Communication device, communication system and communication method

Abstract

To provide a communication device, a communication system and a communication method, appropriately executing communication in a radio communication network.SOLUTION: In a communication network including a plurality of repeaters as communication devices, a repeater 10 includes: a LoRa(R) radio device 102 (first communication part) for receiving a signal associating one or more first communication devices and a first communication quality transmitted in the communication network; control parts 103, 107 for measuring one or more second communication qualities associated with the repeater 10 and determining a repeating path used by data communication in the communication network and a communication device at a connection destination included in the repeating path, based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality; and an IEEE802.11ah radio devices 104, 108 (second communication part) for communicating data used for data communication with the communication device at the connection destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] When building a wireless communication network using LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) or the like, the communication area can be expanded by relaying (performing multi-hop communication).

[0003] Conventionally, various techniques for constructing a wireless communication network have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 196811 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration multi-hop routing settings. If the multi-hop routing settings are not properly configured, relaying will not be performed properly, and therefore, there is a risk that communication will not be performed properly.

[0006] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication device, a communication system, and a communication method that can appropriately perform communication in a wireless communication network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication device in a communication network including a plurality of communication devices, and includes: a first communication unit that receives a signal transmitted in the communication network that associates one or more first communication devices with a first communication quality; a control unit that measures one or more second communication qualities associated with the communication devices, and determines a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network and a destination communication device included in the relay route based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality; and a second communication unit that communicates data to be used for the data communication with the destination communication device.

[0008] A communication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication system including a plurality of communication devices, each of which receives a signal transmitted in a communication network associating one or more first communication devices with a first communication quality, measures one or more second communication qualities associated with the communication device, and determines a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network and a destination communication device included in the relay route based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality, and communicates data to be used for the data communication between the communication device and the destination communication device.

[0009] A communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication device in a communication network including a plurality of communication devices receiving a signal transmitted in the communication network that associates one or more first communication devices with a first communication quality, measuring one or more second communication qualities associated with the communication devices, determining a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network and a destination communication device included in the relay route based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality, and communicating data to be used for the data communication with the destination communication device.

[0010] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, communication can be appropriately performed in a wireless communication network.

[0012] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a repeater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a control unit included in a repeater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern in which wireless connections between relays are possible according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a pattern in which wireless connections between repeaters are possible according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern in which wireless connection between repeaters is not possible according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a pattern in which wireless connection between repeaters is not possible according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of a pattern in which wireless connection between repeaters is not possible according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a state transition diagram showing an example of mode (state) transition of a repeater according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a repeater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a repeater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B]1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a repeater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 9C illustrates an example of a multi-hop path established according to the operational example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the situation when calls are made from two or more places almost simultaneously. [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which candidate relay routes do not include a pattern in which wireless connection is not possible, according to the present embodiment; [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which candidate relay routes do not include a pattern in which wireless connection is not possible, according to the present embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which candidate relay routes do not include a pattern in which wireless connection is not possible, according to the present embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which candidate relay routes include a pattern in which wireless connection is not possible, according to the present embodiment; [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the upper capacity limit of each path between relay devices according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of remaining capacity of each path between repeaters during video transmission according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15C] 10 shows an example of the remaining capacity of each path between repeaters during video transmission and two-way audio communication according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of remaining capacity of each path between repeaters when further two-way audio communication is performed according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0015] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0016] (Embodiment) <Wireless communication system> Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, wireless communication system 1 (which may be referred to as wireless communication network 1) includes a plurality of repeaters 10_1 to 10_8, each of which is an example of a communication device, and information devices 20_1 to 20_3. Each of information devices 20_1 to 20_3 may be connected to any of repeaters 10_1 to 10_8. In the example shown in Fig. 1, information device 20_1 is connected to repeater 10_1, information device 20_2 is connected to repeater 10_6, and information device 20_3 is connected to repeater 10_8.

[0017] Each of repeaters 10_1 to 10_8 measures the communication quality of the path between other repeaters (e.g., the RSSI between repeater 10_1 and repeater 10_4 shown in FIG. 1 is "-67 dBm"), such as the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), signal to noise ratio (SNR), and signal to interference ratio (SIR), and based on the measured communication quality, selects or determines a relay route for relaying data and control information from / to information devices 20-1 to 20-3, establishes a connection between adjacent repeaters on the selected or determined relay route, and relays the data and control information via the repeater on the connected relay route.

[0018] Incidentally, major standards for the above-mentioned LPWA include the LoRa standard and the IEEE802.11ah standard.

[0019] In the 920MHz band, which is a lower frequency band than the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands used by existing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), methods that can achieve low power consumption and long distance communication in Japan include LoRa, which has slow communication speeds (a maximum of a few kbps).

[0020] Recently (September 2022), IEEE802.11ah became available in Japan. IEEE802.11ah is a type of WiFi, but it limits the communication rate and uses radio waves in the 920MHz band, which means it can send data farther (several hundred meters) than conventional 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, and it also has the advantage of being able to communicate at speeds of several hundred kbps to several Mbps. The 920MHz band has previously been used with low-rate communication methods such as LoRa, which meant it could not be used for real-time communication of voice, video, etc., but the introduction of IEEE802.11ah has made real-time communication of voice, video, etc. possible.

[0021] In this embodiment, each of the repeaters 10_1 to 10_8 performs wireless communication between the repeaters in accordance with the LoRa standard or the IEEE802.11ah standard. More specifically, each of the repeaters 10_1 to 10_8 performs data communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11ah standard, and performs communication (exchange) of control data for executing routing of the data communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11ah standard by wireless communication in accordance with the LoRa standard. In this way, each of the repeaters 10_1 to 10_8 uses different wireless communication methods for the routing determination process and the data communication process.

[0022] The advantages of using LoRa to perform data communication routing according to the IEEE802.11ah standard include: LoRa has a longer communication distance than IEEE802.11ah and enables reliable routing control. LoRa occupies a narrower bandwidth than IEEE802.11ah, so it is less susceptible to interference. LoRa can communicate with lower power consumption than IEEE802.11ah (especially when in constant standby mode). LoRa can easily broadcast information, making it suitable for sending common information across the entire network.

[0023] When there is no need to distinguish between these repeaters, they may be referred to as repeaters 10. The number of repeaters 10 included in the wireless communication system 1 is merely an example and is not limited to eight. Hereinafter, the repeater 10_1 may be referred to as a master, a master device, a master repeater, a master communication device, etc.

[0024] Each of the information devices 20_1 to 20_3 may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smartphone, etc. Each of the information devices 20_1 to 20_3 transmits and receives data and control information to and from other information devices via one or more of the repeaters 10_1 to 10_8.

[0025] When there is no need to distinguish between these information devices, they may be referred to as information devices 20. It goes without saying that the number of information devices 20 included in the wireless communication system 1 is merely an example and is not limited to three.

[0026] <Repeater configuration> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a repeater according to this embodiment. The following description of Fig. 2 assumes that the LoRa radio 102 is connected to a control unit (STA) 103. However, if the control unit (AP) 107 controls the LoRa radio 102 and performs data input / output processing, the LoRa radio 102 may be connected to the control unit (AP) 107. The following description of Fig. 2 assumes that the control unit (STA) 103 and the control unit (AP) 107 are independent and are connected to both units and an information device (external) via a switching hub 106. However, the functions of the control unit (STA) 103 and the control unit (AP) 107 may be implemented by a single control unit, and the LoRa radio 102, the 11ah radio (STA) 104, and the 11ah radio (AP) 108 may be connected to the control unit. In addition, in the following explanation of Figure 2, the control unit (STA) 103 is responsible for controlling the LoRa radio 102 and processing data input and output, but for example, in order to have an independent control unit for each communication method, it is also possible to provide a new control unit (LoRa) that is a control unit for LoRa, connect the LoRa radio 102 to this control unit, and connect the control unit (LoRa) to the switching hub 106.

