Wireless communication device, wireless communication method, and wireless communication system

Abstract

To quickly notify a transmission-side radio communication device of a data reception state of a reception-side radio communication device.SOLUTION: A wireless communication apparatus includes a controller configured to control, during transmission of a first Aggregation-MACProtocolDataUnit (A-MPDU) to another wireless communication apparatus via a first link, reception of acknowledgement information of at least one MACProtocolDataUnit (MPDU) included in the first A-MPDU from the other wireless communication apparatus via a second link. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a wireless communication device that performs Multi-LinkOperation (MLO).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a wireless communication device, a wireless communication method, and a wireless communication system, and more particularly to a wireless communication device, a wireless communication method, and a wireless communication system that are suitable for use when performing wireless communication using MLO (Multi-Link Operation). [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a system called OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) or MU-MC (Multi-User Multi-Channel) that simultaneously transmits to or receives from multiple terminals over multiple channels (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Currently, the IEEE 802.11 task group be is studying Multi-Link Operation (MLO), a technology for transmitting data using multiple links (frequency bands).

[0004] Furthermore, in MLO, a technology is being considered in which ACK information (acknowledgement information) is returned via each link, including the reception status of data not only on the own link but also on other links. In this case, each time data reception on each link is completed, the receiving communication device returns ACK information including the reception status of data on the own link and other links via the link on which data reception has been completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-80320 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when ACK information is returned via the link where data reception is completed each time data reception is completed on each link, the transmitting communication device cannot recognize the data reception status of the receiving communication device until data reception is completed on one of the links.For example, when transmitting an A-MPDU (Aggregation-MAC Protocol Data Unit) frame, which is an aggregation of multiple MPDUs (MAC Protocol Data Units), using MLO, the transmitting communication device cannot recognize the reception status of each MPDU until reception of the A-MPDU frame is completed on one of the links.

[0007] The present technology has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to quickly notify a wireless communication device on the transmitting side of the data reception status of a wireless communication device on the receiving side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A wireless communication device according to a first aspect of the present technology includes a control unit that controls, while transmitting a first A-MPDU (Aggregation-MAC Protocol Data Unit) to another wireless communication device via a first link, reception of acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU (MAC Protocol Data Unit) included in the first A-MPDU from the other wireless communication device via a second link.

[0009] A wireless communication method according to a first aspect of the present technology includes a wireless communication device receiving, from another wireless communication device via a second link, acknowledgement information for at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU while transmitting the first A-MPDU to the other wireless communication device via a first link.

[0010] In a first aspect of the present technology, while a first A-MPDU is being transmitted to another wireless communication device via a first link, acknowledgement information for at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU is received from the other wireless communication device via a second link.

[0011] A wireless communication device according to a second aspect of the present technology includes a control unit that, while receiving a first A-MPDU from another wireless communication device via a first link, controls transmission of acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU to the other wireless communication device via a second link.

[0012] A wireless communication method according to a second aspect of the present technology includes a wireless communication device, while receiving a first A-MPDU from another wireless communication device via a first link, transmitting, via a second link, receipt notification information for at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU to the other wireless communication device.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present technology, while a first A-MPDU is being received from another wireless communication device via a first link, transmission of acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU to the other wireless communication device via a second link is controlled.

[0014] A wireless communication system of a third aspect of the present technology includes a first wireless communication device having a first control unit and a second wireless communication device having a second control unit, wherein the first control unit controls transmission of a first A-MPDU to the second wireless communication device via a first link, and the second control unit controls, during reception of the first A-MPDU, transmission of receipt notification information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU to the first wireless communication device via a second link.

[0015] A wireless communication method of a third aspect of the present technology includes a first wireless communication device transmitting a first A-MPDU to a second wireless communication device via a first link, and the second wireless communication device, while receiving the first A-MPDU, transmitting receipt notification information for at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU to the first wireless communication device via a second link.

[0016] In a third aspect of the present technology, a first A-MPDU is transmitted to a second wireless communication device via a first link, and during reception of the first A-MPDU, receipt notification information for at least one MPDU contained in the first A-MPDU is transmitted to the first wireless communication device via a second link. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data flow when data transmission is performed using MLO. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data flow when data transmission is performed using MLO. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a communication situation when an OBSS network exists nearby. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication state when MLO is performed using links with similar frequency bands. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless LAN network to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a wireless communication device to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication module. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment of a communication method to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment of a communication method to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 10]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of the configuration of a Multi-Link Setup Request and a Multi-Link Setup Response. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an A-MPDU frame. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first exemplary configuration of a Block Ack frame. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second exemplary configuration of a Block Ack frame. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment of a communication method to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment of a communication method to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third exemplary configuration of a Block Ack frame. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-link setting process. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-link setting process. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission process. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission process. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a data reception process. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a data reception process. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first modified example of a communication method to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second modified example of a communication method to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third modified example of a communication method to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of frequency bands and channels available in a wireless LAN network. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of frequency bands allocated to each link. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described in the following order. 1. Background of this technology 2. Embodiment 3. Variations 4.Other

[0019] <<1. Background of this technology>> First, the background of the present technology will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0020] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of data flow when data transmission is performed between two wireless communication devices using MLO via three links, link 1 to link 3. FIG.

[0021] The square box containing the word "Data" represents the MPDU, which is the unit of data transmission on each link. The number below the word "Data" is the sequence number used to identify each MPDU. The square box containing the word "Ack" represents a Block ACK frame that contains ACK information (acknowledgment information) to notify receipt of data. The parallelogram box represents the backoff period.

[0022] Hereinafter, an MPDU may be simply referred to as data. Also, hereinafter, an MPDU with sequence number i may also be referred to as data i. For example, an MPDU with sequence number 1 may also be referred to as data 1.

[0023] In the following description, a wireless communication device that transmits data will be referred to as a transmitting communication device, and a wireless communication device that receives data will be referred to as a receiving communication device.

[0024] 1 and 2 show examples in which an A-MPDU frame in which multiple MPDUs are aggregated (concatenated) is transmitted via each link. For example, an A-MPDU frame in which data 1 to data 8 are aggregated is transmitted via link 1. An A-MPDU frame in which data 9 to data 16 are aggregated is transmitted via link 2. An A-MPDU frame in which data 17 to data 24 are aggregated is transmitted via link 3.

[0025] FIG. 1 also shows an example in which the sequence number of data transmitted for each link is managed and ACK information is returned.

[0026] For example, when a transmitting communication device acquires access rights to link 1 through predetermined access control, it performs frame aggregation of data 1 to data 8. Then, the transmitting communication device transmits an A-MPDU frame including data 1 to data 8 to a receiving communication device via link 1.

[0027] In response to this, after completing reception of the A-MPDU frame, the receiving communication device returns a Block ACK frame A including ACK information for Data 1 to Data 8 to the transmitting communication device via Link 1.

[0028] When the transmitting communication device acquires access rights to link 2 through predetermined access control, it performs frame aggregation of data 9 to data 16. Then, the transmitting communication device transmits an A-MPDU frame including data 9 to data 16 to the receiving communication device via link 2.

[0029] In response to this, after completing reception of the A-MPDU frame on link 2, the receiving communication device returns a Block ACK frame B including ACK information for data 9 to data 16 to the transmitting communication device via link 2.

[0030] When the transmitting communication device acquires access rights to link 3 through predetermined access control, it performs frame aggregation of data 17 to data 24. Then, the transmitting communication device transmits an A-MPDU frame including data 17 to data 24 to the receiving communication device via link 3.

[0031] In response to this, after completing reception of the A-MPDU frame on link 3, the receiving communication device returns a Block ACK frame C including ACK information for data 17 to data 24 to the transmitting communication device via link 3.

[0032] In this case, the transmitting communication device cannot recognize the reception status of the receiving communication device on each link until it has completed receiving A-MPDU frames on each link and received a Block ACK frame. Therefore, even if there is undelivered data, the transmitting communication device cannot prepare or execute retransmission of the undelivered data until it has completed receiving A-MPDU frames on each link. Furthermore, the greater the aggregation number of A-MPDU frames, the longer the delay time for retransmission of the undelivered data.

[0033] The example in FIG. 2 differs from the example in FIG. 1 in the content of the Block Ack frame transmitted from the receiving-side notification device.

[0034] Specifically, the Block Ack frame transmitted on each link contains not only ACK information for data received via the link on which the Block Ack frame is transmitted, but also ACK information for data received via other links.

[0035] 1, after completing reception of the A-MPDU frame on link 1, the receiving communication device transmits Block Ack frame A to the transmitting communication device via link 1. Here, Block Ack frame A includes ACK information for data 1 to data 8 received via link 1. Furthermore, Block Ack frame A includes ACK information for data 9 to data 15, which have been received on link 2 at the time of generation of Block Ack frame A, and ACK information for data 17 to data 20, which have been received on link 3.

[0036] After completing reception of the A-MPDU frame on link 2, the receiving communication device transmits Block Ack frame B to the transmitting communication device via link 2. Block Ack frame B includes ACK information for data 9 to data 16 received via link 2. Furthermore, Block Ack frame B here includes ACK information for data 1 to data 8, which have been received on link 1 at the time of generation of Block Ack frame B, and ACK information for data 17 to data 22, which have been received on link 3.

[0037] After completing reception of the A-MPDU frame on link 3, the receiving communication device transmits a Block Ack frame C to the transmitting communication device via link 3. Block Ack frame C includes ACK information for data 17 to data 24 received via link 3. Furthermore, here, Block Ack frame C includes ACK information for data 1 to data 8, which have been received on link 1 at the time of generation of Block Ack frame C, and ACK information for data 9 to data 16, which have been received on link 2.

[0038] In this case, the transmitting communication device cannot recognize the reception status of the receiving communication device on each link until it has completed receiving the A-MPDU frame on one of the links and received a Block Ack frame. Therefore, even if there is undelivered data, the transmitting communication device cannot prepare or execute retransmission of the undelivered data until it has completed receiving the A-MPDU frame on one of the links. Furthermore, the greater the number of A-MPDU frame aggregations, the longer the delay time for retransmission of the undelivered data.

