Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

To enable communication of information on communication via multiple Links established in multiple different frequency channels and conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series standard by using an appropriate MAC frame with the other device.SOLUTION: A communication device 102 or a communication device 103 communicates a wireless frame conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series standard with the other device, and a media access control (MAC) frame of the wireless frame includes information indicating a frequency channel as information on communication via multiple links conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series standard established in a plurality of different frequency channels capable of performing wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series standard between a device that has transmitted the wireless frame and the other device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the transmission and reception of information relating to communications in wireless communications. [Background technology]

[0002] The IEEE802.11 series is known as the WLAN communication standard established by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. The IEEE802.11 series includes the IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax standards.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that the IEEE802.11ax standard performs wireless communication using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). The IEEE802.11ax standard achieves high peak throughput by performing wireless communication using OFDMA.

[0004] To further improve throughput and frequency utilization efficiency, the IEEE is considering the formulation of the IEEE802.11be standard as a new standard in the IEEE802.11 series. The IEEE802.11be standard considers technology that enables a single access point (AP) to establish multiple links with a single station (STA) via multiple different frequency channels for communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-50133 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As such, the IEEE802.11be standard considers multi-link communication, in which an AP and STA establish multiple links with different frequency channels and communicate in parallel. To perform multi-link communication, it is necessary for the AP and STA to communicate information related to multi-link communication, such as the AP's multi-link communication capability information. Until now, there has been no MAC (Media Access Control) frame for appropriately communicating information related to multi-link communication.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to enable communication of information regarding communication via multiple links compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standards established between a partner device and multiple different frequency channels using an appropriate MAC frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a communication device of the present invention comprises: a communication device that functions as a wireless LAN router capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11be standard, the communication device having a plurality of antennas including a first antenna used only for communication in the 5 GHz band and a second antenna used only for communication in the 6 GHz band; a transmission control means that transmits a Beacon frame including a Multi-Link element on a first channel; and a reception control means that receives a Probe Request frame from a first other communication device on the first channel, wherein the transmission control means further transmits a Probe Response frame including a Multi-Link element in response to the Probe Request frame received by the reception control means, the reception control means further receives an Association Request frame including a Multi-link element from the first other communication device on the first channel, the transmission control means further transmits an Association Response frame including a Multi-link element including a Common Info field and a Link Info field in response to the Association Request frame received by the reception control means, and the communication device and the first other communication device communicate with each other via the first channel. and communicating a Response frame to set up a first link on the first channel, a second link on the second channel, and a third link on a third channel between the communication device and the first other communication device. It is characterized by:

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a communication device of the present invention functions as a wireless LAN router capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11be standard, and includes a plurality of antennas including a first antenna used only for communication in the 5 GHz band, a transmission control means for transmitting a Beacon frame including a Multi-Link element on a first channel, and a reception control means for receiving a Probe Request frame from a first other communication device on the first channel, wherein the transmission control means further transmits a Probe Response frame including a Multi-Link element as a response to the Probe Request frame received by the reception control means, the reception control means further receives an Association Request frame including a Multi-link element from the first other communication device on the first channel, the transmission control means further transmits an Association Response frame including a Multi-link element including a Common Info field and a Link Info field as a response to the Association Request frame received by the reception control means, and the communication device and the first other communication device communicate with each other via the first channel. By communicating a Response frame, a first link on the first channel and a second link on the second channel are set up between the communication device and the first other communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, information regarding communication via a plurality of links compliant with the IEEE802.11 series standards established between a partner device and a plurality of different frequency channels can be communicated using an appropriate MAC frame. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a network to which a communication device 102 belongs. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a communication device 102. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a communication device 102. [Figure 4] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing executed when the communication device 102 and the communication device 103 perform Multi-Link communication. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame format of a Multi-Link Capability Element. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the communication device 103 when performing Multi-Link communication. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the communication device 102 when performing Multi-Link communication. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a network in which a communication device 102 according to this embodiment participates. The communication device 102 is an access point (AP) that serves to establish a network 101. The network 101 is a wireless network. In this embodiment, when the communication device 102 establishes multiple networks, it is assumed that the BSSIDs of the networks are all the same. BSSID stands for Basic Service Set Identifier and is an identifier for identifying a network. It is also assumed that the SSIDs indicated by the communication device 102 in each network are all the same. SSID stands for Service Set Identifier and is an identifier for identifying an access point. In this embodiment, the communication device 102 uses one SSID even when multiple connections are established.

[0014] Furthermore, the communication devices 103 are stations (STAs) that participate in the network 101. Each communication device is compatible with the IEEE 802.11be (EHT) standard and can perform wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11be standard via the network 101. Note that IEEE is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Furthermore, EHT is an abbreviation for Extremely High Throughput. Note that EHT may also be interpreted as an abbreviation for Extreme High Throughput. Each communication device can communicate in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. The frequency bands used by each communication device are not limited to these, and a different frequency band, such as the 60 GHz band, may also be used. Furthermore, each communication device can communicate using bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz.

[0015] The communication devices 102 and 103 perform OFDMA communication conforming to the IEEE802.11be standard, thereby realizing multi-user (MU) communication in which signals from multiple users are multiplexed. OFDMA communication stands for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access. In OFDMA communication, portions of a divided frequency band (RU, Resource Unit) are assigned to each STA so as not to overlap, and the carriers assigned to each STA are orthogonal. This allows an AP to communicate with multiple STAs in parallel.

[0016] Furthermore, the communication devices 102 and 103 establish links via multiple frequency channels to perform multi-link communication. Here, a frequency channel refers to a frequency channel defined in the IEEE 802.11 series of standards that can perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. The IEEE 802.11 series of standards defines multiple frequency channels in each of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. The IEEE 802.11 series of standards also defines the bandwidth of each frequency channel as 20 MHz. Note that a single frequency channel may utilize a bandwidth of 40 MHz or more by bonding adjacent frequency channels. For example, the communication device 102 can establish a first link 104 with the communication device 103 via a first frequency channel in the 2.4 GHz band and a second link 105 via a second frequency channel in the 5 GHz band, and communicate via both links. In this case, the communication device 102 maintains a second link 105 via a second frequency channel in parallel with the first link 104 via the first frequency channel. In this way, the communication device 102 can improve the throughput of communication with the communication device 103 by establishing links with the communication device 103 via multiple frequency channels. Note that the communication devices 102 and 103 may establish multiple links in different frequency bands in multi-link communication. For example, the communication devices 102 and 103 may establish a first link 104 in the 2.4 GHz band, a second link 105 in the 5 GHz band, and a third link in the 6 GHz band. Alternatively, links may be established via multiple different channels included in the same frequency band. For example, the first link 104 may be established via channel 1 in the 2.4 GHz band, and the second link 105 may be established via channel 5 in the 2.4 GHz band. Note that links in the same frequency band and links in different frequency bands may be mixed.For example, communication devices 102 and 103 may establish a first link 104 via channel 1 in the 2.4 GHz band, a second link 105 via channel 5 in the 2.4 GHz band, and a third link via channel 36 in the 5 GHz band. By establishing multiple connections with communication device 103 using different frequency bands, communication device 102 can communicate with communication device 103 using the other band even when one band is congested, thereby preventing a decrease in throughput in communication with communication device 103.

[0017] In multi-link communication, the multiple links established between the communication devices 102 and 103 need only have different frequency channels. Note that in multi-link communication, the channel spacing between the frequency channels of the multiple links established between the communication devices 102 and 103 needs only to be at least greater than 20 MHz. Note that in this embodiment, the communication devices 102 and 103 establish a first link 104 and a second link 105, but they may establish three or more links.

[0018] The communication devices 102 and 103 can perform three modes of communication as multi-link communication. One is asynchronous mode (async mode), in which communication via each link in multi-link communication is performed asynchronously. Specifically, communication via the first link and communication via the second link are performed at independent timings. Therefore, both the first link and the second link can perform communication at timings independent of the timing of communication via the other link. In this case, if the channel spacing between the frequency channels (channels) used by each link is narrow, communication via one link will affect communication via the other link. Specifically, if the frequency channels between links are close to each other, the other link will detect communication via one link through carrier sense, and therefore communication via the other link will not be possible while communication via one link is in progress. Therefore, in async mode, the channel spacing between links is widened. The other mode is synchronous mode (sync mode), in which communication via multiple links is performed synchronously. Specifically, communication is initiated simultaneously via the first and second links. In this case, communication via each link is initiated simultaneously, and therefore communication via one link does not require carrier sensing by the other link. Therefore, the channel spacing between the channels used by each link may be narrow. Another mode is Semi-Asynchronous Mode (Semi-Async Mode). In this mode, when data communication is performed via one link, if the frequency channel of the other link is available, communication via both links is synchronized. For example, if the backoff counter of the first link reaches 0 and the frequency channel of the second link is available, communication via the first and second links is initiated simultaneously. In this case, the backoff counter of the second link does not need to be 0.Note that when the backoff counter of the first link reaches 0 and the frequency channel of the second link is not available, only communication via the first link is started, and communication via the second link is not started. In this mode, when communications via multiple links are performed in parallel, the communications via each link are started simultaneously, so the interval between the channels used by each link may be narrow. The communication devices 102 and 103 may select the mode to use in multi-link communication based on the channel intervals of the established multiple links.

