Communication controller and method for controlling communication

Abstract

To send data in a shorter waiting time.SOLUTION: There is provided a communication device having a control unit for setting information regarding the priority of transmission in a plurality of links for each access category of data in a case where data is transmitted by using more than one links according to a predetermined frequency band. The present technique is applicable to an apparatus forming a radio LAN system, for example.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a communication device, and particularly to a communication device that can transmit data with a shorter waiting time.

Background Art

[0002] In a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system, as a technology for improving transmission efficiency by using a plurality of different frequency bands instead of continuous frequency channels, a multi-link operation technology has been proposed. Even when continuous frequency channels are not available, high-speed communication can be performed by mutually using other frequency bands.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless device capable of simultaneously transmitting a plurality of frames to the same destination using a plurality of frequency channels. When the availability of the first frequency channel continues for a first period, the frame in the buffer is output to the first transmission means, and when the availability of the second frequency channel continues for a second period, the frame in the buffer is output to the second transmission means, and its control technology.

[0004] In addition, in a wireless LAN system, as a method for controlling data transmission, EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) control is adopted, and a configuration for preferentially transmitting data to be transmitted for each access category with a short transmission waiting time has been generally used.

[0005] According to this EDCA control, a shorter transmission waiting time AIFS (Arbitration Inter Frame Spacing) is allocated to data in an access category that requires a short latency, and the random backoff waiting time is also selected from within a short range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] By the way, in the conventional EDCA control, since voice data was regarded as the highest-priority data, it was impossible to give priority to data that should originally be prioritized, and there has been a demand for a technology that enables data transmission with a short waiting time.

[0008] This technology has been made in view of such a situation, and enables data to be transmitted with a shorter waiting time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A communication device according to one aspect of this technology is a communication device including a control unit that sets information regarding the transmission priority on a plurality of links for each access category of data when transmitting data using a plurality of links corresponding to a predetermined frequency band.

[0010] A communication method according to one aspect of this technology is a communication method in which a communication device sets information regarding the transmission priority on a plurality of links for each access category of data when transmitting data using a plurality of links corresponding to a predetermined frequency band.

[0011] In a communication device and a communication method according to one aspect of this technology, when transmitting data using a plurality of links corresponding to a predetermined frequency band, information regarding the transmission priority on a plurality of links is set for each access category of data.

[0012] Note that a communication device according to one aspect of this technology may be an independent device or an internal block constituting one device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] <1. Embodiments of the Present Technology>

[0015] Conventionally, in a wireless LAN system, a technology of channel aggregation for bundling and transmitting a plurality of channels (bandwidths) has been applied, and in the IEEE802.11n standard, a technology of a communication method using a bandwidth of 40MHz by bundling two channels has been standardized.

[0016] In the IEEE802.11ac standard, technologies for communication methods that combine four channels to utilize a bandwidth of 80 MHz and communication methods that combine eight channels to utilize a bandwidth of 160 MHz have been standardized.

[0017] These communication methods have the problem that they cannot be used unless continuous frequency channels can be acquired. In a space where a large number of wireless LAN systems exist, it has been difficult to perform these channel aggregations.

[0018] In recent years, as a technology to improve transmission efficiency by using a plurality of different frequency bands instead of continuous frequency channels, multi-link operation technology has been proposed. Even when continuous frequency channels are not available, high-speed communication can be performed by mutually using other frequency bands.

[0019] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, in a wireless device capable of simultaneously transmitting a plurality of frames to the same destination using a plurality of frequency channels, when the availability of the first frequency channel continues for the first period, the frame in the buffer is output to the first transmission means, and when the availability of the second frequency channel continues for the second period, the frame in the buffer is output to the second transmission means, and its control technology is disclosed.

[0020] Furthermore, in a wireless LAN system, as a data transmission control method, EDCA control is adopted, and a configuration in which data to be preferentially transmitted for each access category (AC) is transmitted with a short transmission waiting time has been generally used.

[0021] According to this EDCA control, for data in an access category that requires a short latency, such as voice data, a shorter transmission waiting time AIFS is assigned, and the random backoff waiting time is also selected from within a short range.

[0022] The central application at the time when these EDCA controls were standardized was a technology devised for the purpose of enabling voice communication at about several tens of kbps without delay.

[0023] In recent years, in a wireless LAN system, even when transmitting a large amount of video data for real-time applications, it is required to fairly utilize a wireless transmission path with other wireless communication devices as defined by existing wireless communication protocols.

[0024] In particular, in the IEEE802.11 standard document, a technique for setting a transmission waiting time based on the access category (AC) of data to be transmitted by EDCA control is disclosed.

[0025] Therefore, as a next-generation technology of IEEE802.11, a technique is disclosed in which data requiring these low latencies is stored in a dedicated transmission buffer and transmitted preferentially over other data.

[0026] According to the technique disclosed in IEEE 802.11-19 / 1851r1, when transmitting using a plurality of links, a Link Load is defined for each link, and on a link with a high Link Load, only low-latency data is transmitted, while on a link with a low Link Load, both low-latency data and other data are transmitted.

[0027] By the way, in the case of multi-link operation, since the frequency bands to be used are different from each other, channel access control is separately implemented, and there is a problem that it becomes difficult for the timing at which transmission can be performed simultaneously on both links (channels) to arrive.

[0028] Also, when transmitting a large amount of video data that requires a short latency, there is a problem that the transmission is in a waiting state until the time when this multi-link operation becomes possible.

[0029] In this case, if other transmissions are started on the link (channel) that becomes available first before both links (channels) become available, there has been a problem that it is quite difficult to transmit simultaneously on both links (channels).

[0030] In particular, when a backoff counter is set for each frequency band and a transmission waiting time is set, there has been a case where one link (channel) has become available for transmission, but the other link (channel) is in a state where it cannot be transmitted.

[0031] This is a configuration in which, when using the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, a frame is transmitted when the waiting times of different channels expire in the first single link and the second single link, and there has been a problem that the transmission waiting times on both links are different.

[0032] That is, when the second single link is arranged adjacent to the first single link during transmission on the first single link, the signal transmitted on the first single link inhibits the signal detection of the second single link, and there has been a problem that the existing access control procedure cannot be applied.

[0033] On the other hand, in the existing EDCA control, by setting a predetermined transmission opportunity (TXOP), after transmitting data in the access category with high priority, a random backoff transmission waiting time is provided again for a predetermined AIFS, and if that time has not elapsed, the data in that access category cannot be transmitted.

[0034] Also, in multi-link operation, when EDCA control is applied to each, after transmitting data in the existing access category with high priority, a random backoff is set again for a predetermined AIFS, and the problem that the data in that access category cannot be transmitted if that time has not elapsed has continued to exist.

[0035] In the existing EDCA control, since voice data was given the highest priority, it was transmitted preferentially over video data, which is currently the mainstream of applications, and command data of game console controllers. When voice data of other communication devices is transmitted, it is difficult to transmit video data and command data, resulting in interrupted video or delayed responses, which has affected users' video viewing and operation of game consoles.

[0036] In the technology of storing these low-latency required data in a dedicated transmission buffer and transmitting them preferentially over other data, there was a problem that only the data stored in the transmission buffer was set with a short transmission waiting time, so the transmission opportunity for data other than those data would not come.

[0037] Also, data that is not stored in the transmission buffer is not transmitted preferentially. When receiving data used in real-time applications, there was a problem that the data could not be received at the desired timing unless it was transmitted preferentially by the transmitting communication device.

[0038] In the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned IEEE 802.11-19 / 1851r1, since Link Load is defined for each link, there remains a problem that only low-latency data can be transmitted on a link with a high Link Load, and other data cannot be transmitted.

[0039] Therefore, in this technology, a configuration is proposed in which information regarding the transmission priority in multi-link and information regarding the transmission priority in single-link are set for each access category of data, so as to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of this technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] (Configuration of the network) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication network by a wireless communication system to which the present technology is applied. Here, as an example of the wireless communication system, the configuration of a wireless LAN system is shown.

