Communication apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The combination of the frequency band and the authentication method can be appropriately set.SOLUTION: The communication device 102 controls a notifying unit that notifies the user so that the combination of the selection of the predetermined frequency band as the frequency band used when the wireless communication based on the IEEE802. 11 series standard is executed and the selection of the predetermined authenticating method as the authenticating method used when the wireless communication based on the IEEE802. 11 series standard is executed is restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to wireless communication setup. [Background technology]

[0002] When performing wireless communication, it is necessary to set the settings (hereinafter referred to as communication parameters) required for wireless communication. An AP (Access Point), which is responsible for building a wireless network, builds a wireless network using the frequency channel, encryption method, and authentication method set as communication parameters. The user can set communication parameters for the AP by displaying a setting screen for setting the AP's communication parameters.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication device that controls whether or not to display an internal authentication selection screen depending on whether or not the authentication method selected as a communication parameter is an authentication method for executing internal authentication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-199458 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The IEEE802.11ax standard, a wireless communication standard being considered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), is considering using the 6 GHz band as a frequency band for communication in addition to the conventional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Because the encryption and authentication methods supported for communications in the conventional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands were the same, users did not need to consider the frequency band when setting communication parameters. However, for communications in the 6 GHz band, it is being considered that only a limited number of authentication methods will be supported. In such cases, it can be cumbersome for users to be aware of the available authentication methods and set them appropriately when setting communication parameters for communications in the 6 GHz band.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to enable appropriate setting of a combination of a frequency band and an authentication method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above, the communication device of the present invention has a first selection means for selecting a frequency band to be used when performing wireless communication compliant with the IEEE802.11 series standard, a second selection means for selecting an authentication method to be used when performing wireless communication compliant with the IEEE802.11 series standard, and a control means for controlling a notification unit that notifies a user so as to limit the combination of the selection of a predetermined frequency band by the first selection means and the selection of a predetermined authentication method by the second selection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to appropriately set a combination of a frequency band and an authentication method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a network in which a communication device 102 participates. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a communication device 102. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a communication device 102. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the communication device 102 when setting communication parameters. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graphical user interface displayed by a communication device 102 in a first display mode. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the first display type communication device 102. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in a second display format. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in the second display mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in a third display format. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in the third display mode. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in the third display mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in the third display mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in a fourth display mode. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in the fourth display mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in a fifth display format. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in the fifth display mode. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in the fifth display mode. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in a sixth display format. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 in the sixth display mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a network in which a communication device 102 according to this embodiment participates. The communication device 102 is an access point (AP) that serves to construct a network 101. The network 101 is a wireless network. The communication device 103 is a station (STA) that serves to participate in the network 101. Each communication device is compatible with the IEEE 802.11ax standard and can perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11ax standard via the network 101. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Each communication device can communicate in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. The frequency bands used by each communication device are not limited to these, and a different frequency band, such as the 60 GHz band, may be used.

[0012] Communication parameters are set in the communication device 102, and the communication device 102 establishes a network in accordance with the set communication parameters. The communication parameters set in the communication device 102 may be preset or may be set by the user. The user can set the communication parameters of the communication device 102 via a setting screen displayed on the display unit (notification unit, output unit 305) of the communication device 102 or on the display unit of a communication device (not shown) that communicates with the communication device 102 via wired or wireless communication.

[0013] Specifically, the communication parameters set in the communication device 102 are an authentication method. In addition, at least one of the SSID, encryption method, encryption key, frequency band, frequency channel, bandwidth, whether or not a wireless function is used, and network name may be set as the communication parameters. Furthermore, at least one of various parameters set on a communication parameter setting screen shown in Figs. 5 to 19 described below may be set as the communication parameter.

