Relay device and control program

Abstract

To provide a relay device and a control program that can flexibly configure MLO in a wireless mesh network.SOLUTION: Wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C are relay devices that are compatible with wireless mesh network communication and MLO of the IEEE802.11 standard and include a processor 11. The processor 11 receives connection information for connection to other devices in wireless mesh network communication, and performs processing to acquire MLO configuration information, which is information for configuring MLO, when instruction information to configure MLO cannot be read from the received connection information or when the connection information cannot be received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay device and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of IoT (Internet of Things) devices has increased, and a network environment with stable communication within the home is desired. To address this, a network environment equipped with multiple wireless LAN repeaters has been constructed for wireless LANs (Local Area Networks) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0003] In addition, the Wi-Fi Alliance has established Wi-Fi EasyMesh (registered trademark), which has made it possible for products that comply with this standard to be interconnected regardless of manufacturer. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a network configured with access points that comply with the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard.

[0004] In addition, IEEE802.11be (Wi-Fi7) adds a new MLO (Multi Link Operation) function, allowing MLO-compatible devices to simultaneously transmit and receive data over multiple bands and channels, achieving higher speeds, lower latency, and higher reliability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-072544 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the current Wi-Fi EasyMesh does not define a method for sharing information about MLO, making it difficult to configure MLO in a wireless mesh network.

[0007] For example, manufacturers could implement their own protocols to share information about MLO, but this would result in problems such as interoperability with other manufacturers' devices that do not support the protocol, or interoperability with older models of the same manufacturer's devices. Even if manufacturers implement their own protocols, there is also the problem that if MLO is defined in Wi-Fi EasyMesh in the future, additional implementations will be required to comply with Wi-Fi EasyMesh.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a relay device and a control program that enable flexible configuration of MLOs in a wireless mesh network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The relay device of the present invention is a relay device that supports wireless mesh network communication and MLO of the IEEE802.11 standard and is equipped with a processor, wherein the processor receives connection information for connecting to other devices in the wireless mesh network communication, and when instruction information for configuring the MLO cannot be read from the received connection information or when the connection information cannot be received, performs processing to obtain MLO configuration information, which is information for configuring the MLO.

[0010] The control program of the present invention is a control program for a relay device that supports wireless mesh network communication and MLO of the IEEE802.11 standard and has a processor, and causes the processor to receive connection information for connecting to other devices in the wireless mesh network communication, and when instruction information for configuring the MLO cannot be read from the received connection information or when the connection information cannot be received, acquire MLO configuration information, which is information for configuring the MLO. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a relay device and a control program that enable flexible configuration of MLOs in a wireless mesh network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication network to which a relay device of the present invention is applied; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless LAN communication device 10. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication functions of each relay device in a wireless mesh network. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by an agent. [Figure 5] 1 is a first example of information included in a WSC M2 message. [Figure 6] 10 is a second example of information included in a WSC M2 message. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the wireless LAN repeater 10B. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the wireless LAN repeater 10C. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the configuration of an MLO in a wireless mesh network. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the configuration of an MLO in a wireless mesh network. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the configuration of an MLO in a wireless mesh network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment) <Communication network to which the relay device of the present invention is applied> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication network to which a relay device of the present invention is applied. The communication network 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a wireless LAN router 10A and wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C. The communication network 1 is a communication network that generates communication paths for multiple wireless devices in a wireless LAN, such as a wireless mesh network. One example of this wireless mesh network is a Wi-Fi EasyMesh network.

[0015] The wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C are connected to at least one of the other devices via wireless communication. Of the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C, for example, the wireless LAN router 10A is set as a controller of the wireless mesh network, and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C are set as agents of the wireless mesh network. These settings are made, for example, by a user. Alternatively, these settings may be made automatically by the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C operating autonomously. Each of the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C is an example of a "relay device" of the present invention.

[0016] The wireless LAN router 10A is connected to a network 2 via a communication cable. A gateway device (not shown) is connected between the wireless LAN router 10A and the network 2, and the wireless LAN router 10A is connected to the network 2 via the gateway device. The network 2 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

[0017] The wireless LAN router 10A functions as a router that relays communications between wireless devices connected to the wireless LAN router 10A and the network 2. A gateway device may be built into the wireless LAN router 10A. The wireless LAN router 10A also functions as a wireless LAN access point. The wireless LAN router 10A may also have functions such as a switching hub.

[0018] The wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C are each wirelessly connected directly or indirectly to the wireless LAN router 10A. The wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C are connected to the network 2 via the wireless LAN router 10A. Like the wireless LAN router 10A, the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C also have functions as a router and a wireless LAN access point.

[0019] A wireless terminal (e.g., a communication terminal 20) can be wirelessly connected to each of the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C. The communication terminal 20 is an information terminal that can perform wireless communication with the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C by connecting to the wireless LAN formed by the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the communication terminal 20 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0020] <Configuration of Wireless LAN Communication Device 10> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless LAN communication device 10. Each of the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C can be configured, for example, by the wireless LAN communication device 10 shown in Fig. 2. The wireless LAN communication device 10 is a wireless device that supports, for example, IEEE802.11be communication. The wireless LAN communication device 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary memory 13, communication wireless I / Fs 14a to 14c, a wired I / F (WAN) 15, and a wired I / F (LAN) 16.