[0042] In FIG. 1, the communication device 10 constituting the wireless LAN system 1-1 is shown as a white circle in the figure. With respect to the access point AP10, in a state where the communication terminal STA10-1 and the communication terminal STA10-2 are connected, the fact that each communication device 10 can communicate is indicated by the solid arrows A1 and A2 in the figure.

[0043] In the vicinity of this wireless LAN system 1-1, the access point AP20 and the communication terminal STA20 shown as shaded circles in the figure constitute another wireless LAN system 1-2, and the fact that each communication device 20 can communicate is indicated by the solid arrow B1 in the figure.

[0044] Also, in the vicinity of the wireless LAN system 1-1, the access point AP30 and the communication terminal STA30 shown as shaded circles in the figure constitute yet another wireless LAN system 1-3, and the fact that each communication device 30 can communicate is indicated by the solid arrow D1 in the figure.

[0045] The access point AP10 exists at a position where it can receive signals from the access point AP20 and the communication terminal STA20, and from the access point AP30 and the communication terminal STA30, which is represented by the dashed arrows C2, C3 and the arrows E2, E3 in the figure.

[0046] The communication terminal STA10-1 exists at a position where it can receive signals from the access point AP20 and the access point AP30, which is represented by the dashed arrow C1 and the arrow E1 in the figure. Also, the communication terminal STA10-2 exists at a position where it can receive signals from the communication terminal STA20 and the communication terminal STA30, which is represented by the dashed arrow C4 and the arrow E4 in the figure.

[0047] As described above, the access point AP10, communication terminal STA10-1, and communication terminal STA10-2 that constitute the wireless LAN system 1-1 need to implement fair access with these communication devices due to the existence of the wireless LAN system 1-2 and wireless LAN system 1-3.

[0048] Hereinafter, a communication device that transmits data will be referred to as a transmitting-side communication device, and a communication device that receives data will be referred to as a receiving-side communication device for explanation. For example, in the wireless LAN system 1-1, data transmitted from a transmitting-side communication device 10Tx such as the access point AP10 is received by a receiving-side communication device 10Rx such as the communication terminal STA10-1.

[0049] (Example of frequency band and channel allocation) FIG. 2 shows an example of the frequency band and frequency channel allocation used in a wireless communication system to which the present technology is applied.

[0050] In the 2.4 GHz band, when applied to a wireless signal of the OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method with a 20 MHz bandwidth according to the IEEE802.11g standard, at least two channels' worth of frequencies are set (the "2.4 GHz band" in the uppermost row (the first row) of FIG. 2).

[0051] In the 5 GHz band, a plurality of frequency channels for applying to a wireless signal of the OFDM method with a 20 MHz bandwidth according to standards such as IEEE802.11a can be secured (the "5 GHz band A, B, C" in the first and second rows of FIG. 2).

[0052] Here, the operation in the 5 GHz band is subject to conditions for determining available frequency bands, transmission power, and transmission availability in the legal systems of each country.

[0053] In the first and second rows of FIG. 2, channel numbers such as 32, 36, 40,... are attached, but in Japan, the use of 8 channels from channel 36 to 64 and 11 channels from channel 100 to 140 is permitted.

[0054] In addition, in countries and regions other than Japan, channels 32, 68, 96, and 144 can also be used, and in the frequency bands above that, channels 149 to 173 can be used.

[0055] Currently, the 6 GHz band is being standardized as an available frequency band (the "6 GHz bands A, B, C, D" in the third and fourth rows of Figure 2). As for the usage method of this 6 GHz band in the United States, if frequency channels with a bandwidth of 20 GHz are arranged efficiently, 25 channels can be arranged in the Unii-5 band of 6 GHz band A, 5 channels in the Unii-6 band of 6 GHz band B, 17 channels in the Unii-7 band of 6 GHz band C, and 12 channels in the Unii-8 band of 6 GHz band D.

[0056] Figure 3 shows a configuration in which frequency channels with a predetermined bandwidth are divided and used by combining freely available bands while avoiding the use of bands subject to restrictions.

[0057] In Figure 3, as freely available bands, 4 channels in the Unii-6 band of 6 GHz band B are used to secure a bandwidth of 80 MHz as the first link (Link #1), and 12 channels in the Unii-8 band of 6 GHz band D are used to secure a bandwidth of 240 MHz as the second link (Link #2). An example of using a total bandwidth of 320 MHz with 16 channels by combining these links with multiple bandwidths is shown.

[0058] In the case of such a frequency channel usage configuration, in the first link (Link #1) and the second link (Link #2), different systems may be operating in the vicinity, and access control is implemented individually for each.

[0059] For example, in FIG. 1, when the wireless LAN system 1-1 performs communication using a plurality of links (multi-links) of a first link and a second link, when the wireless LAN system 1-2 is using the first link, or when the wireless LAN system 1-3 is using the second link, fair access control must be separately implemented for each of these links.

[0060] FIG. 4 schematically shows a configuration for buffering data for each access category (AC).

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, in the communication device 10, in order to perform predetermined EDCA control defined in the IEEE802.11 system, a transmission buffer 103 is configured for each access category. By performing classification using this access category, data is stored in the buffer corresponding thereto sequentially according to the type of data, and transmission control is performed according to the priority of the data.

[0062] Here, in the EDCA control, data is classified into four access categories of AC_VO (Voice), AC_VI (Video), AC_BE (Best effort), and AC_BG (Background).

[0063] AC_VO represents a type corresponding to data that requires low latency and bandwidth guarantee such as voice data. AC_VI represents a type corresponding to data that requires bandwidth guarantee such as video data. AC_BE represents a type corresponding to normal data (best effort data). AC_BG represents a type corresponding to large-capacity data (background data) that is not restricted by time.

[0064] In FIG. 4, in the transmission buffer 103, the voice data is stored in the AC_VO buffer 103-1 corresponding to the access category (AC_VO), the video data is stored in the AC_VI buffer 103-2 corresponding to the access category (AC_VI), the best effort data is stored in the AC_BE buffer 103-3 corresponding to the access category (AC_BE), and the background data is stored in the AC_BG buffer 103-4 corresponding to the access category (AC_BG).

[0065] And in the communication device 10, the data is transmitted when the prescribed transmission waiting time and back-off time have elapsed respectively, and the priority order is in the order of AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG. The output of data from the transmission buffer 103 is configured to be able to switch and output the first link (Link #1) and the second link (Link #2) respectively.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows an example of transmission when data is preferentially transmitted for each predetermined access category (AC).

[0067] The upper part of FIG. 5 shows the data flow in the first link (Link #1), and the lower part of FIG. 5 shows the data flow in the second link (Link #2). In FIG. 5, the direction of time is the direction from left to right in the figure.

[0068] In FIG. 5, when data transmission is performed using the first link and the second link respectively, the data is sequentially transmitted in the order of AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG according to the priority order of the access category.

[0069] In addition, in each link, since a BSS (Basic Service Set) network of another wireless LAN system or a network in an unlicensed band of another wireless communication system (e.g., a 5th generation wireless communication system (5G)) is operating, a period during which transmission is not possible (NAV: Network Allocation Vector) may be set due to the transmission of these other systems.

[0070] As a result, in the first link, as shown by the squares labeled AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, and AC_BG in the figure, after a predetermined short waiting time has elapsed, voice data from the AC_VO buffer 103-1, video data from the AC_VI buffer 103-2, best-effort data from the AC_BE buffer 103-3, and background data from the AC_BG buffer 103-4 are transmitted in order.

[0071] Similarly, in the second link, as shown by the squares labeled AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, and AC_BG in the figure, after a predetermined short waiting time has elapsed, voice data, video data, best-effort data, and background data are transmitted in order.

[0072] In such a configuration, when transmitting multiple links simultaneously, there was a problem that it was difficult to detect the received signal in the second link when transmission was being carried out in the first link.

[0073] Figure 6 schematically shows a configuration in which a transmission buffer for data with low latency requirements is provided separately.

