless LAN router 10 is not congested. The server 30 may also not issue a notification when the first ratio is less than a predetermined value.

[0055] Further, the server 30 may issue a notification based on the first ratio for each terminal of the wireless LAN that performs wireless communication with the wireless LAN router 10. "For each terminal" means, for example, each of the communication terminal 24 and the communication terminal 25. "Notification" means, for example, when the first ratio is high only for a specific terminal, a notification indicating that there is a radio wave interference source (such as a microwave oven or a Bluetooth device) near that terminal, or a notification prompting a change in the positional relationship between that terminal and the radio wave interference source. Further, when the first ratio is high only for a specific frequency band, the server 30 may issue a notification by a combination such as prompting a change in the frequency band, or when the first ratio is high not limited to the frequency band, prompting a change in the positional relationship.

[0056] The server 30 may issue a notification based on the first ratio for each frequency band available in the wireless LAN. "Notification" means, for example, when the first ratio is high only for a specific frequency band, a notification prompting a change in the used band from that frequency band.

[0057] The server 30 may notify the user based on the first ratio of each of a plurality of networks included in the wireless LAN. "Notification" means, for example, when the first ratio is high only for a specific SSID, a notification prompting a change in the used network from the network using that SSID. The server 30 may similarly issue a notification for the second ratio to the third ratio, for example.

[0058] <Operation example of CSMA / CA> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation example of CSMA / CA for avoiding packet collisions in Wi-Fi. As a conventional technique for avoiding packet collisions in Wi-Fi, for example, CSMA / CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) is adopted. The operation example when wireless communication is performed between the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminals 24 and 25 in the CSMA / CA shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

[0059] First, the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminals 24 and 25 wait for a DCF Inter Frame Space (DIFS) time to confirm that no one is transmitting data. The DIFS is the time to determine that a transition has been made from a busy state to an idle state.

[0060] After the DIFS has elapsed, the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminals 24 and 25 further wait for a random time called a back-off period. The back-off period is a time set by, for example, a random number, and the terminal with the shortest back-off period acquires the transmission right to transmit data. In FIG. 6, the back-off period of the communication terminal 24 is the shortest, and the communication terminal 24 acquires the transmission right.

[0061] The communication terminal 24 that has acquired the transmission right transmits data 41 to the wireless LAN router 10. During the period in which the communication terminal 24 is transmitting the data 41, the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminal 25 are in busy 42, 43 states.

[0062] When the wireless LAN router 10 correctly receives data from the communication terminal 24, the wireless LAN router 10 that received the data waits for a SIFS (Short Inter Frame Space) time. Meanwhile, the communication terminals 24 and 25 other than the wireless LAN router 10 wait for a DIFS time to confirm that no one is sending data, as described above. At this time, the SIFS time is set to a time shorter than the DIFS time. Therefore, after the SIFS has elapsed, the wireless LAN router 10 becomes capable of sending data, and transmits an Ack44, a response signal to the data from the communication terminal 24, to the communication terminals 24 and 25. During the period when the wireless LAN router 10 is transmitting Ack44, the communication terminals 24 and 25 are in busy 45 and 46 states.

[0063] When the wireless LAN router 10 completes sending Ack44, the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminals 24 and 25 wait again for the DIFS and backoff time. The terminal with the shortest backoff period acquires the transmission right to transmit data. In FIG. 6, the communication terminal 25 has the shortest backoff period, so it acquires the transmission right.

[0064] The communication terminal 25 that has acquired the transmission right transmits data 47 to the wireless LAN router 10. During the period in which the communication terminal 25 is transmitting the data 47, the communication terminal 24 and the wireless LAN router 10 are in busy 48, 49 states.

[0065] As shown in the above operation example, the CSMA / CA method is a method applied to wireless communication in a wireless LAN. Therefore, if devices using the same frequency band, such as a microwave oven or Bluetooth, exist in the wireless LAN, the radio waves of those devices may interfere with the wireless communication between the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminals 24 and 25. This may cause the communication speed between the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminals 24 and 25 to decrease. In the present invention, it is possible to detect non-wireless LAN radio waves such as a microwave oven or Bluetooth, and other interfering radio waves, and to notify the user of the cause of the decrease in communication speed. Furthermore, if the user is notified of the countermeasures, the user can easily take appropriate measures against the interference.