[0019] When performing multi-link communication, at least one of the communication devices 102 and 103 is a device that can simultaneously transmit data via one link and receive data via another link. Alternatively, at least one of the communication devices 102 and 103 may be a device that, when transmitting data via one link, can simultaneously only transmit data via the other link. Alternatively, at least one of the communication devices 102 and 103 may be a device that, when receiving data via one link, can simultaneously only receive data via the other link. Alternatively, at least one of the communication devices 102 and 103 may be a device that can simultaneously maintain multiple links, but, when communicating data via one link, cannot simultaneously communicate data via the other link. Note that such communication devices do not support Sync Mode or Semi-Async Mode.

[0020] When performing multi-link communication, the communication devices 102 and 103 divide a single piece of data and transmit it to the other device via multiple links. Alternatively, the communication devices 102 and 103 may transmit the same data via each of the multiple links, with the communication via one link serving as a backup for the communication via the other link. Specifically, the communication device 102 may transmit the same data to the communication device 103 via a first link via a first frequency channel and a second link via a second frequency channel. In this case, even if an error occurs in the communication via the first link, the communication device 103 can receive the data transmitted from the communication device 102 because the same data was transmitted via the second link. Alternatively, the communication devices 102 and 103 may use different links depending on the type of frame or data to be communicated. For example, the communication device 102 may transmit a management frame via the first link and a data frame containing data via the second link. Management frames specifically refer to Beacon frames, Probe Request frames / Response frames, and Association Request frames / Response frames. In addition to these frames, Disassociation frames, Authentication frames, De-Authentication frames, and Action frames are also called management frames. Beacon frames are frames that report network information. Probe Request frames are frames that request network information, and Probe Response frames are their responses, providing network information. Association Request frames are frames that request a connection, and Association Response frames are their responses, indicating permission for the connection or an error. Disassociation frames are frames that cut off a connection.An authentication frame is a frame that authenticates a remote device, and a de-authentication frame is a frame that suspends authentication of the remote device and disconnects the connection. An action frame is a frame that performs additional functions other than those described above. The communication devices 102 and 103 send and receive management frames that comply with the IEEE 802.11 series standards. Alternatively, when transmitting data related to captured images, for example, the communication device 102 may transmit meta-information such as the date, parameters at the time of capture (aperture value and shutter speed), and location information via the first link, and transmit pixel information via the second link.

[0021] The communication devices 102 and 103 may also be capable of MIMO (Multiple-Input And Multiple-Output) communication. In this case, the communication devices 102 and 103 have multiple antennas, and one of them transmits different signals from each antenna using the same frequency channel. The receiving side simultaneously receives all signals arriving from multiple streams using multiple antennas, and separates and decodes the signals of each stream. By performing MIMO communication in this way, the communication devices 102 and 103 can communicate more data in the same amount of time than when not performing MIMO communication. Furthermore, when performing multi-link communication, the communication devices 102 and 103 may perform MIMO communication on some of the links.

[0022] Although the communication devices 102 and 103 are described as being compatible with the IEEE 802.11be standard, they may also be compatible with at least one legacy standard that predates the IEEE 802.11be standard. The legacy standard refers to the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax standards. In this embodiment, at least one of the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards is referred to as an IEEE 802.11 series standard. In addition to the IEEE 802.11 series standards, the communication devices 102 and 103 may also be compatible with other communication standards, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, UWB, Zigbee, and MBOA. UWB stands for Ultra Wide Band, and MBOA stands for Multi-Band OFDM Alliance. OFDM stands for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. NFC stands for Near Field Communication. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, Wi-Fi, etc. It may also be compatible with wired communication standards such as wired LAN.

[0023] Specific examples of the communication device 102 include, but are not limited to, a wireless LAN router and a PC. The communication device 102 may be any communication device capable of performing Multi-Link communication with other communication devices. The communication device 102 may also be an information processing device such as a wireless chip capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11be standard. Specific examples of the communication device 103 include, but are not limited to, a camera, a tablet, a smartphone, a PC, a mobile phone, and a video camera. The communication device 103 may also be any communication device capable of performing Multi-Link communication with other communication devices. The communication device 103 may also be an information processing device such as a wireless chip capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11be standard. The network in FIG. 1 is a network configured with one AP and one STA, but the number of APs and STAs is not limited to this. The information processing device such as a wireless chip has an antenna for transmitting the generated signal.

[0024] 2 shows the hardware configuration of the communication device 102 in this embodiment. The communication device 102 includes a storage unit 201, a control unit 202, a function unit 203, an input unit 204, an output unit 205, a communication unit 206, and an antenna 207.

[0025] The storage unit 201 is configured with one or more memories such as ROM and RAM, and stores various information such as computer programs for performing various operations described below and communication parameters for wireless communication. ROM stands for Read Only Memory, and RAM stands for Random Access Memory. In addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, the storage unit 201 may also use storage media such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and DVDs. Furthermore, the storage unit 201 may include multiple memories.

[0026] The control unit 202 is configured with one or more processors such as a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire communication device 102 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 201. The control unit 202 may control the entire communication device 102 in cooperation with the computer program stored in the storage unit 201 and an OS (Operating System). The control unit 202 also generates data and signals (radio frames) to be transmitted in communication with other communication devices. The CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and the MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit. The control unit 202 may also include multiple processors such as a multi-core processor, and the entire communication device 102 may be controlled by the multiple processors.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 202 controls the function unit 203 to perform predetermined processes such as wireless communication, imaging, printing, projection, etc. The function unit 203 is hardware that enables the communication device 102 to perform predetermined processes.

[0028] The input unit 204 receives various operations from the user. The output unit 205 outputs various types of information to the user via a monitor screen or a speaker. Here, the output from the output unit 205 may be a display on a monitor screen, an audio output from a speaker, a vibration output, or the like. Note that both the input unit 204 and the output unit 205 may be implemented by a single module, such as a touch panel. Furthermore, the input unit 204 and the output unit 205 may be integrated with the communication device 102 or may be separate units.

[0029] The communication unit 206 controls wireless communications compliant with the IEEE 802.11be standard. The communication unit 206 may also control wireless communications compliant with other IEEE 802.11 series standards in addition to the IEEE 802.11be standard, or wired communications such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 206 controls the antenna 207 to transmit and receive signals for wireless communications generated by the control unit 202. If the communication device 102 supports standards such as the NFC standard and Bluetooth in addition to the IEEE 802.11be standard, the communication unit 206 may control wireless communications compliant with these communication standards. If the communication device 102 can perform wireless communications compliant with multiple communication standards, the communication unit 206 may be configured with separate communication units and antennas compatible with each communication standard. The communication device 102 communicates data such as image data, document data, and video data with the communication device 103 via the communication unit 206. The antenna 207 may be configured separately from the communication unit 206, or may be configured together with the communication unit 206 as a single module.

[0030] The antenna 207 is an antenna capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. In this embodiment, the communication device 102 has one antenna, but it may have a different antenna for each frequency band. Furthermore, if the communication device 102 has multiple antennas, it may have a communication unit 206 corresponding to each antenna.

[0031] The communication device 103 has the same hardware configuration as the communication device 102 .

[0032] 3 shows the functional configuration of the communication device 102 in this embodiment. The communication device 102 is made up of a Multi-Link communication capability information generation unit 301, a Multi-Link communication operation information determination unit 302, and a connection processing unit 304. In addition to these, the communication device 102 is made up of a MAC (Media Access Control) frame generation unit 305 and a data transmission / reception unit 306.

[0033] The capability information generation unit 301 is a block that generates capability information related to Multi-Link communication of the communication device 102. The communication device 102 generates capability information for notifying other communication devices of its own capability related to Multi-Link communication. The capability information related to Multi-Link communication will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. Note that the capability information of the own device may be notified to other communication devices, or the capability information of the other device may simply be received from the other communication device.