[0074] In Figure 6, an example of configuring a transmission buffer for preferentially transmitting voice data and video data, which are data with low latency requirements, among the access categories (AC) for AC_VO and AC_VI is shown. That is, a configuration is provided in which the data of AC_VO and AC_VI among the four access categories can be preferentially transmitted.

[0075] In AC_VO, in accordance with a predetermined access control procedure, when the shortest transmission waiting time has elapsed, first, the audio data stored in the A_VO buffer 103-1A is transmitted, and then, the audio data stored in the VO buffer 103-1B is transmitted.

[0076] In AC_VI, in accordance with a predetermined access control procedure, when the next shortest transmission waiting time has elapsed, first, the video data stored in the A_VI buffer 103-2A is transmitted, and then, the video data stored in the VI buffer 103-2B is transmitted.

[0077] Subsequently, in AC_BE, in accordance with a predetermined access control procedure, when a predetermined transmission waiting time has elapsed, the best effort data stored in the AC_BE buffer 103-3 is transmitted. Finally, in AC_BG, in accordance with a predetermined access control procedure, when the longest transmission waiting time has elapsed, the background data stored in the AC_BG buffer 103-4 is transmitted.

[0078] Figure 7 shows an example of transmission when data is preferentially transmitted for each predetermined access category (AC). In Figure 7, similar to Figure 5, the upper part shows the data flow in the first link (Link #1), and the lower part shows the data flow in the second link (Link #2).

[0079] In Figure 7, in the first link, data is transmitted in accordance with the priority order of existing access categories. The audio data (A_VO) of AC_A_VO is transmitted with the highest priority, then the audio data (VO) of AC_VO, and then the video data (A_VI) of AC_A_VI is transmitted, and then the video data (VI) of AC_VI is transmitted. Further, the best effort data of AC_BE is transmitted, and then the background data of AC_BG is sequentially transmitted.

[0080] On the other hand, in the second link, the voice data (A_VO) of AC_A_VO, the voice data (VO) of AC_VO, and the video data (A_VI) of AC_A_VI are preferentially transmitted. In this case, the video data (A_VI) that requires a short latency is configured to be transmitted after the voice data (A_VO) and the voice data (VO), and there are cases where it is difficult to obtain a transmission opportunity.

[0081] (Example of the configuration of the communication device) FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of a communication device to which the present technology is applied.

[0082] The communication device 10 shown in FIG. 8 is configured as an access point AP10 or a communication terminal STA10 in the wireless LAN system 1-1 (FIG. 1), that is, a transmission-side communication device 10Tx or a reception-side communication device 10Rx.

[0083] In FIG. 8, the communication device 10 includes a network connection module 11, an information input module 12, a device control module 13, an information output module 14, and a wireless communication module 15.

[0084] The network connection module 11 is composed of, for example, a circuit having a function for connecting to the Internet network via a service provider from an optical fiber network or other communication lines as the access point AP10, its peripheral circuits, a microcontroller, a semiconductor memory, and the like.

[0085] The network connection module 11 performs various processes related to Internet connection according to the control from the device control module 13. For example, when the communication device 10 operates as the access point AP10, the network connection module 11 is configured to implement functions such as a communication modem for connecting to the Internet network.

[0086] The information input module 12 is composed of, for example, input devices such as push buttons, keyboards, touch panels, etc. The information input module 12 has a function of inputting instruction information corresponding to an instruction from the user to the device control module 13.

[0087] The device control module 13 is composed of, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a semiconductor memory, etc. The device control module 13 controls each part (module) in order to operate the communication device 10 as an access point AP10 or a communication terminal STA10.

[0088] The device control module 13 performs various processes on the information supplied from the network connection module 11, the information input module 12, or the wireless communication module 15. Also, the device control module 13 supplies the information obtained as a result of its own processing to the network connection module 11, the information output module 14, or the wireless communication module 15.

[0089] For example, when transmitting data, the device control module 13 supplies the transmission data passed from an application in the upper layer of the protocol or the like to the wireless communication module 15, and when receiving data, the device control module 13 passes the received data supplied from the wireless communication module 15 to an application in the upper layer of the protocol or the like.

[0090] The information output module 14 is composed of, for example, output devices including display elements such as liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, LED (Light Emitting Diode) displays, and speakers that output sounds and music.

[0091] The information output module 14 has a function of displaying necessary information to the user based on the information supplied from the device control module 13. Here, the information processed by the information output module 14 includes, for example, the operating state of the communication device 10 and information obtained via the Internet.

[0092] The wireless communication module 15 is composed of, for example, a wireless chip, peripheral circuits, a microcontroller, a semiconductor memory, etc. The wireless communication module 15 performs various processes related to wireless communication according to the control from the device control module 13. The details of the configuration of the wireless communication module 15 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0093] Here, a wireless communication module equipped with a wireless communication chip, peripheral circuits, etc. is taken as an example for explanation. However, the present technology is not limited to the wireless communication module and can be applied to, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless communication LSI, etc. Further, in the wireless communication module, whether to include an antenna is optional.

[0094] Also, in the communication device 10 of FIG. 8, the device control module 13 and the wireless communication module 15 are essential components, but whether to include the network connection module 11, the information input module 12, and the information output module 14 excluding them as components is optional.

[0095] That is, for each communication device 10 operating as the access point AP10 or the communication terminal STA10, it can be configured with only the necessary modules, and the unnecessary parts can be simplified or not incorporated.

[0096] More specifically, for example, the network connection module 11 can be incorporated only into the access point AP10, and the information input module 12 and the information output module 14 can be incorporated only into the communication terminal STA10.

[0097] (Example of the configuration of the wireless communication module) FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of the wireless communication module 15 of FIG. 8.

[0098] The wireless communication module 15 is configured to include an interface 101 that is connected to other modules and exchanges various information and data with the outside, a category determination unit 102 that determines the attribute of transmission data from an access category, and a transmission buffer 103 that temporarily stores transmission data for each access category.

[0099] The transmission buffer 103 is composed of an AC_VO buffer 103-1 for storing voice data, an AC_VI buffer 103-2 for storing video data, an AC_BE buffer 103-3 for storing best effort data, and an AC_BG buffer 103-4 for storing background data.

[0100] This configuration includes a single / multi-link operation control unit 104 that controls the single-link and multi-link operations, which are characteristic functions of this technology, a dequeue control unit 105 that dequeues the order of transmission data, a timing control unit 106 that controls the transmission timing, a frame construction unit 107 that constructs a data frame to be transmitted, an access control unit 108 that controls the transmission and reception of data, and transmission processing units 109-1 and 109-2 that perform transmission operations on each link.

[0101] The transmission processing unit 109-1 performs a transmission operation related to the first link (Link #1). The transmission processing unit 109-2 performs a transmission operation related to the second link (Link #2). An antenna control unit 110 is provided to transmit the transmission signal from an antenna (not shown) and to control the reception of a signal transmitted from another communication device via the antenna. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the antenna control unit 110 is not included in the wireless communication module 15.

[0102] On the other hand, the wireless communication module 15 is configured to include reception processing units 111-1 and 111-2 that perform a reception operation by regarding the signal received by the antenna on each link as a predetermined signal. The reception processing unit 111-1 performs a reception operation related to the first link (Link #1). The reception processing unit 111-2 performs a reception operation related to the second link (Link #2).

[0103] Further, it includes a frame extraction unit 112 that extracts a predetermined data frame from the received signal, a data analysis unit 113 that analyzes the data included in the received frame, and a reception buffer 114 that temporarily stores the received data. Furthermore, it includes an output data construction unit 115 that constructs the data in the output format for delivery to a predetermined application, and finally, it is configured to deliver the data to the application of the connected device via the interface 101.

[0104] Note that in FIG. 9, the arrows between the blocks represent the flow and control of data (signals), and each block operates in cooperation with other blocks connected by the arrows to realize its own function.

[0105] That is, for example, the single / multi-link operation control unit 104, as a characteristic function of the present technology, operates in cooperation with each of the interface 101, the dequeue control unit 105, the timing control unit 106, the data analysis unit 113, and the reception buffer 114 to realize the function of controlling the operations of the single link and the multi-link.