[0014] The SSID is an abbreviation for Service Set Identifier and is an identifier for identifying an AP (communication device 102). The encryption method is a method used to encrypt communication between the AP (communication device 102) and the STA (communication device 103). The encryption key is a key used to encrypt communication between the AP (communication device 102) and the STA (communication device 103). Only STAs that know the encryption key set in the AP can communicate with the AP. The frequency band is a frequency band used when the AP (communication device 102) and the STA (communication device 103) communicate. In the IEEE 802.11ax standard, the frequency band can be selected from the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. The frequency channel is a frequency channel used when the AP (communication device 102) and the STA (communication device 103) communicate. A frequency channel belonging to the selected frequency band can be selected. For example, if the 2.4 GHz band is selected as the frequency band, any of channels 1ch to 13ch can be selected as the frequency channel. The bandwidth is the bandwidth used when the AP (communication device 102) and the STA (communication device 103) communicate, and can be selected from 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz. Note that a band wider than 160 MHz may also be selected. The use of the wireless function is a parameter indicating whether or not to use the wireless function of the communication device 102, which is an AP. The use of the wireless function can be set to whether or not to use the wireless function for wireless communication for each frequency band. Alternatively, it may be set for all wireless communications of the communication device 102. If the wireless function is set not to be used, the communication device 102 does not build a network. Alternatively, the communication device 102 does not communicate via a network built by the communication device 102. The network name is the name of the network built by the communication device 102, and can be set using any character string. Note that the network name and the SSID may be the same, and in this case, only one of the setting items may be set as a communication parameter.

[0015] Specific examples of authentication methods include Open, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), WPA2, and WPA3. Open is an authentication method defined as Open System Authentication in the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. In this authentication method, an AP that receives an authentication request from a STA always sends a successful authentication notification. In this authentication method, authentication is always successful, so no actual authentication is performed. WPA is a standard related to authentication methods established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WPA2 is the successor standard to WPA, and provides improved security compared to WPA by supporting a new encryption method that was not supported in WPA. WPA3 is the successor standard to WPA2, and provides even improved security. WPA2 uses a pre-shared key as a key for encrypting communications. In this embodiment, when WPA2 is selected as the authentication method, the encryption key corresponds to the pre-shared key. The pre-shared key is usually manually entered by a user into the AP and the STA. However, in WPA3, encryption is not performed using a pre-shared key, but rather a key is generated by both the AP and the STA by performing calculations using elliptic curve cryptography on passwords entered into both the AP and the STA, and communication is encrypted using that key. This type of key sharing method is called SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals). In WPA3, a new key is generated each time authentication is performed, thereby improving security compared to WPA2, which reuses pre-shared keys. In this embodiment, when WPA3 is selected as the authentication method, the encryption key corresponds to a password.

[0016] In this embodiment, the communication devices 102 and 103 support different authentication methods depending on the frequency band they use. Specifically, the communication devices 102 and 103 support all of Open, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and only WPA3 in the 6 GHz band.

[0017] Note that the communication device 102 and the communication device 103 may support Open, which uses a method called Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) as a key sharing method, in addition to or instead of WPA3 as an authentication method. In conventional Open, communication was performed without encryption, but Open using the OWE method makes it possible to encrypt communication. OWE is a key sharing method that uses elliptic curve cryptography, like SAE, but differs in that it does not require prior sharing of a password.

[0018] Specific encryption methods include TKIP and AES. TKIP is an abbreviation for Temporal Key Integrity Protocol. AES is an abbreviation for Advanced Encryption Standard. AES is a stronger encryption method than TKIP, and has higher encryption strength.

[0019] In this embodiment, the communication devices 102 and 103 support different encryption methods depending on the frequency band they use. Specifically, both TKIP and AES are supported in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and only AES is supported in the 6 GHz band. Therefore, when communicating between the communication devices 102 and 103 in the 6 GHz band, the user must select WPA3 as the authentication method and AES as the encryption method.

[0020] In this case, even if a user selects the 6 GHz band as the frequency band on the communication parameter setting screen, if WPA2 is displayed or selectable as the authentication method, the user may not be able to set the communication parameters correctly. Therefore, when the 6 GHz band is selected as the frequency band, the setting screen display can be switched from when the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is selected, so that the user can easily set the correct communication parameters. Specifically, only WPA3 is displayed or selectable as the authentication method, and only AES is displayed or selectable as the encryption method.

[0021] In this embodiment, the communication devices 102 and 103 perform wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard, but this is not limited to this. The communication devices 102 and 103 may also perform wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11be standard, which is the successor standard to the IEEE 802.11ax standard. The IEEE 802.11be standard, like the IEEE 802.11ax standard, allows communication in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. In this case, like communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard, the supported authentication method and encryption method may differ depending on the frequency band.