[0066] <Processing by the processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10> 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10. The processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10 executes this processing by the kernel processing unit 17.

[0067] First, the kernel processing unit 17 of the processor 11 judges whether or not the wireless LAN router 10 has data to transmit to the communication terminals 24 and 25 (step S11). If there is no data to transmit in step S11 (step S11: No), the kernel processing unit 17 repeats the process of step S11. The data to be transmitted from the wireless LAN router 10 to the communication terminals 24 and 25 is, for example, data to be transmitted by connecting to a net server to transmit web data requested by the communication terminals 24 and 25.

[0068] If there is transmission data in step S11 (step S11: Yes), the kernel processing unit 17 determines whether the transmission data is a priority frame (step S12).

[0069] If the transmission data is not a priority frame in step S12 (step S12: No), the kernel processing unit 17 waits for a DIFS (step S13).

[0070] After waiting for the DIFS, the kernel processing unit 17 waits for a backoff (step S14).

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the transmission data is a priority frame (step S12: Yes), the kernel processing unit 17 waits for a SIFS (step S15).

[0072] Next, after waiting for the backoff period in step S14, or after waiting for the SIFS period in step S15, the kernel processing unit 17 determines whether or not it detects radio waves transmitted by someone (step S16).

[0073] If no radio wave is detected in step S16 (step S16: No), the kernel processing unit 17 transmits data to the communication terminals 24 and 25 (step S17).

[0074] If radio waves are detected in step S16 (step S16: Yes), the kernel processing unit 17 executes a count-up process to detect the wireless LAN usage environment (step S18). The count-up process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0075] Next, after the count-up process, the kernel processing unit 17 again determines whether or not to detect radio waves (step S19).

[0076] If a radio wave is detected in step S19 (step S19: Yes), the kernel processing unit 17 waits until the next count timing (step S20), and after the count timing has elapsed, returns to step S18 and executes the count-up process. An example of the count timing is every 1 μsec.

[0077] If no radio wave is detected in step S19 (step S19: No), the kernel processing unit 17 returns to step S12 and repeats each process.

[0078] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the count-up process of Fig. 7. First, the kernel processing unit 17 counts up the busy time (step S21). As described above, counting up the busy time means counting up the busy time, which indicates a state in which there is data to transmit but the data cannot be transmitted because radio waves from another device have been detected. The kernel processing unit 17 stores the counted up busy time in the auxiliary memory 13.

[0079] Next, the kernel processing unit 17 determines whether the reason why the wireless communication is busy is that a response radio wave to a radio wave transmitted by the own device (wireless LAN router 10) has been detected (step S22).

[0080] If the detection of a radio wave in response to the radio wave transmitted by the device itself is detected in step S22 (step S22: Yes), the kernel processing unit 17 counts up the device's radio wave response reception time (step S23) and ends this count-up process. The kernel processing unit 17 stores the counted-up device's radio wave response reception time in the auxiliary memory 13.

[0081] If the reason for the busy state is not due to the detection of a radio wave in response to the radio wave transmitted by the own device in step S22 (step S22: No), the kernel processing unit 17 determines whether the reason for the wireless communication being busy is due to the detection of a radio wave of a wireless LAN transmitted by another device other than the own device (wireless LAN router 10) and the communication destination of the own device (step S24).

[0082] If the detection is due to detection of a wireless LAN radio wave transmitted by another device in step S24 (step S24: Yes), the kernel processing unit 17 counts up the other device radio wave detection time (step S25) and ends this count-up process. The kernel processing unit 17 stores the counted up other device radio wave detection time in the auxiliary memory 13.

[0083] If it is not due to detection of a wireless LAN radio wave transmitted by another device in step S24 (step S24: No), the kernel processing unit 17 counts up the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time, which indicates that the reason the wireless communication is busy is due to detection of a radio wave other than a wireless LAN (step S26), and ends this count-up process. The kernel processing unit 17 stores the counted up non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time in the auxiliary memory 13.

[0084] In this example, the processor (kernel processing unit 17) of the wireless LAN router 10 performs the processing, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the processor 26 of the communication terminals 24, 25 may perform the same processing. Also, the processing may be performed by both the wireless LAN router 10 and the communication terminals 24, 25. In this case, the wireless LAN router 10 determines the congestion rate when data is downlinked (DL) to the communication terminals 24, 25. The communication terminals 24, 25 determine the congestion rate when data is uplinked (UL) to the wireless LAN router 10.