[0039] In response to this, as will be described later, the present technology enables a receiving communication device to quickly notify a transmitting communication device of the data reception status, and enables the transmitting communication device to quickly resend undelivered data.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication situation when a communication network (hereinafter referred to as an OBSS network) that is an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) exists in the vicinity of a user's own wireless communication network (hereinafter referred to as a user's own network).

[0041] In this example, data transmission and ACK return are carried out on the same channel, so control information (e.g., CTS, Block ACK frames, etc.) transmitted from the receiving communication device within the OBSS network becomes an interference signal, preventing reception by the receiving communication device within its own network.

[0042] For example, a CTS transmitted from a receiving communication device in an OBSS network becomes an interference signal, preventing the receiving communication device in its own network from receiving an A-MPDU frame. Also, a Block ACK frame transmitted from a receiving communication device in an OBSS network becomes an interference signal, preventing the receiving communication device in its own network from receiving a retransmitted A-MPDU frame.

[0043] Furthermore, control information (for example, a Block Ack frame) transmitted from a receiving communication device within its own network becomes an interference signal, preventing reception by a receiving communication device within the OBSS network.

[0044] For example, a Block Ack frame transmitted from a receiving communication device within its own network becomes an interference signal, preventing the receiving communication device within the OBSS from receiving an A-MPDU frame and a retransmitted A-MPDU frame.

[0045] In this way, the control information from the receiving communication device in the own network and the receiving communication device in the OBSS network becomes an interference signal, causing data to be retransmitted, and lengthening the time until data transmission is completed.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication state when MLO is performed using links with similar frequency bands.

[0047] In this example, data transmission is performed using link 1 in the 5 GHz band and link 2 in the 6 GHz band.

[0048] For example, after completing reception of an A-MPDU frame via link 2, the receiving communication device returns a Block ACK frame. At this time, if the receiving communication device is receiving an A-MPDU frame via link 1, the Block ACK frame of link 2 may act as an interference signal and prevent reception of the A-MPDU frame of link 1.

[0049] For example, after completing reception of an A-MPDU frame via link 1, the receiving communication device returns a Block ACK frame. At this time, if the receiving communication device is receiving a retransmitted A-MPDU frame via link 2, the Block ACK frame on link 1 may act as an interference signal and prevent reception of the retransmitted A-MPDU frame on link 2.

[0050] When links using adjacent frequency bands are used for MLO, the Block Ack frame transmitted from the receiving communication device may act as an interference signal and disrupt data transmission on other links, which may result in an increase in the time required for data transmission.

[0051] In response to this, the present technology makes it possible to reduce interference between links in MLO, as will be described later.

[0052] <<2. Embodiments>> Next, an embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0053] <Configuration example of wireless LAN network 1> FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless LAN network 1 to which the present technology is applied.

[0054] The wireless LAN network 1 is made up of an access point AP1, and stations ST1 and ST2 connected to the access point AP1. The wireless LAN network 1 is adjacent to a wireless LAN network 2 and a wireless LAN network 3.

[0055] The wireless LAN network 2 is made up of an access point AP11 and a station ST11 connected to the access point AP11. The wireless LAN network 3 is made up of an access point AP21 and a station ST21 connected to the access point AP21.

[0056] The access point AP1 is placed in a position where it can receive signals from the access points AP11 and AP21 outside the wireless LAN network 1, the stations ST11 and ST21.

[0057] The station ST1 is located in a position where it can receive signals from the access points AP11 and AP21 outside the wireless LAN network 1.

[0058] Station ST2 is located in a position where it can receive signals from stations ST11 and ST21 outside the wireless LAN network 1.

[0059] Therefore, the access point AP1, station ST1, and station ST2 that make up the wireless LAN network 1 need to perform fair access control between themselves and the access points and stations that make up the nearby wireless LAN networks 2 and 3.

[0060] Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the access points AP1, AP11, and AP21, they will simply be referred to as the access points AP. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the stations ST1, ST2, ST11, and ST21, they will simply be referred to as the stations ST.

[0061] <Configuration example of wireless communication device 11> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a wireless communication device 101 to which the present technology is applied.

[0062] The wireless communication device 101 is used in, for example, each access point AP and each station ST in FIG.

[0063] The wireless communication device 101 includes a network connection module 111 , an information input module 112 , a device control module 113 , an information output module 114 , and a wireless communication module 115 .

[0064] The network connection module 111 has functions such as a communication modem for connecting to the Internet when the wireless communication device 101 operates as an access point. The network connection module 111 connects to the Internet via, for example, a public line network and an Internet service provider.

[0065] The information input module 112 includes input devices such as push buttons, a keyboard, and a touch panel, and is used to input information such as instructions and data from the user. The information input module 112 supplies the input information to the device control module 113.

[0066] The device control module 113 performs overall control of the wireless communication device 101. The device control module 113 also causes the wireless communication device 101 to operate as an access point or as a station.

[0067] The information output module 114 includes, for example, a display device such as an LED, a liquid crystal panel, or an organic EL display, and an audio output device such as a speaker. The information output module 114 outputs various information such as the operating status of the wireless communication device 101 and information obtained via the Internet.

[0068] The wireless communication module 115 performs wireless communication with other wireless communication devices 101 (access points AP or stations ST).

[0069] In each access point AP or each station ST, unnecessary modules among the modules of the wireless communication device 101 may be deleted or simplified as necessary.

[0070] <Configuration example of wireless communication module 115> FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the wireless communication module 115 of the wireless communication device 101 of FIG.

[0071] The wireless communication module 115 comprises an interface 201, a transmission buffer 202, a transmission management unit 204, a transmission frame construction unit 205, an access control unit 206, a transmission / reception unit 207, a transmission / reception antenna unit 208, a reception frame analysis unit 209, a reception management unit 210, and a reception buffer 211.

[0072] The interface 201 is connected to the device control module 113 and exchanges various types of data with the device control module 113. The interface 201 also exchanges various types of data with the network connection module 111, the information input module 112, and the information output module 114 via the device control module 113.

[0073] The transmission buffer 202 stores data to be transmitted to the receiving communication device.

[0074] The link management unit 203 sets up links that are mainly used for transmitting data (hereinafter referred to as data transmission links) and links that are mainly used for transmitting control information in the opposite direction to the data transmission links (hereinafter referred to as return links), and manages operations in multi-links.

[0075] The transmission management unit 204 manages the data and control information to be transmitted. For example, the transmission management unit 204 sets the configuration of the A-MPDU frame to be transmitted and manages the sequence number of the data (MPDU) included in the A-MPDU frame. For example, the transmission management unit 204 controls the transmission or retransmission of the A-MPDU frame and the timing of transmitting control information such as a Block Ack frame.

[0076] The transmission frame construction unit 205 constructs various transmission frames to be transmitted to the receiving-side communication device. For example, the transmission frame construction unit 205 constructs a control information frame including various control information. The transmission frame construction unit 205 aggregates (concatenates) data (MPDUs) to be transmitted to construct an A-MPDU frame. The transmission frame construction unit 205 supplies the constructed transmission frames to the transmitter 221 of the transmitter / receiver 207.

[0077] The access control unit 206 controls access to each link. For example, the access control unit 206 controls access to each data transmission link in accordance with a predetermined access control procedure via the transmission signal processing units 231-1 to 231-m of the transmitter 221. For example, the access control unit 206 performs carrier sensing on each data transmission link to check the usage status and set a back-off time.

[0078] Furthermore, the access control unit 206 controls access to each return link in accordance with a predetermined access control procedure via the transmission signal processing units 232-1 to 232-n of the transmitter 221. For example, the access control unit 206 performs carrier sensing on each return link to check its usage status and set a back-off time.

[0079] The transmitting / receiving unit 207 transmits and receives signals to and from other wireless communication devices 101 via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208. The transmitting / receiving unit 207 includes a transmitting unit 221 and a receiving unit 222.

[0080] The transmitter 221 transmits a transmission signal to another wireless communication device 101 via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208. The transmitter 221 includes transmission signal processing units 231-1 to 231-m and transmission signal processing units 232-1 to 232-n.

[0081] In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the transmission signal processing units 231-1 to 231-m, they will simply be referred to as transmission signal processing units 231. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the transmission signal processing units 232-1 to 232-n, they will simply be referred to as transmission signal processing units 232.

[0082] One transmission signal processing unit 231 is provided for each data transmission link. For example, one of the transmission signal processing units 231 performs various signal processing such as encoding and encryption on control information frames such as a Multi-Link Setup Request and a Multi-Link Setup Response, which will be described later, to generate a transmission signal. When the wireless communication device 101 is a transmitting communication device, each transmission signal processing unit 231 performs various signal processing such as encoding and encryption on an A-MPDU frame to generate a transmission signal. Each transmission signal processing unit 231 transmits the transmission signal to a receiving communication device via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and the corresponding data transmission link.

[0083] One transmission signal processing unit 232 is provided for each return link. When the wireless communication device 101 is a receiving communication device, each transmission signal processing unit 232 performs various signal processing such as encoding and encryption on a control information frame such as a Block Ack frame to generate a transmission signal. Each transmission signal processing unit 232 transmits the transmission signal to the transmitting communication device via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and the corresponding return link.

[0084] The receiving unit 222 receives signals from other wireless communication devices 101 via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208. The receiving unit 222 includes received signal processing units 241-1 to 241-m and received signal processing units 242-1 to 242-n.

[0085] In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the reception signal processing units 241-1 to 241-m, they will simply be referred to as reception signal processing units 241. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the reception signal processing units 242-1 to 242-n, they will simply be referred to as reception signal processing units 242.

[0086] One received signal processing unit 241 is provided for each data transmission link. When the wireless communication device 101 is a receiving communication device, each received signal processing unit 241 receives a received signal from the transmitting communication device via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and the corresponding data transmission link. Each received signal processing unit 241 performs various signal processing such as decoding on the received signal, extracts a frame (e.g., an A-MPDU frame) included in the received signal, and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 209.

[0087] One received signal processing unit 242 is provided for each return link. When the wireless communication device 101 is a transmitting communication device, each received signal processing unit 242 receives a received signal from the receiving communication device via the corresponding return link and the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208. Each received signal processing unit 242 performs various signal processing such as decoding on the received signal, extracts a frame (for example, a Block Ack frame) included in the received signal, and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 209.

