Communication device, control method therefor, and program

Abstract

To enable a user to easily perform settings for enabling an STR (Simultaneous Transmit and Receive) operation in multi-link communication when configuring settings for multi-link communication in a communication device.SOLUTION: The access point (communication device) 101 acquires setting information of operation parameters applied to a first link (first designated link) included in a plurality of links. In order to enable a communication operation (STR operation) in which transmission and reception are independently performed on the plurality of links when performing multi-link communication using the plurality of links, the access point 101 generates, on the basis of the setting information of the operation parameters of the first link, a prohibition list which is a list of settings prohibited from being applied to a second link (second designated link) included in the plurality of links, and controls so that the settings included in the prohibition list are not set to the operation parameters of the second link.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device capable of performing multi-link communication using a plurality of parallel links, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The IEEE 802.11 series of standards is known as a wireless local area network (wireless LAN or WLAN) communication standard formulated by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). The IEEE 802.11 series of standards includes IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. For example, the IEEE 802.11ax standard uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) to achieve a high peak throughput of up to 9.6 gigabits per second (Gbps), as well as technology that improves communication speeds under congested conditions.

[0003] Furthermore, the IEEE is currently formulating the IEEE802.11be standard to further improve throughput and frequency utilization efficiency. The IEEE802.11be standard is considering the introduction of multi-link communication technology. Multi-link communication technology is a technology in which a communication device (multi-link device (MLD)) on one access point (AP) side communicates with a communication device (MLD) on one station (STA) side by establishing multiple parallel links via multiple different frequency channels (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] When a communication device performs multi-link communication, communication efficiency can be improved by performing simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) operations, which simultaneously (independently) transmit and receive on multiple links. However, if the frequency channels of the multiple links used in multi-link communication are close to each other, interference may occur between the links, making it impossible to perform independent communication on each link. In this case, the communication device may be unable to perform STR operations using those links in multi-link communication. To enable STR operations, it is necessary to perform frequency separation, which separates the frequency channels used by each of the multiple links (separating the frequency channels used between the links in the frequency domain). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-039299 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, to enable STR operation in multi-link communication, it is necessary to appropriately set the operating parameters (channel, frequency bandwidth, etc.) of each link. For example, when a user configures settings for multi-link communication via a UI (user interface), the user must confirm that sufficient frequency separation between the links is ensured to enable STR operation. However, if such confirmation is required, the user's operations may become cumbersome and there is a risk of incorrect configuration.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a technique that allows a user to easily perform settings for enabling STR operation in multilink communication when configuring settings for multilink communication in a communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication device capable of performing multi-link communication using multiple parallel links each established via a different frequency channel, and includes: an acquisition means for acquiring settings of operating parameters of a first link to be applied to a first link included in the multiple links; a generation means for generating a prohibition list, which is a list of settings that are prohibited from being applied to a second link included in the multiple links, based on the settings of the operating parameters of the first link, in order to enable communication operations in which transmission and reception are performed independently on the multiple links when performing the multi-link communication using the multiple links; and a control means for controlling so that settings included in the prohibition list are not set for the operating parameters of the second link. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, when a user configures a communication device for multilink communication, the user can easily configure the device to enable STR operation in multilink communication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a communication device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for setting operation parameters of an AP function. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for setting operation parameters of an AP function. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a UI change process (S402). [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of some of the channels defined in the 6 GHz band and an example of generating a non-operation setting list. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of a basic setting list and a setting candidate list. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of generating a non-operation setting list. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting candidate list for Link1 and Link2. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for setting operation parameters of an AP function. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for setting operation parameters of an AP function. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for setting operation parameters of an AP function (embodiment 2); [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of re-initialization processing (S1304) of the operation parameters of the AP function. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for setting operation parameters of an AP function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] <Network configuration> FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network illustrated in FIG. 1 includes communication devices 101 and 102 having a wireless communication function for wirelessly communicating with external devices. The communication device 101 can operate as an access point (AP) that serves to establish a wireless network. The communication device 102 can operate as a station (STA) that serves to participate in the wireless network established by the AP. That is, the communication device 101 has an AP function for operating the communication device 101 as an AP, and the communication device 102 has an STA function for operating the communication device 102 as an STA. Hereinafter, the communication device 101 will also be referred to as the AP 101, and the communication device 102 will also be referred to as the STA 102. Note that although only one STA 102 is illustrated in FIG. 1, multiple STAs may exist on the network.

[0013] The AP 101 establishes a wireless network using its AP function. The STA 102, by wirelessly connecting to the AP 101 as a STA, participates in the wireless network established by the AP function of the AP 101. Therefore, wireless communication is performed between the AP 101 and the STA 102 using signals sent and received by the AP 101 as an AP.

[0014] The communication devices 101 and 102 are compliant with the IEEE802.11be (EHT: Extremely High Throughput or Extreme High Throughput) standard, which is the successor standard to the IEEE802.11ax (HE: High Efficiency) standard, as a wireless LAN communication standard. Each communication device is capable of wireless communication compliant with the IEEE802.11be standard. Each communication device is configured to be capable of wireless communication in multiple frequency bands (in this embodiment, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band). The frequency bands available to each communication device are not limited to these, and different frequencies, such as the 60 GHz band, may be available. Each communication device is configured to be capable of communication using bandwidths such as 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz. The bandwidths available to each communication device are not limited to these, and different bandwidths, such as 240 MHz and 4 MHz, may be available.

[0015] In this embodiment, the communication devices 101 and 102 are compatible with at least the IEEE 802.11be standard of the IEEE 802.11 standard series. The communication devices 101 and 102 may also be compatible with at least one legacy standard, which is an IEEE 802.11 standard that predates the IEEE 802.11be standard. The legacy standard is the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax standard.