[0034] The operation information determination unit 302 is a block that determines operation information regarding Multi-Link communication with a partner device based on capability information regarding Multi-Link communication of the device itself and the partner device. Operation information regarding Multi-Link communication refers to the frequency channel, bandwidth, etc. used in communication executed as Multi-Link communication between the communication devices 102 and 103. Details of the operation information regarding Multi-Link communication will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. The determined operation information may or may not be notified to the partner device.

[0035] The connection processing unit 304 is a block that performs processing to allow the communication device 103, which is an STA, to join the network 101 established by the communication device 102. Specifically, the connection processing unit 304 causes the communication device 102 to transmit an Association Response frame as a response to an Association Request, which is a connection request received from the communication device 103. The communication device 102 has a connection processing unit 304 corresponding to each of multiple Links that the communication device 102 establishes.

[0036] The MAC frame generation unit 305 is a block that generates a MAC frame including information indicating the capability information related to Multi-Link communication generated by the capability information generation unit 301 and the operational information related to Multi-Link communication determined by the operational information determination unit 302. The MAC frame generated by the MAC frame generation unit 305 is transmitted by being included in at least one of the wireless frames of a Beacon, a Probe Response, and an Association Response. In addition to this, or instead, the generated MAC frame is transmitted by being included in a Reassociation Response. The capability information and operational information included in the MAC frame generated by the MAC frame generation unit 305 are indicated by Elements shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later.

[0037] The data transmitter / receiver 306 is a block that transmits and receives data frames in Multi-Link communication based on the operational information related to Multi-Link communication determined by the operational information determination unit 302. The data transmitter / receiver 306 may transmit wireless frames including MAC frames generated by the MAC frame generation unit 305 and receive wireless frames from a partner device.

[0038] The communication device 103 has the same functional configuration as the communication device 102, but differs in the following respects.

[0039] The communication device 103 has a request information determination unit 302 instead of the operation information determination unit 302. This is a block that determines request information regarding Multi-Link communication with a partner device based on capability information regarding Multi-Link communication of the communication device itself and the partner device. The request information regarding Multi-Link communication refers to the frequency channel, bandwidth, etc. that are requested to be used in communication executed as Multi-Link communication between the communication devices 102 and 103. Details of the request information regarding Multi-Link communication will be explained later with reference to FIG. 5. The determined request information may or may not be notified to the partner device.

[0040] The connection processing unit 304 is a block that performs processing for the communication device 103 to join the network 101 established by the communication device 102 that is an AP. Specifically, the connection processing unit 304 causes the communication device 103 to transmit an Association Request, which is a connection request, to the communication device 102, and to receive an Association Response as a response from the communication device 102.

[0041] Furthermore, MAC frame generation unit 305 is a block that generates a MAC frame that includes information indicating capability information related to Multi-Link communication generated by capability information generation unit 301 and request information related to Multi-Link communication determined by request information determination unit 302. The MAC frame generated by MAC frame generation unit 305 is transmitted by being included in at least one of a Probe Request, Association Request, and Reassociation Request radio frame. The capability information and request information included in the MAC frame generated by MAC frame generation unit 305 are indicated by Elements shown in Fig. 5, which will be described later.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing executed when the communication device 102 and the communication device 103 perform Multi-Link communication.

[0043] The communication devices 102 and 103 each have a connection processing unit 304 internally corresponding to each of the multiple links. AP1 of the communication device 102 is the connection processing unit 304 for the first link, and AP2 is the connection processing unit 304 for the second link. Also, STA1 of the communication device 103 is the connection processing unit 304 for the first link, and STA2 is the connection processing unit 304 for the second link. STA1 and AP1 process communications via a first frequency channel (e.g., channel 1 in the 2.4 GHz band). STA2 and AP2 process communications via a second frequency channel (e.g., channel 36 in the 5 GHz band).

[0044] The processing of this sequence is started in response to the power-on of each of the communication devices 102 and 103. Alternatively, at least one of the communication devices 102 and 103 may start the processing in response to an instruction to start Multi-Link communication from a user or an application. Alternatively, at least one of the communication devices 102 and 103 may start the processing in response to the amount of data to be communicated with the other device reaching or exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0045] First, the communication device 102 transmits a Beacon including its own network information on a first frequency channel to notify surrounding STAs of the network information (S401). Specifically, the network information is the transmission interval at which the communication device 102 transmits the beacon and the SSID of the communication device 102. In addition, the communication device 102 may include a Multi-Link Capability Element shown in Fig. 5 (described later) in the Beacon as network information to notify capability information related to Multi-Link communication of the communication device 102.

[0046] When the communication device 103 receives a Beacon from the communication device 102 transmitted on the first frequency channel, it transmits a Probe Request on the first frequency channel to inquire about network information of the communication device 102 (S402). The Probe Request includes the SSID of the communication device 103. In addition to this, the communication device 103 may notify capability information related to Multi-Link communication of the communication device 103 by including a Multi-Link Capability Element shown in Fig. 5, which will be described later, in the Probe Request.

[0047] When the communication device 102 receives the Probe Request, it transmits a Probe Response to the communication device 103 on the first frequency channel as a response (S403). If the communication device 102 does not include the Multi-Link Capability Element shown in Fig. 5 in the Beacon, it transmits the Probe Response by including the Element. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may include only a portion of the information included in the Multi-Link Capability Element shown in Fig. 5 (described later) in the Beacon, and include the remaining information or all of the information in the Probe Response.

[0048] By performing the processes of S401 to S403, the communication devices 102 and 103 can exchange capability information regarding their respective Multi-Link communications.

[0049] Next, the communication device 103 transmits an Association Request, which is a connection request, to the communication device 102 on the first frequency channel. In this case, the communication device 103 may notify the communication device 102 of its capability information regarding Multi-Link communication by including a Multi-Link Capability Element shown in FIG. 5 in the Association Request. The communication device 103 may determine the capability information to transmit in S404 based on the capability information regarding Multi-Link communication of the communication device 102 acquired in at least one of S401 and S403. For example, even if the communication device 103 can combine Links in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band in Multi-Link communication, the communication device 102 may only support multiple Links in the 2.4 GHz band. In this case, the communication device 103 may transmit only capability information regarding the establishment of multiple Links in the 2.4 GHz band as the capability information to be transmitted in this step. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 103 transmits capability information related to its own Multi-Link communication in S402, but this is not limiting, and the capability information may not be transmitted in S402 but may be transmitted only in this step. Alternatively, the communication device 103 may transmit request information requested when performing Multi-Link communication, rather than capability information, by including a Multi-Link Capability Element shown in FIG. 5 in the Association Request. The request information requested by the communication device 103 may be indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element in FIG. 5 or by a different element. Details of the request information will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0050] When the communication device 102 receives the Association Request, it transmits an Association Response to the communication device 103 on the first frequency channel as a response (S405). The Association Response transmitted here includes a Multi-Link Capability Element that indicates operation information determined by the communication device 102 when performing Multi-Link communication with the communication device 103. Note that the operation information may be indicated by an element different from the Multi-Link Capability Element. Furthermore, if the communication device 103, which is the STA, has transmitted an Association Request including the operation information requested in S404, the communication device 102 may transmit an Association Response that includes only whether or not the request is accepted.

[0051] If the communication device 103 can perform multi-link communication using the operation information included in the association response, the communication devices 102 and 103 establish a link via the first frequency channel and start data communication (S406). In this case, if the operation information transmitted by the communication device 102 includes operation information for a link via the second frequency channel, the communication devices 102 and 103 also establish a link via the second frequency channel and start data communication (S407).

[0052] Note that the process of S406 is also performed when the communication device 102 indicates permission in S405 for the request information requested in S404 from the communication device 103. Furthermore, if the request information transmitted by the communication device 103 in S404 also includes request information regarding a link via the second frequency channel, the process of S407 is performed.

[0053] In this embodiment, two links are established by transmitting and receiving frames on one frequency channel, but the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more links may be established.

[0054] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which multi-link communication is started when a link has not yet been established between the communication devices 102 and 103, but this is not limiting. The communication devices 102 and 103 may start multi-link communication by establishing a new link in addition to the already established link. In this case, if the communication device 103, which is an STA, has already acquired capability information related to multi-link communication from the communication device 102, which is an AP, it may start from the process of S404. Alternatively, if the communication device 102 has already acquired capability information related to multi-link communication from the communication device 103, it may start from the process of S404 by transmitting a signal that causes the communication device 103 to transmit an association request. Alternatively, the communication devices 102 and 103 may establish a new link in addition to the multiple links that have already been established. In this case, the sequence of FIG. 4 may also start from S404.