[0088] The received frame analysis unit 209 analyzes various received frames. For example, the received frame analysis unit 209 extracts individual MPDUs from an A-MPDU frame and determines whether each MPDU was received correctly. The received frame analysis unit 209 supplies information indicating the analysis results to the access control unit 206 and the reception management unit 210, and supplies the obtained data to the reception management unit 210.

[0089] The reception management unit 210 manages data received from the transmitting communication device. For example, the reception management unit 210 manages information such as the sequence number of each MPDU included in the A-MPDU frame received from the transmitting communication device and whether or not a reception error has occurred. The reception management unit 210 also extracts data from each MPDU and stores it in the reception buffer 211.

[0090] The receiving buffer 211 stores data received from the transmitting communication device.

[0091] <Communication Method of Wireless Communication Device 101> Next, a communication method of the wireless communication device 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0092] <First embodiment of communication method of wireless communication device 101> First, a first embodiment of a communication method of the wireless communication device 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0093] 1 and 2, Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a data flow when data is transmitted using MLO between two wireless communication devices 101. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication procedure in the communication method of Fig. 8.

[0094] This communication method differs from the communication method shown in Figures 1 and 2 above in that link R is added in addition to links 1 to 3, but the detailed explanation is equivalent to the content described in Figures 1 and 2.

[0095] Links 1 to 3 are the above-mentioned data transmission links. Link R is a link for returning frames related to control information such as the above-mentioned Block Ack frame.

[0096] In this way, by providing link R, the receiving communication device can transmit a Block Ack frame at any timing after performing access control to link R. For example, the receiving communication device can transmit a Block Ack frame in parallel with receiving data via the data transmission links. In other words, while receiving data via the data transmission links, the receiving communication device can return a Block Ack frame to the transmitting communication device, including ACK information or NACK information for the data received via each data transmission link up until the time when the Block Ack frame is transmitted (more precisely, the time when the Block Ack frame is generated).

[0097] Specifically, first, the transmitting communication device transmits a Multi-Link Setup Request to the receiving communication device via a specific link (for example, link 1).

[0098] In response to this, the receiving communication device returns a Multi-Link Setup Response, which is a response to the Multi-Link Setup Request, to the transmitting communication device via the same link, thereby exchanging multiple link information and other parameters for performing multi-link operation.

[0099] Figure 10 shows an example of the structure of the Multi-Link Setup Request and Multi-Link Setup Response sent at this time. Note that items marked with dot patterns in Figure 10 are items specific to the present technology. Explanation of other items will be omitted as appropriate.

[0100] The Multi-Link Setup Request and the Multi-Link Setup Response include a MAC Header and a Multi-Link Information Element.

[0101] The MAC Header includes a Frame Control indicating the type of frame, a Duration indicating the duration of the frame, a Transmit Address indicating the source address, and a Receive Address indicating the destination address.

[0102] The Multi-Link Information Element includes an Element ID (ML IE), the Number of Multi-Links, a Ch. No., Reverse Links, and a Parameter.

[0103] The Element ID (ML IE) indicates the type of element (Multi-Link Information Element).

[0104] The number of multi-links indicates the number of links that can be set as multi-links.

[0105] The Ch. No. is provided in the same number as shown in the Number of Multi Links, and indicates the channel numbers of the links for which multi-links can be set.

[0106] Reverse Links indicates the channel number of the link to be set as the return link among the links for which multi-links can be set. Note that when multiple return links are set as described below, the channel number of each return link is set in Reverse Links.

[0107] The parameters include Feedback Timing, ACK / NACK, Buffer Size, ACK Bitmap Length, and Multi Links Retransmit.

[0108] Feedback Timing indicates, for example, the timing for providing feedback (returning a Block Ack frame).

[0109] ACK / NACK indicates whether ACK information or NACK information is included in the configuration of a Block Ack frame, which will be described later.

[0110] Buffer Size indicates the capacity of the receiving buffer 211 of the receiving communication device.

[0111] The ACK Bitmap Length indicates, for example, information related to the bit length of the Block ACK Bitmap of the Block ACK frame.

[0112] Multi Links Retransmit indicates information relating to whether or not data is to be retransmitted via multiple links.

[0113] For example, the Multi-Link Setup Request contains the parameter values ​​desired by the transmitting communication device, while the Multi-Link Setup Response contains the parameter values ​​determined by the receiving communication device, allowing the parameters to be adjusted.

[0114] Next, the transmitting communication device transmits data via links 1 to 3 while waiting to receive control information such as ACK information via link R. Meanwhile, the receiving communication device transmits control information such as ACK information via link R while waiting to receive data via links 1 to 3.

[0115] Then, the transmitting communication device acquires access rights through a predetermined access procedure from among links 1 to 3, and uses the links that become available after a predetermined backoff time has elapsed to transmit A-MPDU frames containing data 1 to 8, A-MPDU frames containing data 9 to 16, and A-MPDU frames containing data 17 to 24, in that order.

[0116] In addition, the numbers in parentheses above the arrows from the transmitting communication device to the receiving communication device in FIG. 9 indicate data sequence numbers.

[0117] In this example, first, transmission of an A-MPDU frame containing data 1 to data 8 is started via link 1. Next, transmission of an A-MPDU frame containing data 9 to data 16 is started via link 2. Finally, transmission of an A-MPDU frame containing data 17 to data 24 is started via link 3. Furthermore, each A-MPDU frame is transmitted in parallel via each link.

[0118] Fig. 11 shows an example of the structure of the A-MPDU frame transmitted at this time. Note that items marked with a dot pattern in Fig. 11 are items specific to this technology. Explanation of other items will be omitted as appropriate.

[0119] The structure of this A-MPDU frame is almost the same as that of a conventional frame. Specifically, the A-MPDU frame includes a PLCP Header and A-MPDU Subframes equal to the number of MPDUs to be aggregated, with EoF Padding added to the end as necessary.

[0120] Each A-MPDU subframe includes a delimiter and an individual MPDU, with padding added to the end as needed.

[0121] The delimiter includes an R-Link in addition to EOF, Length, and CRC. This R-Link differs from the structure of a conventional A-MPDU frame.

[0122] The R-Link implements multi-link operation and includes a bit to identify that control information is transmitted over the return link.

[0123] The MPDU includes a MAC Header, a Frame Body, and an FCS.

[0124] The R-Link may be included in all A-MPDU subframes. Alternatively, for example, the R-Link may be included only in the A-MPDU subframe that corresponds to the timing for returning ACK information. In other words, the receiving communication device may return a Block ACK frame at the timing when it receives an A-MPDU subframe that includes the R-Link.

[0125] Furthermore, the R-Link may be included in, for example, the PLCP Header or the EHT Control.

[0126] In this way, each A-MPDU frame is transmitted at a different timing via each data transmission link, and therefore the data (MPDU) included in each A-MPDU frame arrives at the receiving communication device at a different timing.

[0127] In response to this, the receiving communication device receives the A-MPDU frames transmitted via each data transmission link, sequentially decodes the data contained therein, and collects the data.

[0128] Furthermore, the receiving communication device returns ACK information at a predetermined timing via link R. That is, the receiving communication device acquires access rights to link R through a predetermined access procedure at a predetermined timing, and returns a Block ACK frame including ACK information via link R that becomes available after a predetermined backoff time has elapsed.

[0129] The numbers in the square boxes on the second line from the bottom in FIG. 8 indicate the sequence numbers of the data for which ACK information is transmitted by each Block Ack frame.

[0130] In this example, after receiving data 2, a Block Ack frame A is returned, which includes ACK information for data 1 and data 2 received via link 1, and data 9 received via link 2.

[0131] Next, after receiving data 7, a block ACK frame B is returned containing ACK information for data 1 to data 7 received via link 1, data 9 to data 13 received via link 2, and data 17 to data 19 received via link 3.

[0132] If link R is busy, a Block Ack frame B is returned after the link R is released from the busy state.

[0133] Finally, when reception of all data (all A-MPDU frames) is complete, a Block Ack frame C containing ACK information for all data is returned.

[0134] In order to ensure compatibility with conventional methods, a Block Ack frame including ACK information for all data may be returned via a data transmission link when reception of all data is completed. In this case, for example, among the multiple data transmission links, link 3, which has last completed reception of the A-MPDU frame, is used to return the Block Ack frame.

[0135] Fig. 12 shows a first example of the configuration of the Block Ack frame transmitted at this time. Note that items marked with dotted patterns in Fig. 12 are items specific to the present technology. Explanation of other items will be omitted as appropriate.

[0136] The Block Ack frame includes a MAC Header, BA Control, and BA Information.

[0137] The MAC Header includes a Frame Control indicating the type of frame, a Duration indicating the duration of the frame, a Receive Address indicating the destination address, and a Transmit Address indicating the source address.

[0138] A value that identifies the Block Ack frame for which MLO has been performed is set in BA Control.

[0139] The BA Information includes Block Ack Stating Sequence Control, Link Count, and Block Ack Bitmap.

[0140] The Link Count indicates the number of data transmission links.

[0141] The Block Ack Bitmap contains bits indicating whether all data received via all data transmission links has been received or not, so the information length of the Block Ack Bitmap is longer than that of a conventional Block Ack frame.

[0142] Note that the numbers in the square boxes on the bottom row of Figure 8 indicate the values ​​of the Block Ack Bitmap of the Block Ack frame. Specifically, each number indicates the sequence number of each data. Sequence numbers in the Block Ack Bitmap that are set to 1, indicating that data has been received, are shown in bold. Sequence numbers in the Block Ack Bitmap that are set to 0, indicating that data has not yet been received, are shown in italics. Specifically, for example, in the Block Ack Bitmap of the first Block Ack frame, the values ​​of data 1, data 2, and data 9 are set to 1, and the values ​​of data 3 to data 8 and data 10 to data 24 are set to 0.

[0143] Fig. 13 shows a second configuration example of a Block Ack frame. Note that items marked with dotted patterns in Fig. 13 are items specific to the present technology. Explanation of other items will be omitted as appropriate.

[0144] The Block Ack frame in FIG. 13 differs from the Block Ack frame in FIG. 12 in that the value set in BA control is different and that BA Information includes Link1 S / N to Link NS / N.