[0016] Furthermore, the communication devices 101 and 102 may support other communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), Zigbee, and MBOA (Multi Band OFDM Alliance) in addition to the IEEE802.11 standard series. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, Winet, etc. Furthermore, the communication devices 101 and 102 may also support a communication standard for wired communication such as a wired LAN.

[0017] The communication devices 101 and 102 are multilink devices (MLDs) that have the function of performing multilink communication, which establishes and communicates through multiple links (transmission paths) via multiple frequency channels. An AP that performs multilink communication is also called an AP MLD, and an STA that performs multilink communication is also called a non-AP MLD or STA MLD. In multilink communication, multiple links are established and used between the AP MLD and the STA MLD.

[0018] In multi-link communication, multiple links established between communication devices (between an AP MLD and a STA MLD) are established on different frequency channels. The channel spacing between the frequency channels on which the multiple links are established can be at least 20 MHz or greater. Here, the frequency channel refers to a frequency channel defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard series, which is a frequency channel capable of performing wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard series. The IEEE 802.11 standard series defines multiple frequency channels in each of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz frequency bands. The IEEE 802.11 standard series also defines the bandwidth of each frequency channel as 20 MHz. By bonding one frequency channel with an adjacent frequency channel, a bandwidth of 40 MHz or greater may be used in one frequency channel.

[0019] In the example of FIG. 1, two links L1 and L2 are established in parallel between the AP 101 and the STA 102. For example, the AP 101 establishes a link L1 via a first frequency channel in the 5 GHz band and a link L2 via a second frequency channel in the 5 GHz band. This allows the AP 101 to communicate with the STA 102 via both links L1 and L2. In this case, the AP 101 maintains the link L2 via the second frequency channel in parallel with the link L1 via the first frequency channel. In this way, the AP 101 can improve the throughput of communication with the STA 102 by performing multi-link communication by establishing multiple links with the STA 102, each via a multiple frequency channel.

[0020] The multiple links established between communication devices for multi-link communication may be multiple links via different frequency bands (e.g., a link in the 5 GHz band and a link in the 6 GHz band). Alternatively, multiple links may be established via different channels included in the same frequency band. For example, two links may be established via channels 7 and 39 in the 6 GHz band.

[0021] Furthermore, the multiple links established for multi-link communication may include a mixture of multiple links in the same frequency band and links in different frequency bands. For example, two links may be established via channels 36 and 149 in the 5 GHz band, respectively, and one link via channel 15 in the 6 GHz band. By establishing multiple links between communication devices via different frequency bands in this way, even if one frequency band is congested, it is possible to prevent a decrease in throughput and communication delays by communicating via links established in other frequency bands.

[0022] The communication devices 101 and 102 (AP 101 and STA 102) may be, for example, a wireless LAN router, a personal computer (PC), a camera, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a video camera, a headset, or a printer, but are not limited to these. Furthermore, the communication devices 101 and 102 may be information processing devices equipped with a wireless chip or the like capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11be standard. Note that, as an example, FIG. 1 shows an example in which the AP 101 is a wireless LAN router and the STA 102 is a smartphone.

[0023] 1 further includes a communication device 103. The communication device 103 is configured as a communication device for changing the settings of the AP 101. In this example, the communication device 103 is configured as a PC, but may also be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. Hereinafter, the communication device 103 will also be referred to as the PC 103.

[0024] The PC 103 is configured to establish a link L3 between itself and the AP 101 and to configure (change settings of) the AP 101 via the link L3. The link L3 may be, for example, a communication link for wired LAN communication, Bluetooth communication, serial communication, or the like. In this embodiment, the AP 101 operates a configuration service within itself to configure (change settings of) the AP functions from an external device. The AP 101 enables access to the configuration service from an external device via the link L3, using a WebUI, Telnet, serial communication, or the like. The AP 101 provides the external device (PC 103) with a UI (user interface) screen for configuring (changing settings of) the AP 101 via the link L3.

[0025] <Hardware configuration of communication device> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device 101 (AP 101). The AP 101 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, a wireless communication unit 207, and one or more antennas 208.

[0026] The storage unit 201 is configured with one or more memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and / or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 201 stores computer programs (command groups) for performing various operations described below, and various information such as communication parameters for wireless communication. Note that other types of storage media such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a DVD, etc. may be used as the one or more memories constituting the storage unit 201. The storage unit 201 may also include multiple memories.

[0027] The control unit 202 is configured with one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 202 controls the entire AP 101 by reading and executing a computer program (a group of instructions) stored in the storage unit 201. The control unit 202 may be configured to control the entire AP 101 in cooperation with the computer program and an OS (Operating System) stored in the storage unit 201. The control unit 202 may also be configured to include multiple processors, such as a multi-core processor, and to control the entire AP 101 using the multiple processors.

[0028] The control unit 202 generates data or signals (wireless frames) to be transmitted in communication with other communication devices. The control unit 202 further controls the function unit 203 to execute predetermined processes such as wireless communication. The function unit 203 is hardware that enables the AP 101 to execute predetermined processes.

[0029] The input unit 204 receives various operations from the user. The output unit 205 outputs various types of data to the user via a monitor screen, a speaker, a WebUI, or the like. Here, the output by the output unit 205 may be one or more of a display on a monitor screen, a sound output by a speaker, a vibration output, and the like. The input unit 204 and the output unit 205 may be realized as a single module, such as a touch panel display. Furthermore, the input unit 204 and the output unit 205 may each be configured integrally with the AP 101, or may be provided separately from the AP 101.

[0030] The communication unit 206 is configured to control wired communication such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 206 can be used to communicate with an external device such as the PC 103 in order to configure (change settings of) the AP 101. In this embodiment, the communication unit 206 is used to receive settings of operation parameters of the AP function from the PC 103. A user of the PC 103 can perform operations for configuring (changing settings of) the AP 101 using a UI screen (setting screen) provided to the PC 103 by the AP 101 using the communication unit 206. The communication unit 206 cooperates with the control unit 202, the input unit 204, and the output unit 205 to receive instructions from an external device such as the PC 103 and respond to the received instructions.