[0106] Also, for example, the access control unit 108, as a characteristic function of the present technology, operates in cooperation with each of the timing control unit 106, the transmission processing units 109-1, 109-2, the antenna control unit 110, and the reception processing units 111-1, 111-2 to realize the function of controlling the transmission and reception of data according to the operations of the single link and the multi-link.

[0107] In the wireless communication module 15 configured as described above, in particular, when the single / multi-link operation control unit 104 controls the operations of each unit, for example, the following processing is performed.

[0108] That is, in the wireless communication module 15 of the communication device 10 (transmission-side communication device 10Tx or reception-side communication device 10Rx), when transmitting data using a plurality of links (for example, Link #1, Link #2) corresponding to a predetermined frequency band (when performing transmission in multi-link) by the single multi-link operation control unit 104 or the like, information regarding the transmission priority in a plurality of links (multi-link) is set for each data access category (for example, AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG) (for example, information indicating whether transmission is possible).

[0109] Also, in this wireless communication module 15, information regarding the transmission priority in one link (single link) is set for each access category (for example, AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG) by the single multi-link operation control unit 104 or the like (for example, information indicating whether transmission is possible).

[0110] (Configuration of the entity) FIG. 10 shows the configuration of an entity for transmitting and receiving signals using a plurality of links as an entity to which this technology is applied.

[0111] In FIG. 10, when managing data transmission and reception in a plurality of links including the first link (Link #1) and the second link (Link #2), the configuration that is the main body of the process is schematically shown.

[0112] In FIG. 10, a station management entity for each link exists in the PHY layer and its management entity, and the MAC sublayer and its management entity in each link, respectively. And by connecting these with a multi-link management entity, it is shown that control of data transmission and reception in a single link and control of data transmission and reception in a multi-link can be implemented.

[0113] With this configuration, in addition to the current state where the first link and the second link operate as separate links, it is possible to perform control when operating as a multi-link.

[0114] (First example) FIG. 11 shows a first example of buffer control in a single link and a multi-link according to the present technology.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 11, the transmission buffer 103 has a buffer configuration for access categories (AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG). Among the plurality of links, when a transmission path becomes available in either one of the single links, "Single-Link Available" for performing dequeue control, and when a transmission path becomes available in both multi-links, "Multi-Link Available" for performing dequeue control.

[0116] That is, in the configuration of FIG. 11, it is schematically shown that from the transmission buffer of each access category, the "Single-Link Available" part and the "Multi-Link Available" part are in virtual output configurations. When performing transmission control in the priority order of existing access categories, all output configurations are fairly connected for both single links and multi-links.

[0117] Here, for example, when data with a latency requirement shorter than a predetermined period is stored in the access category (AC_VI), or when an application using such data is started, only the single link and only the access category (AC_VI) are enabled, and other access categories (AC_VO, AC_BE, AC_BG) are set to be disabled.

[0118] That is, as shown by the solid line in the figure, in the multi-link, data of all access categories is sent, but in the single link, only the video data of AC_VI is sent.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown by the dashed lines in the figure, in the single link, a configuration is shown where a state in which data of access categories other than AC_VI (AC_VO, AC_BE, AC_BG) is not transmitted is virtually created to control data output.

[0120] Figure 12 shows a first example of data output for each access category according to the present technology.

[0121] In Figure 12, when the transmission control in Figure 11 described above is implemented, a case is shown where video data of the access category (AC_VI) is transmitted via a single link, and data of other access categories is controlled not to be transmitted via the single link.

[0122] Also in Figure 12, similar to the above case, the upper row shows the data flow in the first link (Link #1), and the lower row shows the data flow in the second link (Link #2).

[0123] That is, when only the first link (Link #1) is available during the time when the second link (Link #2) is being used by another system, transmission control for transmitting the video data of AC_VI is implemented. Also shown is an example where, when the first link (Link #1) and the second link (Link #2) are available, transmission control is implemented to perform transmission according to the priorities of the existing access categories (AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG).

[0124] Furthermore, when only the second link (Link #2) is available during the time when the first link (Link #1) is being used by another system, it also shows how the video data of AC_VI is transmitted. As a result, the configuration is such that the video data of AC_VI for which transmission settings have been made via the single link is transmitted more frequently than the data of other access categories.

[0125] (Second example) Figure 13 shows a second example of buffer control in single-link and multi-link according to the present technology.

[0126] In the configuration of Figure 13, similar to the configuration of Figure 11, from the buffers of each access category in the transmission buffer 103, the "Single-Link Available" part and the "Multi-Link Available" part are schematically shown to be in a virtual output configuration respectively.

[0127] Here, for example, when data with a latency requirement shorter than a predetermined period is stored in the access category (AC_BE), or when an application that uses such data is launched, in the multi-link, only the access category (AC_BE) is enabled, and the other access categories (AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BG) are set to be disabled.

[0128] That is, as shown by the solid line in the figure, in the single-link, data of all access categories is sent, but in the multi-link, only the best-effort data of AC_BE is sent.

[0129] Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in the figure, in the multi-link, a configuration is shown in which a state where data of access categories (AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BG) other than AC_BE is not sent is virtually created to control data output.

[0130] Figure 14 shows a second example of data output for each access category according to the present technology.

[0131] In Figure 14, when the transmission control in Figure 13 described above is implemented, a case is shown where the best-effort data of the access category (AC_BE) is preferentially transmitted in the multi-link, and data of other access categories is transmitted in the multi-link when such data does not exist.

[0132] Also in FIG. 14, similar to the above case, the upper part shows the data flow in the first link (Link #1), and the lower part shows the data flow in the second link (Link #2).

[0133] That is, when only the first link (Link #1) is available during the time when the second link (Link #2) is being used by another system, the audio data of AC_VO is transmitted. When the multi-link of the first link (Link #1) and the second link (Link #2) is available, the best-effort data of AC_BE is preferentially transmitted. And when the transmission of the best-effort data of AC_BE is completed, an example is shown where the data of AC_VO and AC_VI is also transmitted via the multi-link according to the priority of the existing access category.

[0134] Furthermore, when only the second link (Link #2) is available during the time when the first link (Link #1) is being used by another system, it shows the state where the best-effort data of AC_BE is also transmitted here. As a result, the best-effort data of AC_BE with the multi-link transmission setting is transmitted more frequently than the data of other access categories.

[0135] (Example of sequence) FIG. 15 shows the sequence of transmission buffer control by the transmit-side application.

[0136] In FIG. 15, it is assumed that the transmit-side application (Transmit Application) and the transmit-side communication device (Transmit Device) 10Tx deliver video data in real time to the receive-side communication device (Receive Device) 10Rx and the receive-side application (Receive Application).

[0137] Here, when the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx operates as, for example, an access point AP, it is assumed that a single multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) to which this technology is applied is added to a predetermined beacon signal (S11).

[0138] First, when an application for distributing real-time video data is started in the transmitting-side application, parameter information such as latency information, transmission information volume, and throughput related to the real-time data transmission is notified (S12).

[0139] In the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx, when it is grasped from this parameter information that real-time video data is to be transmitted, it refers to the surrounding network environment and determines whether to change the data transmission settings between single-link operation and multi-link operation as necessary.

[0140] Here, when it is assumed that there are other systems in the surroundings and the timing of single-link operation is frequent, for real-time video data, the video data of the access category (AC_VI) is set to be preferentially transmitted in single-link operation, and this setting is changed in the single multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) and added to the beacon signal, and the receiving-side communication device 10Rx is notified (S13).

[0141] Then, in the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx, when video data is sent from the transmitting-side application, the video data is stored in the AC_VI buffer 103-2 and is preferentially transmitted by single-link over data of other access categories (S14, S15). As a result, in the receiving-side communication device 10Rx, this video data can be received and delivered to the receiving-side application as real-time video data (S16).