[0145] Link1 S / N through Link NS / N are set with the sequence numbers of the most recent data that the receiving communication device has been able to decode, regardless of whether the data contains errors, among the data received through each data transmission link. Therefore, the transmitting communication device can recognize, from Link1 S / N through Link NS / N, up to which sequence number the receiving communication device has been able to receive data through each data transmission link.

[0146] For example, a discrepancy may occur between the data already transmitted by the transmitting communication device and the data already received by the receiving communication device due to reasons such as the time required for decoding data in the receiving communication device. In this case, for example, a discrepancy occurs between the received data indicated in the Block Ack Bitmap of the Block Ack frame and the data already transmitted by the transmitting communication device.

[0147] In response to this, the transmitting communication device can recognize the sequence number of the most recent data received by the receiving communication device on each data transmission link using Link1 S / N through Link NS / N. This allows the transmitting communication device to quickly determine whether the discrepancy is due to a delay in the receiving communication device's decoding or other processing or a reception error. As a result, the transmitting communication device can more quickly and accurately recognize undelivered data for which a reception error occurred.

[0148] In the above description, an example has been shown in which the Block Ack frame includes ACK information for each piece of data, but it may also include NACK information (non-delivery notification information) for notifying that data has not been delivered.

[0149] For example, Block Ack Frame A may include NACK information corresponding to the sequence number of the data in which an error has occurred among Data 3 to Data 8 and Data 10 to Data 24. Block Ack Frame B may include NACK information for Data 14 to Data 16 and Data 20 to Data 24.

[0150] In this way, the transmitting communication device can recognize the data reception status of the receiving communication device while transmitting data, which allows the transmitting communication device to quickly recognize data that has not been delivered due to a reception error, for example, and to quickly take appropriate action, such as retransmission processing.

[0151] In addition, since the reception status of data transmitted via each data transmission link is managed collectively in each of the transmitting communication device and the receiving communication device, it becomes easier to grasp retransmitted frames transmitted via each link.

[0152] <Second embodiment of communication method of wireless communication device 101> Next, a second embodiment of the communication method of the wireless communication device 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0153] Fig. 14 is a diagram similar to Fig. 8, illustrating the flow of data when data is transmitted using MLO between two wireless communication devices 101. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram similar to Fig. 9, illustrating an example of a transmission procedure in the communication method of Fig. 14.

[0154] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that NACK information is returned after undelivered data occurs.

[0155] The processes other than returning the Block Ack frame via the return link are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0156] Specifically, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, links 1 to 3 are set as data transmission links, and link R is set as a return link.

[0157] On the other hand, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the receiving communication device does not return ACK information at a predetermined timing, but returns NACK information when a reception error occurs.

[0158] The cause of the reception error is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a failure in data error correction or data loss.

[0159] Specifically, data 3, data 7, data 10, and data 20 shown in white in Fig. 14 indicate data that did not arrive due to a reception error. Similarly, dotted lines in Fig. 15 indicate that a reception error occurred. That is, it is shown that a reception error occurred in data 3, data 7, data 10, and data 20.

[0160] In response to this, the receiving communication device returns NACK information every time the number of undelivered data reaches a predetermined number. In this example, NACK information is returned every time the number of undelivered data reaches two.

[0161] Specifically, first a reception error occurs on link 1 for data 3, then a reception error occurs on link 2 for data 10, and the number of undelivered data items reaches 2. In response, the receiving communication device returns a Block ACK frame including NACK information for data 3 and data 10 via link R.

[0162] Next, a reception error occurs for data 7 on link 1, and then a reception error occurs for data 20 on link 3, bringing the number of undelivered data items to 2. In response, the receiving communication device returns a Block ACK frame containing NACK information for data 7 and data 20 via link R.

[0163] Fig. 16 shows an example of the structure of the Block Ack frame transmitted at this time. Note that items marked with dotted patterns in Fig. 16 are items specific to this technology. Explanation of other items will be omitted as appropriate.

[0164] The Block Ack frame in FIG. 16 differs from the Block Ack frame in FIG. 12 in the value set in BA Control and the configuration of BA Information.

[0165] In BA Control, a value is set that indicates that the frame is a Block Ack frame for which MLO has been performed and that includes NACK information.

[0166] The BA information includes a NACK count and a NACK sequence number.

[0167] The NACK Count indicates the number of data pieces for which NACK information is notified by this Block Ack frame (that is, the number of undelivered data pieces).

[0168] The NACK Sequence Number is provided for each piece of undelivered data, and indicates the sequence number of each piece of undelivered data.

[0169] This makes it possible to notify the sending communication device of the sequence number of undelivered data without returning a redundant Block Ack Bitmap. In particular, as the number of data transmission links increases, the bit length of the Block Ack Bitmap increases, reducing the amount of information to be notified, making this even more effective.

[0170] The number of data items for which a reception error has occurred, which is the condition for returning this Block Ack frame, can be changed as appropriate. For example, it can be set to one, or three or more. Also, for example, this Block Ack frame may be returned every time a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0171] Then, as in the first embodiment, finally, when reception of all data (all A-MPDU frames) is completed, a Block Ack frame containing ACK information for all data is returned via link R.

[0172] As in the first embodiment, in order to ensure compatibility with conventional methods, when reception of all data has been completed, a Block ACK frame containing ACK information for all data may be returned via the data transmission link on which reception of the last A-MPDU frame has been completed.

[0173] <Processing of the wireless communication device 101> Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 22, the processing of the wireless communication device 101 for realizing the communication method described above with reference to FIGS. 8 to 16 will be described.

[0174] <Multi-link setting process> First, the multi-link setting process executed by the wireless communication device 101 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0175] In step S101, the link management unit 203 acquires information about configurable links. For example, the link management unit 203 acquires information about links that can be used by the wireless communication device 101 from the transmitting / receiving unit 207 via the access control unit 206. The link management unit 203 also acquires configurable information about multilinks of the wireless communication device 101 and configurable information about return links from the device control module 113 via the interface 201.

[0176] In step S102, the device control module 113 determines whether or not to transmit data. For example, the device control module 113 determines whether or not to transmit data as a transmitting communication device based on input information supplied from the information input module 112. If it is determined that the device control module 113 will not transmit data as a transmitting communication device, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0177] In step S103, the link management unit 203 determines whether or not a request for setting up a multi-link has been made. If it is determined that a request for setting up a multi-link has not been made, the process returns to step S101.

[0178] Thereafter, the processes of steps S101 to S103 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S102 that data transmission is to be performed, or until it is determined in step S103 that a request to set up a multi-link has been made.

[0179] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the communication device is to transmit data as the transmitting-side communication device, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0180] In step S104, the link management unit 203 determines whether or not operation by MLO is possible. Specifically, the device control module 113 instructs the link management unit 203 to transmit data as a transmitting communication device via the interface 201. The link management unit 203 determines whether or not the wireless communication device 101 is capable of operation by MLO, and if it determines that operation by MLO is possible, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0181] In step S105, the link management unit 203 sets candidates for data transmission links. For example, the link management unit 203 extracts links that can transmit data via multi-links from among the links that the wireless communication device 101 can use, and sets the extracted links as candidates for data transmission links.

[0182] In step S106, the link management unit 203 determines whether or not the wireless communication device 101 supports the return link. If the link management unit 203 determines whether or not the wireless communication device 101 supports the return link, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0183] In step S107, the link management unit 203 sets candidates for return links. For example, the link management unit 203 extracts links that can be used as return links from the candidates for data transmission links set in the processing of step S105, and sets the extracted links as candidates for return links.

[0184] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0185] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the wireless communication device 101 does not support the return link, the process of step S107 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S108.

[0186] In step S108, the link management unit 203 determines whether or not the setting of link candidates has been completed. If it is determined that the setting of link candidates has not been completed, the process returns to step S104.

[0187] Thereafter, the processes of steps S104 to S108 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S104 that the wireless communication device 101 is not capable of operating by MLO, or until it is determined in step S108 that the setting of link candidates has been completed.

[0188] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that the setting of link candidates is complete, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0189] In step S109, the wireless communication device 101 requests the setting of a multi-link. Specifically, the link management unit 203 supplies information on the set link candidates to the transmission frame construction unit 205 via the transmission management unit 204.

[0190] For example, the transmission frame constructing unit 205 generates a Multi-Link Setup Request frame (FIG. 10) in which link candidates are set.

[0191] For example, the number of data transmission link candidates is set in the Number of Multi Links field of the Multi-Link Setup Request frame. The channel number of each data transmission link candidate is set in Ch. No. If a return link is supported, the channel number of the return link candidate is set in Reverse Links.

[0192] Feedback Timing is set to the timing of feedback on the return link requested by wireless communication device 101 (the timing of transmitting a Block ACK frame). ACK / NACK is set to the type of feedback requested by wireless communication device 101, either ACK information or NACK information. Multi Links Retransmit is set to a value indicating whether or not data is to be retransmitted via multiple links.

[0193] The transmission frame constructing unit 205 supplies the generated Multi-Link Setup Request frame to the transmission signal processing unit 231 .

[0194] The transmission signal processing unit 231 performs various signal processing such as encryption on the Multi-Link Setup Request frame to generate a transmission signal. The transmission signal processing unit 231 transmits the generated transmission signal to the receiving communication device via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and one of the accessible links.

[0195] In step S110, the received frame analysis unit 209 determines whether or not a response to the multi-link setting request has been received. If it is determined that a response to the multi-link setting request has not been received, the process returns to step S109.

[0196] Thereafter, the processes of steps S109 and S110 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S110 that a response to the multi-link setting request has been received. Note that, for example, if a response to the multi-link setting request has not been received within a predetermined time, the multi-link setting process ends.

[0197] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that a response to the multi-link setting request has been received, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0198] Specifically, for example, when the receiving communication device receives a transmission signal including a Multi-Link Setup Request frame transmitted in the process of step S110, it transmits a reception signal including a Multi-Link Setup Response frame.