[0031] The wireless communication unit 207 controls wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11be standard. The wireless communication unit 207 controls one or more antennas 208 to transmit and receive signals for wireless communication generated by the control unit 202. The AP 101 transmits and receives various data such as image data, document data, and video data by communicating with the STA 102 via the wireless communication unit 207.

[0032] The wireless communication unit 207 may be configured to control wireless communication in accordance with other IEEE 802.11 standards in addition to the IEEE 802.11be standard. If the AP 101 supports the NFC standard, the Bluetooth standard, or the like in addition to the IEEE 802.11be standard, it may also be configured to control wireless communication in accordance with these communication standards. If the AP 101 is configured to be able to perform wireless communication in accordance with multiple communication standards, it may have individual communication units and antennas corresponding to the different communication standards.

[0033] The one or more antennas 208 are antennas capable of communication in predetermined frequency bands (in this embodiment, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band). The AP 101 may have an individual antenna for each frequency band. Furthermore, if the AP 101 has multiple antennas, it may have a wireless communication unit 207 corresponding to each antenna. Note that the antenna 208 may be provided separately from the wireless communication unit 207 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be configured together with the wireless communication unit 207 as a single module.

[0034] The STA 102 and the PC 103 may have the same hardware configuration as the AP 101. However, the PC 103 may not have the wireless communication unit 207. In that case, the PC 103 is configured to communicate with an external device such as the AP 101 using the communication unit 206. The PC 103 accesses the AP 101 using the communication unit 206, and outputs (displays) a UI screen provided by a setting service running on the AP 101 to the output unit 205. As a result, the PC 103 accepts user input through the UI screen displayed on the output unit 205. The user inputs settings for the AP 101 using the input unit 204, which is configured with at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel, for example. The AP 101 transmits setting data (setting values) indicating the input settings to the AP 101 via the communication unit 206.

[0035] <Functional configuration of communication device> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the communication device 101 (AP 101) in this embodiment. The AP 101 has, as functional units, a multi-link control unit 301, a UI (user interface) control unit 302, an IF (interface) control unit 303, a frame generation unit 304, and a frame transmission / reception unit 305.

[0036] The multilink control unit 301 performs control related to multilink communication. For example, the multilink control unit 301 controls connection processing for establishing one or more links used for wireless communication with an opposing STA (e.g., STA 102) using the AP function. The multilink control unit 301 also controls processing for adding or deleting links after communication has started, and processing for terminating communication to delete all links. The connection processing specifically includes authentication processing, association processing, and 4-Way Handshake (4WHS) processing.

[0037] The UI control unit 302 controls the input unit 204 and the output unit 205 to accept user operations via a touch panel or the like and output information to the user (such as displaying a screen or outputting audio). For example, the UI control unit 302 accepts a touch panel operation from the user using a screen displayed by the output unit 205 via the input unit 204. The UI control unit 302 makes various settings in accordance with the accepted user operations and stores setting data indicating the settings in the storage unit 201. The UI control unit 302 also provides a UI screen (setting screen) to an external device such as the PC 103 using the communication unit 206 or the wireless communication unit 207 and accepts user operations via the UI screen displayed on the external device.

[0038] The IF control unit 303 controls a communication interface (communication IF) that can be used to communicate with a partner device (opposing device). The communication IF corresponds to the communication unit 206 and the wireless communication unit 207. For example, the IF control unit 303 controls the activation and deactivation of the communication IF. The IF control unit 303 also manages IP addresses used in the communication IF and determines wireless frequencies (frequency channels) based on user settings.

[0039] The frame generation unit 304 generates MAC frames including management frames such as Beacon, Probe Request, Probe Response, Authentication Request, or Association Request, and data frames. The frame transmission / reception unit 305 transmits wireless frames including the MAC frames generated by the frame generation unit 304, and receives wireless frames from a partner device (opposing device).

[0040] [Example 1] Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described as an example of processing executed by the above-mentioned AP 101. In the first embodiment, when a user configures settings for multilink communication in the AP 101, the user can easily configure settings to enable STR operation in multilink communication.

[0041] <Processing Procedure> 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for setting operation parameters of an AP function, executed by the AP 101, and shows the procedure of the first embodiment. The processing according to this procedure is started in response to access from an external device, such as the PC 103, to the AP 101 via a link. A UI screen (setting screen), which will be described later, is displayed as a remote UI screen on the display unit of the external device that is the access source. The processing according to this procedure may also be started in response to a user operation accepted by the input unit 204 of the AP 101. In this case, the UI screen, which will be described later, is displayed as a local UI screen on the output unit 205 (display unit) of the AP 101.

[0042] In S401, the AP 101 acquires initial values ​​(initial setting values) of operation parameters for operating the AP function. In this embodiment, the operation parameters of the AP function include, by way of example, a frequency band, a bandwidth, and a channel (frequency channel). Note that the operation parameters of the AP function may also include parameters other than those described above (for example, parameters related to security). The initial values ​​acquired in S401 are used to display on a UI screen as default setting values ​​when accepting user input for setting the operation parameters of the AP function. For example, when setting up the AP 101 for the first time after purchase, setting values ​​recommended by the manufacturer of the AP 101 may be acquired as the initial values, and when restarting the AP 101, setting values ​​from the previous setting (saved setting values) may be acquired as the initial values.

[0043] Next, in S402, the AP 101 executes a UI change process to change the UI screen based on the operation parameters of the AP function. Details of the process of S402 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 5A shows an example of a UI screen generated by the process of S402. The UI screen 500 in FIG. 5A is configured to allow the setting of bandwidth and channel as operation parameters for operating the AP function to perform multi-link communication. The user can use the UI screen 500 to select the bandwidth and channel to be set for Link1 (Link 1) and Link2 (Link 2). Link1 and Link2 correspond to multiple links for multi-link communication used by the AP function. Note that each UI screen exemplified in this embodiment is configured to allow the setting value of the operation parameter (e.g., frequency band, bandwidth, or channel) to be selected from several candidates (options) displayed in a pull-down menu.