[0027] The repeater 10 includes an antenna 101 and a LoRa radio 102. The repeater 10 also includes a station (STA) control unit 103 (hereinafter referred to as the control unit (STA) 103), an STA 11ah radio 104 (hereinafter referred to as the 11ah radio (STA) 104), and an STA antenna 105 (hereinafter referred to as the antenna (STA) 105). The repeater 10 also includes a switching hub 106, an access point (AP) control unit 107 (hereinafter referred to as the control unit (AP) 107), an AP 11ah radio 108 (hereinafter referred to as the 11ah radio (AP) 108), and an AP antenna 109 (hereinafter referred to as the antenna (AP) 109). Needless to say, the repeater 10 also includes other well-known components such as a storage device.

[0028] The antenna 101 transmits a radio frequency signal generated by the LoRa radio device 102 as radio waves, for example, to a destination repeater 10. The antenna 101 also receives, as radio waves, a radio frequency signal transmitted from, for example, another repeater 10 (antenna).

[0029] In order to transmit and receive radio frequency signals via the antenna 101 in accordance with the LoRa standard, the LoRa radio 102 generates radio frequency signals by, for example, modulating a baseband signal to be transmitted, and extracts the baseband signals by, for example, demodulating the radio frequency signals.

[0030] For example, the antenna 101 and / or the LoRa radio 102 may receive a signal that associates one or more other repeaters 10 with communication quality, the signal being transmitted (broadcast) from one or more other repeaters 10 in the wireless communication network 1. More specifically, the antenna 101 and / or the LoRa radio 102 may receive a signal carrying information about the communication quality of IEEE802.11ah between one or more other repeaters 10 and one or more other repeaters 10 for the one or more other repeaters 10. For example, the antenna 101 and / or the LoRa radio 102 may receive the signal when no data communication is being performed in the wireless communication network 1. Furthermore, for example, the antenna 101 and / or the LoRa radio 102 may receive the signal in accordance with the LoRa standard in a predetermined frequency band. Furthermore, for example, the antenna 101 and / or the LoRa radio 102 may forward (broadcast) the signal in the wireless communication network 1, or may repeatedly forward (broadcast) the signal in the wireless communication network 1. Furthermore, for example, when the antenna 101 and / or the LoRa radio device 102 receives the above signal multiple times, it is not necessary to forward the above signal received the second time or later.

[0031] The control unit (STA) 103 processes data and controls the overall operation and components of the repeater 10 functioning as an STA in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ah standard, for example, by executing program instructions stored in a storage device. For example, the control unit (STA) 103 controls or executes the STA-related processes described below. The control unit (STA) 103 also controls communication with the information devices 20 connected to the repeater 10 and the control unit (AP) 107 via the switching hub 106.

[0032] For example, the control unit (STA) 103 may measure one or more communication qualities associated with the own device 10, and determine a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network 1 and a destination relay 10 included in the relay route based on the communication quality in the received signal and the one or more communication qualities associated with the own device 10. More specifically, the control unit (STA) 103 may measure the communication quality of IEEE 802.11ah between the own device 10 and one or more relays 10 other than the own device 10, and determine a relay route to be used for IEEE 802.11ah data communication in the communication network 1 and a destination relay 10 included in the relay route based on information on communication quality carried in a signal received from one or more other relays 10 via LoRa and the communication quality measured by the own device 10. Furthermore, for example, the control unit (STA) 103 may measure the communication quality when data communication is not being performed in the wireless communication network 1. Furthermore, for example, the control unit (STA) 103 may calculate a critical path among the candidate relay routes, and determine the candidate relay route with the best communication quality of the critical path as the relay route. Furthermore, for example, if there are multiple candidate relay routes with the best communication quality of the critical path, the control unit (STA) 103 may determine the candidate relay route with the fewest number of relays 10 as the relay route. Furthermore, for example, the control unit (STA) 103 may estimate a capacity between relays 10 based on the communication quality of a received signal and one or more communication qualities associated with the control unit (STA) 103, and determine the relay route and the destination relay 10 based on the estimated capacity. More specifically, the control unit (STA) 103 may estimate a capacity between relays 10 based on information on communication quality carried in a signal received from one or more other relays 10 via LoRa and the communication quality measured by the control unit (STA) 103, and determine the relay route and the destination relay 10 based on the estimated capacity.Furthermore, for example, when one or more data communications are being performed in the wireless communication network 1, the control unit (STA) 103 may determine the relay route and the destination relay device based on the estimated capacity and the capacity between the relays 10 used for one or more data communications. More specifically, the control unit (STA) 103 may determine the relay route and the destination relay device based on the estimated capacity and the capacity between the relays 10 used for one or more IEEE 802.11ah data communications. Furthermore, for example, the control unit (STA) 103 may determine the relay route and the destination communication device based on the estimated capacity, the capacity between the relays 10 used for one or more data communications, and the communication direction of the one or more data communications. More specifically, the control unit (STA) 103 may determine the relay route and the destination communication device based on the estimated capacity, the capacity between the relays 10 used for one or more IEEE 802.11ah data communications, and the communication direction of the one or more IEEE 802.11ah data communications. Furthermore, for example, the control unit (STA) 103 may determine that the wireless communication network 1 is in a busy state where data communication cannot be performed when there is only a candidate relay route where any of the capacities between the repeaters 10 used for one or more data communications exceeds the estimated corresponding capacity. More specifically, the control unit (STA) 103 may determine that the wireless communication network 1 is in a busy state where data communication cannot be performed when there is only a candidate relay route where any of the capacities between the repeaters 10 used for one or more IEEE802.11ah data communications exceeds the estimated corresponding capacity. Furthermore, for example, the control unit (STA) 103 may determine that the wireless communication network 1 is in a busy state where both the first data communication and the second data communication cannot be performed when a first data communication request requesting a first data communication in the wireless communication network 1 and a second data communication request requesting a second data communication in the wireless communication network 1 occur within a certain period of time.More specifically, if a first data communication request requesting a first data communication in the wireless communication network 1 and a second data communication request requesting a second data communication in the wireless communication network 1 occur within a certain period of time, and if the control unit (STA) 103 determines that accommodating both communications would result in the only route possible being one in which the capacity between the repeaters 10 used for the data communication exceeds the estimated corresponding capacity, the control unit (STA) 103 may determine that the wireless communication network 1 is in a busy state in which both the first data communication and the second data communication cannot be performed.

[0033] In order to transmit and receive radio frequency signals via the antenna (STA) 105 in accordance with the IEEE802.11ah standard, the 11ah radio (STA) 104 generates radio frequency signals by, for example, modulating a baseband signal to be transmitted, and extracts the baseband signals by, for example, demodulating the radio frequency signals.

[0034] The antenna (STA) 105 transmits the radio frequency signal generated by the 11ah radio (STA) 104 as radio waves, for example, toward the destination repeater 10. The antenna (STA) 105 also receives, as radio waves, radio frequency signals transmitted from, for example, other repeaters 10 (antennas).

[0035] Switching hub 106 transmits and receives data to and from information device 20 via the port based on a management table that associates the identification information of information device 20 connected to repeater 10 with the port. Switching hub 106 also transmits and receives the data to and from control unit (STA) 103 and control unit (AP) 107, and mediates data transmission and reception between control unit (STA) 103 and control unit (AP) 107.