[0021] The processor 11 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire wireless LAN communication device 10. The processor 11 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 11 may also be a circuit independent of the CPU as a module including a MAC (Media Access Control) / BB (BaseBand), or may be realized by combining multiple digital circuits.

[0022] The main memory 12 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory 12 is used as a work area for the processor 11. The auxiliary memory 13 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory. Various programs for operating the wireless LAN communication device 10 are stored in the auxiliary memory 13. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory 13 are loaded into the main memory 12 and executed by the processor 11.

[0023] The communication wireless I / Fs 14a to 14c are communication interfaces that perform wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C, communication terminal 20, etc.) based on, for example, the IEEE 802.11be standard. The communication wireless I / F 14a performs wireless communication using the 2.4 GHz band (frequency band). The communication wireless I / F 14b performs wireless communication using the 5 GHz band. The communication wireless I / F 14c performs wireless communication using the 6 GHz band. The wireless LAN communication device 10 is capable of multiple link over multiple bands (MLO) with wireless communication devices using the communication wireless I / Fs 14a to 14c. Note that, although the IEEE 802.11be standard will be described here as an example of a standard that allows MLO, other standards that allow MLO may also be applied. For example, a successor standard to the IEEE 802.11be standard within IEEE 802.11 may also be applied.

[0024] The wired I / F 15 is connected to a WAN such as the Internet and communicates with other communication devices via the WAN. The wired I / F 16 is connected to a LAN and communicates with other communication devices via the LAN.

[0025] The wireless LAN communication device 10 relays data communication between the wireless communication terminal and the WAN-side communication device by communicating with the wireless communication terminal via the communication wireless I / Fs 14a to 14c and communicating with the WAN-side communication device via the wired I / F 15. The wireless LAN communication device 10 also relays data communication between the LAN-side communication terminal and the WAN-side communication device by communicating with the LAN-side communication terminal via the wired I / F 16 and communicating with the WAN-side communication device via the wired I / F 15.

[0026] For example, the processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10A set as the controller generates communication paths for multiple wireless devices (e.g., the wireless LAN router 10A and wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C) in the wireless LAN. Generating communication paths means determining the relay source of each of the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C. The relay source is the other party with which the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C directly communicates wirelessly when communicating with network 2 (the communication partner that is one device closer to network 2 than the wireless LAN repeater itself).

[0027] The processor 11 of the wireless LAN router 10A also instructs the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C on their respective connection destinations (relay sources) and connection methods based on the generated communication paths. The connection method refers to the number of links, band, encryption method, encryption key, etc. used in wireless communication.

[0028] The wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C may be configured without the wired I / F 15.

[0029] <Communication functions of each relay device in a wireless mesh network> 3 is a diagram showing an example of communication functions of each relay device in a wireless mesh network. Here, the wireless mesh network is configured by a wireless LAN router 10A and wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C. As described above, the wireless LAN router 10A is set as the controller of the wireless mesh network, and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C are set as agents of the wireless mesh network.

[0030] The wireless LAN router 10A, which is a controller, operates as a backhaul AP 31 and a fronthaul AP 32. The wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C, which are agents, operate as a backhaul AP 31, a fronthaul AP 32, and a backhaul STA 33, respectively. The communication terminal 20 operates as a fronthaul STA 34.

[0031] The backhaul AP 31 functions as a communication node on the upstream side (controller side) of backhaul communication. Backhaul communication refers to communication between a controller and an agent, or communication between agents. The fronthaul AP 32 functions as a communication node on the upstream side of fronthaul communication. Fronthaul communication refers to communication between a controller and a communication terminal 20, or communication between an agent and a terminal.

[0032] The backhaul STA 33 functions as a communication node on the downstream side (terminal side) of backhaul communication, and the fronthaul STA 34 functions as a communication node on the downstream side (terminal side) of fronthaul communication.

[0033] 3, the relay source of wireless LAN repeater 10B is wireless LAN router 10A, and the relay source of wireless LAN repeater 10C is wireless LAN repeater 10B. Then, communication terminal 20 wirelessly connects to wireless LAN repeater 10C. In this case, communication terminal 20 performs data communication with network 2 via relays of wireless LAN repeater 10C, wireless LAN repeater 10B, and wireless LAN router 10A.

[0034] <Agent processing> 4 shows an example of processing by an agent. Here, it is assumed that the wireless LAN repeater 10B supports MLO of the IEEE802.11be standard. Also, it is assumed that the wireless LAN router 10A, which serves as the controller, generates routes for a wireless mesh network such as that shown in FIG. 3.

[0035] The wireless LAN repeater 10B, which is an agent, performs, for example, steps S11 to S19 when establishing a backhaul communication connection with its destination (relay source) (during on-boarding). This processing is performed, for example, by the backhaul STA 33 of the wireless LAN repeater 10B. The destination of the wireless LAN repeater 10B is the wireless LAN router 10A in the example of FIG. 3.

[0036] Specifically, the wireless LAN repeater 10B receives a beacon from its own connection destination (wireless LAN router 10A) (step S11). The beacon is connection information for connecting to the sender of the beacon (wireless LAN router 10A). The beacon includes a wireless IE (Information Element), which is wireless information for wireless communication. The wireless IE is an example of MLO configuration information, which is information for configuring an MLO.