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

[0023] When the communication devices 102 and 103 are compatible with the IEEE 802.11 series standards, they can use at least one of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. Furthermore, the communication devices 102 and 103 can perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standards via frequency channels included in the available frequency bands. In this case, the bandwidth of each frequency channel is defined as 20 MHz in the IEEE 802.11 series standards. By bonding adjacent frequency channels, the communication devices 102 and 103 can also use a bandwidth of 40 MHz or more for a single frequency channel. Furthermore, when the communication devices 102 and 103 are compatible with the IEEE 802.11 series standards, they can communicate data using a mechanism known as DCF. DCF stands for Distributed Coordination Function. In DCF, a data transmitting device waits a random period of time, known as a backoff, before transmitting data to avoid data collisions with other communication devices. After a random time (backoff) has elapsed, the data transmitting device checks whether the frequency channel used for data transmission is being used by another device before transmitting the data. Note that the communication devices 102 and 103 may be capable of performing communication control using EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) instead of or in addition to DCF. In EDCA, data to be transmitted is classified by priority, and a different backoff is set for each priority. Specifically, a shorter backoff is set for data with a higher priority than for data with a lower priority.

[0024] Furthermore, the communication devices 102 and 103 compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards may support a method in which an AP centrally manages data communication by STAs, in addition to or instead of DCF. For example, the communication devices 102 and 103 may support a data communication method using PCF (Point Coordination Function). In PCF, one device (AP) transmits polling signals to multiple other devices in sequence, and only devices that receive a polling signal from the AP can transmit data. Since only devices to which the AP transmits a polling signal can transmit data until the next polling signal is transmitted, data collisions do not occur. Alternatively, the communication devices 102 and 103 may be capable of performing communication control using HCCA (Hybrid Coordination Function Controlled Channel Access). HCCA is a communication method that not only controls data communication through AP polling like PCF, but also enables negotiation of communication quality between the AP and other devices. HCCA also enables scheduling that takes data priority into consideration. The method of preventing collisions of data communicated by each STA by having the AP centrally manage data communication by the STAs is not limited to the method using PCF or HCCA.

[0025] Alternatively, the communication devices 102 and 103 compliant with the IEEE802.11 series standards may support a data communication method using, for example, RTS / CTS. RTS stands for Request To Send, and CTS stands for Clear To Send. In this method, when a STA has data to send, it first sends an RTS to the AP. The AP that receives the RTS responds by sending a CTS to the STA. The STA that receives the CTS then sends data to the AP. In this case, the RTS, CTS, and data each contain a NAV (Network Allocation Vector) that indicates the time for which the channel used for transmission will be occupied. Other terminals that detect the RTS, CTS, and data do not transmit signals during the period indicated by the NAV, thereby avoiding data collisions.

[0026] Specific examples of the communication device 102 include, but are not limited to, a wireless LAN router and a PC. The communication device 102 may be any communication device capable of performing wireless communication with other communication devices in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard. Specific examples of the communication device 103 include, but are not limited to, a camera, a tablet, a smartphone, a PC, a mobile phone, a video camera, etc. The communication device 103 may be any communication device capable of performing wireless communication with other communication devices in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard. The network in FIG. 1 is a network configured with one AP and one STA, but the number of APs and STAs is not limited to this.

[0027] 2 shows the hardware configuration of the communication device 102 according to this embodiment. The communication device 102 includes a storage unit 301, a control unit 302, a function unit 303, an input unit 304, an output unit 305, a communication unit 306, and an antenna 307.

[0028] The storage unit 301 is configured with one or more memories such as ROM, RAM, etc., and stores various information such as computer programs for performing various operations described below and communication parameters for wireless communication. ROM stands for Read Only Memory, and RAM stands for Random Access Memory. In addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, the storage unit 301 may also use storage media such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and DVDs. Furthermore, the storage unit 301 may include multiple memories, etc.

[0029] The control unit 302 is configured with one or more processors, such as a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire communication device 102 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 301. The control unit 302 may control the entire communication device 102 in cooperation with the computer program stored in the storage unit 301 and an OS (Operating System). The control unit 302 also generates data and signals (radio frames) to be transmitted in communication with other communication devices. The CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and the MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit. The control unit 302 may also be equipped with multiple processors, such as a multi-core processor, and the entire communication device 102 may be controlled by the multiple processors.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 302 controls the function unit 303 to perform predetermined processes such as wireless communication, imaging, printing, projection, etc. The function unit 303 is hardware that enables the communication device 102 to perform predetermined processes.