[0044] In S403, the AP 101 accepts user input via the UI screen (e.g., UI screen 500) generated in S402. In this example, the AP 101 provides the UI screen to the PC 103 and communicates with the PC 103 to accept user input via the UI screen displayed on the PC 103. For example, on the UI screen 500, a user input is made to change the bandwidth setting for Link1 from 80 MHz to 40 MHz and the channel from 7ch to 71ch.

[0045] In S404, the AP 101 determines whether the setting (setting change) for the AP function has been completed. The determination process in S404 is performed each time a user input is received in S403. For example, if the setting completion button 501 on the UI screen 500 has been pressed (touched), the AP 101 determines that the setting has been completed and proceeds to S406. Otherwise, the AP 101 proceeds to S405.

[0046] In S405, the AP 101 designates, as a first designated link, a link that has been configured (changed) using the UI screen 500 among multiple links established by the AP function. The AP 101 also designates one or more links for which no configuration has been performed as a second designated link. For example, if the bandwidth or channel of Link1 is changed on the UI screen 500, Link1 is designated as the first designated link, and Link2 is designated as the second designated link. The AP 101 temporarily saves the setting values ​​of the operation parameters of the first designated link. The saved setting values ​​are used in the processing of S402. Note that, as will be described later, for example, if the operation parameters of each link have not been configured (other settings have been performed), the first designated link and the second designated link are not configured in S402.

[0047] When the process proceeds from S404 to S406, AP101 reflects the set value input via the UI screen in the operation parameters of the AP function and ends the process. In this way, AP101 sets (changes the setting) the operation parameters of the AP function and operates the AP function according to the operation parameters in which the set value is reflected.

[0048] <UI change process (S402)> Referring to FIG. 6, the procedure of the UI change process of S402 will be described. In this UI change process, for a plurality of links used for multi-link communication, the display of the UI screen is controlled so as to accept only the settings that enable the STR operation (not to accept the settings that disable the STR operation). In the present embodiment, the STR operation is an example of a communication operation in which transmission and reception are independently performed by the plurality of links when performing multi-link communication using the plurality of links.

[0049] In S601, AP101 determines whether or not the first designated link is designated. If the designation of the first designated link (S405) has not been performed, AP101 proceeds to S606. This includes, for example, the case where only the update of the UI screen is necessary based on the initial value acquired in S401, or the case where settings other than the settings of the operation parameters of each link are changed. In S606, after updating the UI screen, AP101 ends the UI change process (S402) and proceeds to S403.

[0050] If the designation of the first designated link (S405) has been performed, AP101 proceeds from S601 to S602. In S602, AP101 acquires the setting of the operation parameters of the link designated as the first designated link and proceeds to S603. The setting acquired here is the setting input using the UI screen in S403. For example, when the setting for Link1 is performed using the UI screen 500 (FIG. 5(A)), the bandwidth "80 MHz" and the channel "7ch" are acquired as the setting of the operation parameters of Link1.

[0051] In S603, the AP 101 generates a non-operational setting list for the second designated link based on the acquired operating parameter settings and the predetermined frequency separation required to enable STR operation, and proceeds to S604. The non-operational setting list is a list (prohibited list) of settings that are prohibited from being applied to the second designated link (must not be applied to the second designated link) in order to enable STR operation in multilink communication using the first and second designated links. In other words, the settings included in the non-operational setting list, when applied to the second designated link, disable STR operation in multilink communication using the first and second designated links.

[0052] The non-operation setting list is generated, for example, as follows. Here, FIG. 7(A) shows an example of some of the channels defined in the 6 GHz band. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the bandwidths and channels shown in the figure can be set for each link of the AP function. Furthermore, it is assumed that in order for the AP 101 to perform STR operation using multiple links in multi-link communication, the frequencies between the links must be 80 MHz apart (i.e., a frequency separation of 80 MHz is required).

[0053] Under the above conditions, assume that Link1 is the first designated link and its operating parameters are set to a bandwidth of 80 MHz and a channel of 7ch. In this case, the channels (combinations of bandwidth and channel) indicated as "unselectable" in FIG. 7B must be prohibited from being applied to the second designated link in order to enable STR operation in multi-link communication. Therefore, AP101 generates a list of these unselectable channels (combinations of bandwidth and channel) as a non-operational configuration list. In this way, AP101 generates a non-operational configuration list for the second designated link based on the operating parameter settings of the first designated link and the predetermined frequency separation required to enable STR operation.

[0054] In S604, the AP 101 acquires a basic setting list for the second designated link and proceeds to S605. FIG. 8(A) shows an example of a basic setting list. As shown in the figure, the basic setting list is a list of operating parameter settings (combinations of frequency band, bandwidth, and channel) that can be physically set for the second designated link. In this example, an identifier (ID) is added as identification information to each setting consisting of a combination of frequency band, bandwidth, and channel. The basic setting list shown in FIG. 8(A) includes settings corresponding to each channel shown in FIG. 7(A).

[0055] In S605, the AP 101 generates a configuration candidate list for the second designated link based on the non-operational configuration list and the basic configuration list, and proceeds to S606. The configuration candidate list is a list that includes, as configuration candidates for the second designated link, settings that are applicable to the second designated link and that enable STR operation in multilink communication. The configuration candidate list includes, for example, settings corresponding to each channel indicated as "selectable" in FIG. 7(B). FIG. 8(B) shows an example of the configuration candidate list. This configuration candidate list is configured to manage the status of settings that enable STR operation as "enabled" and the status of settings that disable STR operation as "disabled." Each setting with a status of "enabled" is used as a configuration candidate for the second designated link. Note that the configuration candidate list may be configured to manage only settings that enable STR operation.