[0037] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B determines whether the value of the predetermined information included in the wireless IE of the beacon received in step S11 is within a predetermined range (step S12). The predetermined information is, for example, the "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links" of the Multi-Link IE, and the predetermined range is, for example, a range of 1 or more. For example, in IEEE802.11be, the wireless IE of the beacon transmitted by the wireless LAN router 10A includes the Multi-Link IE, and the Multi-Link IE includes the "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links." This Multi-Link IE includes the "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links." If the wireless LAN router 10A does not support MLO, the value of the "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links" is 0. On the other hand, if the wireless LAN router 10A supports MLO, the value of the "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links" is 1 or more. For example, if the wireless LAN router 10A has enabled MLO with the number of links set to 2, the value of "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links" will be 2. If the wireless LAN router 10A has enabled MLO with the number of links set to 3, the value of "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links" will be 3.

[0038] In step S12, if the predetermined information included in the wireless IE of the beacon is not within the predetermined range (step S12: No), the wireless LAN repeater 10B proceeds to step S14. If the predetermined information included in the wireless IE of the beacon is within the predetermined range (step S12: Yes), the wireless LAN repeater 10B determines that the connection destination of the wireless LAN repeater 10B (wireless LAN router 10A) is an MLO-compatible device (step S13).

[0039] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B performs a single-band connection process with its destination (wireless LAN router 10A) (step S14). The single-band connection process is a connection process for performing communication using only one band (non-MLO communication). The connection process of step S14 is a connection process defined by, for example, IEEE802.11be, and includes, for example, sending and receiving ProbeRequest / ProbeResponse, AuthRequest / AuthResponse, and AssocRequest / AssocResponse, and key exchange processing (EAPOL: Extensible Authentication Protocol Over LAN).

[0040] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B performs EasyMesh connection processing with the controller (wireless LAN router 10A) (step S15). The EasyMesh connection processing is a connection processing for configuring a Wi-Fi EasyMesh wireless mesh network. The EasyMesh connection processing is, for example, a connection processing defined in Wi-Fi EasyMesh, and includes, for example, sending and receiving AutoconfigSearch / Response, WSC M1 message, and WSC M2 message.

[0041] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B disconnects the connection with the destination of its own device (wireless LAN router 10A) (step S16).

[0042] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B determines whether the connection destination of the wireless LAN repeater 10B has been determined to be an MLO-compatible device in step S13 (step S17). If the connection destination has not been determined to be an MLO-compatible device (step S17: No), the wireless LAN repeater 10B performs a non-MLO reconnection process with the connection destination of the wireless LAN repeater 10B (wireless LAN router 10A) (step S18). The connection process of step S17 is, for example, the same connection process as the connection process of step S14.

[0043] In step S17, if it is determined that the connection destination is an MLO-compatible device (step S17: Yes), the wireless LAN repeater 10B performs MLO reconnection processing with the connection destination of its own device (wireless LAN router 10A) (step S19). The MLO reconnection processing is connection processing for performing MLO communication. The connection processing in step S19 is connection processing similar to the connection processing in step S14, except that, for example, MLO is enabled.

[0044] Through the above process, the wireless LAN repeater 10B can establish a backhaul communication connection with its destination (wireless LAN router 10A). Also, if the destination is an MLO-compatible device, the wireless LAN repeater 10B can establish a backhaul communication connection with the destination using MLO.

[0045] In this case, even if the connected device is an MLO-compatible device, the wireless LAN repeater 10B first performs a one-band connection process without configuring MLO, performs an EasyMesh connection process, and then disconnects the connection and performs a reconnection process using MLO, thereby enabling MLO to be configured in the wireless mesh network in accordance with the current IEEE802.11be and Wi-Fi EasyMesh specifications.

[0046] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B performs the processes of steps S20 to S23 in order to activate a fronthaul to which the communication terminal 20 can be connected. This process is performed by, for example, the fronthaul AP 32 of the wireless LAN repeater 10B.

[0047] Specifically, the WSC M2 message that the wireless LAN repeater 10B receives from the destination (wireless LAN router 10A) in the EasyMesh connection process in step S15 includes an ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier), which is an identifier of the network that the wireless LAN repeater 10B should use. The ESSID is a type of SSID (Service Set Identifier). The WSC M2 message is an example of a predetermined message for mesh connection. The ESSID included in the WSC M2 message is another example of MLO configuration information.

[0048] The wireless LAN repeater 10B estimates the group of the MLO based on the ESSID specified in the received WSC M2 message (step S20). For example, the wireless LAN repeater 10B estimates that, among the ESSIDs specified in the WSC M2 message, multiple ESSIDs with the same value belong to the group of the MLO. The fact that the values ​​of multiple ESSIDs specified in the WSC M2 message are the same is an example of information included in the WSC M2 message satisfying a predetermined condition. A specific example of the estimation of the group of the MLO in step S20 will be described later (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0049] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B determines whether the MLO group has been estimated in step S20 (step S21). If the MLO group has not been estimated (step S21: No), the wireless LAN repeater 10B activates a fronthaul without MLO (step S22) and ends the series of processes. In this case, the communication terminal 20 becomes able to connect to the wireless LAN repeater 10B without MLO. The process of activating a fronthaul (enabling the communication terminal 20 to connect) is an example of a process of providing wireless communication.

[0050] In step S21, if an MLO group is estimated (step S21: Yes), the wireless LAN repeater 10B enables MLO for the multiple ESSIDs estimated as the MLO group, activates the fronthaul (step S23), and ends the series of processes. In this case, the communication terminal 20 can connect to the wireless LAN repeater 10B via MLO.