[0036] The control unit (AP) 107 processes data and controls the overall operation and components of the repeater 10 functioning as an AP in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ah standard, for example, by executing program instructions stored in a storage device. For example, the control unit (AP) 107 controls or executes AP-related processing, as described below. The control unit (AP) 107 also controls communication with the information devices 20 and the control unit (STA) 103 connected to the repeater 10 via the switching hub 106.

[0037] In order to transmit and receive radio frequency signals via an antenna (AP) 109 in accordance with the IEEE802.11ah standard, the 11ah radio (AP) 108 generates radio frequency signals by, for example, modulating a baseband signal to be transmitted, and extracts the baseband signals by, for example, demodulating the radio frequency signals.

[0038] The antenna (AP) 109 transmits the radio frequency signal generated by the 11ah radio (AP) 108 as radio waves, for example, to the destination repeater 10. The antenna (AP) 109 also receives, as radio waves, radio frequency signals transmitted from, for example, other repeaters 10 (antennas).

[0039] For example, the 11ah radio (STA) 104, the antenna (STA) 105, the 11ah radio (AP) 108, and / or the antenna (AP) 109 may communicate data used for data communication with the connected repeater 10. Also, for example, the 11ah radio (STA) 104, the antenna (STA) 105, the 11ah radio (AP) 108, and / or the antenna (AP) 109 may communicate data used for data communication with the connected repeater 10 in a predetermined frequency band in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ah standard.

[0040] The antenna 101, the antenna (STA) 105, and the antenna (AP) 109 may be integrated or may be separate.

[0041] Hereinafter, some or all of control unit (STA) 103, 11ah radio (STA) 104, and antenna (STA) 105 will also be referred to as STA functions (or STA modules, or simply STAs), and some or all of control unit (AP) 107, 11ah radio (AP) 108, and antenna (AP) 109 will also be referred to as AP functions (or AP modules, or simply APs). Also, hereinafter, STA function Sk and AP function Ak represent the STA function and AP function of repeater 10_k, respectively.

[0042] It is assumed that the repeater 10_k and the information device 20_m belong to the same domain. For example, the STA of the repeater 10_k has a local IP address "XXX(k×10+1)" in the same domain, the AP of the repeater 10_k has a local IP address "XXX(k×10+2)" in the same domain, and the information device 20_m has a local IP address "XXX(100+m)" in the same domain. For example, the local IP address "XXX*" may be "192.168.200.*".

[0043] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a control unit included in the repeater according to the present embodiment.

[0044] The control units 103 and 107 each include a processor 201 , a memory 202 , an IP (Internet Protocol) interface 203 , and a modem interface 204 .

[0045] The processor 201 processes data, stores unprocessed and processed data in the memory 202, and controls the overall operation and components of the relay 10 associated with the STA or AP, for example, by executing program instructions stored in the memory 202. For example, the processor 201 performs various calculations according to the embodiments.

[0046] The memory 202 temporarily or permanently stores data necessary for the operation of the repeater 10, program instructions for controlling the overall operation of the repeater 10, data received, transmitted, generated, etc. during operation of the repeater 10, and data necessary for processing these data.

[0047] The IP interface 203 is an interface device that allows the processor 201 to communicate with the switching hub 106 .

[0048] The modem interface 204 is an interface device that allows the processor 201 to communicate with the 11ah radio (STA) 104, the 11ah radio (AP) 108, or the LoRa radio 102.

[0049] <Connection patterns between repeaters> Next, connection patterns between relays 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 6B.

[0050] 4A is a diagram showing an example of a pattern in which wireless connections between repeaters are possible according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the STA function S3 of the repeater 10_3 is wirelessly connected to the AP function A2 of the repeater 10_2, and the STA function S4 of the repeater 10_4 is wirelessly connected to the AP function A3 of the repeater 10_3.

[0051] 4B is a diagram showing another example of a pattern in which wireless connection between repeaters is possible according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, an STA function S3 of the repeater 10_3 and an STA function S4 of the repeater 10_4 are wirelessly connected to an AP function A2 of the repeater 10_2.

[0052] As described above, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the STA of each relay 10 can be wirelessly connected to the AP of one other relay 10.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern in which wireless connection between repeaters is not possible according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the STA function S4 of the repeater 10_4 cannot be wirelessly connected to the AP function A2 of the repeater 10_2 and the AP function A3 of the repeater 10_3 at the same time.

[0054] As described above, as shown in FIG. 5, the STA of each repeater 10 cannot be wirelessly connected to the APs of the other repeaters 10 at the same time.

[0055] 6A is a diagram showing another example of a pattern in which wireless connection between repeaters is not possible according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, when wireless connection between APs is not possible (WDS (Wireless Distribution System) function is not supported), wireless connection cannot be established between the AP function A2 of the repeater 10_2 and the AP function A3 of the repeater 10_3.

[0056] As described above, as shown in FIG. 6A, wireless connection between APs in the repeaters 10 is not possible.

[0057] Fig. 6B is a diagram showing yet another example of a pattern in which wireless connection between relays is not possible according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 6B, when wireless connection between STAs is not possible (ad hoc mode is not supported), a wireless connection cannot be established between the STA function S2 of the relay 10_2 and the STA function S3 of the relay 10_3.

[0058] As described above, as shown in FIG. 6B, wireless connection between STAs between relay devices 10 is not possible.

[0059] <Repeater mode (status)> Next, the modes (states) of the repeater 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram showing an example of mode (state) transition of a repeater according to the present embodiment.

[0061] 7, there are a maintenance mode, a standby mode, a call origination / incoming call mode, and a communication mode as modes of the repeater 10. Note that the names of the modes are merely examples, and other names may be used, and other modes not shown may also exist.

[0062] In the maintenance mode, the repeater 10 executes a process for collecting wireless quality information required for routing when the repeater 10 executes data communication in accordance with IEEE802.11ah in the wireless communication network.

[0063] In the standby mode, the repeater 10 is in a state where it can perform maintenance or make calls. From the standby mode, it is possible to transition to the maintenance mode and the call making / receiving mode.

[0064] In the call origination / incoming mode, the repeater 10 performs pre-processing for performing data communication in the wireless communication network according to IEEE802.11ah. The call origination / incoming mode can be transitioned to the standby mode and the communication mode.

[0065] In the communication mode, the repeater 10 determines a relay route to the communication destination in the wireless communication network, wirelessly connects to adjacent repeaters on the relay route, and performs data communication using IEEE802.11ah. From the communication mode, it is possible to transition to the standby mode after the communication is completed (after the call is ended).

[0066] <Processing in maintenance mode> Next, the processing of the repeater 10 in the maintenance mode will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the repeater according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing described below may be executed periodically or manually (for example, in response to an instruction from a system administrator).

[0067] If either the outgoing call history parameter or the incoming call history parameter is not 0, the master relay device 10_1 determines that the current state is busy, and waits until both the outgoing call history parameter and the incoming call history parameter become 0.

[0068] The master repeater 10_1 is in a standby mode, and when the current state is not busy, broadcasts a maintenance signal by LoRa (i.e., by using the LoRa radio 102_1) a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times) at predetermined intervals (steps S101_1 to S103_1), and after the broadcast transmission is completed, enters the maintenance mode (step S104_1). Entering (transitioning to) the maintenance mode may mean turning on (setting to "1") the maintenance history flag. Here, the transmission data of the broadcast-transmitted maintenance signal is composed of, for example, the value "0" indicating a maintenance instruction and a random number. The value indicating a maintenance instruction may be a value other than "0".