[0142] Furthermore, when the application that distributes the real-time video data ends in the transmitting-side application, a notification to that effect is sent (S17). In the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx, it is determined that there is no longer a need to preferentially transmit data in the access category (AC_VO), and a determination is made to restore the settings so that all data is transmitted based on the priority order of the existing access categories. Then, in the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx, the single multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) is returned to the initial state and configured to be notified by a beacon signal (S18).

[0143] Figure 16 shows the sequence of transmission buffer control by the receiving-side application.

[0144] In Figure 16, a sequence is assumed in which the transmitting-side application (Transmit Application) and the transmitting-side communication device (Transmit Device) 10Tx deliver real-time video data to the receiving-side communication device (Receive Device) 10Rx and the receiving-side application (Receive Application).

[0145] Here, it is assumed that when the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx operates as, for example, an access point AP, a single multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) to which this technology is applied is added to a predetermined beacon signal (S31).

[0146] First, when an application that distributes real-time video data is started in the receiving-side application, in the receiving-side communication device 10Rx, parameter information such as latency information, transmission information volume, and throughput related to the real-time data transmission is acquired and generated as a request frame (S32). This request frame (SMLO Request) is notified to the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx and the transmitting-side application that are the data sources (S33, S34).

[0147] When the transmitting communication device 10Tx receives a request frame and determines from this parameter information that real-time video data is to be transmitted, it refers to the surrounding network environment and determines whether to change the data transmission settings between single-link operation and multi-link operation as necessary. Then, if it is determined that this setting is possible, a grant frame (SMLO Grant) is transmitted toward the receiving communication device 10Rx (S35).

[0148] Furthermore, in the transmitting communication device 10Tx, for real-time video data, the data of access category (AC_VI) is set to be preferentially transmitted in single-link operation, and this setting is changed in the single / multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) and added to the beacon signal and notified to the receiving communication device 10Rx (S36).

[0149] When video data is sent from the transmitting application in the transmitting communication device 10Tx, the video data is stored in the AC_VI buffer 103-2 and preferentially transmitted in single-link over other access category data (S37, S38). As a result, the receiving communication device 10Rx can receive this video data and deliver real-time video data to the receiving application (S39).

[0150] Furthermore, when the application that distributes the real-time video data in the receiving application ends, this is notified (S40). Then, in the receiving communication device 10Rx, in response to the notification from the receiving application, a release frame (SMLO Release) is generated and transmitted toward the transmitting communication device 10Tx (S41).

[0151] When the release frame is notified in the transmission - side communication device 10Tx, it is determined that there is no need to preferentially transmit data of the access category (AC_VI). Then, processing for restoring the setting is performed so that all data is transmitted based on the priority order of the existing access categories (fairly). And in the transmission - side communication device 10Tx, the single - multi - link operation information element (SMLO IE) is returned to the initial state and is configured to be notified by the beacon signal (S42, S43).

[0152] Figure 17 shows the control sequence for two - way transmission in the receiving - side application.

[0153] In Figure 17, when the receiving - side application is set to receive real - time video data, a configuration is shown in which the receiving - side also makes a setting change for transmitting command data or the like that requires transmission with a latency shorter than a predetermined period.

[0154] Note that in the transmission - side communication device 10Tx, the video data of the access category (AC_VI) is set to be preferentially transmitted in single - link operation, and the beacon signal with the single - multi - link operation information element (SMLO IE) in which this setting is described is notified to the receiving - side communication device 10Rx (S51). Thereby, in the transmission - side communication device 10Tx, it becomes possible to preferentially transmit the video data from the transmission - side application in single - link over the data of other access categories (S52 to S54).

[0155] Here, when an application that communicates command data of a game device or the like is launched in the receiving-side application, in the receiving-side communication device 10Rx, parameter information such as latency information, transmission information volume, and throughput is acquired from the allowable delay information related to the transmission of the command data and is generated as a request frame (S55). This request frame (SMLO Request) is notified to the transmission-side communication device 10Tx and the transmission-side application that are the data sources (S56, S57).

[0156] In the transmission-side communication device 10Tx, when a request frame is received, when it is grasped that real-time command data is transmitted from these parameter information, the surrounding network environment is referred to, and it is determined whether to change the setting of data transmission in single-link operation and multi-link operation as necessary. Then, when it is determined that this setting is possible, a grant frame (SMLO Grant) is transmitted toward the receiving-side communication device 10Rx (S58).

[0157] Here, when it is assumed that there is no other system in the surroundings and the timing for multi-link operation is high, in the transmission-side communication device 10Tx, for the transmission of real-time command data, the best-effort data of the access category (AC_BE) is set to be preferentially transmitted in multi-link operation, the setting is changed with a single / multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) and added to the beacon signal, and the receiving-side communication device 10Rx is notified (S59).

[0158] In the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx, when video data is sent from the transmitting-side application, the video data is stored in the AC_VI buffer 103-2 and is preferentially transmitted by single link over data in other access categories (S60, S61). As a result, in the receiving-side communication device 10Rx, this video data can be received and delivered to the receiving-side application as real-time video data (S62). In this way, transmission is enabled with multiple links or one link in an access category where specific data exists, and control is performed so that fair transmission is carried out in other access categories.

[0159] On the other hand, in the receiving-side communication device 10Rx, when command data is sent from the receiving-side application, the command data is stored in the AC_BE buffer 103-3 as best-effort data and is preferentially transmitted by multi-link over data in other access categories (S63, S64). As a result, in the receiving-side communication device 10Rx, while receiving real-time video data, command data can be preferentially transmitted with a short response time.

[0160] In the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx, when command data is received, processing corresponding to the command data is performed. For example, in the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx, processing for transmitting video data corresponding to the command data is carried out (S65 to S68). Note that the processing corresponding to the command data is carried out each time command data is sent from the receiving-side application (S69 to S71).

[0161] Furthermore, when an application that communicates commands such as a game device in the receiving-side application ends, the receiving-side communication device 10Rx is notified of this, and a release frame (SMLO Release) is generated and transmitted from the receiving-side communication device 10Rx to the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx (S72, S73).

[0162] Upon receiving this release frame, the transmitting - side communication device 10Tx determines that it is no longer necessary to preferentially transmit data in the access category (AC_BE) in multi - link, and performs processing to cancel only this setting.

[0163] Then, in the transmitting - side communication device 10Tx, for the single - multi - link operation information element (SMLO IE), while leaving the setting that video data in single - link (AC_VI) can be preferentially transmitted, it returns to the initial state in multi - link, and notifies via a beacon signal that all data is transmitted based on the normal priority (existing priority). (S74, S75). As a result, in the transmitting - side communication device 10Tx, it is possible to preferentially transmit video data from the transmitting - side application over data in other access categories in single - link. (S76 to S78).

[0164] (Configuration of Information Element) FIG. 18 shows an example of the configuration of a single - multi - link operation information element (SMLO IE: Single / Multi Link Operation Information Element) to which this technology is applied.

[0165] This information element is configured such that a communication device 10 such as an access point AP or a communication terminal STA can set to preferentially transmit data specified in the access category by the existing EDCA control in single - link or multi - link.

[0166] This information element is included in the beacon signal transmitted by the access point AP and notified. The communication terminal STA in the wireless communication network can perform control to transmit data in the access category used in the wireless communication network according to the priority specified by this information element.

[0167] This information element is identified by a predetermined element ID (Element ID), and is composed of information length (Length), target latency information (Target Latency), time available for TXOP in single link (Single-Link TXOP Available), map of multi-link access categories (Multi-Link Access Category Map), map of single-link access categories (Single-Link Access Category Map), and so on.

[0168] (First example) Figure 19 shows a first example of the configuration of the multi-link access category map and the single-link access category map included in the information element of Figure 18.

[0169] In Figure 19, it shows that in the initial setting state, the data of all access categories are set to a state where they can be transmitted.

[0170] That is, in the multi-link access category map and the single-link access category map, each access category (AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG) is described as all "1".

[0171] In this example, the permission of transmission is set by "1" and "0". When all are set to "1", it means that all access categories are in a state where they can be transmitted, and it represents a state where transmission is carried out in order from voice data based on the priority of existing access categories.