[0051] In step S23, if there is an ESSID among the ESSIDs specified in the WSC M2 message that has not been estimated as part of an MLO group, the wireless LAN repeater 10B activates a fronthaul with MLO disabled for that ESSID, separate from the fronthaul with MLO enabled.

[0052] Through the above processing, the wireless LAN repeater 10B can activate a fronthaul to which the communication terminal 20 can be connected. Furthermore, if the ESSID is estimated to be in an MLO group, the wireless LAN repeater 10B can activate a fronthaul with MLO enabled.

[0053] 4, the processing by the wireless LAN repeater 10B is explained, but the processing by the wireless LAN repeater 10C, which is also an agent, is similar. However, the connection destination (relay source) of the wireless LAN repeater 10C is the wireless LAN repeater 10B.

[0054] <Processing of backhaul AP31 of wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C> Also, in Figure 4, we have explained the processing by the backhaul STA33 and fronthaul AP32 of the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C, but the backhaul AP31 of the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C always enables MLO for backhaul communication (a state in which connection via MLO is possible) regardless of instructions from the controller, etc.

[0055] <Processing of the backhaul AP31 and fronthaul AP32 of the wireless LAN router 10A> The backhaul AP 31 of the wireless LAN router 10A, which is a controller, always enables the MLO of backhaul communication (backhaul AP 31) (the state where connection in MLO is possible). Similarly, the fronthaul AP 32 of the wireless LAN router 10A, which is a controller, always enables the MLO of fronthaul communication.

[0056] <Estimation of MLO Group Based on ESSID> The estimation of the MLO group based on the ESSID specified in the WSC M2 message in step S20 of FIG. 4 will be described.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a first example of the information included in the WSC M2 message. When the wireless LAN router 10A, which is a controller, is not compatible with MLO, or when the wireless LAN router 10A is compatible with MLO but does not instruct the agent to use MLO with a proprietary protocol or the like for the wireless LAN repeater 10B, the WSC M2 message transmitted from the wireless LAN router 10A to the wireless LAN repeater 10B includes, for example, the SSID information 51 shown in FIG. 5.

[0058] "2.4GHz SSID Buffalo-XXXX-2G WPA2 key: aaaaaaaa" in the SSID information 51 indicates that in the 2.4GHz frequency band, "Buffalo-XXXX-2G" is used as the ESSID, "WPA2" is used as the encryption method, and "aaaaaaaa" is used as the encryption key.

[0059] "5GHz SSID Buffalo-XXXX-5G WPA2 key: bbbbbbbb" in the SSID information 51 indicates that in the 5GHz frequency band, "Buffalo-XXXX-5G" is used as the ESSID, "WPA2" is used as the encryption method, and "bbbbbbbb" is used as the encryption key.

[0060] The SSID information 51 "6GHz SSID Buffalo-XXXX-6G WPA3 key:cccccccc" indicates that the ESSID is "Buffalo-XXXX-6G", the encryption method is "WPA3", and the encryption key is "cccccccc".

[0061] In the example of the SSID information 51, three different ESSIDs are specified, corresponding to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, respectively. In this case, the wireless LAN repeater 10B determines that there is no MLO group because the three ESSIDs are different from each other, and sets the fronthaul communication to non-MLO.

[0062] 6 shows a second example of information included in the WSC M2 message. When the wireless LAN router 10A, which is the controller, supports MLO and instructs the wireless LAN repeater 10B to use MLO using a proprietary protocol or the like, the WSC M2 message transmitted from the wireless LAN router 10A to the wireless LAN repeater 10B includes, for example, SSID information 52 shown in FIG.

[0063] The SSID information 52, "2.4GHz SSID Buffalo-2G-XXXX-WPA3 WPA2 key:aaaaaaaa," indicates that the ESSID is "Buffalo-2G-XXXX-WPA3," the encryption method is "WPA2," and the encryption key is "aaaaaaaa."

[0064] The SSID information 52, "5GHz SSID Buffalo-XXXX-WPA3 WPA3 key:dddddddd," indicates that the ESSID is "Buffalo-XXXX-WPA3," the encryption method is "WPA3," and the encryption key is "dddddddd."

[0065] The SSID information 52, "6GHz SSID Buffalo-XXXX-WPA3 WPA3 key:dddddddd," indicates that the ESSID is "Buffalo-XXXX-WPA3," the encryption method is "WPA3," and the encryption key is "dddddddd."

[0066] In the example of SSID information 52, three ESSIDs are specified, corresponding to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, and the ESSIDs for 5 GHz and 6 GHz are the same, "Buffalo-XXXX-WPA3." This is because IEEE802.11be stipulates that each link belonging to the same MLO group must have the same ESSID, encryption method, and encryption key.

[0067] In this case, the wireless LAN repeater 10B determines that the 5 GHz and 6 GHz ESSIDs belong to the MLO group, and sets the 5 GHz and 6 GHz fronthaul communications to MLO using "Buffalo-XXXX-WPA3" as the ESSID, "WPA3" as the encryption method, and "dddddddd" as the encryption key. On the other hand, the wireless LAN repeater 10B determines that the 2.4 GHz ESSID is not in the MLO group, and sets the 2.4 GHz fronthaul communications to non-MLO.