[0069] When the repeater 10 is in standby mode and receives a maintenance signal (maintenance instruction) broadcast by the repeater 10_1 via LoRa, if it has not received a maintenance signal with the same random number as the random number included in the maintenance signal within a certain time (e.g., 3 milliseconds) prior, it broadcasts (i.e., forwards) the received maintenance signal as is at a predetermined interval a specified number of times (steps S101_2 to S103_2, etc.), and after completing the broadcast transmission, it enters maintenance mode (steps S104_2, S104_3, S104_8, etc.). On the other hand, when the repeater 10 receives the maintenance signal broadcast by the repeater 10_1 via LoRa, if it is already in maintenance mode or has received a maintenance signal with the same random number within a certain time prior, it does not perform any processing.

[0070] The repeater 10 that has entered the maintenance mode starts (or wakes up) the AP and STA of the repeater 10, and causes the STA to perform a peripheral search a specified number of times (e.g., three times) (steps S105_1, S105_2, S105_3, S105_8, etc.). More specifically, the repeater 10 that has entered the maintenance mode first starts the STA of the repeater 10, and after a first specified time has elapsed, starts the AP of the repeater 10 (by the STA of the repeater 10). After starting up, the AP of the repeater 10 starts transmitting a beacon for a peripheral search. After the first specified time has elapsed, the STA of the repeater 10 waits for a second specified time to elapse before starting a peripheral search, and performs the peripheral search (for example, for a third specified time). After performing a peripheral search a specified number of times, the repeater 10 creates and stores the APs obtained (detected) by the peripheral search and communication quality information indicating the measured communication quality, such as RSSI and SNR (collectively referred to as an AP list). Note that if the repeater 10 has entered maintenance mode and performed multiple measurements during the peripheral search, it may average the measured communication quality. Also, the number of APs to be stored may be limited, such as to the three APs with the highest (best) communication quality values ​​(excluding the AP of the repeater 10).

[0071] After completing the peripheral search and creating the AP list, the repeater 10 broadcasts a maintenance signal including the AP list by LoRa at predetermined intervals a predetermined number of times (steps S106_1 to S108_3, steps S109_2 to S110_2, etc.). Here, the transmission data of the broadcast maintenance signal includes, for example, a value "1" indicating a maintenance notification (notification of the AP list), a random number, an IP address of the STA of the repeater 10, an IP address of a first AP (AP1) in the AP list and its communication quality information, an IP address of a second AP (AP2) in the AP list and its communication quality information, and... The value indicating a maintenance notification may be a value other than "1." Furthermore, the IP addresses of APs such as AP1 may be calculated from, for example, the SSID. The IP address included in the transmission data may be only the last part (e.g., "32"). The AP list may also be referred to as maintenance information.

[0072] A repeater 10 that receives a maintenance signal (maintenance notification) broadcast by another repeater 10 via LoRa stores the AP list included in the received maintenance signal and broadcasts (i.e., forwards) the received maintenance signal as is a specified number of times at predetermined intervals (steps S106_2 to S108_2, etc.) if it has not received a maintenance signal with the same random number as the random number included in the maintenance signal within a certain time period. On the other hand, a repeater 10 that receives a maintenance signal broadcast by another repeater 10 via LoRa does not perform any processing if it has exited maintenance mode (entered standby mode) or has received a maintenance signal with the same random number within a certain time period.

[0073] The repeater 10 that has acquired the all AP list and transmitted its own AP list puts its own APs and STAs to sleep, creates a total AP list by combining its own AP list with the AP lists received and stored from other repeaters 10, ends the maintenance mode, and enters standby mode (steps S111_1, S111_2, S111_3, S111_8, etc.). Entering standby mode may mean turning off the maintenance history flag (setting it to “0”). The repeater 10 may determine that it has acquired the all AP list if a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the AP list was broadcast. Putting the repeater 10's APs and STAs to sleep may be performed after the peripheral search is completed and the AP list is created. Alternatively, if the number of all repeaters 10 in the network is known, the repeater 10 may determine that it has acquired the all AP list by receiving AP lists equal to the number minus 1 (excluding its own repeater 10).

[0074] Through the above series of processes, each relay 10 can share the same overall AP list, and can mutually recognize which relay 10 can communicate with which AP (and the communication quality).

[0075] <Processing during a call> Next, referring to Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, a process of the repeater 10 during a call will be described. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B are sequence diagrams showing an example of the operation of the repeater according to the present embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the information device 20_1 requests the AP of the repeater 10_1 to make a call addressed to the information device 20_3. The call request may be referred to as a data communication request.

[0076] The (STA of) the repeater 10_1 requested to make a call determines that it is in a busy state if the maintenance history flag is on, or if either the outgoing call history parameter or the incoming call history parameter is not 0 and HX (communication capacity) is equal to or greater than a threshold (upper capacity limit: HT), and responds busy to the information device 20_1 to end the process. The (STA of) the repeater 10_1 requested to make a call, if in a standby mode and not busy, broadcasts a call signal by LoRa a prescribed number of times (e.g., three times) at a predetermined interval (steps S201_1 to step S203_1), and after completing the broadcast transmission, sets the call history parameter to the original call history parameter value +HX (i.e., turns it on) and enters an incoming call waiting mode (a mode included in the outgoing / incoming call mode) (step S204_1). Here, the transmission data of the call signal transmitted by broadcast is composed of, for example, a value "2" indicating a call, a random number, (the last part of) the IP address of the transmitting information device 20 (in this case, information device 20_1), and (the last part of) the IP address of the destination information device 20 (in this case, information device 20_3) (for example, an example of the transmission data is "2,38376,101,103"). The value indicating a call may be a value other than "2". The call signal may be called a data communication request.

[0077] When the repeater 10 (STA) is in standby mode and receives a call signal broadcast by the repeater 10_1 via LoRa, if it has not received a call signal with the same random number as the random number included in the call signal within a certain time (e.g., 3 milliseconds) before, it broadcasts (i.e., forwards) the received call signal as it is at a predetermined interval a predetermined number of times (steps S201_2 to S203_3, etc.), and after completing the broadcast transmission, it sets the call history parameter to the original call history parameter value +HX and enters call waiting mode (steps S204_2, S204_3, S204_8, etc.). The repeater 10 (STA) checks whether an information device 20 having the destination IP address exists among the information devices 20 connected to the repeater 10. If present, the repeater 10 (repeater 10_8 in the example of FIG. 9A) broadcasts an incoming call signal by LoRa a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals (steps S205_8 to S207_8). Here, the transmission data of the broadcasted incoming call signal is composed of, for example, a value "3" indicating an incoming call, a random number, (the last part of) the IP address of the AP of the repeater 10 (called AP), (the last part of) the IP address of the destination information device 20 (called information device, information device 20_3 in the example of FIG. 9A), and (the last part of) the IP address of the originating (calling) information device 20 (information device 20_1 in the example of FIG. 9A) (for example, an example of the transmission data is "3, 12221, 82, 103, 101"). The value indicating the incoming call may be a value other than "3". In addition, the repeater 10 stores that the destination information device 20 is communicating. Therefore, the repeater 10 also starts up its own AP, sets the call history parameter to the original call history parameter value -HX (set to "0", i.e., off), sets the incoming call history parameter to the original incoming call history parameter value +HX, and enters the communication mode (step S208_8). At this time, the STA of the repeater 10 may remain in sleep mode.On the other hand, if a repeater 10 receives a call signal broadcast by repeater 10_1 via LoRa and is already in a call waiting mode or has received a call signal with the same random number within a certain time before, it does not perform any processing. Also, if a repeater 10 receives a call signal broadcast by another repeater 10 via LoRa and has not received the following call signal within a certain time (e.g., 5 seconds) after entering the call waiting mode, it sets the call history parameter to the original call history parameter value -HX (set to "0", i.e., turn it off).