[0055] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a link is established via multiple frequency channels by transmitting and receiving frames on one frequency channel, but this is not limiting. When performing multi-link communication, the communication devices 102 and 103 may disconnect a link that has already been established via multiple frequency channels by transmitting and receiving frames on one frequency channel. For example, assume that the communication devices 102 and 103 establish a first link via a first frequency channel and a second link via a second frequency channel and are performing multi-link communication. In this case, assume that either the communication device 102 or 103 transmits a disassociation requesting link disconnection to the other device via the first link. If the transmitted disassociation includes information regarding the second link, the communication devices 102 and 103 disconnect not only the first link but also the second link. In this way, the communication devices 102 and 103 may disconnect not only the link for which the disassociation was transmitted and received, but also other links indicated by the information included in the disassociation, by transmitting and receiving the disassociation. Note that the communication devices 102 and 103 may simultaneously disconnect three or more links. Furthermore, if the disassociation contains information about a link different from the link through which the disassociation was transmitted or received, the communication devices 102 and 103 may disconnect only the other link. In this case, the communication devices 102 and 103 do not disconnect the link through which the disassociation was transmitted or received.

[0056] 4, the communication devices 102 and 103 can control the establishment or disconnection of links in other frequency channels by transmitting and receiving frames via a certain frequency channel (or link). Also, the communication devices 102 and 103 can control the establishment or disconnection of links in multiple frequency channels by transmitting and receiving frames via a certain frequency channel (or link).

[0057] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a frame format of a Multi-Link Capability Element. Note that, although the name of the element shown in Fig. 5 is Multi-Link Capability Element in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, and may be named other names, for example, Multi-Link Element.

[0058] Communication devices 102 and 103 can notify other devices of capability information indicating their own capabilities in Multi-Link communication by using the Multi-Link Capability Element shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, communication device 102 can notify other devices of operation information for performing Multi-Link communication in addition to or instead of the capability information by using the Multi-Link Capability Element shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, communication device 103 can notify other devices of request information for performing Multi-Link communication in addition to or instead of the capability information by using the Multi-Link Capability Element shown in Fig. 5.

[0059] The Multi-Link Capability Element shown in FIG. 5 includes an Element ID 501, a Length 502, and ML (Multi-Link) Capabilities 503. The Element ID 501 is an identifier for identifying an Information Element, and in this embodiment, includes an identifier indicating a Multi-Link Capability Element. The Length 502 is a field indicating the data length of the Element, and in this embodiment, includes information indicating the data length of ML Capabilities 503. The ML Capabilities 503 is information specific to the Multi-Link Capability Element, and includes information related to Multi-Link communication. Details of the information included in the ML Capabilities 503 will be described later.

[0060] The communication devices 102 and 103 generate the Multi-Link Capability Elements shown in FIG. 5 in order starting with Element ID 501 and transmit them to other communication devices. In this case, the communication devices 102 and 103 generate all fields in the frame before transmitting. Specifically, the communication devices 102 and 103 generate all of Element ID 501, Length 502, and ML Capabilities 503 before transmitting them to other communication devices. Alternatively, the communication devices 102 and 103 may generate and transmit fields in parallel. Specifically, the communication devices 102 and 103 may transmit, for example, Length 502 in parallel with transmitting the generated Element ID 501.

[0061] The communication device 102, which is an AP, adds a MAC frame including a Multi-Link Capability Element to wireless frames such as Beacons and Probe Responses and transmits them. The communication device 102 can also add a MAC frame including this Element to wireless frames such as Association Responses and Reassociation Responses, in addition to these wireless frames. The communication device 103, which is an STA, adds a MAC frame including a Multi-Link Capability Element to wireless frames such as Probe Requests and Association Requests and transmits them. The communication device 103 can also add a MAC frame including this Element to Reassociation Requests, in addition to these wireless frames.

[0062] ML Capabilities 503 includes Common Info 511, Per Band Info 512, and Per Link Info 513. Common Info 511 is a field indicating information common to all frequency bands and links. Per Band Info 512 is a field indicating information common to all links included in a specific frequency band, and is information indicated for each frequency band. Per Link Info 513 is a field indicating information for each link.

[0063] Common Info 511 includes Primary Ch 521, Sync Mode Support 522, Async Mode Support 523, and Semi-Async Mode Support 528. Common Info 511 further includes Total Max Link Number 524, Band Combination Info 525, and Per Band Info Number 526. Common Info 511 further includes Per Link Info Number 527 and Device Type 529.

[0064] The Primary CH 521 is a field that includes information indicating a frequency channel for transmitting and receiving management frames related to Multi-Link communication. The Primary CH refers to a frequency channel used for transmitting and receiving management frames when connecting or disconnecting links in Multi-Link communication. Specifically, the field includes information indicating a frequency channel for transmitting and receiving beacons and the like that include a Multi-Link Capability Element. The communication device 102, which is an AP, includes information indicating a frequency channel for transmitting and receiving beacons that include a Multi-Link Capability Element. The communication device 103, which is an STA, includes information indicating a frequency channel for receiving beacons that include a Multi-Link Capability Element (i.e., for transmitting probe requests that include the element). In this embodiment, the field includes information indicating the first frequency channel for transmitting and receiving beacons and probe requests / responses in FIG. 4. Note that if the frequency channel for transmitting and receiving management frames is changed after the communication devices 102 and 103 start Multi-Link communication, the Primary CH 521 includes information on the frequency channel corresponding to the change. It should be noted that Primary CH 521 includes information indicating the frequency channel on which the management frame is transmitted and received, regardless of whether the element indicates capability information, operational information, or request information.

[0065] Sync Mode Support 522 is a field containing capability information indicating whether the communication device 102 or 103 transmitting the Element supports Sync Mode for Multi-Link communication. For example, if this field contains 0, the transmitting device of the Element does not support Sync Mode, and if it contains 1, it supports Sync Mode.

[0066] When operation information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, Sync Mode Support 522 may indicate whether or not Sync Mode for Multi-Link communication is to be executed. For example, when the communication device 102 transmits an Association Response including this Element, this field indicates whether or not Sync Mode is to be executed in the communication of the Link established by the exchange of this association. In this case, for example, if this field contains 0, this indicates that Multi-Link communication in Sync Mode is not to be executed, and if this field contains 1, this indicates that Multi-Link communication in Sync Mode is to be executed.

[0067] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, Sync Mode Support 522 may indicate whether or not to request execution of Sync Mode in Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an Association Request including this Element, this field indicates whether or not the communication device 103 requests execution of Sync Mode in Multi-Link communication. For example, when this field contains 0, it indicates that execution of Multi-Link communication in Sync Mode is not requested, and when this field contains 1, it indicates that execution of Multi-Link communication in Sync Mode is requested.

[0068] Async Mode Support 523 is a field containing capability information indicating whether the communication device 102 or 103 transmitting the Element supports Async Mode for Multi-Link communication. For example, if this field contains 0, the transmitting device of the Element does not support Async Mode, and if this field contains 1, it indicates that it supports Async Mode.

[0069] When operation information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, Async Mode Support 523 may indicate whether or not to execute Async Mode for Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 102 transmits an Association Response including this Element, this field indicates whether or not to execute Async Mode in the Link established by the exchange of this association. In this case, for example, if this field contains 0, it indicates that Multi-Link communication in Async Mode will not be executed, and if this field contains 1, it indicates that Multi-Link communication in Async Mode will be executed. When operation information is indicated by this Element, if the above-mentioned Sync Mode Support 522 indicates that Sync Mode will be executed, this field indicates that Async Mode will not be executed. Similarly, if Sync Mode Support 522 indicates that Sync Mode will not be executed, Async Mode Support 523 indicates that Async Mode will be executed.

[0070] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, Async Mode Support 523 may indicate whether or not to request execution of Async Mode in Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an Association Request including this Element, this field indicates whether or not the communication device 103 requests execution of Async Mode in Multi-Link communication. For example, when this field contains 0, it indicates that execution of Multi-Link communication in Async Mode is not requested, and when this field contains 1, it indicates that execution of Multi-Link communication in Async Mode is requested.

[0071] Semi-Async Mode Support 528 is a field containing capability information indicating whether the communication device 102 or 103 transmitting the Element supports Semi-Async Mode for Multi-Link communication. For example, if this field contains 0, the transmitting device of the Element does not support Semi-Async Mode, and if it contains 1, it supports Semi-Async Mode.