[0068] In this way, when the WSC M2 message received from the wireless LAN router 10A, which is the controller, contains the same ESSID, the wireless LAN repeater 10B configures an MLO for those ESSIDs and activates the fronthaul (provides wireless).

[0069] Furthermore, the wireless LAN repeater 10B may use the same ESSIDs included in the WSC M2 message and the same encryption method specified in the WSC M2 message for those ESSIDs as a group of MLOs as a condition for estimating those ESSIDs to be part of an MLO (forming an MLO), which allows for more accurate estimation of the MLO group.

[0070] Furthermore, the wireless LAN repeater 10B may use the same encryption key specified in the WSC M2 message for the ESSIDs as a condition for estimating that the ESSIDs belong to an MLO group (that constitutes an MLO) in addition to the ESSIDs included in the WSC M2 message being the same. This allows for more accurate estimation of the MLO group.

[0071] Furthermore, the wireless LAN repeater 10B may use the same ESSIDs included in the WSC M2 message and the same encryption method and encryption key specified in the WSC M2 message for those ESSIDs as a condition for estimating that those ESSIDs belong to an MLO group (to form an MLO), in order to more accurately estimate the MLO group.

[0072] The estimation of the group of MLOs based on the ESSID in the wireless LAN repeater 10B has been described, but the estimation of the group of MLOs based on the ESSID in the wireless LAN repeater 10C is similar.

[0073] <Operation of Wireless LAN Repeater 10B> Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the wireless LAN repeater 10B. When the wireless LAN repeater 10B establishes a connection for backhaul communication with the wireless LAN router 10A and provides fronthaul communication, for example, the operation shown in Fig. 7 is performed. In this example, it is assumed that both the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeater 10B are MLO-compatible.

[0074] The wireless LAN router 10A has enabled MLO with the number of links set to 3, and repeatedly transmits a beacon by radio in which the value of "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links" in the Multi-Link IE is set to 3 (step S31). In response to this, the wireless LAN repeater 10B receives the beacon from the wireless LAN router 10A, and determines that the wireless LAN router 10A is MLO-compatible because the value of "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links" in the Multi-Link IE of the received beacon is 3 (step S32).

[0075] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B performs the above-mentioned 1-band connection process with the wireless LAN router 10A (step S33). Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B performs the above-mentioned EasyMesh connection process with the wireless LAN router 10A (step S34).

[0076] Next, since the wireless LAN repeater 10B determines in step S32 that the wireless LAN router 10A is MLO-compatible, it temporarily disconnects the connection with the wireless LAN router 10A (step S35). Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B performs a process to reconnect with the wireless LAN router 10A using MLO (step S36). As a result, a backhaul communication connection between the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeater 10B is established using MLO.

[0077] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B estimates the group of the MLO based on the ESSID of the WSC M2 message received in the EasyMesh connection process of step S34 (step S37). Here, it is assumed that the group of the MLO is estimated from the ESSID of the WSC M2 message.

[0078] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10B enables MLO for the multiple ESSIDs estimated as the MLO group and activates the fronthaul (step S38), thereby completing the series of processes. This allows the communication terminal 20 to connect to the wireless LAN repeater 10B via MLO.

[0079] <Operation of Wireless LAN Repeater 10C> Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the wireless LAN repeater 10C. When the wireless LAN repeater 10C establishes a connection for backhaul communication with the wireless LAN repeater 10B and provides fronthaul communication, for example, the operation shown in Fig. 8 is performed. In this example, it is assumed that the wireless LAN repeater 10C, in addition to the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeater 10B, is also MLO-compatible.

[0080] The wireless LAN repeater 10B has enabled MLO with the number of links set to 3, and repeatedly transmits a beacon by radio in which the value of "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links" in the Multi-Link IE is set to 3 (step S41). In response to this, the wireless LAN repeater 10C receives the beacon from the wireless LAN repeater 10B, and determines that the wireless LAN repeater 10B is MLO-compatible because the value of "Maximum_Number of Simultaneous Links" in the Multi-Link IE of the received beacon is 3 (step S42).

[0081] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10C performs the above-mentioned 1-band connection process with the wireless LAN repeater 10B (step S43). Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10C performs the above-mentioned EasyMesh connection process with the wireless LAN router 10A, which is the controller (step S44). The communication between the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeater 10C in this EasyMesh connection process may be communication via the wireless LAN repeater 10B, or communication without via the wireless LAN repeater 10B.

[0082] Next, since the wireless LAN repeater 10C determines in step S42 that the wireless LAN repeater 10B is MLO-compatible, the wireless LAN repeater 10C temporarily disconnects the connection with the wireless LAN repeater 10B (step S45). Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10C performs a reconnection process with the wireless LAN repeater 10B using MLO (step S46). As a result, a backhaul communication connection between the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10B is established using MLO.

[0083] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10C estimates the group of the MLO based on the ESSID of the WSC M2 message in the EasyMesh connection process of step S44 (step S47). Here, it is assumed that the group of the MLO is estimated from the ESSID of the WSC M2 message.

[0084] Next, the wireless LAN repeater 10C enables MLO for the multiple ESSIDs estimated as the MLO group and activates the fronthaul (step S48), thereby completing the series of processes. This allows the communication terminal 20 to connect to the wireless LAN repeater 10C via MLO.