[0056] In S606, the AP 101 updates the UI screen so as to reflect the configuration candidate list generated in S605 for the second specified link on the UI screen. Here, FIG. 5B shows an example of the updated UI screen. For example, a state in which 80 MHz is selected as the bandwidth and 39ch as the channel for Link2 as shown in UI screen 500 (FIG. 5A) corresponds to a state in which the setting corresponding to ID3 is selected in the configuration candidate list of FIG. 8B. Assume that the channel for Link2 is changed in this state. In this case, the updated UI screen 510 is configured to display, as channel options for Link2, 39ch, 55ch, 71ch, 87ch, and the like, which correspond to the setting with a status of "enabled" in the configuration candidate list of FIG. 8B. Furthermore, the UI screen 510 is configured not to display, as channel options for Link2, 7ch, 23ch, and the like, which correspond to the setting with a status of "disabled" in the configuration candidate list of FIG. 8B.

[0057] After updating the UI screen, the AP 101 ends the UI change process (S402) and proceeds to S403. This process makes it possible to present to the user only options that enable STR operation in multi-link communication as options for setting the operation parameters of the second specified link.

[0058] <Processing example> 6, an example of UI change processing when an operation to change the channel of Link2 to 55ch is performed on the UI screen 510 of FIG. 5(B) will be described below. When the channel of Link2 is changed to 55ch on the UI screen 510 (S403), the AP 101 designates Link2 as the first designated link and Link1 as the second designated link (S405). Thereafter, the UI change processing of S402 is executed.

[0059] According to the procedure of Fig. 6, in S602, AP 101 acquires the operating parameter settings of Link 2 designated as the first designated link (the settings of ID4 shown in Fig. 8(B)). In S603, AP 101 generates a non-operating setting list for the second designated link (Link 1) based on the acquired operating parameter settings of Link 2 and a predetermined frequency separation (in this example, a frequency separation of 80 MHz). Here, a list of channels (combinations of bandwidth and channel) shown as "non-selectable" in Fig. 9(A) is generated as the non-operating setting list.

[0060] 9(B) shows an example of settings (combinations of channels and bandwidths) included in the non-operational setting list for Link2. In this user operation on the UI screen 510, the settings of the operation parameters for Link2 are subject to change. In this case, the non-operational setting list for Link1 is generated (updated), while the non-operational setting list for Link2 (corresponding to FIG. 9(B)) remains unchanged from the non-operational setting list (FIG. 7(B)) before the user operation.

[0061] Next, in S604, the AP 101 acquires a basic setting list for the second specified link (Link1). Here, it is assumed that the same settings can physically be set for Link1 and Link2 as operating parameter settings. In this case, as in the above example, the basic setting list shown in FIG. 8(A) is acquired. In S605, the AP 101 generates a setting candidate list for the second specified link (Link1) shown in FIG. 10(A) based on the non-operational setting list and basic setting list. Note that FIG. 10(B) shows a setting candidate list for the first specified link (Link2). In the setting candidate list for Link2, only the selected setting has been changed from the setting for ID3 (FIG. 8(B)) to the setting for ID4 (FIG. 10(B)) in accordance with the change in channel on the UI screen 510, and the setting candidate list itself has not been changed.

[0062] Subsequently, in S606, the AP 101 updates the UI screen so as to reflect the configuration candidate list generated in S605 for the second specified link (Link1) on the UI screen. FIG. 11 shows an example of the updated UI screen (UI screen 1100). The UI screen 1100 is configured to display channels included in channel candidate 1101 as channel options for Link1. The UI screen 1100 is also configured to display channels included in channel candidate 1102 as channel options for Link2. The channel candidates 1101 and 1102 reflect the configuration candidate lists shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B). That is, the updated UI screen 1100 is configured to display, as options, channels corresponding to settings with a status of "enabled" in the configuration candidate list. This allows the user to select only settings that enable STR operation in multi-link communication as the operation parameter settings for Link1 and Link2.

[0063] In the above example, the UI change process has been described for a case where a link setting change involves a change in the channel used for that link. However, the same process is performed when a frequency band or bandwidth change occurs. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the frequency band used is the 6 GHz band, the channel (channel number) differs for each bandwidth. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the setting of the bandwidth used for a certain link (Link 2 in this example) is changed on the UI screen, the channel display may change accordingly when the UI screen is updated (S606). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D, when the setting of the frequency band used for a certain link (Link 2 in this example) is changed on the UI screen, the channel display may change accordingly when the UI screen is updated (S606).

[0064] The initial values ​​(initial setting values) of the operating parameters of the AP functions acquired in the above-described processing of S401 and displayed on the UI screen as default setting values ​​may be setting values ​​included in a setting candidate list, for example, as shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B). As described above, the setting candidate list may include setting values ​​recommended by the manufacturer of AP 101. In S606, a UI screen may be generated that allows selection of settings included in such a setting candidate list.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, AP 101 acquires the operating parameter settings of a first link (first designated link) included in a plurality of links to be applied to the first link. When performing multi-link communication using a plurality of links, AP 101 generates a prohibition list (non-operating setting list) that is a list of settings that are prohibited from being applied to a second link (second designated link) included in the plurality of links, based on the operating parameter settings of the first link, in order to enable a communication operation (STR operation) in which transmission and reception are performed independently over the plurality of links. AP 101 further controls the operating parameters of the second link so that the settings included in the prohibition list are not set. More specifically, AP 101 controls the display of a UI screen for receiving user input so that the settings included in the prohibition list are not displayed as setting candidates for the operating parameters of the second link.