[0085] <Calculation of the ratio of various radio wave times during busy hours> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of calculating the ratio of various radio wave times during a busy time.

[0086] First, the kernel processing unit 17 determines whether it is time to store the ratio of various radio wave times in a busy time (step S31). The kernel processing unit 17 stores the ratio of various radio wave times in a busy time, for example, every second.

[0087] If it is not the timing to save in step S31 (step S31: No), the kernel processing unit 17 repeats the process of step S31 until it is the timing to save.

[0088] If it is time to save in step S31 (step S31: Yes), the kernel processing unit 17 reads out the counter values ​​of various radio wave times from the auxiliary memory 13 (step S32). The counter values ​​of various radio wave times are the counter value of the busy time counted up in step S21 of Fig. 8, the counter value of the radio wave response reception time of the own device counted up in step S23, the counter value of the other device radio wave detection time counted up in step S25, and the counter value of the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time counted up in step S26.

[0089] Next, the kernel processing unit 17 clears the counters of the various radio wave times in the auxiliary memory 13 that were read out in step S32 (step S33).

[0090] Next, the kernel processing unit 17 calculates a congestion rate indicating a busy state of wireless communication in the wireless LAN router 10 based on the busy time read out in step S32 (step S34). The congestion rate indicating a busy state of wireless communication in the wireless LAN router 10 is calculated, for example, as a rate [%] of busy time per second.

[0091] Next, the kernel processing unit 17 calculates the ratio of the local device radio wave response reception time to the busy time (step S35). The local device radio wave response reception time is the time read out in step S32.

[0092] Next, the kernel processing unit 17 calculates the ratio of the other device radio wave detection time to the busy time (step S36). The other device radio wave detection time is the time read out in step S32.

[0093] Next, the kernel processing unit 17 calculates the ratio of the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time to the busy time (step S37). The non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time is the time read out in step S32.

[0094] Next, the kernel processing unit 17 stores in the auxiliary memory 13 the values ​​of the congestion rate calculated in step S34, the percentage of time during which the device's own radio wave response is received calculated in step S35, the percentage of time during which other device radio waves are detected calculated in step S36, and the percentage of time during which non-wireless LAN radio waves are detected calculated in step S37 (step S38).

[0095] <Notification of Usage Environment Information by Server 30> Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of notification of usage environment information by the server 30. As shown in Fig. 10, the server 30 receives from the wireless LAN router 10 a congestion rate indicating a busy state of wireless communication in the wireless LAN router 10, a ratio of the time during which the wireless LAN router 10 receives a radio wave response from its own device during the busy time, a ratio of the time during which the wireless LAN router 10 detects radio waves from other devices during the busy time, and a ratio of the time during which the wireless LAN router 10 detects radio waves from non-wireless LAN devices during the busy time.

[0096] The server 30 stores the "congestion rate" and "proportion of various radio wave times" received from the wireless LAN router 10 in the auxiliary memory 33, and determines whether the "congestion rate" and "proportion of various radio wave times" are equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When the server 30 determines that there is a problem with the usage environment on the user side based on the determination result of the "congestion rate" and the "proportion of various radio wave times", it notifies the administrator W of the wireless LAN router 10 of notification information related to the usage environment of the wireless LAN router 10 via the administrator information terminal 60 owned by the administrator of the wireless LAN router 10.

[0097] The administrator information terminal 60 may be, for example, the communication terminals 21 to 25 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) or a terminal of a management manufacturer (for example, an IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) provider). The administrator W may be a management manufacturer (for example, an IPS provider) of the wireless LAN router 10 or a user of the wireless LAN router 10.

[0098] The notification information is, for example, information notifying that there is a high possibility that there is a problem in the usage environment of the wireless LAN router 10. The notification information includes, for example, information that the wireless communication of the wireless LAN router 10 is congested, and information that the cause of the congestion is the influence of non-wireless LAN radio waves, the influence of response radio waves to radio waves transmitted by the device itself, the influence of radio waves from other devices in the same wireless LAN, etc.

[0099] In this example, the wireless LAN router 10 calculates the congestion rate and the ratio of various radio wave times and transmits them to the server 30, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the communication terminals 24 and 25 may calculate the congestion rate and the ratio of various radio wave times and transmit the calculated ratios to the server 30 via the wireless LAN router 10. In this example, the server 30 notifies the notification information, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the wireless LAN router 10 may notify, or an information terminal (PC, smartphone, etc.) connectable to the wireless LAN router 10 may notify.