[0078] When a repeater 10 receives a call signal broadcast by another repeater 10 via LoRa, if the repeater 10 has not received a call signal with the same random number as the random number included in the call signal within a certain time (e.g., 3 milliseconds) prior, it broadcasts (i.e., forwards) the received call signal as is for a specified number of times at a specified interval (steps S205_3 to S207_3, etc.), activates the AP and STA of the repeater 10, sets the call history parameter to the original call history parameter value -HX, and sets the incoming call history parameter to the original incoming call history parameter value +HX. On the other hand, when a repeater 10 receives a call signal broadcast by another repeater 10 via LoRa and has received a call signal with the same random number as the random number included in the call signal within a certain time prior, it does not perform any processing.

[0079] When the relay 10_1 to which the call is requested does not receive an incoming call signal within a predetermined time after entering the call waiting mode, the relay 10_1 terminates the communication as the called party is absent and sets the call history parameter to the original call history parameter value -HX. On the other hand, when the relay 10_1 to which the call is requested receives an incoming call signal within a predetermined time after entering the call waiting mode, the relay 10_1 broadcasts a connection destination table creation instruction signal at predetermined intervals and a predetermined number of times by LoRa, the connection destination table creation instruction signal including (the last part of) the IP address of the relay 10 (i.e., the relay 10_1) to which the calling information device 20 is connected and (the last part of) the "IP address of the called AP" included in the received incoming call signal. Then, the relay 10_1 (STA) to which the call is requested creates (calculates) an optimal route consisting of an optimal path to the called AP and a connection destination table to realize the optimal route based on the stored overall AP list. The creation (calculation) of the optimal route and the connection destination table to realize the optimal route will be described in detail in the following <Routing Determination Process>. The relay 10_1 activates the STA of the relay 10_1, connects the STA of the relay 10_1 to the first AP on the optimal route to the called AP, unicasts (transmits) a relay request signal by LoRa a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals, sets the incoming call history parameter to the original incoming call history parameter value +HX after the unicast notification, and enters a communication mode (step S208_1). Here, the transmission data of the relay request signal notified by unicast is composed of, for example, a value "4" indicating a relay request, (the last part of) the IP address of the AP of the relay 10_1, (the last part of) the IP address of the called AP, and (the last part of) the IP address of the called information device 20 (for example, an example of the transmission data is "4, 12, 82, 103"). The value indicating a relay request may be a value other than "4". Thereafter, the repeater 10_1 (STA) transmits a connection confirmation signal (e.g., "PING") to the called information equipment 20 in accordance with IEEE802.11ah (step S210_1), and upon receiving a response signal (step S211_8), determines that the establishment of the relay path has been completed and starts a call in accordance with IEEE802.11ah (step S212_1).Finally, when the call is finished, the repeater 10_1 (STA) broadcasts a call-end signal by LoRa a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals (steps S213_1 to S215_3), and after the broadcast transmission is completed, sets the incoming call history parameter to the original incoming call history parameter value -HX and enters a standby mode (step S216_1). At this time, the repeater 10_1 puts the STA and AP of the repeater 10_1 to sleep.

[0080] A repeater 10 that receives a connection destination table creation instruction signal broadcast by another repeater 10 via LoRa broadcasts (i.e., forwards) the received connection destination table creation instruction signal a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals, and similarly to the repeater 10_1, creates (calculates) an optimal route consisting of an optimal path to the called AP and a connection destination table for realizing the optimal route based on the stored overall AP list. Since the overall AP list is shared by all repeaters 10, the created (calculated) optimal route and connection destination table are the same as the optimal route and connection destination table created (calculated) by the repeater 10_1. If the AP of the repeater 10 is included as a connection destination in the connection destination table, the repeater 10 starts up the AP of the repeater 10 (if the AP of the repeater 10 is not included as a connection destination in the connection destination table, the repeater 10 keeps the AP of the repeater 10 in sleep mode).

[0081] A repeater 10 that receives a relay request signal unicast by another repeater 10 via LoRa activates the STA of that repeater 10, connects the STA of that repeater 10 to the next AP on the optimal route to the called AP, unicasts (transmits) the relay request signal via LoRa a specified number of times at a specified interval, and after the unicast notification, sets the call history parameter to the original call history parameter value +HX and enters communication mode (step S208_2, etc.).

[0082] The repeater 10 that receives the call end signal unicast by another repeater 10 by LoRa broadcasts (i.e., forwards) the received call end signal as it is at a predetermined interval a predetermined number of times (steps S213_2 to S215_2), and after completing the broadcast transmission, sets the incoming call history parameter to the original incoming call history parameter value -HX and enters a standby mode (steps S216_2, S216_8, etc.). At this time, the repeater 10 puts the STA and AP of the repeater 10 to sleep.

[0083] In this way, the relay device 10 that has been requested to relay can recognize the final AP (called AP), and by repeating the above process, a multi-hop path can be established. As a result, the calling information device 20 and the called information device 20 can communicate with each other. In the above example, paths are established sequentially by unicast notification when paths are established, but path connection may be instructed by multicast as in the case of calling and receiving calls, and only when the AP of the relay device 10 is included as a connection destination in the connection destination table, a path connection similar to that when a unicast notification is received in the above example may be established.

[0084] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a multi-hop path established in accordance with the operation example shown in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B. As shown in Fig. 10, the calling information device 20_1 and the called information device 20_3 can communicate with each other through the route of the repeater 10_1-repeater 10_2-repeater 10_5-repeater 10_8 in accordance with IEEE802.11ah.

[0085] <Processing when calls occur almost simultaneously> When a call is made using the above-described process and calls are made from two or more locations (two or more APs) at approximately the same time, depending on the relative positions, there may be multiple repeaters 10 with different call signals arriving first, and neither may be put into a busy state. This will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 11(a), it is assumed that repeaters 10_2 to 10_6 exist, and repeaters 10_2 and 10_6 make calls to repeaters 10_3 and 10_4 at approximately the same time (send call signal 1 and call signal 2, respectively). Then, due to the positional relationship shown in FIG. 11(a), call signal 1 may arrive at repeater 10_3 earlier than call signal 2, and call signal 2 may arrive at repeater 10_4 earlier than call signal 1 (call signal 1 may arrive at repeater 10_5 earlier than call signal 2). In this case, as shown in FIG. 11(b), since both repeaters 10_3 and 10_4 may send incoming call signals, it is possible that neither of them may be put into a busy state. In that case, there is no problem if the sum of the capacities of both calls does not exceed the maximum communication capacity. However, if the sum of the capacities of both calls exceeds the maximum communication capacity, both communications may be unable to communicate.

[0087] To avoid such a situation, if a first call request (or a first call signal) and a second call request (or a second call signal) occur within a certain period of time, the repeater 10 may determine that the data communication related to both the first call request and the second call request is in a busy state, meaning that neither can be performed. More specifically, the repeater 10 adds HX to the original call history parameter value, and if the value exceeds a threshold (HT) within a certain period of time from the first addition, the repeater 10 sets both to a busy state. Then, when the repeater 10 that originated the call request (sent the call signal) receives a notification of the busy state, it sets the time until the next call so that the time until the next call is random. This prevents the timing of the next call from overlapping. Furthermore, if the repeater 10 sets both to a busy state, it returns the call history parameters, the incoming call history parameters, etc. to their original values.

[0088] <Routing decision process> The routing determination process may be executed when the information device 20 requests a call (that is, as part of the process during the call described above). The routing determination process will be described below.