[0085] 7 and 8, a wireless mesh network of the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C is configured. When the communication terminal 20 connects to the wireless LAN repeater 10C in the wireless mesh network, the state shown in Fig. 3 is achieved, for example. That is, the communication terminal 20 performs data communication with the network 2 via relays from the wireless LAN repeater 10C, the wireless LAN repeater 10B, and the wireless LAN router 10A.

[0086] <Example of MLO configuration in wireless mesh network> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of an MLO configuration in a wireless mesh network. In the example of Fig. 9, it is assumed that a wireless LAN router 10A, which is a controller, wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C, which are agents, and a communication terminal 20 are compatible with the MLO of the IEEE802.11be standard.

[0087] First, we will explain the use of MLO in backhaul communication. In Wi-Fi EasyMesh, backhaul communication connections are managed by a controller (e.g., wireless LAN router 10A). However, because the current Wi-Fi EasyMesh protocol does not define MLO, the controller (e.g., wireless LAN router 10A) does not explicitly instruct the agent to use MLO for backhaul communication. Alternatively, the controller (e.g., wireless LAN router 10A) could explicitly instruct the agent to use MLO for backhaul communication through a proprietary protocol extension, but agents that do not support the proprietary protocol extension would not be able to read this instruction.

[0088] In response to this, when establishing a connection with the wireless LAN router 10A, the wireless LAN repeater 10B uses the wireless IE included in the beacon from the wireless LAN router 10A as MLO configuration information to autonomously determine whether the wireless LAN router 10A supports MLO. Then, based on this determination result, the wireless LAN repeater 10B connects to the wireless LAN router 10A via MLO. The process of connecting via MLO is an example of the process of configuring MLO.

[0089] Similarly, when establishing a connection with the wireless LAN repeater 10B, the wireless LAN repeater 10C uses the wireless IE included in the beacon from the wireless LAN repeater 10B as MLO configuration information to autonomously determine that the wireless LAN repeater 10B supports MLO. Then, based on the determination result, the wireless LAN repeater 10C connects to the wireless LAN repeater 10B via MLO.

[0090] In this way, even if the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C are not explicitly instructed to use MLO for backhaul communication or cannot read the instruction to use MLO for backhaul communication, if the wireless IE included in the beacon from the destination contains predetermined information (e.g., Multi-Link IE), they determine that the destination supports MLO and connect to the destination using MLO. This allows for flexible configuration of MLO in a wireless mesh network.

[0091] Furthermore, because the controller (wireless LAN router 10A) does not need to instruct the use of MLO for backhaul communication, additional implementation on the controller side is not required. Furthermore, data transmission using MLO is possible even in a wireless mesh network that uses a wireless LAN router that supports MLO but does not support MLO for Wi-Fi EasyMesh as a controller. Furthermore, data transmission using MLO is also possible in a wireless mesh network that uses a wireless LAN router that supports MLO for Wi-Fi EasyMesh using a proprietary protocol as a controller, but includes agents that do not support that proprietary protocol.

[0092] Next, we will explain the use of MLO in fronthaul communication. In Wi-Fi EasyMesh, fronthaul communication connections are managed by a controller (e.g., wireless LAN router 10A). However, because the current Wi-Fi EasyMesh protocol does not have a definition for MLO, the controller (e.g., wireless LAN router 10A) does not explicitly instruct the agent to use MLO for fronthaul communication. Alternatively, the controller (e.g., wireless LAN router 10A) could explicitly instruct the agent to use MLO for fronthaul communication through a proprietary protocol extension, but agents that do not support the proprietary protocol extension would not be able to read this instruction.

[0093] In response to this, when the wireless LAN repeater 10B activates the fronthaul (starts providing wireless communication to the communication terminal 20), it enables MLO for the fronthaul communication (configures MLO) based on the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message from the controller (wireless LAN router 10A).

[0094] Similarly, when activating the fronthaul, the wireless LAN repeater 10C enables MLO for the fronthaul communication based on the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message from the controller (wireless LAN router 10A).

[0095] In this way, even if the WLAN repeaters 10B and 10C are not explicitly instructed to use MLO for fronthaul communication or cannot read an instruction to use MLO for fronthaul communication, they enable MLO for fronthaul communication by using the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message from the controller as MLO configuration information. This allows for flexible configuration of MLO in a wireless mesh network.

[0096] Furthermore, since the controller (wireless LAN router 10A) does not need to instruct the use of MLO for fronthaul communication, additional implementation on the controller side is not required. Furthermore, even in a wireless mesh network using a wireless LAN router that supports MLO but does not support MLO for Wi-Fi EasyMesh as a controller, data transmission using MLO becomes possible. Furthermore, even in a wireless mesh network using a wireless LAN router that supports MLO for Wi-Fi EasyMesh using a proprietary protocol as a controller but includes agents that do not support the proprietary protocol, data transmission using MLO becomes possible. Furthermore, even in a wireless mesh network using a wireless LAN router that does not support MLO as a controller, data transmission using MLO becomes possible between the agents and the communication terminals 20.

[0097] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of an MLO configuration in a wireless mesh network. In the example of Fig. 10, it is assumed that a wireless LAN router 10A, which is a controller, wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C, which are agents, and a communication terminal 20 are compatible with the MLO of the IEEE802.11be standard.

[0098] First, backhaul communication will be explained. It is assumed that wireless LAN router 10A, which is the controller, instructs the agent to use MLO for backhaul communication using a proprietary protocol. It is also assumed that wireless LAN repeater 10B supports this proprietary protocol and can read the instruction from wireless LAN router 10A, while wireless LAN repeater 10C does not support this proprietary protocol and cannot read the instruction from wireless LAN router 10A.