[0066] In this way, the AP 101 of this embodiment controls the display of the UI screen so that the user cannot select settings that disable STR operation in multilink communication. This allows the user to appropriately select settings when selecting operation parameter settings for links for multilink communication without having to confirm whether the settings to be selected enable STR operation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the user configures settings for multilink communication in the communication device (AP 101), the user can easily configure settings that enable STR operation in multilink communication.

[0067] [Example 2] In the second embodiment, when setting operation parameters for a second designated link (second link), if there are no settings applicable to the second designated link (if there are no settings that enable STR operation), the user is notified. Also, when the single link function or the independent link function is switched from the ON state to the OFF state, a non-operation setting list for the second designated link is generated, and control is performed to prevent the settings included in the non-operation setting list from being set for the operation parameters of the second designated link. The following mainly describes the parts that are different from the first embodiment.

[0068] In this embodiment, an example of processing will be described in which the AP 101 has a function for performing multi-link communication (multi-link function) while also having an operation mode that does not use multi-link communication. The AP 101 in this embodiment has, as examples, a single link function and an independent link function as functions that realize an operation mode that does not use multi-link communication. The single link function causes the AP 101 to operate in an operation mode that uses only a single link, even though the AP 101 may have multiple links. The independent link function causes the AP 101 to operate in an operation mode that uses multiple links that are each independent.

[0069] The AP 101 of this embodiment is configured to provide a UI screen that allows the single link function and the independent link function to be set to ON / OFF (enabled / disabled), as in the UI screen shown in Fig. 15, which will be described later. When the single link function or the independent link function is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the multi-link communication is temporarily switched from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0070] <Processing Procedure> Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for setting operation parameters of an AP function, which is executed by the AP 101, and shows the procedure of Example 2. In the flowcharts of Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, steps that perform the same processing as in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 4 or Fig. 6, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0071] As in the first embodiment (FIG. 4), the processing according to this procedure is initiated in response to access from an external device such as the PC 103 via a link to the AP 101. A UI screen (setting screen) described below is displayed as a remote UI screen on the display unit of the external device that is the access source. The processing according to this procedure may also be initiated in response to a user operation accepted by the input unit 204 of the AP 101. In this case, the UI screen described below is displayed as a local UI screen on the output unit 205 (display unit) of the AP 101.

[0072] In S1301, the AP 101 determines whether the single link function is enabled. If the single link function is enabled, the AP 101 proceeds to S1320, and if the single link function is disabled, the AP 101 proceeds to S1302. In S1302, the AP 101 determines whether the independent link function is enabled. If the independent link function is enabled, the AP 101 proceeds to S1310, and if the independent link function is disabled, the AP 101 proceeds to S1303.

[0073] In S1303, the AP 101 determines whether reinitialization of the operating parameters is necessary. The AP 101 makes this determination based on whether the previous operating parameter settings were for multi-link communication. If the previous operating parameter settings were for multi-link communication, the AP 101 determines that reinitialization of the operating parameters is not necessary and proceeds to S402. This is because multi-link communication can be performed using the previous operating parameter settings as is. On the other hand, if the previous operating parameter settings were not for multi-link communication, the AP 101 determines that reinitialization of the operating parameters is necessary and proceeds to S1304. That is, if the previous operating parameter settings were for single-link function or independent link function, the AP 101 determines that reinitialization of the operating parameters is necessary.

[0074] In S1304, the AP 101 executes re-initialization processing of the operation parameters of the AP function. This processing is processing for adjusting the operation parameters of each link used in multi-link communication so that the UI change processing in the subsequent S402 can be executed normally. Details of the processing of S1304 will be described later with reference to FIG. 14. When the AP 101 completes the re-initialization processing of the operation parameters of the AP function, the processing proceeds to S402.

[0075] When the process advances from S1303 or S1304 to S402, the AP 101 executes the UI change process in accordance with the procedure shown in FIG. 6 above, and advances the process to S403.

[0076] (If the single link function is enabled) If the single link function is enabled, in S1320, the AP 101 acquires the setting of the operation parameters of the link designated as the first designated link. In this case, the first designated link may be a default link (for the single link function) in the AP 101 or may be the link last used by the user. As in the first embodiment, the operation parameters include, for example, a frequency band, a bandwidth, and a channel (frequency channel).

[0077] Next, in S1321, the AP 101 updates the configuration candidate list for the first specified link. This configuration candidate list is a list that includes all configurations that can be applied to the first specified link as configuration candidates for the first specified link. Note that if the previous operating parameter configuration was for the single link function, the AP 101 may omit the processing of S1321. Thereafter, in S606, the AP 101 updates the UI screen so as to reflect the configuration candidate list for the first specified link on the UI screen, and proceeds to S403.

[0078] (If the independent link feature is enabled) If the independent link function is enabled, at S1310, the AP 101 acquires the operating parameter settings of the link designated as the first designated link by processing similar to that of S1320. Furthermore, at S1311, the AP 101 updates the configuration candidate list for the first designated link by processing similar to that of S1321. Thereafter, at S1312 and S1313, the AP 101 acquires the operating parameter settings of the link designated as the second designated link by processing similar to that of S1320 and S1321, and updates the configuration candidate list for the second designated link.

[0079] When the independent link function is enabled, there is no correlation between the links used by the AP function. Therefore, in S606, the AP 101 updates the UI screen to display applicable settings for each link as setting candidates for operating parameters based on the setting candidate list for each link, and proceeds to S403.

[0080] The processing of S403 to S406 is the same as in the first embodiment. However, after the AP 101 sets the first designated link in S405, the processing returns to S1301. Furthermore, when the processing proceeds from S404 to S406, the AP 101 reflects the setting values ​​input via the UI screen in the operating parameters of the AP function, and ends the processing.

[0081] <Reinitialization process (S1304)> 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for re-initializing the operation parameters of the AP function (S1304). First, in S602 to S605, the AP 101 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment. The first designated link that is the target of the processing in S602 may be a default link in the AP 101, a link last used by the user, or a link that was valid until just before. By performing the processing in S602 to S605, a setting candidate list for the second designated link is generated.