[0100] <Processing by the processor 31 of the server 30> 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the processor 31 of the server 30. First, the processor 31 acquires a congestion rate indicating a busy state of wireless communication from the wireless LAN router 10 (step S41).

[0101] Next, the processor 31 determines whether the congestion rate acquired in step S41 is equal to or greater than a first threshold (step S42). The first threshold of the congestion rate is, for example, 90%.

[0102] If the congestion rate is not equal to or greater than the first threshold in step S42 (step S42: No), the processor 31 returns to step S41 and repeats each process.

[0103] If the congestion rate is equal to or greater than the first threshold in step S42 (step S42: Yes), the processor 31 creates notification information to notify the user (step S43). The notification information is information including a destination registered as the user, etc.

[0104] Next, the processor 31 adds a congestion notification notifying the user that the wireless communication state of the wireless LAN router 10 is congested as notification information to be notified to the user (step S44).

[0105] Next, the processor 31 acquires the ratio of non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time to the busy time from the wireless LAN router 10 (step S45).

[0106] Next, the processor 31 determines whether the ratio of the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time to the busy time acquired in step S45 is equal to or greater than a second threshold (step S46). The second threshold of the busy rate is, for example, 50%. The processor 31 may also determine whether the ratio of the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time is the highest compared to the ratio of the radio wave response reception time of the own device and the ratio of the radio wave detection time of the other device.

[0107] If the ratio of non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time to the busy time is equal to or greater than the second threshold in step S46 (step S46: Yes), the processor 31 adds a congestion cause notification to the notification information to be notified to the user, notifying the user that the congestion is caused by non-wireless LAN radio waves (step S47).

[0108] Next, the processor 31 transmits the congestion notification added in step S44 and the congestion cause notification added in step S46 as notification information to the manager information terminal 60 (step S48).

[0109] On the other hand, if the ratio of non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time to the busy time is not greater than or equal to the second threshold in step S46 (step S46: No), the processor 31 transmits only the congestion notification added in step S44 to the administrator information terminal 60 as notification information (step S48).

[0110] After processor 31 transmits the notification information to administrator information terminal 60 in step S48, it returns to step S41 and repeats each process, but may wait for a predetermined time after transmitting the notification information in step S48 so that the notification information is not continuously notified to administrator information terminal 60.

[0111] In this example, the proportion of time that non-wireless LAN radio waves are detected during busy time is referenced, but this is not limited to this. For example, the proportion of time that the device receives a radio wave response during busy time or the proportion of time that the device detects radio waves from other devices during busy time may be determined and added to the notification information.

[0112] Furthermore, when there are multiple wireless LAN routers 10, the processor 31 may perform this process for each wireless LAN router 10 (AP), or may perform this process for each information terminal under the wireless LAN router 10 (AP). Furthermore, the processor 31 may perform this process for each frequency band that the wireless LAN router 10 (AP) can use. Furthermore, when the wireless LAN router 10 forms multiple networks, the processor 31 may perform this process for each of the SSIDs.

[0113] <Example of notification information display> Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of notification information displayed on the administrator information terminal 60. The notification information transmitted from the server 30 to the administrator information terminal 60 is displayed on, for example, a display screen 61 of the administrator information terminal 60, as shown in Fig. 12.

[0114] The display screen 61 displays, for example, notification information 62 capable of identifying a wireless LAN router 10 having a problem in the usage environment, a congestion notification 63 and a congestion cause notification 64 added to the notification information. The notification information 62 includes, for example, a session, a model number, a serial number, and the latest information update date and time. The congestion notification 63 is information such as "radio waves are congested" that notifies that wireless communication of the wireless LAN router 10 is congested. The congestion cause notification 64 is information such as "the device is affected by radio waves other than wireless LAN, so please change the position of the device" that indicates that the congestion is caused by radio waves other than wireless LAN. The positional relationship of the devices refers to, for example, the relationship between the installation position of the wireless LAN router 10, the positions of the communication terminals 24 and 25 carried by the user, and the positions of a microwave oven, Bluetooth device, etc.