[0199] In response to this, the received signal processing unit 241 receives the received signal via the link used to transmit the transmission signal including the Multi-Link Setup Request frame and the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208. The received signal processing unit 241 performs various signal processing such as decoding on the received signal and extracts a Multi-Link Setup Response frame from the received signal. The received signal processing unit 241 supplies the extracted Multi-Link Setup Response frame to the received frame analysis unit 209.

[0200] The received frame analysis unit 209 analyzes the Multi-Link Setup Response frame. If the received frame analysis unit 209 determines as a result of the analysis that the frame is a Multi-Link Setup Response frame in response to the Multi-Link Setup Request frame transmitted in the processing of step S109, the processing proceeds to step S111.

[0201] In step S111, the link management unit 203 sets up links for data transmission and return. Specifically, the received frame analysis unit 209 extracts a Multi-Link Information Element from the Multi-Link Setup Response frame and supplies it to the link management unit 203 via the reception management unit 210.

[0202] The link management unit 203 sets the data transmission links indicated in the Ch. No. of the Multi-Link Information Element, excluding the return link, as the link to be used for transmitting data. The link management unit 203 sets the return link indicated in the Reverse Links of the Multi-Link Information Element as the link to receive control information.

[0203] After that, the multi-link setting process ends.

[0204] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the wireless communication device 101 is not capable of operating by MLO, the processes of steps S105 to S111 are skipped and the multi-link setting process ends.

[0205] If it is determined in step S103 that a request for setting up a multi-link has been made, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0206] Specifically, for example, when the transmitting communication device transmits a transmission signal including a Multi-Link Setup Request frame to the wireless communication device 101, the received signal processing unit 241 receives the transmission signal as a received signal via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208. The received signal processing unit 241 performs various signal processing such as decoding on the received signal and extracts the Multi-Link Setup Request frame from the received signal. The received signal processing unit 241 supplies the extracted Multi-Link Setup Request frame to the received frame analysis unit 209.

[0207] The received frame analysis unit 209 analyzes the Multi-Link Setup Request frame. If the received frame is a Multi-Link Setup Request frame addressed to the wireless communication device 101, the received frame analysis unit 209 determines that a request for multi-link setup has been made, and the process proceeds to step S112.

[0208] In this case, the wireless communication device 101 operates as a receiving communication device.

[0209] In step S112, the link management unit 203 determines whether data reception via multi-link is possible. Specifically, the received frame analysis unit 209 extracts a Multi-Link Information Element from the Multi-Link Setup Request frame and supplies it to the link management unit 203 via the reception management unit 210.

[0210] The link management unit 203 determines whether data reception via multi-link is possible using at least some of the candidate data transmission links indicated by the Ch. No. of the Multi-Link Information Element, based on the configurable information regarding multi-link of the wireless communication device 101. If it is determined that data reception via multi-link is possible, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0211] In step S113, the link management unit 203 sets parameters related to data reception via multi-link. Specifically, the link management unit 203 sets the link determined to be capable of receiving data in the processing of step S112 as the data transmission link. The link management unit 203 acquires information related to the usage status of the set data transmission link from the transmitting / receiving unit 207 via the access control unit 206. The link management unit 203 sets parameters necessary for data reception based on the usage status of the data transmission link, the capacity of the receiving buffer 211, etc.

[0212] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0213] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S112 that data reception via multi-link is not possible, the process of step S113 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S114.

[0214] In step S114, link management unit 203 determines whether or not it is possible to transmit control information, etc. via a return link. Specifically, link management unit 203 determines whether or not it is possible to transmit control information, etc. using one of the data transmission links set in the processing of step S113 as a return link, based on the configurable information related to the return link of wireless communication device 101. If it is determined that it is possible to transmit control information, etc. using one of the data transmission links as a return link, the processing proceeds to step S115.

[0215] In step S115, the link management unit 203 sets parameters related to the return link. Specifically, the link management unit 203 sets one of the data transmission links determined to be available in the processing of step S114 as the return link. The link management unit 203 sets parameters necessary for transmitting control signals, etc., based on the usage status of the return link, etc.

[0216] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0217] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S114 that transmission of control information and the like via the return link is not possible, the process of step S115 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S116.

[0218] In step S116, the link management unit 203 determines whether to perform data reception via multi-link. If the link management unit 203 ultimately determines, based on the above-described processing, to perform data reception via multi-link, the processing proceeds to step S117.

[0219] In step S117, the wireless communication device 101 returns a response to the multi-link setting request. Specifically, the link management unit 203 supplies information on the set data transmission link, return link, and parameters to the transmission frame construction unit 205 via the transmission management unit 204.

[0220] For example, the transmission frame constructing unit 205 generates a Multi-Link Setup Response frame in response to the Multi-Link Setup Request frame received in the process of step S103.

[0221] For example, the number of data transmission links to be used is set in the Number of Multi Links field of the Multi-Link Setup Request frame. The channel numbers of the data transmission links and return links to be used are set in Ch. No. If it is possible to set a return link, the channel number of the return link to be used is set in Reverse Links.

[0222] The Feedback Timing is set with the same parameters as the Feedback Timing of the Multi-Link Setup Request frame. The ACK / NACK is set with the same parameters as the ACK / NACK of the Multi-Link Setup Request frame. The Buffer Size is set with, for example, the size of the receive buffer 211. The ACK Bitmap Length is set with the length of the Block Ack Bitmap of the Block ACK frame. The Multi Links Retransmit is set with the same parameters as the Multi Links Retransmit of the Multi-Link Setup Request frame.

[0223] The transmission frame constructing unit 205 supplies the generated Multi-Link Setup Response frame to the transmission signal processing unit 231 .

[0224] The transmission signal processing unit 231 performs various signal processing such as encryption on the Multi-Link Setup Response frame to generate a transmission signal. The transmission signal processing unit 231 transmits the generated transmission signal to the transmitting-side communication device via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and the link on which the Multi-Link Setup Request frame was received.

[0225] In step S118, the link management unit 203 sets links for data transmission and return. Specifically, the link management unit 203 sets the data transmission link set by the above-mentioned processing as a link for receiving data. The link management unit 203 sets the return link set by the above-mentioned processing as a link for transmitting control information, etc.

[0226] After that, the multi-link setting process ends.

[0227] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S116 that data reception via multilink is not to be performed, the processes of steps S117 and S118 are skipped and the multilink setting process ends.

[0228] <Data transmission process> Next, a data transmission process executed by wireless communication device 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. That is, a process will be described in which wireless communication device 101, as a transmitting-side communication device, transmits data to a receiving-side communication device.

[0229] In step S201, the device control module 113 determines whether or not a data transmission command has been issued. For example, the device control module 113 determines whether or not a data transmission command has been issued based on input information supplied from the information input module 112. This determination process is repeated until it is determined that a data transmission command has been issued, and if it is determined that a data transmission command has been issued, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0230] In step S202, each transmission signal processing unit 231 starts access control to the data transmission link. Specifically, the device control module 113 instructs the wireless communication module 115 to transmit data. The link management unit 203 notifies the access control unit 206 that the data transmission instruction has been issued. Under the control of the access control unit 206, each transmission signal processing unit 231 starts access control such as performing carrier sensing for each data transmission link set in the above-mentioned multi-link setting process, checking the usage status, setting a back-off time, etc.

[0231] In step S203, the access control unit 206 detects the number of available data transmission links based on the result of the process in step S202.

[0232] In step S204, the transmission management unit 204 detects the amount of data to be transmitted. Specifically, the transmission management unit 204 detects the amount of data stored in the transmission buffer 202 as data to be transmitted to the receiving-side communication device.

[0233] In step S205, the transmission management unit 204 calculates the number of MPDUs to be transmitted based on the detected amount of transmission data. That is, the transmission management unit 204 calculates the number of MPDUs to be transmitted when the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer 202 is divided into MPDUs and transmitted.

[0234] In step S206, the transmission management unit 204 calculates the number of aggregations of MPDUs for each data transmission link. For example, the transmission management unit 204 calculates the number of MPDUs (aggregation number) to be transmitted via each data transmission link by dividing the number of MPDUs calculated in the process of step S205 by the number of data transmission links used for transmitting data.

[0235] The transmission management unit 204 also assigns an ascending sequence number to each MPDU. Furthermore, the transmission management unit 204 divides each MPDU into a plurality of groups for each data transmission link used for transmission.

[0236] In step S207, the transmission frame construction unit 205 constructs an A-MPDU frame. Specifically, the transmission management unit 204 acquires transmission data from the transmission buffer 202 and supplies it to the transmission frame construction unit 205. The transmission management unit 204 also supplies the transmission frame construction unit 205 with information on the sets of MPDUs divided for each data transmission link.

[0237] The transmission frame construction unit 205 divides the transmission data into MPDUs. The transmission frame construction unit 205 also constructs a plurality of A-MPDU frames by aggregating the MPDUs included in each set of MPDUs divided for each data transmission link. The transmission frame construction unit 205 supplies each A-MPDU frame to the corresponding transmission signal processing unit 231.

[0238] In step S208, the access control unit 206 performs reception settings for the return link. Specifically, under the control of the access control unit 206, the reception signal processing unit 242 performs reception settings for the return link for receiving control information and the like via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208.

[0239] In step S209, each transmission signal processing unit 231 determines whether or not there is a data transmission link that has become available for data transmission. Specifically, when transmission of A-MPDU has not started, each transmission signal processing unit 231 determines whether or not data transmission has become available for the corresponding data transmission link. For example, if at least one transmission signal processing unit 231 determines that the corresponding data transmission link has become accessible after a predetermined backoff time has elapsed and data transmission has become available, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0240] In step S210, the transmission signal processing unit 231 sets transmission parameters for the data transmission link over which data transmission is now possible. For example, the transmission signal processing unit 231 sets the duration of the A-MPDU frame and the like in the data transmission link over which data transmission is now possible.

[0241] In step S211, the transmission signal processing unit 231 transmits an A-MPDU frame. That is, the transmission signal processing unit 231 corresponding to the data transmission link for which data transmission has become possible performs predetermined signal processing such as encryption on the corresponding A-MPDU frame to generate a transmission signal. The transmission signal processing unit 231 starts transmitting the transmission signal to the receiving-side communication device via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and the corresponding data transmission link.