[0089] Each repeater 10 estimates the capacity (allowable communication speed, etc.) of each path based on the peripheral search results (measured communication quality) and assigns the estimated capacity to the path. Fig. 12A is a diagram showing an example of the capacity assigned to a path between repeaters 10. As described above, the peripheral search results are shared by all repeaters 10, so by using the same calculation formula, all repeaters 10 will estimate the same capacity for each path.

[0090] Each repeater 10 extracts all routes from the repeater 10 to which the information device 20 making the call is connected to the repeater 10 to which the information device 20 receiving the call is connected, and sets the critical path (the path with the smallest capacity) in each route as the capacity of that route. In the example shown in FIG. 12A, for example, in the route of repeater 10_1-repeater 10_2-repeater 10_3-repeater 10_8, the path between repeater 10_3 and repeater 10_8 is the critical path, so each repeater 10 sets the capacity of this route to 0.5 kbps. Table 1 shows some of the routes in the example shown in FIG. 12A, and the corresponding capacities and critical paths. In Table 1, the notation "repeater" is omitted. [Table 1]

[0091] Then, each repeater 10 selects or determines the path with the maximum capacity as the optimum path. In the example shown in Fig. 12A, each repeater 10 selects or determines the path of repeater 10_1-repeater 10_2-repeater 10_5-repeater 10_8 with the maximum capacity (150 kbps) as the optimum path.

[0092] In the above-described process, there may be a case where the maximum capacity is the same for multiple routes. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing another example of the capacity assigned to paths between relays 10, and in this example, the maximum capacity is the same for multiple routes. In this case, each relay 10 selects or determines, as the optimal route, the route with the smallest number of hops from among the multiple routes with the largest capacity. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, the capacity (150 kbps) set for the route (route 1) of relay 10_1-relay 10_2-relay 10_5-relay 10_8 and the capacity (150 kbps) set for the route (route 2) of relay 1-relay 10_4-relay 10_6-relay 10_7-relay 10_8 are the largest, but since route 1 has a smaller number of hops than route 2, each relay 10 selects or determines route 1 as the optimal route. Table 2 shows some of the routes among all the routes in the example shown in Fig. 12B, and the corresponding capacities and critical paths. In Table 2, the notation "repeater" is omitted. [Table 2]

[0093] In addition, if the number of hops is also the same, each relay device 10 may use a predetermined rule for selecting or determining the same optimal route, such as selecting or determining the route that is at the top of Table 2 as the optimal route.

[0094] <Modification of routing decision process> Furthermore, when adding a relay route between different transmitting information device 20 and receiving information device 20 during communication via a selected or determined optimum route (also called a relay route), there may be a case where the candidate relay routes (candidate relay routes) include the above-mentioned pattern of wireless connection not possible (STA of a certain relay device 10 connects to APs of multiple relay devices 10). In this case, each relay device 10 excludes relay routes including the pattern of wireless connection not possible from the candidate relay routes, and selects or determines the optimum route to be the relay route to be added.

[0095] Specifically, if a candidate relay route is independent of a selected or determined relay route, in other words, if the candidate relay route and the selected or determined relay route do not share a relay 10, the candidate relay route does not include a pattern in which wireless connection is not possible. On the other hand, if a relay 10 on an already active route exists on the candidate relay route, in other words, if the candidate relay route and the selected or determined relay route share a relay 10, the candidate relay route may include a pattern in which wireless connection is not possible.

[0096] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the candidate relay routes do not include a pattern in which wireless connection is not possible, according to the present embodiment.

[0097] The selected or determined relay route is assumed to be the route of (information device 20_1 (transmitting)-) repeater 10_1 (transmitting)-repeater 10_2-repeater 10_5-repeater 10_8 (receiving) (-information device 20_2 (receiving)) as shown in FIG. 13(a).

[0098] In this state, the information device 20_3 connected to the repeater 10_2 attempts to make a call to the information device 20_4 connected to the repeater 10_7, and the possible relay routes are (information device 20_3 (calling)-) repeater 10_2 (calling)-repeater 10_5-repeater 10_7 (calling) (-information device 20_4 (calling)).

[0099] As shown in Figure 13(b), the STA of relay 10_2 and the AP of relay 10_5, which are located along the candidate relay route, can be wirelessly connected (since this route is already connected in Figure 13(a), data will be superimposed on the same route).

[0100] Also, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the AP of the relay 10_5 and the STA of the relay 10_7, which are present along the candidate relay route, can be wirelessly connected to each other.

[0101] Therefore, each relay 10 can select or determine the route of (information device 20_3 (outgoing)-) relay 10_2 (outgoing)-relay 10_5-relay 10_7 (incoming) (-information device 20_4 (incoming)) as the relay route to be added.

[0102] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the candidate relay routes include a pattern in which wireless connection is not possible, according to the present embodiment.

[0103] In this example, the selected or determined relay route is assumed to be the route of (information device 20_1 (transmitting)-) repeater 10_1 (transmitting)-repeater 10_2-repeater 10_5-repeater 10_8 (receiving) (-information device 20_1 (receiving)) as shown in FIG. 14(a).

[0104] In this state, the information device 20_3 connected to the repeater 10_2 attempts to make a call to the information device 20_4 connected to the repeater 10_7, and the possible candidate relay routes are (information device 20_3 (calling)-) repeater 10_2 (calling)-repeater 10_3-repeater 10_5-repeater 10_7 (calling) (-information device 20_4 (calling)).

[0105] As shown in Figure 14(b), the AP of relay 10_2, which is located along the candidate relay route, and the STA of relay 10_3 can be wirelessly connected, but the STA of relay 10_3, which is located along the candidate relay route, and the AP of relay 10_5 cannot be wirelessly connected (because the STA of relay 10_3 will be connected to the APs of multiple relays).

[0106] Also, as shown in Figure 14(c), wireless connection is possible between the AP of relay 10_2 and the STA of relay 10_3, which are located along the candidate relay route, but wireless connection is not possible between the AP of relay 10_3 and the STA of relay 10_5, which are also located along the candidate relay route (because the STA of relay 10_5 would be connected to the APs of multiple relays).

[0107] In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the relay 10_3 and the relay 10_5 cannot be wirelessly connected to each other.

[0108] More generally, there are two patterns for the connection between repeater 10_i and repeater 10_k: a pattern in which the STA of repeater 10_i is connected to the AP of repeater 10_k, and a pattern in which the AP of repeater 10_i is connected to the STA of repeater 10_k. However, if either pattern is one of the above-mentioned patterns in which wireless connection is not possible, wireless connection between repeater 10_i and repeater 10_k is not possible.

[0109] Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 14, each relay 10 excludes the route of (information device 20_3 (transmitting)-) relay 10_2 (transmitting)-relay 10_3-relay 10_5-relay 10_7 (receiving) (-information device 20_4 (receiving)) which includes a pattern in which wireless connection is not possible from the candidate relay routes, and selects or determines the optimal route to be the relay route to be added.

[0110] <Call restrictions due to network capacity> The above <Routing Determination Process> has been described as an example in which one communication is executed in the wireless communication system 1. However, even if one communication is being executed, if there is a margin in the network capacity, the next call may be allowed and multiple communications may be executed.

[0111] Specifically, if the cumulative value of communication capacity (HX) does not exceed the upper capacity limit, i.e., threshold (HT), the next call is allowed. Note that communication capacity (HX) varies depending on the content of communication, as well as the communication path and direction, and the threshold (HT) varies depending on communication quality (it is large when communication quality is high (good) and small when communication quality is low (bad)).