[0115] As described above, in the notification system 1 of the present embodiment, the wireless LAN router 10 calculates a first ratio of the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless LAN router 10 detects non-wireless LAN radio waves to the busy time during which the wireless communication of the wireless LAN router 10 is busy, and when the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the server 30 transmits a notification to the user that the wireless communication of the wireless LAN router 10 is affected by non-wireless LAN radio waves. With this configuration, it is possible to make the user who receives the notification aware that the state of the wireless communication in the wireless LAN router 10 is unstable due to the influence of non-wireless LAN radio waves from, for example, a microwave oven or Bluetooth device, that is, that there is a possibility of a problem in the user's usage environment. This can reduce inquiries from users to the provider, and can reduce the burden on the provider.

[0116] Furthermore, the notification system 1 makes it possible to display a notification to a user, for example, as a message on the communication terminal 24, 25 owned by the user. This allows the user who has received the notification to resolve the wireless communication malfunction by, for example, changing the relative positions of the wireless LAN router 10, the communication terminal 24, 25, and the microwave oven or Bluetooth device. This reduces the number of inquiries from users to the provider, and reduces the burden on the provider.

[0117] Furthermore, the notification system 1 can calculate the percentage of the busy time of the wireless LAN router 10 occupied by its own device radio wave response reception time in which the wireless LAN router 10 receives a response radio wave to the radio wave transmitted by the wireless LAN router 10, and the percentage of the other device radio wave detection time in which the wireless LAN router 10 receives a radio wave from another device in the same wireless LAN, and can transmit a notification based on these percentages to the user. These notifications can also make the user aware that there is a possibility of a problem in the user's usage environment. This can reduce the number of inquiries from users to the provider, and can reduce the burden on the provider.

[0118] (About the control program) The notification method of the notification system and the control method of the wireless device or notification device described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be realized by executing a control program prepared in advance on a computer. The control program is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The control program may be provided in a form stored in a non-transient storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the control program may be included in the notification system, the wireless device, and the notification device, or may be included in an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer that can communicate with the notification system, the wireless device, and the notification device, or may be included in a server device that can communicate with these notification systems, the wireless device, the notification device, and the electronic device.

[0119] As described above, this specification discloses the following:

[0120] The disclosed notification system is a notification system that provides notifications regarding a wireless device of a wireless LAN, and includes a calculation unit that calculates a first ratio of non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time, during which the wireless device detects non-wireless LAN radio waves, to the busy time during which the wireless communication of the wireless device is busy, and a notification unit that notifies a user that non-wireless LAN radio waves are affecting the wireless communication of the wireless device when the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0121] In the disclosed notification system, the calculation unit calculates a second proportion of the busy time that is occupied by the wireless device's own radio wave response reception time, in which the wireless device receives a response radio wave to the radio wave transmitted by the wireless device, and the notification unit provides a notification to the user based on the second proportion.

[0122] The disclosed notification system is one in which the calculation unit calculates a third percentage of the busy time, which is the other device radio wave detection time in which the wireless device detects wireless LAN radio waves transmitted by other devices other than the wireless device and the wireless device's communication destination, and the notification unit provides a notification to the user based on the third percentage.

[0123] In the disclosed notification system, the calculation unit calculates a fourth ratio of the busy time per specified time, and the notification unit does not issue the notification if the fourth ratio is less than or equal to a specified value.

[0124] In the disclosed notification system, the wireless device is an access point of the wireless LAN, the calculation unit calculates the first ratio for each terminal of the wireless LAN that communicates wirelessly with the wireless device, and the notification unit makes the notification based on the first ratio for each terminal.

[0125] In the disclosed notification system, the calculation unit calculates the first ratio for each frequency band available in the wireless LAN, and the notification unit makes the notification based on the first ratio for each frequency band.

[0126] In the disclosed notification system, the wireless LAN includes a plurality of networks, the calculation unit calculates the first ratio for each of the plurality of networks, and the notification unit provides the notification to the user based on the first ratio for each of the plurality of networks.

[0127] In the disclosed notification system, the calculation unit is the wireless device, and the notification unit is a device different from the wireless device.

[0128] The disclosed wireless device is a wireless LAN wireless device that includes a calculation unit that calculates a first proportion of busy time during which wireless communication of the wireless device is busy, the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects non-wireless LAN radio waves, and an output unit that outputs information based on the first proportion.