[0172] (Second example) Figure 20 shows a second example of the configuration of the multi-link access category map and the single-link access category map included in the information element of Figure 18.

[0173] In FIG. 20, an example is shown in which settings are made to preferentially transmit video data of access category (AC_VI) in both the multi-link and the single-link.

[0174] That is, in the multi-link access category map and the single-link access category map, "1" is described for AC_VI, and "0" is described for other access categories (AC_VO, AC_BE, AC_BG).

[0175] As a result, the video data of access category (AC_VI) is transmitted with the highest priority in both the multi-link and the single-link. When the data of this access category no longer exists, the data of other access categories is transmitted in accordance with a predetermined priority order, for example, in the order of AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG.

[0176] (The third example) FIG. 21 shows a third example of the configuration of the multi-link access category map and the single-link access category map included in the information element of FIG. 18.

[0177] In FIG. 21, an example is shown in which settings are made to preferentially transmit video data of access category (AC_VI) only in the single-link.

[0178] That is, in the multi-link access category map, all access categories (AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG) are described as "1", while in the single-link access category map, "1" is described for AC_VI, and "0" is described for other access categories (AC_VO, AC_BE, AC_BG).

[0179] As a result, in the case of multi-link, transmissions are made in the order of, for example, AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG according to the priority of existing access categories. On the other hand, in the case of single-link, video data of the access category (AC_VI) is transmitted with the highest priority. Such a configuration is set in cases where there are other wireless communication systems in the vicinity and it is difficult to use as multi-link.

[0180] (The fourth example) FIG. 22 shows a fourth example of the configuration of the multi-link access category map and the single-link access category map included in the information element of FIG. 18.

[0181] FIG. 22 shows an example in the case where settings are made to preferentially transmit video data of the access category (AC_VI) and any best-effort data of the access category (AC_BE) only in multi-link.

[0182] That is, in the multi-link access category map, "1" is described for AC_VI and AC_BE, and "0" is described for the other access categories (AC_VO, AC_BG). Also, in the single-link access category map, each access category (AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG) is described as "1".

[0183] As a result, in the case of multi-link, video data and best-effort data of the access categories (AC_VI, AC_BE) are preferentially transmitted. On the other hand, in the case of single-link, transmissions are made in the order of, for example, AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BE, AC_BG according to the priority of existing access categories. Such a configuration is set in cases where there are no other wireless communication systems in the vicinity and multi-link usage occupies most of the cases.

[0184] As described above, by using the access category map and setting the transmission availability to "1" and "0" for each access category for both multi-link and single-link, it is possible to set information regarding the transmission priority for multi-link and information regarding the transmission priority for single-link for each access category.

[0185] In the examples of FIGS. 19 to 22, an example of setting both the multi-link access category map and the single-link access category map has been described. However, it may be configured such that only at least one of the access category maps is set. For example, it is possible to set information regarding the transmission priority only for the multi-link access category map.

[0186] Also, in the examples of FIGS. 19 to 22, an example of setting the transmission availability to "1" and "0" using the access category map has been shown. However, any other setting method may be used as long as it is possible to set the transmission priority for multi-link and single-link for each access category.

[0187] Further, when the priority order of access categories is different between the uplink and the downlink, it may be configured to set information regarding the priority for the uplink and the downlink for each access category. For example, in the case of performing a game on a device such as a smartphone or a game console, it is assumed that command data is prioritized for the uplink and video data is prioritized for the downlink.

[0188] In this case, in the multi-link or single-link access category map, for the uplink, it is set such that best-effort data (including command data) of the access category (AC_BE) is preferentially transmitted, while for the downlink, it may be set such that video data of the access category (AC_VI) is preferentially transmitted. When storing this access category map in the information element (Figure 18), for example, by adding information (Direction) indicating the direction of information transmission and reception, it becomes possible to distinguish between the uplink and the downlink.

[0189] In this way, even when the priority order of access categories is different between the uplink and the downlink, it is possible to handle the situation, and more specifically, the control of data transmission and reception can be performed. Specifically, the access point AP can notify the communication terminal STA in advance of what data to send during download, or the communication terminal STA can notify the access point AP in advance of the order in which to send data during upload.

[0190] (Configuration of the operation frame) Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a single-link / multi-link operation frame (SMLO Request / Grant / Release) to which this technology is applied.

[0191] This operation frame is a notification signal used to notify the access point AP and the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx of the setting of the access category that can be preferentially transmitted in single-link and multi-link from the communication terminal STA and the receiving-side communication device 10Rx.

[0192] That is, this operation frame is configured as a request frame when transmitted as a setting request, as a grant frame when transmitted as a response, and as a release frame when a release is requested.

[0193] This operation frame is composed of information for identifying the type of the frame (Frame Control), the duration of the frame (Duration), the transmit address of the communication device (Transmit Address), the receive address of the communication device (Receive Address), information indicating the direction of information transmission and reception (Direction), information indicating the type of application (Application), information for identifying traffic (Traffic ID), the aforementioned single - multi - link operation information element to be changed (Change SMLO IE), etc. Also, at the end of this operation frame, a frame check sequence (FCS: Frame Check Sequence) for error detection is added.

[0194] (Priority Transmission Setting / Cancellation) Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 24 and 25, the flow of the priority transmission setting / cancellation operations for single - link and multi - link will be described.

[0195] In step S101, the single - multi - link operation control unit 104 determines whether a specific application has been started. This specific application includes applications such as real - time data distribution applications and game applications.

[0196] In the determination process of step S101, if it is determined that the specific application has been started, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the single - multi - link operation control unit 104 acquires the attributes and parameters required for the specific application.

[0197] In step S103, the single - multi - link operation control unit 104 determines whether there is a latency requirement. In the determination process of step S103, if it is determined that there is no latency requirement, the process returns to step S101.

[0198] In the determination process of step S103, if it is determined that there is a short latency requirement, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the single / multi-link operation control unit 104 acquires the current setting information of the priority transmission for the single link and the multi-link.

[0199] In step S105, the single / multi-link operation control unit 104 determines whether the situation requires the setting of priority transmission. In the determination process of step S105, if it is determined that the setting of priority transmission is not necessary, the process returns to step S101.

[0200] In the determination process of step S105, if it is determined that the situation requires the setting of priority transmission, the process proceeds to step S106, and the processes of steps S106 to S113 are executed by the single / multi-link operation control unit 104.

[0201] That is, the operation status information regarding the operation status of other wireless communication systems is acquired (S106), the priority transmission determination between the single link and the multi-link is performed (S107), and the setting for preferentially transmitting the data of the access category corresponding to the specific application is performed (S108).

[0202] Here, the current setting status of the priority transmission for the single link and the multi-link is acquired, and based on the parameters required by the specific application, it is determined whether the priority transmission setting is possible for the data of a specific access category on either the single link or the multi-link, or both.

[0203] At this time, if the own device is the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx and is operating as the access point AP (''Yes'' in S109, ''Yes'' in S110), the parameter is described in the single / multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) (S111). Thereby, the setting information of the single / multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) is updated, and the information is notified by the subsequent beacon signal.

[0204] On the other hand, when the own device is the receiving-side communication device 10Rx of a specific application ( "No" in S109), a single-link / multi-link operation frame (request frame) including a request for priority transmission setting is transmitted to the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx (S112).

[0205] When a single-link / multi-link operation frame (grant frame) is received as a response to the request frame ( "Yes" in S113), it means that the transmission setting has been implemented at the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx. If the grant frame is not received ( "No" in S113), the process returns to step S107, and the priority transmission determination between the single link and the multi-link is performed again.

[0206] If the own device is the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx but is not operating as the access point AP ( "Yes" in S109, "No" in S110), if the process of step S111 is completed, or if the own device is the receiving-side communication device 10Rx and a grant frame is received as a response to the request frame ( "No" in S109, "Yes" in S112 and S113), the process returns to step S101.

[0207] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S101 that the specific application has not been started, the process proceeds to step S114 in FIG. 25.