[0082] In S1401, the AP 101 determines whether a valid setting exists in the setting candidate list for the second designated link generated in S605 (i.e., whether a setting that enables STR operation in multi-link communication exists). Here, if a sufficiently wide bandwidth cannot be secured for the second designated link due to legal or other constraints, all of the operating parameter settings for the second designated link may become invalid. For example, assume a condition in which only channels with a bandwidth of 160 MHz (chs. 15, 47, and 79) are available for each link. Under these conditions, if ch. 47 is used for Link 1, neither ch. 15 nor ch. 79 may be available for Link 2. Alternatively, assume a condition in which channels 7 through 71 are available as channels with a bandwidth of 80 MHz when Link 3 is also used in addition to Link 1 and Link 2. Under these conditions, if ch. 7 is used for Link 1 and ch. 55 is used for Link 2, it may become impossible to select (set) a channel for Link 3.

[0083] In this way, a situation may arise in which it is impossible to select operation parameters for a certain link (second designated link) due to the setting of operation parameters for another link. Therefore, if there is no valid setting in the setting candidate list for the second designated link (all settings in the list are invalid), AP101 proceeds from S1401 to S1402.

[0084] In S1402, the AP 101 notifies the user that, based on the setting candidate list for the second designated link, a setting that enables STR operation cannot be selected as the setting of the operation parameters of the second designated link. After notifying the user, in S1403, the AP 101 sets (changes) the operation parameters of each of the first designated link and the second designated link using a predetermined method, and proceeds to S1404. For example, setting values ​​recommended by the manufacturer of the AP 101 are set for the operation parameters of each link.

[0085] If a valid setting exists in the setting candidate list for the second specified link, the AP 101 proceeds to process S1401 to S1410. In S1410, the AP 101 determines whether the setting candidate list for the second specified link includes the previous setting of the operation parameters of the second specified link. This is performed to confirm whether the previous setting can be used as is (i.e., whether it can be displayed on the UI screen as an option (setting candidate) for setting the operation parameters of the link). If the previous setting of the operation parameters is included in the setting candidate list, the AP 101 proceeds to process S1420, and uses the previous setting as is as the setting of the operation parameters of the second specified link.

[0086] On the other hand, if the previous settings of the operating parameters are not included in the setting candidate list in S1410, the AP 101 proceeds to S1411. In S1411, the AP 101 notifies the user that the previous settings cannot be used as the operating parameter settings for the second specified link. After notifying the user, in S1412, the AP 101 selects one setting from the setting candidate list for the second specified link and applies that setting to the operating parameters of the second specified link. In this process, for example, a bandwidth setting with a wider bandwidth is selected with priority to improve the performance of multi-link communication. The AP 101 then proceeds to S1404.

[0087] For example, assume that the independent link function is disabled (enabled state is cancelled) on the UI screen 1500 of FIG. 15(A). The UI screen 1500 displays the previous settings (bandwidth 80 MHz, channel 23ch) of the operating parameters for the second designated link (Link2 in this example). If this previous setting is not included in the setting candidate list for the second designated link (NO in S1410), the AP 101 selects one setting from the setting candidate list and applies that setting (S1412). As a result, a UI screen is displayed indicating that the setting (bandwidth 80 MHz, channel 39ch) selected from the setting candidate list is being applied to the second designated link (Link2), as shown in UI screen 1510 of FIG. 15(B) (S402).

[0088] 15(C) shows that, unlike the UI screen 1510, the settings (bandwidth 80 MHz, channel 23ch) included in the setting candidate list are displayed as the most recent settings for the second designated link (Link2). In this way, when the most recent settings are included in the setting candidate list for the second designated link (YES in S1410), the AP 101 uses the most recent settings as the operating parameter settings for the second designated link (S1420). As a result, a UI screen is displayed that indicates that the most recent settings (bandwidth 80 MHz, channel 39ch) are applied as is for the second designated link (Link2), as in the UI screen 1510 of FIG. 15(B) (S402).

[0089] Finally, in S1404, the AP 101 changes the designation of the first and second designated links for the link designated as the first designated link so that a setting candidate list is generated and the UI screen is updated by the UI change process in the following S402. Specifically, the AP 101 performs a process of designating the link designated as the first designated link as the second designated link, and designating the link designated as the second designated link as the first designated link. Thereafter, the AP 101 ends the process according to the procedure in FIG. 14 and proceeds to S402.

[0090] As described above, when setting operation parameters for a second designated link (second link), the AP 101 notifies the user if there is no setting applicable to the second designated link (if there is no setting that enables STR operation). This prevents the user from setting a setting that disables STR operation in multilink communication when setting up multilink communication in the AP 101.