[0072] For example, when the communication device 102 transmits an Association Response, this field indicates whether or not to execute Semi-Async Mode in the communication of the link established by the exchange of this association. For example, if this field contains 0, this indicates that Multi-Link communication in Semi-Async Mode will not be executed. Also, for example, if this field contains 1, this indicates that Multi-Link communication in Semi-Async Mode will be executed.

[0073] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate whether or not execution of Multi-Link communication in Semi-Async Mode is requested. For example, when the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an Association Request, this field indicates whether or not the communication device 103 requests execution of Multi-Link communication in Semi-Async Mode. For example, when this field contains 0, this indicates that execution of Multi-Link communication in Semi-Async Mode is not requested. Also, when this field contains 1, for example, this indicates that execution of Multi-Link communication in Semi-Async Mode is requested.

[0074] Note that, when communication devices 102 and 103 perform multi-link communication, if it is preset which of Sync Mode, Async Mode, and Semi-Async Mode to use, these fields may be omitted. Specifically, Sync Mode Support 522, Async Mode Support 523, and Semi-Async Mode Support 528 may be omitted.

[0075] The Total Max Link Number 524 is a field containing capability information indicating the maximum number of links supported by the communication device 102 or 103 transmitting the Element in multi-link communication. The maximum number of links refers to the maximum number of links that the transmitting device of the Element can establish with one remote device. For example, if this field contains a value of 3, this indicates that the transmitting device of the Element can establish up to three links with one remote device. In this case, the transmitting device of the Element may maintain three links with one remote device and multiple links with another remote device in parallel. Alternatively, the maximum number of links may refer to the maximum number of links that the transmitting device of the Element can establish in multi-link communication, regardless of the remote device. In this case, if the value of 3 is contained in this field and the transmitting device of the Element has established three links with a remote device, the transmitting device cannot establish any more links, regardless of the remote device. The communication device 102, which is an AP, and the communication device 103, which is an STA, each contain information in this field indicating the maximum number of links that they can simultaneously maintain in multi-link communication.

[0076] When operational information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may include the number of links that will actually be established in multi-link communication. For example, when the communication device 102, which is an AP, transmits an association response that includes this element, this field indicates the number of links that will be established by the exchange of this association. Alternatively, the maximum number of links that can be established in multi-link communication with the communication device 103 may be included. In this case, Total Max Link Number 524 includes a value that is equal to or less than the smaller of the maximum number of links that the device itself can establish in multi-link communication and the maximum number of links that the partner device can establish.

[0077] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may include the number of links that are requested to be established in multi-link communication. For example, when the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an association request including this element, this field indicates the number of links that the communication device 103 requests the communication device 102 to establish. Alternatively, it may include the maximum number of links that can be established in multi-link communication with the communication device 102. Note that when operation information or request information is indicated by a multi-link capability element, this field may be omitted.

[0078] Band Combination Info 525 is a field containing capability information indicating the frequency bands supported by the communication device 102 or 103 transmitting the Element during multi-link communication. Table 1 shows an example of the information indicated by each bit in this field. In Table 1, each bit indicates which frequency band or combination of frequency bands is supported. In this embodiment, if a corresponding bit contains a 0, it indicates that the communication device 102 does not support multi-link communication according to the content indicated by that bit, and if a corresponding bit contains a 1, it indicates that the communication device 102 supports multi-link communication using different channels in the 2.4 GHz band. For example, if bit 0 of Band Combination Info 525 contains a 1, it indicates that the communication device 102 supports multi-link communication using multiple links with different frequency bands. In this case, it is indicated that the communication device 102 does not support multi-link communication using multiple links with the same frequency band. Alternatively, the transmission device of the multi-link capability element may indicate that it does not support multi-link communication by setting all bits of Band Combination Info 525 to 0. Alternatively, it may indicate that the transmission device of the element is currently unable to perform multi-link communication. The communication devices 102 and 103 may support different frequency bands in single-link communication than in multi-link communication. For example, the communication devices 102 and 103 may support all of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz in single-link communication, but only support 5 GHz and 6 GHz in multi-link communication. The correspondence between each bit of Band Combination Info 525 and its contents is not limited to that shown in Table 1.Moreover, by increasing the number of bits of Band Combination Info 525, it may be possible to indicate more combinations of frequency bands or whether multiple links can be established in different frequency bands.

[0079] [Table 1]

[0080] When operation information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate the frequency band actually used in the Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 102, which is an AP, transmits an Association Response including this Element, this field contains information indicating the frequency band of the Link established by the exchange of this association. For example, when the communication devices 102 and 103 establish a 2.4 GHz Link and a 5 GHz Link, the value of Band Combination Info 525 is 00001000.

[0081] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate the frequency band that is requested to be used in Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an Association Request including this Element, this field indicates the frequency band that the communication device 103 requests the communication device 102 to perform Multi-Link communication. Note that even when operation information or request information is indicated by this Element, this field may include capability information that indicates the frequency band that the transmitting device of this Element supports in Multi-Link communication.

[0082] Per Band Info Number 526 is a field that includes information indicating the number of Per Band Info included in Per Band Info 512, which will be described later. Per Band Info 512 includes a set of Per Band Info for each frequency band that the communication device 102 or 103 that transmits the Multi-Link Capability Element supports in Multi-Link communication. Specifically, it includes information indicating the same number of frequency bands as the number indicated in Band Combination Info 525. Note that this does not apply when information on multiple frequency bands is indicated by a common Per Band Info in Per Band Info 512, which will be described later. Furthermore, if Per Band Info 512, which will be described later, is omitted, this field is also omitted.

[0083] Per Link Info Number 527 is a field that includes information indicating the number of Per Link Info included in Per Link Info 513, which will be described later. Per Link Info 513 includes a set of Per Link Info for each link that the communication device 102 or 103 that transmits the Multi-Link Capability Element supports in multi-link communication. If Per Link Info 513, which will be described later, is omitted, this field is also omitted.

[0084] Device Type 529 is a field containing capability information indicating the type of device in multi-link communication that the communication device 102 or 103 transmitting the element is. Specifically, it contains information indicating which of the following four types the transmitting device of the element is. A first type device is a device that can simultaneously transmit data via one link and receive data via another link in multi-link communication. A second type device is a device that can simultaneously transmit data via one link and only transmit data via another link. A third type device is a device that can simultaneously receive data via one link and only receive data via another link. A fourth type device is a device that can simultaneously maintain multiple links, but when communicating data via one link, cannot simultaneously communicate data via the other links.

[0085] When the operation information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, the Device Type 529 may indicate which type of device both devices will operate as in the multi-link communication. For example, when the communication device 102 transmits an Association Response including this element, this field indicates which type of device the device will operate as in the communication of the link established by the exchange of this association. For example, if information indicating the second type is transmitted as the operation information, the communication device 102 will operate as a device of the second type in the communication of the link established by the exchange of this association, even if it is a device that can operate as a device of the first type.

[0086] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, Device Type 529 may indicate what type of device the communication device 103 requests to operate as in Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an Association Request including this element, this field indicates what type of device the communication device 103 wishes to operate as in Multi-Link communication. For example, when this field contains information indicating the second type, this indicates that the communication device 103 requests to operate as a second type of device in Multi-Link communication with the communication device 102.

[0087] Per Band Info 512 is a field including Band ID 531, Supported Bandwidth 532, Supported CH 533, and Async Mode CH Distance 534. In addition to these fields, Per Band Info 512 further includes Max Link Number 535 and Supported Nss 536. A set of Per Band Info 512 is included in a Multi-Link Capability Element for each frequency indicated by Band ID 531, which will be described later.

[0088] Band ID 531 is a field containing information for identifying a frequency band. Table 2 shows an example of the correspondence between the values contained in Band ID 531 and the content indicated by the values. For example, if Band ID 531 contains a value of 0, Per Band Info 512 containing this Band ID 531 is information indicating information common to all links in multi-link communication in the 2.4 GHz band. Note that the correspondence between the values contained in Band ID 531 and the content indicated is not limited to this. Furthermore, more frequency bands may be indicated by increasing the number of bits in Band ID 531.