[0208] In step S114, the single / multi-link operation control unit 104 determines whether the specific application has ended.

[0209] If it is determined in the determination process of step S114 that the specific application has ended, the process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, the single / multi-link operation control unit 104 acquires the priority transmission setting information regarding the current priority transmission setting.

[0210] In step S116, the single / multi-link operation control unit 104 determines whether priority transmission has been set based on the priority transmission setting information.

[0211] In the determination process of step S116, if it is determined that priority transmission has been set, the process proceeds to step S117, and the single / multi-link operation control unit 104 executes the processes of steps S117 to S126.

[0212] That is, when the own device is the transmission-side communication device 10Tx (``Yes'' in S117), the priority transmission setting of the data in the access category corresponding to the specific application is canceled (S118). Then, when the own device is operating as the access point AP (``Yes'' in S119), the parameter is described in the single / multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) (S120).

[0213] Thereby, the setting information of the single / multi-link operation information element (SMLO IE) is updated, and the information is notified by the subsequent beacon signal. When the own device is not operating as the access point AP (``No'' in S119), the process of step S120 is skipped and the series of operations ends.

[0214] Also, when the own device is not the transmission-side communication device 10Tx but the reception-side communication device 10Rx (``No'' in S117), a single-link / multi-link operation frame (release frame) including cancellation of the priority transmission setting is transmitted to the transmission-side communication device 10Tx (S121).

[0215] When the process of step S121 ends, if the specific application has not ended ( "Yes" in S114), or if priority transmission is not set ( "No" in S116), the process proceeds to step S122. Then, when a single - link / multi - link operation frame (request frame) including a priority transmission setting request is received from another device (for example, the receiving - side communication device 10Rx) ( "Yes" in S122), priority transmission setting information regarding the current priority transmission setting is acquired (S123).

[0216] Here, based on the priority transmission setting information, the presence or absence of the priority transmission setting is grasped. If priority transmission can be set ( "Yes" in S124), the priority transmission setting is updated for the new priority transmission (S125), and the parameter is described in the single - multi - link operation information element (SMLO IE) (S126). As a result, the setting information of the single - multi - link operation information element (SMLO IE) is updated, and the information is notified by subsequent beacon signals.

[0217] When the process of step S126 ends, if a request frame has not been received from another device ( "No" in S122), or if priority transmission cannot be set ( "No" in S124), the process returns to step S101 in FIG. 24. By repeatedly performing these series of processes, priority transmission is set for any application.

[0218] The flow of the priority transmission setting / cancellation operations for single - link and multi - link has been described above.

[0219] (Access Control) Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 26, the flow of the access control operations for single - link and multi - link will be described.

[0220] In step S201, when there is data to be transmitted, the access control unit 108 determines whether the radio transmission path can be used.

[0221] In the determination process of step S201, if it is determined that the wireless transmission path is available, the process proceeds to step S202. In step S202, the access control unit 108 determines whether it is possible to set a transmission opportunity (TXOP) for a certain period.

[0222] In the determination process of step S202, if it is determined that it is possible to set a transmission opportunity (TXOP), the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the access control unit 108 sets that period as the transmission opportunity (TXOP). Note that if it is determined in the determination process of step S202 that the transmission opportunity (TXOP) cannot be set, the process of step S203 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S204.

[0223] In step S204, the access control unit 108 determines whether there is a priority transmission setting.

[0224] In the determination process of step S204, if it is determined that there is no priority transmission setting, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, the access control unit 108 sets an EDCA timer according to the data of each access category stored in the transmission buffer 103 based on the existing EDCA access control method (S205).

[0225] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S204 that a priority transmission setting has been made, the process proceeds to step S206, and the processes of steps S206 to S208 are executed.

[0226] That is, the parameters described in the current single - multi - link operation information element (SMLO IE) are acquired (S206). If there is data corresponding to the access category for which transmission is set among the single - link and multi - link described therein, the multi - link transmission waiting timer is set according to that setting (S207), or the single - link transmission waiting timer is set (S208).

[0227] When step S205 or S208 ends, the process proceeds to step S209, and the processes of steps S209 to S216 are executed.

[0228] That is, when the EDCA timer expires ("Yes" in S209), data is acquired from the upper buffer of the access category (S210). Also, when the multi-link transmission wait timer expires ("Yes" in S211), data of the access category capable of multi-link transmission is acquired from the upper buffer of the access category (S212). Further, when the single-link transmission wait timer expires ("Yes" in S213), data of the access category capable of single-link transmission is acquired (S214).

[0229] Note that the upper buffer is the transmission buffer 103 that stores data of the access category with a higher priority, and the lower buffer is the transmission buffer 103 that stores data of the access category with a lower priority. Also, in the determination processes of steps S209, S211, and S213, if it is determined that none of the timers have expired, the process returns to step S209, and the transmission wait operation is repeated until the transmission wait timer expires.

[0230] Then, a predetermined data frame is constructed from the transmission data thus obtained (S215), and the constructed data frame is transmitted via the wireless transmission path (S216). At this time, when operating as a single link, only one link is used, and when operating as a multi-link, a plurality of links are used.

[0231] In step S217, the access control unit 108 determines whether there is remaining time of the transmission opportunity (TXOP).

[0232] In the determination process of step S217, if it is determined that there is no remaining time for the transmission opportunity (TXOP), the data transmission up to that point is configured to be completed, and the process returns to step S201, and the access control procedure is executed again.

[0233] Also, in the determination process of step S217, if it is determined that there is remaining time for the transmission opportunity (TXOP), the process proceeds to step S218. In step S218, the access control unit 108 determines whether there is data stored in the lower buffer.

[0234] That is, after transmitting predetermined data (for example, data of an access category with a high priority), when there is remaining time for the transmission opportunity (TXOP), the presence or absence of data in another access category is further checked in order from the upper access category (the upper buffer storing the data) to the lower access category (the lower buffer storing the data). If there is no data to be transmitted here (''Yes'' in S218), the series of transmission operations ends.

[0235] On the other hand, if there is data to be transmitted (''No'' in S218), the access control unit 108 sets a transmission waiting timer for the data of the next access category according to the priority of the access category (S219). Then, the process returns to step S209, and the transmission waiting operation is repeated until the transmission waiting timer expires.

[0236] The operation flow of the access control for single link and multi - link has been described above.

[0237] <2. Variation example>

[0238] (Examples of other configurations) As described above, the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx can be configured as, for example, an access point AP10 (base station), and the receiving-side communication device 10Rx can be configured as, for example, a communication terminal STA10 (terminal station). However, the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx or the receiving-side communication device 10Rx may be configured as a part of the device (components) constituting the access point AP10 or the communication terminal STA10 (for example, a wireless communication module, a wireless chip, etc.).

[0239] Also, for example, the receiving-side communication device 10Rx configured as the communication terminal STA10 can be configured as an electronic device having a wireless communication function such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game device, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a digital camera, a television receiver, a wearable terminal, a speaker device, etc.

[0240] Furthermore, the communication terminal STA10 may be a device that only supports data transmission such as a controller that transmits command data according to a user's operation, or a device that only supports data reception such as a display device that receives and displays video data. Note that the user can play a game by using a dedicated game device or by installing a game application on the communication terminal STA10 such as a smartphone.

[0241] (Multiple links) In the above description, when realizing multi-link, the case of using two links, i.e., the first link (Link #1) and the second link (Link #2), is exemplified. However, the same control can be implemented when using three or more links, such as the case of further including the third link (Link #3).

[0242] As described above, in the present technology, a configuration is proposed in which, for each data access category, information regarding the priority of transmission via a multi-link and information regarding the priority of transmission via a single link are set. As a result, in order to selectively acquire a transmission opportunity (TXOP) by priority transmission control of single-link operation and multi-link operation, as a method for performing priority communication using a single link and a multi-link according to the access category of data to be transmitted, a priority transmission access control method is provided that outputs data of a specified access category, making it possible to transmit data with a shorter waiting time.