[0242] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0243] On the other hand, if none of the transmission signal processing units 231 determines in step S209 that the corresponding data transmission link is ready for transmission, the processes of steps S210 and S211 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S212.

[0244] In step S212, the received signal processing unit 242 determines whether or not reception has been detected on the return link. If it is determined that reception has not been detected on the return link, the process returns to step S209.

[0245] Thereafter, the processes of steps S209 to S212 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S212 that reception has been detected on the return link.

[0246] On the other hand, in step S212, if the received signal processing unit 242 receives any signal via the return link and the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208, it determines that reception has been detected on the return link, and the process proceeds to step S213.

[0247] In step S213, the received frame analysis unit 209 determines whether the received signal includes control information addressed to itself. Specifically, the received signal processing unit 242 performs various signal processing such as decoding on the received signal and extracts a control information frame from the received signal. The received signal processing unit 242 supplies the extracted control information frame to the received frame analysis unit 209.

[0248] The received frame analysis unit 209 analyzes the acquired control information frame. If the control information frame is a Block Ack frame addressed to the wireless communication device 101, the received frame analysis unit 209 determines that the control information frame includes control information addressed to itself, and the process proceeds to step S214.

[0249] In step S214, the reception management unit 210 determines whether ACK information or NACK information has been acquired. Specifically, the reception frame analysis unit 209 extracts BA information from the received Block ACK frame. The reception frame analysis unit 209 supplies the extracted BA information to the reception management unit 210. The reception management unit 210 supplies the acquired BA information to the transmission management unit 204 via the link management unit 203.

[0250] If the acquired BA Information is the BA Information of the Block Ack frame shown in FIG. 14 or 15, the reception management unit 210 determines that ACK information has been acquired, and the process proceeds to step S215.

[0251] In step S215, transmission management unit 204 detects the range of data that has been successfully received. Based on the Block Ack Bitmap included in the BA Information, transmission management unit 204 detects the range of MPDUs that have been successfully received by the receiving communication device among the MPDUs to be transmitted to the receiving communication device.

[0252] In step S216, the transmission management unit 204 determines whether all data has been received normally based on the result of the process in step S217. If there is an MPDU that has not yet been received normally by the receiving communication device, the transmission management unit 204 determines that all data has not yet been received normally, and the process proceeds to step S217.

[0253] On the other hand, in step S214, if the acquired BA Information is the BA Information of the Block Ack frame in Fig. 16, the reception management unit 210 determines that NACK information has been acquired. Then, the processes of steps S215 and S216 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S217.

[0254] In step S217, the transmission management unit 204 identifies undelivered data based on the acquired BA Information. That is, the transmission management unit 204 identifies the sequence number of the MPDU for which a reception error has occurred and which has not been delivered.

[0255] In step S218, the transmission management unit 204 determines whether or not there is undelivered data based on the result of the process in step S217. If it is determined that there is undelivered data, the process proceeds to step S219.

[0256] In step S219, the transmission frame constructing unit 205 constructs a retransmission frame for the undelivered data. The transmission management unit 204 obtains the data included in the undelivered MPDU from the transmission buffer 202 and supplies it to the transmission frame constructing unit 205.

[0257] The transmission frame construction unit 205 constructs an A-MPDU frame including the MPDU as a retransmission frame. The transmission frame construction unit 205 supplies the retransmission frame to, for example, the transmission signal processing unit 231 corresponding to the data transmission link used to transmit the MPDU.

[0258] In step S220, the transmission signal processing unit 231 that has acquired the retransmission frame sets a back-off time. Specifically, under the control of the access control unit 206, the transmission signal processing unit 231 sets a predetermined back-off time in the corresponding data transmission link.

[0259] In step S221, the transmission signal processing unit 231 determines whether or not it is time to transmit a retransmission frame. This determination process is repeated until it is determined that it is time to transmit a retransmission frame. If it is determined that it is time to transmit a retransmission frame, the process proceeds to step S222.

[0260] In step S222, the transmission signal processing unit 231 transmits the retransmission frame. That is, the transmission signal processing unit 231 transmits a transmission signal including the retransmission frame via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and the corresponding data transmission link by the same process as in step S211 described above.

[0261] Thereafter, the process returns to step S209, and steps S209 to S222 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S216 that all data has been received normally.

[0262] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S216 that all the data has been received normally, the data transmission process ends.

[0263] <Data reception process> Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 21 and 22, a data reception process executed by the wireless communication device 101, which is the receiving-side communication device, corresponding to the data transmission process of FIGS. 19 and 20 will be described.

[0264] In step S301, each received signal processing unit 241 determines whether or not it is receiving a received signal addressed to itself. If none of the received signal processing units 241 determines that it is not receiving a received signal addressed to itself (wireless communication device 101), the process proceeds to step S302.

[0265] In step S302, each received signal processing unit 241 determines whether or not it has detected a received signal addressed to itself. If any received signal processing unit 242 determines that it has detected a received signal addressed to itself (wireless communication device 101) via the corresponding data transmission link and transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0266] On the other hand, in step S301, if at least one received signal processing unit 241 determines that it is receiving a received signal addressed to itself (wireless communication device 101) via the corresponding data transmission link and transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208, the processing of step S302 is skipped and the processing proceeds to step S303.

[0267] In step S303, the received signal processing unit 241 acquires an MPDU. Specifically, the received signal processing unit 241, which is receiving a signal addressed to itself, performs predetermined signal processing such as decoding on the received signal in order from the beginning. The received signal processing unit 241 supplies the acquired A-MPDU frames (including retransmission frames) to the received frame analysis unit 209 in order from the beginning.

[0268] The received frame analysis unit 209 extracts MPDUs in order from the beginning of the A-MPDU frame based on the length of the delimiter of each A-MPDU subframe of the A-MPDU frame.

[0269] In step S304, the received frame analysis unit 209 determines whether a reception error has occurred. If the MPDU acquired in the process of step S303 is normal, the received frame analysis unit 209 determines that a reception error has not occurred, and the process proceeds to step S305.

[0270] In step S305, the reception management unit 210 stores ACK information for the acquired MPDU. Specifically, the received frame analysis unit 209 supplies the acquired MPDU to the reception management unit 210 and notifies it that the MPDU is normal. The reception management unit 210 stores ACK information that includes the sequence number of the MPDU and indicates that the MPDU has been received.

[0271] In step S306, the reception management unit 210 stores the received data in the reception buffer 211. Specifically, the reception management unit 210 extracts the data stored in the Frame Body of the acquired MPDU and stores it in the reception buffer 211.

[0272] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0273] On the other hand, in step S304, if an abnormality has occurred in the MPDU acquired in the process of step S303, the received frame analysis unit 209 determines that a reception error has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S307.

[0274] In step S307, the reception management unit 210 stores NACK information for the acquired MPDU. Specifically, the received frame analysis unit 209 notifies the reception management unit 210 that a reception error has occurred in the acquired MPDU. The reception management unit 210 stores NACK information that includes the sequence number of the MPDU and indicates that the MPDU has not arrived.

[0275] In step S308, the transmission signal processing unit 232 starts access control for the return link. Specifically, the reception management unit 210 notifies the access control unit 206 and the transmission management unit 204 that an MPDU reception error has occurred via the link management unit 203. Under the control of the access control unit 206, the transmission signal processing unit 232 starts access control for the return link, such as setting a predetermined backoff time.

[0276] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0277] In step S309, the transmission management unit 204 determines whether the conditions for returning a response frame have been met. If the transmission management unit 204 determines that the conditions for returning a response frame have been met, such as when a predetermined return timing has arrived or when the number of undelivered data has reached a predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S310.

[0278] In step S310, the transmission frame construction unit 205 constructs a response frame. Specifically, the transmission management unit 204 acquires ACK information and NACK information from the reception management unit 210 via the link management unit 203. The transmission management unit 204 supplies the acquired ACK information and NACK information to the transmission frame construction unit 205.

[0279] Based on the acquired ACK information and NACK information, the transmission frame construction unit 205 constructs the Block ACK frame of Fig. 12, 13, or 16. The transmission frame construction unit 205 supplies the constructed Block ACK frame to the transmission signal processing unit 232.

[0280] In step S311, the transmission signal processing unit 232 determines whether or not transmission of a response frame is possible. This determination process is repeatedly executed until it is determined that transmission of the response frame is possible. Then, for example, when a predetermined backoff time has elapsed and access to the return link has become possible, the transmission signal processing unit 232 determines that transmission of the response frame is possible, and the process proceeds to step S312.

[0281] In step S312, the transmission signal processing unit 232 transmits a response frame. Specifically, the transmission signal processing unit 232 performs predetermined signal processing, such as encryption, on the Block Ack frame to generate a transmission signal. The transmission signal processing unit 232 transmits the generated transmission signal to the transmitting-side communication device via the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and the return link.

[0282] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S313.

[0283] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that the conditions for returning a response frame are not met, the processes of steps S310 to S312 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S313.

[0284] In step S313, the reception management unit 210 determines whether or not reception of the retransmission frame is complete. If it is determined that reception of the retransmission frame is not complete, the process proceeds to step S314.

[0285] Here, for example, if the retransmission frame has just been received to the end, it is determined that reception of the retransmission frame has been completed. On the other hand, if the retransmission frame is currently being received, if the retransmission frame has not been received, or if the retransmission frame has already been received to the end, it is not determined that reception of the retransmission frame has been completed.

[0286] In step S314, the reception management unit 210 determines whether or not reception of all A-MPDU frames has been completed. If it is determined that reception of all A-MPDU frames has been completed, the process proceeds to step S315.

[0287] Here, for example, if the last A-MPDU frame among the A-MPDU frames transmitted via each data transmission link has just been received to its end, it is determined that reception of all A-MPDU frames has been completed. On the other hand, if there is an A-MPDU that has not yet been received to its end, or if all A-MPDU frames transmitted via each data transmission link have already been received to their end, it is not determined that reception of all A-MPDU frames has been completed.

[0288] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S313 that reception of the retransmission frame has been completed, the process of step S314 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S315.

[0289] In step S315, the transmission frame constructing unit 205 constructs an ACK frame. Specifically, the reception management unit 210 supplies the transmission management unit 204 via the link management unit 203 with ACK information and NACK information of all MPDUs.