[0112] The communication capacity (HX) may be, for example, as follows: One-way video communication: The capacity from the video sender to the video receiver is 150 kbps, and the capacity from the video receiver to the video sender (for ACK, etc.) is 1 kbps Two-way audio: 60kbps in either direction Data download: The capacity from the content holder to the download requester is as low as possible (best effort is sufficient (for example, if the capacity is small, download slowly and take time)), and the capacity from the download requester to the content holder (ACK, etc.) is 1 kbps

[0113] Next, examples of call restriction will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15D.

[0114] 15A is a diagram showing an example of the capacity upper limit of each path between relays according to the present embodiment. Each relay 10 initially relays data etc. via a path with a capacity upper limit (HT) shown in FIG. 15A.

[0115] 15B is a diagram showing an example of remaining capacity of each path between repeaters during video transmission according to the present embodiment. It is assumed that video transmission is performed through the route of information device 20_1-repeater 10_1 (video transmitting side)-repeater 10_2-repeater 10_5-repeater 10_8 (video receiving side)-information device 20_3 by the above-mentioned routing determination process.

[0116] Each repeater 10 calculates the remaining capacity (first remaining capacity) of each path between the repeaters 10 during video transmission by subtracting the communication capacity (HX) related to the video transmission from the capacity upper limit (HT). In the example shown in Fig. 15B, in the path between the repeater 10_1 and the repeater 10_2, the remaining capacity toward the video receiving side is 50 (=200-150) kbps, and the remaining capacity toward the video transmitting side is 199 (=200-1) kbps. Also, in the path between the repeater 10_2 and the repeater 10_5, the remaining capacity toward the video receiving side is 0 (=150-150) kbps, and the remaining capacity toward the video transmitting side is 149 (=150-1) kbps. Moreover, in the path between the repeater 10_5 and the repeater 10_8, the remaining capacity toward the video receiving side is 0 (=150-150) kbps, and the remaining capacity toward the video transmitting side is 149 (=150-1) kbps.

[0117] 15C is a diagram showing an example of remaining capacity of each path between repeaters during video transmission and two-way audio communication according to the present embodiment. It is assumed that, by the above-mentioned routing determination process, two-way audio communication is performed between the information device 20_4 connected to the repeater 10_4 and the information device 20_5 connected to the repeater 10_8 through a path of information device 20_4-repeater 10_4-repeater 10_6-repeater 10_7-repeater 10_8-information device 20_5.

[0118] Each repeater 10 calculates the remaining capacity (second remaining capacity) of each path between repeaters 10 during execution of video transmission and two-way audio communication by subtracting the communication capacity (HX) related to the first remaining capacity. In the example shown in Fig. 15C, in the path between repeater 10_4 and repeater 10_6, the second remaining capacity toward repeater 10_6 is 120 (=180-60) kbps, and the second remaining capacity toward repeater 10_4 is 120 (=180-60) kbps. Also, in the path between repeater 10_6 and repeater 10_7, the second remaining capacity toward repeater 10_7 is 90 (=150-60) kbps, and the second remaining capacity toward repeater 10_6 is 90 (=150-60) kbps. In addition, in the path between the repeater 10_7 and the repeater 10_8, the second remaining capacity toward the repeater 10_8 side is 40 (=100-60) kbps, and the second remaining capacity toward the repeater 10_7 side is 40 (=100-60) kbps.

[0119] Fig. 15D is a diagram showing an example of the remaining capacity of each path between repeaters when further two-way audio communication is performed according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 15D, in addition to the video transmission and two-way audio communication shown in Fig. 15C, it is assumed that further two-way audio communication is attempted to be performed between information device 20 connected to repeater 10_2 and information device 20 connected to repeater 10_7.

[0120] As an additional relay route between information device 20_6 connected to repeater 10_2 and information device 20_7 connected to repeater 10_7, a route of repeater 10_2-repeater 10_5-repeater 10_7 can be considered. However, for the path between repeater 10_2 and repeater 10_5, each repeater 10 calculates the remaining capacity (third remaining capacity) toward repeater 10_5 side as -60 (=0-60) kbps by subtracting the communication capacity (HX) for further two-way audio communication, and determines that the capacity is insufficient to perform further two-way audio communication. Note that if video transmission is not being performed, further two-way audio communication can be performed on this route.

[0121] Further, as additional relay routes between the information device 20_6 connected to the repeater 10_2 and the information device 20_7 connected to the repeater 10_7, the route of repeater 10_2-repeater 10_1-repeater 10_4-repeater 10_6-repeater 10_7, the route of repeater 10_2-repeater 10_3-repeater 10_8-repeater 10_7, etc. can be considered, but all of these routes have paths that cannot pass 60 kbps, and therefore have insufficient capacity to perform further two-way audio communication. Note that, in the path between the repeater 10_1 and the repeater 10_2, if the second remaining capacity toward the repeater 10_1 side is 60 kbps instead of 50 kbps, further two-way audio communication can be performed on the route of information device 20_6-repeater 10_2-repeater 10_1-repeater 10_4-repeater 10_6-repeater 10_7-information device 20_7.

[0122] Therefore, in the illustrated example, while video transmission and two-way audio communication are being performed, further two-way audio communication cannot be performed.

[0123] As described above, the repeater 10 (e.g., the antenna 101 and / or the LoRa radio 102) receives, via LoRa, a maintenance signal (AP list) that is broadcast in the wireless communication network 1 and associates one or more other repeaters 10 with communication qualities. The repeater 10 (e.g., the control unit (STA) 103 and / or the control unit (AP) 107) measures the communication qualities associated with one or more other repeaters 10. The repeater 10 determines a communication path to be used for data communication in the wireless communication network 1 and a destination repeater 10 included in the communication path based on the communication qualities of the maintenance signal and the measured communication qualities. The repeater 10 (e.g., the 11ah radio (STA) 104, the antenna (STA) 105, the 11ah radio (AP) 108 and / or the antenna (AP) 109) communicates data to be used for data communication with the destination repeater 10 using IEEE 802.11ah. This allows routing decision processing to be performed using LoRa, which has the aforementioned advantages, and data communication to be performed using the IEEE802.11ah standard, which also has the aforementioned advantages, so communication can be carried out appropriately.

[0124] <Modification> The various signals, such as the maintenance signal and the call signal, may have the same format. These signals may be distinguished by the value stored in a field indicating the signal type (maintenance instruction, maintenance notification, etc.) located at the beginning of the signal or at another position.

[0125] The control unit (STA) 103 and the control unit (AP) 107 may be integrated, and the integrated control unit (STA) 103 and the control unit (AP) 107 may execute the various processes or calculations described above.

[0126] <Summary of the embodiment> A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication device in a communication network including a plurality of communication devices, and includes: a first communication unit that receives a signal transmitted in the communication network that associates one or more first communication devices with a first communication quality; a control unit that measures one or more second communication qualities associated with the communication devices, and determines a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network and a destination communication device included in the relay route based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality; and a second communication unit that communicates data to be used for the data communication with the destination communication device.

[0127] In one example, the first communication unit receives the signal when no data communication is being performed in the communication network, and the control unit measures the second communication quality when no data communication is being performed in the communication network.

[0128] In one example, the control unit calculates a critical path for each of the candidate relay routes, and determines, from among the candidate relay routes, the candidate relay route that has the best communication quality of the critical path as the relay route.

[0129] In one example, if there are multiple candidate relay routes with the best communication quality of the critical path, the control unit determines the candidate relay route among the multiple candidate relay routes that includes the fewest number of communication devices as the relay route.