[0243] That is, in the present technology, an access control method is provided that controls the availability of communication using each of a multi-link and a single link according to the attributes of data to be transmitted. For example, the access point AP10 designates the attributes of this data, and according to the control, the communication terminal STA10 can perform transmission.

[0244] Normally, transmission control is performed in the order of access categories based on the existing priorities. However, when data that requires a short latency is stored in the transmission buffer 103 as a specific access category, it is possible to preferentially transmit the data of that access category via a multi-link or a single link with a short waiting time.

[0245] That is, in the present technology, by adopting a configuration in which transmission via a single link and a multi-link can be individually set for each attribute (access category) of transmission data stored in the transmission buffer 103, during the operation of an application specified by the user, it becomes possible to transmit data of a specific access category with a latency shorter than a predetermined period.

[0246] As a result, for example, in the case of single-link and multi-link in general, control is performed to transmit data of all access categories by existing transmission control. For data of an access category in which data of an application that requires real-time performance is stored, transmission is performed using single-link and multi-link, and for data of other access categories, settings such as transmission using multi-link are possible. Usually, by setting a transmission opportunity (TXOP) fairly for data of all access categories, whether using single-link or multi-link, the original EDCA control can be implemented.

[0247] Also, by implementing multi-link operation, for data that requires short latency, by setting a transmission opportunity (TXOP) in at least one of the single-link and multi-link, the effect of obtaining more transmission opportunities (TXOP) can be achieved. By setting the transmission opportunity preferentially in this way, even data that is lower in the transmission priority order by the existing EDCA control can be transmitted preferentially.

[0248] That is, in the existing EDCA control, the transmission priority is determined according to the access category of the data to be transmitted. However, in this technology, since the user can specify a priority separately from the existing access category for the data transmitted using the single-link, data that requires real-time performance can be transmitted preferentially over voice data from other communication devices 10. Also, without providing a transmission buffer for more preferential transmission with respect to the structure of the existing transmission buffer, specific data can be transmitted preferentially.

[0249] Also, even when an application is launched from the receiving-side communication device 10Rx, a method for preferentially transmitting real-time data is provided by transmitting a request frame as a priority transmission control request notification from the receiving-side communication device 10Rx to the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx. On the other hand, even when the termination of the application is instructed from the receiving-side communication device 10Rx, a method for canceling the priority transmission is provided by transmitting a release frame as a priority transmission control cancellation notification from the receiving-side communication device 10Rx to the transmitting-side communication device 10Tx, and a method for transmitting other data is obtained.

[0250] Note that Patent Document 1 described above discloses a wireless device capable of simultaneously transmitting a plurality of frames to the same destination using a plurality of frequency channels. When the availability of the first frequency channel continues for the first period, the frame in the buffer is output to the first transmission means, and when the availability of the second frequency channel continues for the second period, the frame in the buffer is output to the second transmission means, and its control technology is disclosed. However, this configuration is a configuration in which a frame is transmitted when the waiting times of different channels expire in the first single link and the second single link, and a configuration for setting the transmission waiting time of either single link and the waiting times of both multi-links is not included, and the effects of the present technology described above cannot be obtained.

[0251] (Configuration of computer) The processing of each step of the flowchart described above can be executed by hardware or by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in the computers of each device.

[0252] Here, in this specification, the processing performed by the computer according to the program does not necessarily have to be performed in time series in the order described as a flowchart. That is, the processing performed by the computer according to the program also includes processing executed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or object-based processing).

[0253] Also, the program may be processed by one computer (processor) or may be distributedly processed by a plurality of computers. Further, the program may be transferred to a remote computer for execution.

[0254] Furthermore, in this specification, a system means a collection of a plurality of components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it does not matter whether all the components are in the same housing.

[0255] Note that the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present technology.

[0256] Also, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device, or can be executed in cooperation by a plurality of devices. Further, when a plurality of processes are included in one step, the plurality of processes included in that one step can be executed by one device, or can be executed in cooperation by a plurality of devices.

[0257] Also, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and there may be other effects.

[0258] Note that the present technology can have the following configurations.

[0259] (1) A communication device including a control unit that sets information regarding the transmission priority on a plurality of links for each access category of data when transmitting data using a plurality of links corresponding to a predetermined frequency band. Communication device. (2) The control unit sets information regarding the transmission priority on one link for each access category. The communication device according to (1) above. (3) The control unit sets information regarding priorities for uplink and downlink for each access category. The communication device according to (1) above. (4) The control unit controls so that in all access categories, prioritized transmission on a plurality of links and fair transmission on one link are performed. The communication device according to (2) above. (5) The control unit enables transmission on a plurality of links or one link in an access category in which specific data exists, and controls so that fair transmission is performed in other access categories. Control The communication device according to (2) above. (6) The specific data includes data for which transmission with a latency shorter than a predetermined period is required. The communication device according to (5) above. (7) When an application that requires real-time performance is launched, the control unit sets the transmission priority for each access category of the specific data. The communication device according to (5) above. (8) When data is not stored in the transmission buffer corresponding to a specific access category, the control unit controls to transmit the data stored in other transmission buffers. The communication device according to (5) above. (9) The control unit controls to transmit in order from the data with higher priority among the data stored in the transmission buffers corresponding to other access categories. The communication device according to (8) above. (10) When it is the communication device on the receiving side of the application, the control unit controls to transmit a notification signal for requesting prioritized transmission of the data to the communication device on the transmitting side of the data used in the application. The communication device according to (7) above. (11) When itself is the communication device on the transmission side of the data used in the application, when the control unit receives a notification signal for requesting preferential transmission of the data from the communication device on the reception side of the application, it controls to preferentially transmit data in a specific access category The communication device according to (7) above. (12) When itself is operating as an access point, the control unit controls to transmit a beacon signal describing an information element including information regarding the priority of transmission on a plurality of links or the priority of transmission on one link The communication device according to (2) above. (13) When the application has ended, the control unit controls so that transmission on a plurality of links or transmission on one link is fairly performed in all access categories. The communication device according to (7), (10), or (11) above. (14) When itself is the communication device on the reception side of the application, the control unit controls to transmit a notification signal for requesting cancellation of preferential transmission of the data to the communication device on the transmission side of the data used in the application. The communication device according to (13) above. (15) When itself is the communication device on the transmission side of the data used in the application, when the control unit receives a notification signal for requesting cancellation of preferential transmission of the data from the communication device on the reception side of the application, it controls so that transmission on a plurality of links or transmission on one link is fairly performed. The communication device according to (13) above. (16) Each link among the plurality of links includes a discontinuous frequency band. The control unit controls wireless communication using frequency bands corresponding to a plurality of links. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (15) above. (17) The control unit sets whether transmission is possible on a plurality of links or whether transmission is possible on one link for each access category. The communication device according to (2) above. (18) The access category includes voice, video, best effort, and background. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (17) above. (19) The control unit sets the priority of the uplink of a specific access category to be the highest, and sets the priority of the downlink of other access categories to be the highest. The communication device according to (3) above. (20) When the communication device transmits data using a plurality of links corresponding to a predetermined frequency band, it sets information regarding the transmission priority on the plurality of links for each access category of the data. Communication method.

Description of Signs

[0260] 1-1 Wireless LAN system, 10 communication device, 11 network connection module, 12 information input module, 13 device control module, 14 information output module, 15 wireless communication module, 101 interface, 102 category determination unit, 103 transmission buffer, 103-1 AC_VO buffer, 103-2 AC_VI buffer, 103-3 AC_BE buffer, 103-4 AC_BG buffer, 104 single / multi-link operation control unit, 105 dequeue control unit, 106 timing control unit, 107 frame construction unit, 108 access control unit, 109-1, 109-2 transmission processing unit, 110 antenna control unit, 111-1, 111-2 reception processing unit, 112 frame extraction unit, 113 data analysis unit, 114 reception buffer, 115 output data construction unit

Claims

【Claim 1】 When transmitting data using a plurality of links corresponding to a predetermined frequency band, a control unit is provided that sets information regarding the priority of transmission on the plurality of links for each access category of the data. Communication device.

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