[0089] [Table 2]

[0090] Supported Bandwidth 532 is a field containing capability information indicating the bandwidth supported by the communication device 102 or 103 that transmitted the Element in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531. The bandwidth indicated here indicates the bandwidth supported per Link by the transmitting device of the Element when performing Multi-Link communication in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531. Table 3 shows an example of the correspondence between the values included in Supported Bandwidth 532 and the contents indicated by the values. For example, if Supported Bandwidth 532 contains a value of 0, this indicates that the bandwidth supported by the transmitting device of the Element in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531 is 20 MHz. If the value of Supported Bandwidth 532 is 1 or greater, the transmitting device of the Element can support any bandwidth equal to or less than that value when establishing a Link for Multi-Link communication. For example, if the value of Supported Bandwidth 532 is 2, the transmitting device supports Link bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz. The communication devices 102 and 103 may support different bandwidths in single-link communication and multi-link communication. For example, the communication devices 102 and 103 may support a bandwidth of 80 MHz at 5 GHz in single-link communication, but support a bandwidth of 20 MHz in multi-link communication. The correspondence between the values included in Supported Bandwidth 532 and the contents indicated by them is not limited to this. In addition, the number of bits in Supported Bandwidth 532 may be increased to indicate more frequency bands.

[0091] [Table 3]

[0092] Note that when operational information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate the bandwidth actually used in Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 102, which is an AP, transmits an Association Response including this Element, this field contains information indicating the bandwidth of the Link established by the exchange of this association. For example, when the communication devices 102 and 103 establish a Link with a bandwidth of 40 MHz at 2.4 GHz, the value of Supported Bandwidth 532 is 1.

[0093] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate the bandwidth requested for use in Multi-Link communication. When the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an Association Request including this Element, this field indicates the bandwidth that the communication device 103 requests from the communication device 102. Note that even when operation information or request information is indicated by this Element, this field may include capability information indicating the bandwidth that the transmitting device of this Element supports in Multi-Link communication.

[0094] Supported CH 533 is a field containing capability information indicating channels supported by the communication device 102 or 103 that transmitted the Element in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531. The channels indicated here indicate channels that the transmitting device of the Element supports for Multi-Link communication in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531. Table 4 shows an example of the correspondence between each bit of Supported CH 533 and the channel indicated by that bit. For example, if a bit contains a value of 0, it indicates that the transmitting device of the Element does not support the channel indicated by that bit, and if a bit contains a value of 1, it indicates that the transmitting device supports the channel indicated by that bit. For example, if Supported CH 533 contains a value of 0000010010100, it indicates that the transmitting device of this field supports Multi-Link communication on channels 3, 5, and 8. The channels supported by the communication devices 102 and 103 in single-link communication may differ from the channels supported in Multi-Link communication. For example, the communication devices 102 and 103 may support all channels 1 to 13 in communication using only one link, but may support only some channels, such as channels 1 and 5, in multi-link communication. The correspondence between each bit of Supported CH 533 and its contents is not limited to that shown in Table 4. Also, by increasing the number of bits in Supported CH 533, more channels may be indicated. For example, while Table 4 shows only channels in the 2.4 GHz band, the number of bits may be increased so that channels 5 GHz and 6 GHz can be indicated from bit 13 onward. Alternatively, if Band ID 531 includes information indicating 5 GHz, the 5 GHz channels may be indicated in ascending order, starting with bit 0. Similarly, if Band ID 531 includes 6 GHz, the 6 GHz channels may be indicated in ascending order, starting with bit 0.

[0095] [Table 4]

[0096] Note that when operation information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate the channel actually used in Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 102, which is an AP, transmits an Association Response including this Element, this field contains information indicating the channel of the Link established by the exchange of this association. For example, when the communication devices 102 and 103 establish Links on Channels 1 and 4 at 2.4 GHz, the value of Supported CH 533 is 0000000001001.

[0097] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate a channel that is requested to be used in Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an Association Request including this Element, this field indicates a channel on which the communication device 103 requests the communication device 102 to establish a Link. Note that even when operation information or request information is indicated by this Element, this field may include capability information indicating channels that the transmitting device of this Element supports in Multi-Link communication.

[0098] The Async Mode CH Distance 534 is a field containing capability information indicating the channel spacing required in Async Mode by the transmitting device that transmitted the Element in the frequency band indicated by the Band ID 531. In Async Mode, communication for each Link is performed asynchronously, so if the channels used by the Links are close to each other, communication interference may occur. The channel distance required between Links to properly decode the signals of each Link varies depending on the communication device, so this field is used to notify capability information. For example, if the Async Mode CH Distance 534 contains a value of 4, this indicates that the transmitting device of the Element requires a channel spacing of at least 4 channels in Async Mode. Note that if the Async Mode Support 523 field contains information indicating that Async Mode is not supported, this field may contain a value of 0, or this field may be omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the channel spacing required in Async Mode is indicated for each frequency band indicated by the Band ID 531, but this is not limited to this, and information common to all frequency bands may also be used. Specifically, this field may be included in the Common Info 511.

[0099] When operation information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may include information indicating the spacing of the channels actually used in the Async Mode of Multi-Link communication. For example, when the communication device 102, which is an AP, transmits an Association Response including this Element, this field includes information indicating the channel spacing of multiple Links established by the exchange of this association.

[0100] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may include information indicating the channel spacing requested to be used in Async Mode for Multi-Link communication. It may also include information indicating the minimum channel spacing supported in Async Mode for Multi-Link communication with a partner device. When operation information is indicated by this Element, this field includes a value equal to or greater than the larger of the channel spacing indicated by the communication device 102 as its capability information and the channel spacing indicated by the communication device 103 as its capability information. Furthermore, when Async Mode Support 523 includes information indicating that Async Mode is not to be executed, or when Async Mode Support 523 is omitted, this field may include a value of 0. Alternatively, this field may be omitted. Alternatively, when the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an Association Request including this Element, this field indicates the channel spacing requested by the communication device 103 in Async Mode with the communication device 102. Note that, when the communication device 103 does not request execution of Async Mode, this field may include a value of 0 or may be omitted. When the operation information or request information is indicated by the Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may be omitted.

[0101] Max Link Number 535 is a field containing capability information indicating the maximum number of links supported by the transmitting device that transmitted the Element when performing Multi-Link communication in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531. Note that if the above-mentioned Band Combination Info 525 does not contain information indicating that Multi-Link communication between Links in the same frequency band is supported, this field may contain a value of 0. Alternatively, this field may be omitted. Also, in this embodiment, the maximum number of links can be indicated for each frequency band, but this is not limiting, and the maximum number of links may be indicated as information common to all frequency bands. Specifically, this field may be included in Common Info 511.

[0102] When operation information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate the total number of links actually used in multi-link communication in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531. For example, when the communication device 102, which is an AP, transmits an association response including this element, this field contains information indicating the number of links, one or more, established by the exchange of this association. For example, when the communication devices 102 and 103 establish two links at 2.4 GHz, this field contains the value 2.

[0103] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate the total number of links that the communication device 103, which is an STA, requests to use in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531, in multi-link communication. For example, when the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an association request including this element, this field indicates the number of links that the communication device 103 requests the communication device 102 to establish. Note that even when the element indicates operational information or request information, this field may include capability information indicating the maximum number of links in multi-link communication by the transmitting device of the element.

[0104] Supported Nss 536 is a field containing capability information indicating the maximum number of (spatial) streams supported by the transmitting device that transmitted the Element when performing Multi-Link communication in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531. Nss stands for Number Of Special Streams. The number of streams indicated in this field is the number of streams in MIMO communication. If MIMO communication is not supported in Multi-Link communication in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531, this field contains a value of 0 or 1, or this field is omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maximum number of streams can be indicated for each frequency band, but this is not limiting, and the maximum number of streams may be indicated as information common to all frequency bands. Specifically, this field may be included in Common Info 511.

[0105] When operational information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate the number of streams actually used in Multi-Link communication in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531. For example, when communication device 102, which is an AP, transmits an Association Response including this Element, this field contains information indicating the number of streams of MIMO communication actually performed by exchanging this association. For example, when communication devices 102 and 103 perform MIMO communication with three streams on a Link that performs Multi-Link communication at 2.4 GHz, this field contains the value 3. When MIMO communication is not performed, this field may contain the value 0 or 1, or this field may be omitted.

[0106] Alternatively, when request information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field may indicate the number of streams requested for use in the frequency band indicated by Band ID 531 in Multi-Link communication. When the communication device 103, which is an STA, transmits an Association Request including this Element, this field indicates the number of streams requested by the communication device 103 in MIMO communication in Multi-Link communication. Note that if the communication device 103 does not request MIMO communication, this field may contain a value of 0 or 1, or this field may be omitted. Furthermore, even when operational information or request information is indicated by this Element, this field may include capability information indicating the maximum number of streams that the transmitting device of this Element supports in MIMO communication in Multi-Link communication.