[0099] In this case, the wireless LAN repeater 10B reads the explicit instruction from the wireless LAN router 10A using its own protocol and enables MLO for backhaul communication. In response, the wireless LAN repeater 10C uses the wireless IE included in the beacon from the wireless LAN repeater 10B as MLO configuration information to connect to the wireless LAN repeater 10B via MLO. This allows for flexible configuration of MLO in the wireless mesh network.

[0100] Next, we will explain fronthaul communication. It is assumed that the wireless LAN router 10A, which is the controller, instructs the agent to use MLO for fronthaul communication using a proprietary protocol. It is also assumed that the wireless LAN repeater 10B supports this proprietary protocol and can read the instruction from the wireless LAN router 10A, while the wireless LAN repeater 10C does not support this proprietary protocol and cannot read the instruction from the wireless LAN router 10A.

[0101] In this case, the wireless LAN repeater 10B reads the explicit instruction from the wireless LAN router 10A using its own protocol and enables MLO for the fronthaul communication. Meanwhile, the wireless LAN repeater 10C uses the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message from the wireless LAN router 10A as MLO configuration information to enable MLO for the fronthaul communication. This allows for flexible configuration of MLO in the wireless mesh network.

[0102] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of an MLO configuration in a wireless mesh network. In the example of Fig. 11, it is assumed that the wireless LAN router 10A, which is the controller, does not support MLO, and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C, which are agents, and the communication terminal 20 support MLO of the IEEE802.11be standard.

[0103] First, backhaul communication will be described. Because the wireless LAN router 10A does not support MLO, backhaul communication between the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeater 10B is non-MLO communication. Also, because the wireless LAN router 10A does not support MLO, it does not instruct the agent to use MLO for backhaul communication. In response to this, the wireless LAN repeater 10C uses the wireless IE included in the beacon from the wireless LAN repeater 10B as MLO configuration information, as described above, to connect to the wireless LAN repeater 10B via MLO. This allows for flexible configuration of MLO in the wireless mesh network.

[0104] Next, fronthaul communication will be described. Because the wireless LAN router 10A does not support MLO, the fronthaul communication provided by the wireless LAN router 10A is non-MLO communication. Furthermore, because the wireless LAN router 10A does not support MLO, it does not instruct the agent to use MLO for fronthaul communication. In response to this, the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C use the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message from the wireless LAN router 10A as MLO configuration information, as described above, and enable MLO for fronthaul communication when an MLO group is estimated. This allows for flexible configuration of MLO in a wireless mesh network.

[0105] (Variation 1) We have described a configuration that enables both MLO in backhaul communication based on the wireless IE included in the beacon and MLO in fronthaul communication based on the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message, but it may also be configured to only do one of these.

[0106] When MLO is enabled in fronthaul communication based on the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message, out of enabling MLO in backhaul communication based on the wireless IE included in the beacon and enabling MLO in fronthaul communication based on the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message, the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C may be wired. For example, in the example of FIG. 11, the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C are wiredly connected via the wired I / F 15 shown in FIG. 2. That is, the backhaul is configured using a wired connection. Even in this configuration, each of the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C can enable MLO in fronthaul communication based on the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message from the wireless LAN router 10A. Therefore, for example, the communication terminal 20 can transmit data via MLO between the wireless LAN repeater 10B and the wireless LAN repeater 10C. Generally, the communication speed of a wired connection is higher than the communication speed of a non-MLO connection, so the benefits of increased speed can be more effectively enjoyed when MLO is configured downstream (for example, in communication between the wireless LAN repeater 10C and the communication terminal 20).

[0107] In the example of Figure 11, the wireless LAN router 10A does not support MLO, but even in a configuration in which the wireless LAN router 10A supports MLO, each of the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C can similarly enable MLO in fronthaul communication based on the ESSID included in the WSC M2 message from the wireless LAN router 10A.

[0108] Furthermore, even in a configuration in which the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C are connected by wire, there may be cases in which the communication speed of MLO, for example, when the number of links is 3, is higher than the communication speed of wired communication. In such cases, the wireless LAN router 10A and the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C may be configured to form a backhaul using MLO instead of a wired connection.

[0109] (Variation 2) Although the above description has been given of enabling MLO in backhaul communication based on the wireless IE included in the beacon, for example, MLO information included in the ProbeResponse transmitted from the destination in the connection process of step S14 in Fig. 4 may be used instead of the wireless IE included in the beacon. That is, when the ProbeResponse transmitted from the destination wireless LAN router 10A contains information that would be stored if the wireless LAN router 10A supports MLO, the wireless LAN repeater 10B determines that the wireless LAN router 10A supports MLO. Similarly, when the ProbeResponse transmitted from the destination wireless LAN repeater 10B contains information that would be stored if the wireless LAN repeater 10B supports MLO, the wireless LAN repeater 10C determines that the wireless LAN repeater 10B supports MLO.

[0110] (Variation 3) Although the wireless LAN repeaters 10B and 10C have been described as specific examples of the "relay device" of the present invention, the "relay device" of the present invention is not limited to these and can be any type of device capable of constructing a wireless mesh network.