[0130] In one example, the control unit estimates a capacity between the communication devices based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality, and determines the relay route and the communication device to which the communication device is connected based on the capacity.

[0131] In one example, when one or more data communications are being performed in the communication network, the control unit determines the relay path and the communication device to which the communication device is connected based on the capacity and the capacity between the communication devices used for the one or more data communications.

[0132] In one example, the control unit determines the relay route and the destination communication device based on the capacity, the capacity between the communication devices used for the one or more data communications, and the communication direction of the one or more data communications.

[0133] In one example, the control unit determines that the communication network is in a busy state in which the data communication cannot be performed if there are only candidate relay routes in which any of the capacities between communication devices used for the one or more data communications exceeds the corresponding capacity.

[0134] In one example, when a first data communication request requesting a first data communication in the communication network and a second data communication request requesting a second data communication in the communication network occur within a certain period of time, the control unit determines that the communication network is in a busy state in which both the first data communication and the second data communication cannot be performed.

[0135] In one example, the first communication unit transfers the signal in the communication network.

[0136] In one example, the first communication unit repeatedly forwards the signal in the communication network.

[0137] In one example, when the first communication unit receives the signal multiple times, the first communication unit does not forward the signal received for the second time or later.

[0138] In one example, the first communication unit broadcasts the signal in the communication network.

[0139] In one example, the first communication unit receives the signal in a predetermined frequency band, and the second communication unit communicates data used for the data communication in the predetermined frequency band with the communication device to which it is connected.

[0140] In one example, the first communication unit receives the signal in accordance with the LoRa standard, and the second communication unit communicates data used in the data communication with the connected communication device in accordance with the IEEE802.11ah standard.

[0141] A communication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication system including a plurality of communication devices, each of which receives a signal transmitted in a communication network associating one or more first communication devices with a first communication quality, measures one or more second communication qualities associated with the communication device, and determines a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network and a destination communication device included in the relay route based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality, and communicates data to be used for the data communication between the communication device and the destination communication device.

[0142] A communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication device in a communication network including a plurality of communication devices receiving a signal transmitted in the communication network that associates one or more first communication devices with a first communication quality, measuring one or more second communication qualities associated with the communication devices, determining a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network and a destination communication device included in the relay route based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality, and communicating data to be used for the data communication with the destination communication device.

[0143] In the above-described embodiments, the notation "... part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry," "... assembly," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0144] The present disclosure can be realized in software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware.

[0145] Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0146] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0147] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility.

[0148] The present disclosure may be implemented in any type of apparatus, device, or system (collectively referred to as a communications apparatus) that has a communications function. The communications apparatus may include a wireless transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The wireless transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, or both functions. The wireless transceiver (transmitter and receiver) may include a radio frequency (RF) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or the like. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include telephones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, notebooks), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (e.g., digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, communication-enabled vehicles or mobile transportation (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), and combinations of the above devices.

[0149] Communications equipment is not limited to portable or mobile equipment, but also includes non-portable or fixed equipment, devices, and systems of any kind, such as smart home devices (such as appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or metering devices, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0150] Communications include data communications via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, communications satellite systems, etc., as well as data communications via combinations of these.

[0151] A communications apparatus also includes devices such as controllers and sensors connected or coupled to a communications device that performs the communications functions described in this disclosure, such as controllers and sensors that generate control and data signals used by the communications device to perform the communications functions of the communications apparatus.

[0152] The communication apparatus also includes infrastructure facilities, such as base stations, access points, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls the various apparatuses listed above, but are not limited to these.

[0153] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0154] Although specific examples of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. [Industrial Applicability]

[0155] An embodiment of the present disclosure is useful for a communication system or network capable of relaying data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1. Wireless communication systems 10, 10_1, 10_2, 10_3, 10_4, 10_5, 10_6, 10_7, 10_8 Repeater 20, 20_1, 20_2, 20_3, 20_4, 20_5, 20_6, 20_7 Information equipment 101 Antenna 102 LoRa Radio 103 Control Unit (STA) 104 11ah radio (STA) 105 Antenna (STA) 106 Switching Hub 107 Control Unit (AP) 108 11ah radio (AP) 109 Antenna (AP) 201 processor 202 memory 203 IP Interface 204 Modem Interface

Claims

1. A communication device in a communication network including a plurality of communication devices, a first communication unit that receives a signal that associates one or more first communication devices with a first communication quality, the signal being transmitted in the communication network; a control unit that measures one or more second communication qualities associated with the communication device, and determines a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network and a communication device to be connected to included in the relay route based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality; a second communication unit that communicates data used in the data communication with the communication device of the connection destination; A communication device comprising:

2. the first communication unit receives the signal when no data communication is being performed in the communication network; the control unit measures the second communication quality when no data communication is being performed in the communication network. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit calculates a critical path for each of the candidate relay routes, and determines, from among the candidate relay routes, a candidate relay route having the best communication quality of the critical path as the relay route. The communication device according to claim 1 .

4. When there are a plurality of candidate relay routes having the best communication quality of the critical path, the control unit determines, from among the plurality of candidate relay routes, the candidate relay route that includes the fewest number of communication devices as the relay route. The communication device according to claim 3 .

5. the control unit estimates a capacity between the communication devices based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality, and determines the relay path and the communication device to be connected based on the capacity. The communication device according to claim 1 .

6. When one or more data communications are being executed in the communication network, the control unit determines the relay route and the communication device to be connected to based on the capacity and a capacity between the communication devices used for the one or more data communications. The communication device according to claim 5 .

7. the control unit determines the relay route and the destination communication device based on the capacity, a capacity between the communication devices used for the one or more data communications, and a communication direction of the one or more data communications. The communication device according to claim 6.

8. the control unit determines that the communication network is in a busy state in which the data communication cannot be performed when there is only a candidate relay route in which any of the capacities between the communication devices used for the one or more data communications exceeds the corresponding capacity; The communication device according to claim 6.

9. the control unit determines that the communication network is in a busy state in which both the first data communication and the second data communication cannot be executed, when a first data communication request for a first data communication in the communication network and a second data communication request for a second data communication in the communication network occur within a certain period of time. The communication device according to claim 1 .

10. the first communication unit transfers the signal in the communication network; The communication device according to claim 1 .

11. the first communication unit repeatedly transfers the signal in the communication network; The communication device according to claim 10.

12. When the first communication unit receives the signal a plurality of times, the first communication unit does not forward the signal received for the second time or later. The communication device according to claim 10.

13. The first communication unit broadcasts and transfers the signal in the communication network. The communication device according to claim 10.

14. the first communication unit receives the signal in a predetermined frequency band; the second communication unit communicates data used for the data communication in the predetermined frequency band with the communication device of the connection destination; The communication device according to claim 1 .

15. the first communication unit receives the signal in accordance with the LoRa standard; The second communication unit communicates data used in the data communication with the destination communication device in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ah standard.

15. The communication device of claim 14.

16. A communication system including a plurality of communication devices, Each communication device receiving a signal that associates one or more first communication devices with a first communication quality, the signal being transmitted in a communication network; measuring one or more second communication qualities associated with the communication device; determining a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network and a communication device to be connected to included in the relay route based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality; communicating data used in the data communication with the communication device of the connection destination; Communication system.

17. A communication device in a communication network including a plurality of communication devices, receiving a signal that associates one or more first communication devices with a first communication quality, the signal being transmitted in the communication network; measuring one or more second communication qualities associated with the communication device; determining a relay route to be used for data communication in the communication network and a communication device to be connected to included in the relay route based on the first communication quality and the second communication quality; communicating data used in the data communication with the communication device of the connection destination; Communication method.

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