[0290] The transmission management unit 204 supplies the acquired ACK information and NACK information to the transmission frame construction unit 205, and instructs the construction of an ACK frame.

[0291] Based on the acquired ACK information and NACK information, the transmission frame constructing unit 205 constructs the Block ACK frame shown in Fig. 12 or 13. The transmission frame constructing unit 205 supplies the constructed Block ACK frame to the transmission signal processing unit 232.

[0292] Furthermore, when transmission frame construction unit 205 has completed reception of the retransmission frame, it supplies the constructed Block Ack frame to transmission signal processing unit 231 corresponding to the data transmission link used to receive the retransmission frame. On the other hand, when transmission frame construction unit 205 has completed reception of all A-MPDU frames, it supplies the constructed Block Ack frame to transmission signal processing unit 231 corresponding to the data transmission link that last completed reception of the A-MPDU frame (for example, link 3 in FIG. 8).

[0293] In step S316, the transmitter 221 transmits an ACK frame at a predetermined timing.

[0294] Specifically, transmission signal processing unit 231, which has acquired the Block Ack frame, transmits a transmission signal including the Block Ack frame to the transmitting-side communication device via transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and the corresponding data transmission link, by processing similar to that of step S312 described above. Also, transmission signal processing unit 232, which has acquired the Block Ack frame, transmits a transmission signal including the Block Ack frame to the transmitting-side communication device via transmitting / receiving antenna unit 208 and the return link, by processing similar to that of step S312 described above.

[0295] As a result, a Block Ack frame including ACK information for all MPDUs, such as Block Ack frame C in FIG. 8, is transmitted via the data transmission link and the return link.

[0296] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S317.

[0297] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S314 that reception of all A-MPDU frames has been completed, the processes of steps S315 and S316 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S317.

[0298] If it is determined in step S302 that no reception signal addressed to itself has been detected, the process proceeds to step S317. This is the case when none of the reception signal processing units 241 is receiving a reception signal addressed to itself.

[0299] In step S317, the interface 201 determines whether the data output conditions are satisfied. If it is determined that the data output conditions are not satisfied, the process returns to step S301.

[0300] Thereafter, the processes of steps S301 to S317 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S317 that the data output conditions are met.

[0301] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S317 that the data output conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S318.

[0302] In step S318, the interface 201 outputs the received data. Specifically, the interface 201 acquires the received data from the receive buffer 211 and supplies it to the device control module 113.

[0303] In step S319, the interface 201 determines whether all the data has been output. If the interface 201 determines that all the data has not yet been output, the process returns to step S301.

[0304] Thereafter, the processes of steps S301 to S319 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S319 that all the data has been output.

[0305] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S319 that all the data has been output, the data reception process ends.

[0306] <Modification of the communication method of the wireless communication device 101> Next, a modified example of the communication method of the wireless communication device 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0307] <First Modification of Communication Method of Wireless Communication Device 101> First, a first modified example of the communication method of the wireless communication device 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0308] FIG. 23 is a diagram similar to FIG. 8 above showing the flow of data when data is transmitted between two wireless communication devices 101 using MLO.

[0309] The first modified example differs from the first embodiment described above with reference to Figures 8 to 13 in that a plurality of return links are provided. Specifically, in the first modified example, links 1 to 3 are set as data transmission links, and links R1 and R2 are set as return links.

[0310] The processes other than returning the Block Ack frame via the return link are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0311] The receiving communication device returns a Block Ack frame using link R1 and link R2.

[0312] Specifically, in the first modified example, Block Ack Frames A to C similar to those in the first embodiment are returned at the same timing as those in the first embodiment.

[0313] At the time of returning Block Ack frame A, link R1 is available and link R2 is busy, so Block Ack frame A is returned using only link R1.

[0314] Both link R1 and link R2 are available at the time of returning Block Ack frame B. Therefore, the same Block Ack frame B is returned using both link R1 and link R2.

[0315] At the time of returning Block Ack frame C, link R2 is available and link R1 is busy, so Block Ack frame C is returned using only link R2.

[0316] This makes it possible to reliably and quickly return a Block Ack frame, even if a particular frequency channel (for example, link R1 or link R2) is congested.

[0317] <Second Modification of Communication Method of Wireless Communication Device 101> Next, a second modified example of the communication method of the wireless communication device 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0318] FIG. 24 is a diagram similar to FIG. 8 above showing the flow of data when data is transmitted between two wireless communication devices 101 using MLO.

[0319] The second modified example differs from the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16 in that the retransmission frame is transmitted via a return link.

[0320] The processes other than the transmission of the retransmission frame via the return link are the same as those in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0321] Specifically, in the second modified example, similarly to the second embodiment, links 1 to 3 are set as data transmission links, and link R is set as a return link.

[0322] Then, similarly to the second embodiment, when the number of undelivered data reaches two, block ACK data including NACK information for the undelivered data is returned.

[0323] In response to this, the transmitting communication device generates an A-MPDU frame including the undelivered data and transmits it via link R.

[0324] Specifically, after a reception error occurs in data 3 and a reception error occurs in data 10, the receiving communication device returns a Block ACK frame including NACK information for data 3 and data 10 via link R.

[0325] In response to this, the transmitting communication device generates an A-MPDU frame including data 3 and data 10 and transmits it via link R.

[0326] Next, after a reception error occurs in data 7 and a reception error occurs in data 20, the receiving communication device returns a Block ACK frame including NACK information for data 7 and data 20 via link R.

[0327] In response to this, the transmitting communication device generates an A-MPDU frame including data 7 and data 20 and transmits it via link R.

[0328] This allows the transmitting communication device to retransmit undelivered data while transmitting data via the data transmission link.

[0329] <Third Modification of Communication Method of Wireless Communication Device 101> Next, a third modified example of the communication method of the wireless communication device 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0330] FIG. 25 is a diagram similar to FIG. 8 above showing the flow of data when data is transmitted between two wireless communication devices 101 using MLO.

[0331] The third modified example differs from the second modified example in that a link for retransmitting undelivered data is provided.

[0332] The processes other than the retransmission of undelivered data are the same as those in the second modified example, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0333] Specifically, in the second modified example, links 1 to 4 are set as data transmission links, and link R is set as a return link.

[0334] When the transmitting communication device receives a Block ACK frame including NACK information, it generates an A-MPDU frame including undelivered data and transmits it via link 4.

[0335] Specifically, when the transmitting communication device receives a Block ACK frame including NACK information for data 3 and data 10, it generates an A-MPDU frame including data 3 and data 10. Then, the transmitting communication device transmits the generated A-MPDU frame via link 4.

[0336] Furthermore, when the transmitting communication device receives a Block ACK frame including NACK information for data 7 and data 20, it generates an A-MPDU frame including data 7 and data 20. Then, the transmitting communication device transmits the generated A-MPDU frame via link 4.

[0337] This allows the transmitting communication device to more reliably retransmit undelivered data while transmitting data via the data transmission link.

[0338] <Frequency bands used for multilink> Next, examples of frequency bands used for multilink will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0339] FIG. 26 shows an example of allocation of frequency bands and channels available in the wireless LAN network 1.

[0340] In the 2.4 GHz band, by applying the 20 MHz bandwidth OFDM radio signal of the IEEE802.11g standard, a frequency band for at least two channels can be used.

[0341] In the 5 GHz band, standards such as IEEE802.11a allow the use of multiple channels for OFDM wireless signals with a bandwidth of 20 MHz. However, the legal systems of each country impose conditions on the use of this frequency band, such as the available frequency range, transmission power, and transmission capability.

[0342] In addition, channel numbers are given below the diagram of the 5 GHz band, and in Japan, eight channels, from channel 36 to channel 64, and eleven channels, from channel 100 to channel 140, are available for use.

[0343] In other countries and regions, channels 32, 68, 96, and 144 are also available. Furthermore, in the frequency band above these, channels 149 to 173 are available.

[0344] In the 6 GHz band, which is currently being standardized to make it available for use, 25 channels are available in the UNII-5 band in 6 GHz band A, 5 channels in the UNII-6 band in 6 GHz band B, 17 channels in the UNII-7 band in 6 GHz band C, and 12 channels in the UNII-8 band in 6 GHz band D.

[0345] FIG. 27 shows an example of frequency bands allocated to data transmission links and return links.

[0346] In this example, link 1 and link 2 are set as data transmission links, and link R is set as a return link.

[0347] For example, a 5 GHz channel is used for link 1, a 6 GHz channel is used for link 2, and a 2.4 GHz channel is used for link R.

[0348] This ensures that the frequency bands of the data transmission links (Link 1 and Link 2) and the frequency band of the return link in the opposite direction (Link R) are spaced apart by at least a predetermined distance. Therefore, even if the transmission of an A-MPDU frame and the transmission of a Block Ack frame overlap, filtering can easily separate the signals containing the A-MPDU frame from the signals containing the Block Ack frame.

[0349] This reduces the probability of interference between the A-MPDU frame and the Block Ack frame, resulting in a reception error, even without adjusting the timing of the A-MPDU frame transmission and the Block Ack frame transmission. As a result, for example, the number of retransmissions of the A-MPDU frame can be reduced.

[0350] In this way, the receiving device can quickly notify the transmitting device of the reception status, allowing the transmitting device to quickly recognize the data that has not arrived and quickly take appropriate action, such as retransmitting the data.

[0351] Furthermore, by providing a predetermined interval or more between the frequency band of the data transmission link and the frequency band of the return link, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of interference with the transmission of A-MPDU frames due to Block Ack frames.

[0352] Furthermore, for example, by sharing the return link with other wireless communication devices through random access and returning control information when the return link becomes available, it is possible to eliminate the need to set up a channel dedicated to the return link.

[0353] <<3. Modifications>> Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment of the present technology will be described.

[0354] For example, the number of aggregations of A-MPDU frames, the number of data transmission links, the number of return links, and the number of aggregations of A-MPDU frames can be changed as appropriate.

[0355] For example, the present technology can also be applied to the case where frames other than A-MPDU frames are transmitted.

[0356] <<4. Other>> <Example of computer configuration> The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed on a computer. Here, the term "computer" includes computers built into dedicated hardware, and general-purpose personal computers, for example, that can execute various functions by installing various programs.