[0111] (About the control program) The control method described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared control program on a computer. The control program is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The control program may be provided in a form stored on a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the control program may be included in a relay device, or may be included in an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer that can communicate with the relay device, or may be included in a server device that can communicate with the relay device and the electronic device.

[0112] As described above, the present specification discloses the following:

[0113] The disclosed relay device is compatible with wireless mesh network communication and the MLO of the IEEE802.11 standard, and is equipped with a processor, wherein the processor receives connection information for connecting to other devices in the wireless mesh network communication, and when instruction information for configuring the MLO cannot be read from the received connection information, or when the connection information cannot be received, performs processing to obtain MLO configuration information, which is information for configuring the MLO.

[0114] In the disclosed relay device, the processor performs processing to configure the MLO using the acquired MLO configuration information.

[0115] The disclosed relay device is configured such that the MLO configuration information includes radio information contained in a beacon transmitted by the other device, and the processor performs processing to configure and connect the MLO to the other device when predetermined information regarding the MLO is included in the radio information.

[0116] The disclosed relay device is one in which the processor connects to the other device without configuring the MLO based on the received connection information, and then configures the MLO for the other device based on the MLO configuration information and reconnects.

[0117] The disclosed repeater device is one in which the connection to the other device is a backhaul link.

[0118] The disclosed relay device is configured such that the MLO configuration information includes information contained in a specified message sent from a controller in a wireless mesh network, and the processor performs processing to configure the MLO for the other device and provide wireless communication when the information contained in the specified message satisfies specified conditions.

[0119] The disclosed relay device is configured such that the specified message includes the SSID of the network formed by the relay device, and the processor configures the MLO and provides wireless communication when the specified message includes the same multiple SSIDs.

[0120] In the disclosed relay device, the processor performs processing to configure the MLO and provide wireless communication in frequency bands corresponding to the plurality of SSIDs indicated by the predetermined message.

[0121] In the disclosed relay device, the processor determines whether to configure the MLO and provide wireless communication depending on whether at least one of the encryption method corresponding to the multiple SSIDs and the encryption key corresponding to the multiple SSIDs indicated in the specified message is the same.

[0122] The disclosed relay device is one in which the wireless mesh network communication is communication defined by Wi-Fi EasyMesh.

[0123] The disclosed control program is a control program for a relay device that supports wireless mesh network communication and MLO of the IEEE802.11 standard and has a processor, and causes the processor to receive connection information for connecting to other devices in the wireless mesh network communication, and when instruction information for configuring the MLO cannot be read from the received connection information or when the connection information cannot be received, to execute a process of acquiring MLO configuration information, which is information for configuring the MLO. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Communication Network 2 Network 10 Wireless LAN communication device 10A Wireless LAN Router 10B, 10C Wireless LAN Repeater 11 processors 12. Main memory 13 Auxiliary Memory 14a~14c Wireless I / F for communication 15,16 Wired I / F 20. Communication terminals 31 Backhaul APs 32 Fronthaul APs 33 Backhaul STA 34 Front Hall STA 51,52 SSID information

Claims

1. A relay device that supports wireless mesh network communication and MLO of the IEEE 802.11 standard and includes a processor, The processor: receiving connection information for connecting to another device in the wireless mesh network communication; When instruction information to configure the MLO cannot be read from the received connection information, or when the connection information cannot be received, obtain MLO configuration information, which is information for configuring the MLO. A relay device that performs processing.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, the processor performs a process of configuring the MLO using the acquired MLO configuration information. Relay device.

3. The relay device according to claim 1, the MLO configuration information includes radio information included in a beacon transmitted by the other device; the processor performs a process of configuring and connecting the MLO to the other device when predetermined information related to the MLO is included in the wireless information; Relay device.

4. The relay device according to claim 3, the processor performs a process of connecting to the other device without configuring the MLO based on the received connection information, and then configuring the MLO for the other device based on the MLO configuration information and reconnecting to the other device. Relay device.

5. The relay device according to claim 4, the connection to the other device is a backhaul link; Relay device.

6. The relay device according to claim 1, The MLO configuration information includes information included in a predetermined message transmitted from a controller in the wireless mesh network; the processor performs a process of configuring the MLO for the other device and providing wireless communication when information included in the predetermined message satisfies a predetermined condition; Relay device.

7. The relay device according to claim 6, the predetermined message includes an SSID of a network formed by the relay device, The processor performs a process of configuring the MLO and providing wireless when the same multiple SSIDs are included in the predetermined message. Relay device.

8. The relay device according to claim 7, the processor performs processing to configure the MLO and provide wireless communication in frequency bands corresponding to the plurality of SSIDs indicated by the predetermined message; Relay device.

9. The relay device according to claim 8, the processor determines whether to configure the MLO and provide wireless communication depending on whether at least one of the encryption methods corresponding to the plurality of SSIDs and the encryption keys corresponding to the plurality of SSIDs indicated in the predetermined message is the same; Relay device.

10. 10. The relay device according to claim 1, The wireless mesh network communication is communication defined by Wi-Fi EasyMesh. Relay device.

11. A control program for a relay device that supports wireless mesh network communication and MLO of the IEEE 802.11 standard and includes a processor, the processor, receiving connection information for connecting to another device in the wireless mesh network communication; When instruction information to configure the MLO cannot be read from the received connection information, or when the connection information cannot be received, obtain MLO configuration information, which is information for configuring the MLO. A control program that executes processing.

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