[0107] Per Link Info 513 is a field configured to include the fields of Link ID 541, Band ID 542, Bandwidth 543, CH 544, and Nss 545. When capability information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, Per Link Info 513 indicates information about channels on which the transmitting device of the Element supports Multi-Link communication. In this case, the number of sets of Per Link Info 513 included is the same as the number of channels (links) on which the transmitting device of the Element supports Multi-Link communication. Alternatively, when capability information is indicated by the Element and a link for Multi-Link communication has already been established, Per Link Info 513 indicates information about the already established link. In this case, the number of sets of Per Link Info 513 included may be the same as the number of already established links. In this case, the link for which the communication device 102 indicates information by Per Link Info 513 is established with at least one of the communication device 103 and another communication device. In this case, the link for which the communication device 103 indicates information using Per Link Info 513 is established with at least one of the communication device 103 and another communication device. Alternatively, when capability information is indicated using this element, Per Link Info 513 does not need to be included. This is not limited to the case where operational information is indicated using a Multi-Link Capability Element and the communication device 102, which is an AP, transmits an Association Response including this element. In this case, Per Link Info 513 indicates information about the link established by the exchange of this association. In this case, Per Link Info 513 is included for the number of links established by the exchange of this association.Furthermore, when the communication device 103 indicates request information by transmitting an Association Request including the element, Per Link Info 513 indicates information about the link that the communication device 103 requests to establish. In this case, Per Link Info 513 includes the same number of links that the communication device 103 requests to establish.

[0108] Link ID 541 is a field that includes an identifier for identifying a link.

[0109] The band ID 542 is a field containing information indicating the frequency band to which the link indicated by the link ID 541 belongs. This field is indicated in the same way as the band ID 531.

[0110] Bandwidth 543 is a field including information indicating the bandwidth of the link indicated by Link ID 541. This field is indicated in the same manner as Supported Bandwidth 532. When capability information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field indicates the bandwidth supported in the link indicated by Link ID 541. When the communication device 102, which is an AP, indicates operational information by transmitting an Association Response including this Element, this field indicates the bandwidth used in the link indicated by Link ID 541. When the communication device 103, which is an STA, indicates request information by transmitting an Association Request including this Element, this field indicates the bandwidth requested by the communication device 103 in the link indicated by Link ID 541.

[0111] CH544 is a field including information indicating the frequency channel of the link indicated by link ID541. This field may directly include a number indicating the channel. Alternatively, the channel may be indicated as shown in Table 4. When capability information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field indicates the channels supported in the link indicated by link ID541. When the communication device 102, which is an AP, indicates operational information by transmitting an Association Response including this element, this field indicates the channel used in the link indicated by link ID541. When the communication device 103, which is an STA, indicates request information by transmitting an Association Request including this element, this field indicates the channel requested by the communication device 103 in the link indicated by link ID541.

[0112] Furthermore, Nss 545 is a field containing information indicating the number of streams for MIMO communication in the link indicated by Link ID 541. Note that if MIMO communication is not performed, this field may contain a value of 0 or 1, or this field may be omitted. Note that if capability information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, this field indicates the maximum number of streams supported in the link indicated by Link ID 541. Also, if the communication device 102, which is an AP, indicates operational information by transmitting an Association Response including this element, this field indicates the number of streams used in the link indicated by Link ID 541. Also, if the communication device 103 indicates request information by transmitting an Association Request including this element, this field indicates the number of streams requested by the communication device 103 in the link indicated by Link ID 541.

[0113] By transmitting and receiving MAC frames including the above-described Multi-Link Capability Element, the communication devices 102 and 103 exchange capability information, operational information, and request information for Multi-Link communication. In the present embodiment, the capability information, operational information, and request information for Multi-Link communication are indicated by the same Multi-Link Capability Element, but this is not limiting. The capability information and operational information, or the capability information and request information, may be indicated by different Information Elements. In this case, for example, the capability information may be indicated by an Element including Common Info 511 and Per Band Info 512. Furthermore, the operational information and request information may be indicated by an Element including Common Info 511 and Per Link Info 513. Furthermore, when capability information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, operational information or request information may be indicated in some fields. Alternatively, when operational information or request information is indicated by a Multi-Link Capability Element, capability information may be indicated in some fields.

[0114] 5 includes fields for Primary CH 521, Supported CH 533, and CH 544 as information indicating a frequency channel. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the Multi-Link Capability Element includes at least one of Primary CH 521, Supported CH 533, and CH 544 as information indicating a frequency channel.

[0115] Furthermore, the names of each field, the number of fields, the order of fields, etc. are not limited to those shown in Fig. 5. Any field may be included before or after any field shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, a field included in Common Info 511 may be included in Per Band Info 512 or Per Link Info 513. The fields included in Per Band Info 512 and Per Link Info 513 may also be included in the other field, or may be included in Common Info 511. Furthermore, any field shown in Fig. 5 may be omitted.

[0116] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the control unit 202 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 201 when the communication device 103 performs Multi-Link communication.

[0117] This flowchart starts when the communication device 103 is powered on. Alternatively, the communication device 103 may start when a user or an application instructs the communication device 103 to start Multi-Link communication. Alternatively, the communication device 103 may start when the amount of data to be transmitted to the communication device 102 reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0118] First, the communication device 103 acquires capability information for Multi-Link communication of a partner device (S601). Specifically, the communication device 103 acquires the capability information of the communication device 102 by receiving a Beacon including a Multi-Link Capability Element transmitted by the communication device 102. Alternatively, the communication device 103 may perform the processing of this step by receiving a Probe Response including a Multi-Link Capability Element transmitted by the communication device 102. In this case, the order of this step and S602 described below is reversed.

[0119] Next, the communication device 103 notifies its own device's capability information for multi-link communication (S602). Specifically, the communication device 103 notifies its own device's capability information for multi-link communication by transmitting a probe request including a multi-link capability element. If the communication device 103 has acquired capability information of the other device before this step, it may determine the capability information to be notified by its own device based on the capability information of the other device. Specifically, the communication device 103 may determine the capability information to be notified in this step so as not to exceed the capabilities of the communication device 102. For example, consider a case where the communication device 103 supports multi-link communication in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, and the communication device 102 supports only 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. In this case, the communication device 103 notifies in this step that it supports multi-link communication in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz as capability information. Note that if the communication apparatus 103 transmits an Association Request including request information indicating a request for Multi-Link communication to the communication apparatus 102 in S603 described below, the processing of this step may be omitted.

[0120] Next, the communication device 103 transmits an Association Request including request information for Multi-Link communication (S603). The request information transmitted in this step indicates information regarding Multi-Link communication that the communication device 103 requests to be performed. Note that in this step, the communication device 103 may transmit an Association Request that does not include request information.

[0121] The communication device 103 determines whether an Association Response has been received from the communication device 102, which is the AP (S604). If the communication device 103 has not received an Association Response, it determines No in this step and performs the processing of this step again. Note that if the determination in this step is not Yes even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication device 103 sent the Association Request in S603, the communication device 103 notifies the user of an error and terminates the processing of this flow. On the other hand, if the communication device 103 has received an Association Response, it determines Yes in this step and performs the processing of S605.

[0122] The communication device 103 starts Multi-Link communication with the communication device 102 (S605). If the Association Response received in S604 contains operation information for Multi-Link communication, the communication device 103 starts Multi-Link communication based on the operation information. Alternatively, if request information has been sent in S603 and an Association Response containing only information indicating permission has been received in S604, the communication device 103 starts Multi-Link communication based on the request information sent in S603. After performing the processing of S605, the communication device 103 ends the processing of this flow.

[0123] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the control unit 202 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 201 when the communication device 102 performs Multi-Link communication.

[0124] This flowchart starts when the communication device 102 is powered on. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may start when a user or an application instructs the communication device 102 to start Multi-Link communication. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may start when the amount of data to be transmitted to the communication device 103 reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0125] First, the communication device 102 notifies its own device of its capability information in Multi-Link communication (S701). Specifically, the communication device 102 notifies its own device of its capability information in Multi-Link communication by transmitting a Beacon including a Multi-Link Capability Element. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may perform the processing of this step by transmitting a Probe Response including a Multi-Link Capability Element in response to receiving a Probe Response from the communication device 103. In this case, the order of this step and S702 described below is reversed.

[0126] Next, the communication device 102 acquires the capability information of the other device in Multi-Link communication (S702). Specifically, the communication device 102 acquires the capability information of the other device in Multi-Link communication by receiving a Probe Request including a Multi-Link Capability Element. Note that if a Probe Request including a Multi-Link Capability Element is not received from the other device, the processing of this step may be omitted.