[0357] FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes by a program.

[0358] In the computer 1000, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 are interconnected by a bus 1004.

[0359] An input / output interface 1005 is further connected to the bus 1004. An input unit 1006, an output unit 1007, a recording unit 1008, a communication unit 1009, and a drive 1010 are connected to the input / output interface 1005.

[0360] The input unit 1006 includes an input switch, a button, a microphone, an image sensor, etc. The output unit 1007 includes a display, a speaker, etc. The recording unit 1008 includes a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 1009 includes a network interface, etc. The drive 1010 drives removable media 1011 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0361] In the computer 1000 configured as described above, the CPU 1001 performs the above-described series of processes by, for example, loading a program recorded in the recording unit 1008 into the RAM 1003 via the input / output interface 1005 and the bus 1004 and executing it.

[0362] The program executed by the computer 1000 (CPU 1001) can be provided by being recorded on a removable medium 1011 such as a package medium, for example. The program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0363] In the computer 1000, the program can be installed in the recording unit 1008 via the input / output interface 1005 by inserting the removable medium 1011 into the drive 1010. The program can also be received by the communication unit 1009 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the recording unit 1008. Alternatively, the program can be installed in the ROM 1002 or the recording unit 1008 in advance.

[0364] The program executed by the computer may be a program that processes in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be a program that processes in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0365] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are contained in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0366] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present technology.

[0367] For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0368] Furthermore, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0369] Furthermore, when one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that one step can be executed by one device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0370] <Configuration combination example> The present technology can also be configured as follows.

[0371] (1) a transmitter configured to transmit data to other wireless communication devices via one or more first links; a receiving unit that receives control information from the other wireless communication device via one or more second links in parallel with the transmission of the data via the first link; A wireless communication device comprising: (2) the control information includes at least one of receipt notification information and non-delivery notification information of the data; a transmission management unit that recognizes undelivered data based on the receipt notification information or the undelivered notification information; The wireless communication device according to (1) further comprises: (3) The transmitter retransmits the undelivered data via one of the first links or the second link. The wireless communication device according to (2) above. (4) The transmission management unit recognizes the range of the data received by the other wireless communication device based on the reception notification information. The wireless communication device according to (2) or (3). (5) the transmitting unit is capable of simultaneously transmitting the data to the other wireless communication device via a plurality of the first links; The receiving unit receives the control information including at least one of the receipt notification information and the non-delivery notification information of each of the data transmitted via the plurality of first links from the other wireless communication device via the second link. The wireless communication device according to any one of (2) to (4). (6) The receiver is capable of receiving the control information via a plurality of the second links simultaneously. The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) an access control unit that controls access to the first link according to a predetermined access control procedure; Further preparation, The transmitting unit transmits the data to the other wireless communication device via the first link that has become available through the access control procedure. The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (6). (8) The transmitter transmits link setup request information to the other wireless communication device, the link setup request information including information on a plurality of links that can be set to the first link and a link that can be set to the second link. The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) the receiving unit receives, in response to the link setup request information, link setup response information from the other wireless communication device, the link including information on a link used by the other wireless communication device as the first link and a link used by the other wireless communication device as the second link; a link management unit that sets the first link and the second link based on the link setup response information; The wireless communication device according to (8) further comprises: (9a) The link setup request information includes information indicating a timing at which the other wireless communication device transmits the control information including receipt notification information or non-delivery notification information of the data. The wireless communication device according to any one of (8) and (9). (9b) The link setup request information includes information indicating whether the other wireless communication device is to transmit a receipt notification or a non-delivery notification of the data. The wireless communication device according to any one of (8) to (9a). (9c) The frequency band of the first link and the frequency band of the second link are spaced apart by a predetermined interval or more. The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (9b). (9d) The transmitting unit transmits a frame in which the plurality of pieces of data are linked to the other wireless communication device via the first link. The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (9c). (10) A wireless communication device transmitting data to other wireless communication devices over one or more first links; Receive control information from the other wireless communication device via one or more second links in parallel with transmitting the data via the first link. Wireless communication method. (11) a receiving unit configured to receive data from another wireless communication device via one or more first links; a transmitter that transmits control information to the other wireless communication device via one or more second links in parallel with receiving the data via the first link; A wireless communication device comprising: (12) a control unit that generates the control information including at least one of receipt notification information and non-delivery notification information of the data received by the receiving unit via the plurality of first links; Further preparation, The transmitter transmits the control information to the other wireless communication device via the second link. The wireless communication device according to (11). (13) The transmitting unit transmits the control information including the acknowledgement information of the data received via the plurality of first links to the other wireless communication device at a predetermined timing or after the reception of all the data has been completed, via the second link. The wireless communication device according to (12) above. (14) The transmitting unit transmits the control information including the acknowledgement information of all the data to the other wireless communication device via a link that has completed reception of the data last among the plurality of first links. The wireless communication device according to (12) or (13). (15) When undelivered data exists, the transmission unit transmits the control information including the undelivered notification information to the other wireless communication device via the second link. The wireless communication device according to any one of (12) to (14). (16) When the number of pieces of undelivered data reaches a predetermined number, the transmission unit transmits the control information including the undelivered notification information to the other wireless communication device via the second link. The wireless communication device according to (15) above. (16a) The receiving unit receives the retransmitted undelivered data via the second link. The wireless communication device according to (15) or (16). (16b) The receiver receives the retransmitted undelivered data via one of the first links. The wireless communication device according to (15) or (16). (17) The transmitter is capable of simultaneously transmitting the control information via a plurality of the second links. The wireless communication device according to any one of (11) to (16b). (18) an access control unit that controls access to the second link according to a predetermined access control procedure; Further preparation, The transmitter transmits the control information to the other wireless communication device via the second link that has become available through the access control procedure. The wireless communication device according to any one of (11) to (17). (19) the receiving unit receives link setup request information from the other wireless communication device, the link setup request information including information on a link that can be set as the first link and a link that can be set as the second link; a link management unit that sets a link to be used as the first link and a link to be used as the second link based on the link setup request information, and generates link setup response information including information on the link to be used as the first link and the link to be used as the second link; Further preparation, The transmitter transmits the link setup information to the other wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to any one of (11) to (18). (19a) The frequency band of the first link and the frequency band of the second link are spaced apart by a predetermined interval or more. The wireless communication device according to any one of (11) to (19). (19b) The receiving unit receives a frame in which a plurality of pieces of the data are linked from the other wireless communication device via the first link. The wireless communication device according to any one of (11) to (19a). (20) A wireless communication device receiving data from other wireless communication devices via one or more first links; Transmitting control information to the other wireless communication device via one or more second links in parallel with receiving the data via the first link. Wireless communication method.

[0372] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present. [Explanation of symbols]

[0373] 1 wireless LAN network, 101 wireless communication device, 111 network connection module, 113 device control module, 115 wireless communication module, 203 link management unit, 204 transmission management unit, 205 transmission frame construction unit, 206 access control unit, 207 transmission / reception unit, 209 reception frame construction unit, 210 reception management unit, 221 transmission unit, 222 reception unit, 231-1 to 231-m transmission signal processing unit, 232-1 to 232-n transmission signal processing unit, 241-1 to 241-m reception signal processing unit, 242-1 to 242-n reception signal processing unit

Claims

1. a control unit that controls, during transmission of a first A-MPDU (Aggregation-MAC Protocol Data Unit) to another wireless communication device via a first link, reception of acknowledgment information of at least one MPDU (MAC Protocol Data Unit) included in the first A-MPDU from the other wireless communication device via a second link; A wireless communication device.

2. The control unit controls retransmission of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU based on the acknowledgment information. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit controls the retransmission via a link different from the first link. The wireless communication device according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit controls the retransmission over the second link. The wireless communication device according to claim 3 .

5. The control unit controls the retransmission during transmission of the first A-MPDU. The wireless communication device according to claim 2 .

6. The control unit recognizes the range of the MPDU received by the other wireless communication device based on the reception notification information. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

7. The control unit controls transmission of a second A-MPDU to the other wireless communication device via a link different from the first link during transmission of the first A-MPDU. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

8. The control unit starts transmission of the second A-MPDU after starting transmission of the first A-MPDU. The wireless communication device according to claim 7.

9. The control unit controls, after transmission of the first A-MPDU and during transmission of the second A-MPDU, reception of acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU and at least one MPDU included in the second A-MPDU. The wireless communication device according to claim 7.

10. The control unit controls transmission of A-MPDUs via links that have become available after a back-off time set for each link has elapsed. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

11. The first link and the second link are included in two different bands among a 2.4 GHz band, a 5 GHz band, and a 6 GHz band. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

12. Acting as an access point The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

13. A wireless communication device receives, during transmission of a first A-MPDU to another wireless communication device via a first link, acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU from the other wireless communication device via a second link. Wireless communication method.

14. a control unit that controls, during reception of a first A-MPDU from another wireless communication device via a first link, transmission of acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU to the other wireless communication device via a second link; A wireless communication device.

15. The control unit controls re-reception of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU during reception of the first A-MPDU.

15. The wireless communication device of claim 14.

16. The control unit controls reception of a second A-MPDU from the other wireless communication device via a link different from the first link while receiving the first A-MPDU.

15. The wireless communication device of claim 14.

17. The control unit controls, after receiving the first A-MPDU and during receiving the second A-MPDU, transmission of acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU and at least one MPDU included in the second A-MPDU.

17. The wireless communication device of claim 16.

18. A wireless communication device, while receiving a first A-MPDU from another wireless communication device via a first link, transmits, via a second link, acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU to the other wireless communication device. Wireless communication method.

19. a first wireless communication device having a first control unit and a second wireless communication device having a second control unit; the first control unit controls transmission of a first A-MPDU to the second wireless communication device via a first link; The second control unit controls, during reception of the first A-MPDU, transmission of acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU to the first wireless communication device via a second link. Wireless communication system.

20. a first wireless communication device transmitting a first A-MPDU to a second wireless communication device over a first link; The second wireless communication device transmits, during reception of the first A-MPDU, acknowledgement information of at least one MPDU included in the first A-MPDU to the first wireless communication device via a second link. Wireless communication method.

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