[0129] The disclosed notification device provides notifications regarding wireless devices of a wireless LAN, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a first proportion of non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects non-wireless LAN radio waves out of the busy time during which the wireless communication of the wireless device is busy, and a notification unit that notifies a user that non-wireless LAN radio waves are affecting the wireless communication of the wireless device when the first proportion is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0130] The disclosed control program is a control program for a wireless device of a wireless LAN, which causes a processor of the wireless device to execute a process of calculating a first proportion of the busy time during which the wireless communication of the wireless device is busy, which is the non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects non-wireless LAN radio waves, and outputting information based on the first proportion.

[0131] The disclosed control program is a control program for a notification device that provides notifications regarding wireless devices of a wireless LAN, and causes a processor of the notification device to acquire information indicating a first percentage of the busy time during which the wireless communication of the wireless device is busy, which is non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects non-wireless LAN radio waves, and when the first percentage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, to notify a user that non-wireless LAN radio waves are affecting the wireless communication of the wireless device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1. Notification System 2 Network 10. Wireless LAN Router 11,26,31 processors 12,27,32 Main memory 13,28,33 Auxiliary memory 14,29 Wireless LAN communication I / F 14a~14c Wireless LAN communication department 15,34 WAN communication I / F 15a Wired WAN communication section 16 Wired LAN communication I / F 16a Wired LAN communication section 17 Kernel processing section 18 Processing section 19 NAPT / ROUTER processing unit 21~25 Communication terminal 30 Servers 41,47 Data 42,43,45,46,48,49 Busy 44 Ack 60 Administrator information terminal 61 Display screen 62 Notification Information 63 Congestion Notification 64 Notification of cause of congestion

Claims

1. A notification system for performing notification regarding a wireless device of a wireless LAN, comprising: a calculation unit that calculates a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state; a notification unit that notifies a user that a non-wireless LAN radio wave is affecting wireless communication of the wireless device when the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; Includes a notification system.

2. 2. The notification system of claim 1, The calculation unit calculates a second ratio of a radio wave response reception time during which the radio device receives a response radio wave in response to a radio wave transmitted by the radio device, to the busy time; The notification unit notifies the user based on the second ratio. Notification system.

3. 2. The notification system of claim 1, the calculation unit calculates a third ratio of the busy time occupied by an other device radio wave detection time in which the wireless device detects a wireless LAN radio wave transmitted by the wireless device and another device other than a communication destination of the wireless device. The notification unit notifies the user based on the third ratio. Notification system.

4. 2. The notification system of claim 1, The calculation unit calculates a fourth ratio of the busy time to a predetermined time, The notification unit does not issue the notification when the fourth ratio is less than a predetermined value. Notification system.

5. 2. The notification system of claim 1, the wireless device is an access point of the wireless LAN, the calculation unit calculates the first ratio for each terminal of the wireless LAN that wirelessly communicates with the wireless device; The notification unit performs the notification based on the first ratio for each of the terminals. Notification system.

6. 2. The notification system of claim 1, The calculation unit calculates the first ratio for each frequency band available in the wireless LAN; The notification unit performs the notification based on the first ratio for each of the frequency bands. Notification system.

7. 2. The notification system of claim 1, the wireless LAN includes a plurality of networks; The calculation unit calculates the first ratio for each of the plurality of networks; The notification unit issues the notification to the user based on the first ratio for each of the plurality of networks. Notification system.

8. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the calculation unit is the wireless device, the notification unit is a device different from the wireless device, Notification system.

9. A wireless device for a wireless LAN, a calculation unit that calculates a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state; an output unit that outputs information based on the first ratio; A wireless device comprising:

10. A notification device for performing notification regarding a wireless device of a wireless LAN, an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state; a notification unit that notifies a user that a non-wireless LAN radio wave is affecting wireless communication of the wireless device when the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; A notification device comprising:

11. A control program for a wireless device of a wireless LAN, a processor of the wireless device, calculating a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state; outputting information based on the first ratio; A control program that executes a process.

12. A control program for a notification device that notifies a wireless device of a wireless LAN, A processor of the notification device, acquiring information indicating a first ratio of a non-wireless LAN radio wave detection time during which the wireless device detects a non-wireless LAN radio wave to a busy time during which the wireless device is in a busy state; when the first ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a notification is given to a user that a non-wireless LAN radio wave is affecting wireless communication of the wireless device; A control program that executes a process.

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