[0127] When the communication device 102 receives a Probe Request from the communication device 103, it returns a Probe Response as a response. In this case, if a Beacon including a Multi-Link Capability Element is transmitted, the Probe Response does not need to include the Element.

[0128] The communication device 102 determines whether it has received an Association Request from the communication device 103 (S703). If the communication device 102 has not received an Association Request, it determines No in this step and performs the processing of this step again. Note that if the determination in this step is not Yes even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication device 102 sent the Probe Response in S702, the communication device 102 notifies the user of an error and terminates the processing of this flow. On the other hand, if the communication device 102 has received an Association Request, it determines Yes in this step and performs the processing of S704.

[0129] Next, the communication device 102 transmits an Association Response in response to the Association Request (S704). If request information has not been received from the communication device 103 in S703, the communication device 102 transmits the Association Response including operational information for Multi-Link communication with the communication device 103. In this case, the communication device 102 determines what operational information to include in the Association Response based on capability information for Multi-Link communication of the communication device 103. The operational information that the communication device 102 transmits by including it in the Association Response indicates information related to the Multi-Link communication actually performed between the communication devices 102 and 103. Note that even if the Association Request received in S703 includes request information from the communication device 103, the communication device 102 may transmit an Association Response including the operational information. In this case, the communication device 102 determines what operational information to include in the Association Response based on the request information from the communication device 103 in the received Association Request. Alternatively, if request information has been received from the communication apparatus 103 in S703, the communication apparatus 102 may transmit an Association Response including only information indicating whether or not Multi-Link communication is permitted.

[0130] The communication device 102 starts Multi-Link communication with the communication device 103 (S705). If the Association Response sent in S704 contains operation information for Multi-Link communication, the communication device 102 starts Multi-Link communication based on the operation information. Alternatively, if request information has been received in S703 and an Association Response containing only information indicating permission has been sent in S704, the communication device 102 starts Multi-Link communication based on the request information received in S703. After performing the processing of S705, the communication device 102 ends the processing of this flow.

[0131] As described above, the communication devices 102 and 103 can perform multi-link communication taking into consideration each other's capabilities by including an element indicating capability information for multi-link communication in the MAC frame.

[0132] At least a part or all of the flowcharts of the communication devices 103 and 102 shown in Figures 6 and 7 may be implemented by hardware. When implementing by hardware, for example, a specific compiler may be used to generate a dedicated circuit on an FPGA from a computer program for implementing each step, and this may be used. FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. Alternatively, a gate array circuit may be formed in the same way as an FPGA and implemented as hardware. Alternatively, it may be implemented by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0133] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 101 Network 102 Communication equipment (AP) 103 Communication equipment (STA) 104 First Link 105 Second Link

Claims

1. A communication device, a communication means for communicating wireless frames conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series standard with other communication devices; A communication device characterized in that the MAC (Media Access Control) frame of the wireless frame communicated by the communication means includes information indicating a frequency channel as information regarding communication via multiple links compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard established on multiple different frequency channels capable of performing wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard between the device that transmitted the wireless frame and the other device.

2. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the frequency channel is information indicating a frequency channel supported by a device that transmitted the wireless frame in communication via the plurality of Links.

3. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the MAC frame further includes information indicating a bandwidth supported by the device that transmitted the wireless frame in communication via the plurality of Links.

4. The communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the MAC frame further includes information indicating whether the device that transmitted the wireless frame supports a first mode in which communication on multiple links is performed synchronously in communication via the multiple links.

5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the MAC frame further includes information indicating whether the device that transmitted the wireless frame supports a second mode in which communication on multiple links is performed asynchronously in communication via the multiple links.

6. 6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein when the information indicating that the second mode is supported is included, the MAC frame further includes information indicating the spacing of frequency channels supported in the second mode by the device that transmitted the wireless frame.

7. A communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the MAC frame further includes information indicating the maximum number of links that the device that transmitted the wireless frame can establish in communication via the multiple links.

8. a receiving means for receiving, when the wireless frame is received from the other communication device by the communication means, another wireless frame including information indicating a frequency channel to be used in communication with the other communication device via the plurality of Links, among a plurality of frequency channels capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard; establishing means for establishing a link for performing communication with the other communication device via the plurality of links using the frequency channel indicated by the information indicating the frequency channel included in the other wireless frame received by the receiving means; 8. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. a transmitting means for transmitting, when the wireless frame is transmitted to the other communication device by the communication means, another wireless frame including information indicating a frequency channel to be used in communication with the other communication device via the plurality of Links, among a plurality of frequency channels capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard; establishing means for establishing a link for performing communication with the other communication device via the plurality of links using the frequency channel indicated by the information indicating the frequency channel included in the other wireless frame transmitted by the transmitting means; 8. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising:

10. 10. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the wireless frame is at least one of a beacon and a probe response.

11. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that when the wireless frame is transmitted to the other communication device by the communication means, the communication device further has a receiving means for receiving another wireless frame including information indicating a frequency channel to be used in communication with the other communication device via the multiple links, from among multiple frequency channels capable of performing wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard.

12. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a transmitting means for transmitting, when the communication means receives the wireless frame from the other communication device, another wireless frame including information indicating a frequency channel to be used in communication with the other communication device via the plurality of links, from among a plurality of frequency channels capable of performing wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard, and information indicating a bandwidth to be used in communication with the other communication device via the plurality of links.

13. 13. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein the wireless frame is a probe request.

14. The communication device described in claim 1, characterized in that the information indicating the frequency channel is information indicating a frequency channel, among multiple frequency channels capable of performing wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard, that establishes a link for communication between the communication device and the other communication device via the multiple links.

15. 15. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the MAC frame further includes information indicating the bandwidth of a link that the device that transmitted the wireless frame establishes in communication via the plurality of links.

16. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1, 14, and 15, characterized in that the MAC frame further includes information indicating whether or not to execute a first mode in which communication on multiple links is executed synchronously in communication between the communication device and the other communication device via the multiple links.

17. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 or 14 to 16, characterized in that the MAC frame further includes information indicating whether or not to execute a second mode in communication between the communication device and the other communication device via the multiple links, in which communication on the multiple links is executed asynchronously.

18. generating means for generating the radio frame; 18. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means transmits the radio frame generated by the generation means.

19. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 or 14 to 17, characterized in that, when the wireless frame is received, it further has an establishment means for establishing a link to perform communication via the multiple links with the other communication device using the frequency channel indicated by the information indicating the frequency channel included in the MAC frame.

20. 20. The communication device according to claim 18, wherein the radio frame is an Association Response.

21. The communication device described in claim 1, characterized in that the information indicating the frequency channel is information indicating a frequency channel that requests establishment of a link in communication via the multiple links between the communication device and the other communication device, among multiple frequency channels that can perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard.

22. 22. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the MAC frame further includes information indicating a bandwidth required by a device that has transmitted the wireless frame in communication via the plurality of Links.

23. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1, 21, and 22, characterized in that the MAC frame further includes information indicating whether or not to request execution of a first mode in which communication on multiple links is executed synchronously in communication between the communication device and the other communication device via the multiple links.

24. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 or 21 to 23, characterized in that the MAC frame further includes information indicating whether or not to request execution of a second mode in which communication on multiple links is performed asynchronously in communication between the communication device and the other communication device via the multiple links.

25. 25. The communication device according to claim 24, wherein when the information indicating a request for execution in the second mode is included, the MAC frame further includes information indicating a frequency channel spacing requested in the second mode by the device that transmitted the wireless frame.

26. generating means for generating the radio frame; 26. The communication device according to claim 1 or any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the communication means transmits the radio frame generated by the generation means.

27. a transmitting means for transmitting, when the wireless frame is received by the communication means, another wireless frame including information indicating a frequency channel to be used in communication with the other communication device via the plurality of Links, among a plurality of frequency channels capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard; establishing means for establishing a link for performing communication with the other communication device via the plurality of links using the frequency channel indicated by the information indicating the frequency channel included in the other wireless frame transmitted by the transmitting means; 26. The communication device of claim 1 or any one of claims 21 to 25, further comprising:

28. 28. The communication device according to claim 26, wherein the radio frame is an association request.

29. 1. A communication method comprising: A communication process is included in which a communication device communicates a wireless frame conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series standard with another communication device, A communication method characterized in that the MAC (Media Access Control) frame of the wireless frame communicated in the communication step includes information indicating a frequency channel as information regarding communication via multiple links compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard established on multiple different frequency channels capable of performing wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard between the device that transmitted the wireless frame and the other device.

30. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

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