[0091] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the 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.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0092] The disclosure of this specification includes the following communication device, control method thereof, and program. (Item 1) 1. A communication device capable of performing multi-link communication using multiple parallel links established via different frequency channels, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring an operation parameter setting of a first link, the operation parameter setting being applied to the first link included in the plurality of links; a generating means for generating a prohibition list, which is a list of settings that are prohibited from being applied to a second link included in the plurality of links, based on the settings of the operation parameters of the first link, in order to enable communication operations in which transmission and reception are performed independently on the plurality of links when the multi-link communication is performed using the plurality of links; a control means for controlling so that settings included in the prohibition list are not set for the operating parameters of the second link; A communication device comprising: (Item 2) the control means controls display of a UI screen for receiving user input so as not to display settings included in the prohibition list as setting candidates for the operation parameters of the second link. Item 1. The communication device according to item 1. (Item 3) the generating means generates the prohibition list based on the setting of operational parameters of the first link and a frequency separation between links of the plurality of links required to enable the communication operation. Item 1 or 2. The communication device according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) The operating parameters include a bandwidth and a frequency channel; the generating means generates the prohibition list based on a bandwidth and a frequency channel setting of the first link so as to ensure the frequency separation from the frequency channel having the bandwidth. Item 3. The communication device according to item 3. (Item 5) the generating means further generates a setting candidate list, which is a list of setting candidates for the operation parameters of the second link, based on the prohibition list and a list of settings of operation parameters that can be physically set for the second link; the control means controls display of a UI screen for receiving a user input so that only settings included in the setting candidate list are displayed as setting candidates for the operation parameters of the second link. 5. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 6) when an input for changing the setting of the operation parameter of the first link is accepted on a UI screen for accepting user input, the acquisition means acquires the setting of the operation parameter of the first link, the generation means generates the prohibition list, and the control means updates the display of the UI screen so that the setting included in the prohibition list is not set for the operation parameter of the second link; 6. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 5. (Item 7) The communication device has a multi-link function for the multi-link communication, a single-link function for using a single link while having a plurality of links, and an independent-link function for using a plurality of links that are independent of each other, When the single link function or the independent link function is switched from an ON state to an OFF state, the acquisition means acquires the settings of the operation parameters of the first link, the generation means generates the prohibition list, and the control means controls so that the settings included in the prohibition list are not set for the operation parameters of the second link. 7. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) the control means notifies the user when there is no setting applicable to the second link. 8. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) the control means controls display of the remote UI screen on the external device by providing the UI screen to the external device as a remote UI screen, or controls display of the UI screen displayed as a local UI screen on a display unit of the communication device. 7. The communication device according to any one of items 2, 5 and 6. (Item 10) the operating parameters include at least one of a frequency band, a bandwidth, and a frequency channel; 10. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 9. (Item 11) The communication operation is a simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) operation. 11. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 10. (Item 12) The communication device is capable of performing multi-link communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard. 12. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 11. (Item 13) 1. A control method for a communication device capable of performing multi-link communication using a plurality of parallel links established via different frequency channels, the method comprising: obtaining operational parameter settings for a first link included in the plurality of links, the operational parameter settings being applied to the first link; generating a prohibition list based on the settings of the operational parameters of the first link, the prohibition list being a list of settings that are prohibited from being applied to a second link included in the plurality of links, in order to enable communication operations in which transmission and reception are performed independently on the plurality of links when the multi-link communication is performed using the plurality of links; a step of controlling so that the settings included in the prohibition list are not set for the operating parameters of the second link; A control method comprising: (Item 14) A program for causing a computer of a communication device to execute each step of the control method described in item 13.

[0093] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 101: communication device (AP), 102: communication device (STA), 103: PC, 202: control unit, 206: communication unit, 207: wireless communication unit

Claims

1. 1. A communication device capable of performing multi-link communication using multiple parallel links established via different frequency channels, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring an operation parameter setting of a first link, the operation parameter setting being applied to the first link included in the plurality of links; a generating means for generating a prohibition list, which is a list of settings that are prohibited from being applied to a second link included in the plurality of links, based on the settings of the operation parameters of the first link, in order to enable communication operations in which transmission and reception are performed independently on the plurality of links when the multi-link communication is performed using the plurality of links; a control means for controlling so that settings included in the prohibition list are not set for the operating parameters of the second link; A communication device comprising:

2. the control means controls display of a UI screen for receiving user input so as not to display settings included in the prohibition list as setting candidates for the operation parameters of the second link. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the generating means generates the prohibition list based on the setting of operational parameters of the first link and a frequency separation between links of the plurality of links required to enable the communication operation.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The operating parameters include a bandwidth and a frequency channel; the generating means generates the prohibition list based on a bandwidth and a frequency channel setting of the first link so as to ensure the frequency separation from the frequency channel having the bandwidth. The communication device according to claim 3 .

5. The generating means further generates a setting candidate list, which is a list of setting candidates for the operation parameters of the second link, based on the prohibition list and a list of settings of operation parameters that can be physically set for the second link; the control means controls display of a UI screen for receiving a user input so that only settings included in the setting candidate list are displayed as setting candidates for the operation parameters of the second link.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. when an input for changing the setting of the operation parameter of the first link is accepted on a UI screen for accepting user input, the acquisition means acquires the setting of the operation parameter of the first link, the generation means generates the prohibition list, and the control means updates the display of the UI screen so that the setting included in the prohibition list is not set for the operation parameter of the second link.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The communication device has a multi-link function for the multi-link communication, a single-link function for using a single link while having a plurality of links, and an independent-link function for using a plurality of links that are independent of each other, When the single link function or the independent link function is switched from an ON state to an OFF state, the acquisition means acquires the settings of the operation parameters of the first link, the generation means generates the prohibition list, and the control means controls so that the settings included in the prohibition list are not set for the operation parameters of the second link.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the control means notifies the user when there is no setting applicable to the second link; 3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the control means controls display of the remote UI screen on the external device by providing the UI screen to the external device as a remote UI screen, or controls display of the UI screen displayed as a local UI screen on a display unit of the communication device. The communication device according to claim 2 .

10. the operating parameters include at least one of a frequency band, a bandwidth, and a frequency channel; 3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The communication operation is a simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) operation.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The communication device is capable of performing multi-link communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. 1. A control method for a communication device capable of performing multi-link communication using a plurality of parallel links established via different frequency channels, the method comprising: obtaining operational parameter settings for a first link included in the plurality of links, the operational parameter settings being applied to the first link; generating a prohibition list based on the settings of the operational parameters of the first link, the prohibition list being a list of settings that are prohibited from being applied to a second link included in the plurality of links, in order to enable communication operations in which transmission and reception are performed independently on the plurality of links when the multi-link communication is performed using the plurality of links; a step of controlling so that the settings included in the prohibition list are not set for the operating parameters of the second link; A control method comprising:

14. A program for causing a computer of a communication device to execute each step of the control method according to claim 13.

Images