[0031] The input unit 304 accepts various operations from the user. The output unit 305 provides various outputs to the user via a monitor screen or a speaker. The output unit 305 may operate as a display unit that displays a screen or a notification unit that provides various notifications to the user. Here, the output by the output unit 305 may be a display on a monitor screen, an audio output via a speaker, a vibration output, or the like. Both the input unit 304 and the output unit 305 may be implemented as a single module, such as a touch panel. The input unit 304 and the output unit 305 may be integrated with the communication device 102, or may be separate devices connected to the communication device 102 wirelessly or via a wired connection. Alternatively, the output unit 305 may operate as a display control unit that causes a screen display on a display unit of another communication device that communicates with the communication device 102 via wireless or wired communication. Alternatively, the output unit 305 may operate as an output control unit that causes an output unit, such as a speaker, of the other communication device to output audio, in addition to or instead of a screen. The input unit 304 may also be configured to accept inputs made by the user via another communication device that communicates with the communication device 102 via wireless or wired communication.

[0032] The communication unit 306 controls wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11ax standard. The communication unit 306 may also control wireless communication compliant with other IEEE 802.11 series standards in addition to the IEEE 802.11ax standard, or wired communication such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 306 controls the antenna 307 to transmit and receive signals for wireless communication generated by the control unit 302. If the communication device 102 supports standards such as the NFC standard and Bluetooth in addition to the IEEE 802.11ax standard, the communication unit 306 may control wireless communication compliant with these communication standards. If the communication device 102 can perform wireless communication compliant with multiple communication standards, the communication unit 306 may be configured with separate communication units and antennas compatible with each communication standard. The communication device 102 communicates data such as image data, document data, and video data with the communication device 103 via the communication unit 306. The antenna 307 may be configured separately from the communication unit 306, or may be configured together with the communication unit 306 as a single module.

[0033] The antenna 307 is an antenna capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. In this embodiment, the antenna 307 of the communication device 102 is required to be capable of communication in at least the 6 GHz band. Furthermore, although the communication device 102 has one antenna in this embodiment, it may have a different antenna for each frequency band. Furthermore, if the communication device 102 has multiple antennas, it may have a communication unit 306 corresponding to each antenna.

[0034] The communication device 103 has the same hardware configuration as the communication device 102 .

[0035] 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication device 102. The communication device 102 includes a wireless communication control unit 201, a display screen generation unit 202, a user input analysis unit 203, a UI control unit 204, and a storage control unit 205.

[0036] The wireless communication control unit 201 includes a circuit for transmitting and receiving wireless signals to and from other communication devices, and a program for controlling the circuit. The wireless communication control unit 201 controls wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standards. The wireless communication control unit 201 controls transmission and reception of wireless signals to and from other communication devices in the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band. While the communication device 102 has one wireless communication control unit in this embodiment, it may have a wireless communication control unit corresponding to each supported frequency band.

[0037] The display screen generation unit 202 generates content to be displayed on a UI (user interface) from information acquired from a user input analysis unit 203 (described later) and information stored in a storage unit 301, and sends the content to a UI control unit 204 (described later). For example, when the user input analysis unit 203 (described later) detects that a user has instructed to display a communication parameter setting screen, the display screen generation unit 202 generates a communication parameter setting screen and sends it to the UI control unit 204. Note that the screen generated by the display screen generation unit 202 may change depending on the user input and the passage of time.

[0038] The user input analysis unit 203 acquires information obtained by the UI control unit 204 (described later) and analyzes the contents of instructions given by the user. For example, in accordance with the instructions input by the user, the user input analysis unit 203 analyzes the contents to be controlled by the wireless communication control unit 201 and extracts information to be displayed by the display screen generation unit 202. The user input analysis unit 203 sends the extracted contents to the display screen generation unit 202.

[0039] The UI control unit 204 is configured by a program that controls hardware (input unit 304) related to a user interface, such as a touch panel or buttons, for accepting user operations on the communication device 102. The program of the UI control unit 204 sends the content of input from the user obtained from the input unit 304 shown in Fig. 2 to the user input analysis unit 203. The UI control unit 204 also sends the image generated by the display screen generation unit 202 to the output unit 305 shown in Fig. 2. The UI control unit 204 also has a function to present information to the user via the output unit 305, for example, by audio output.

[0040] The storage control unit 205 controls writing and reading of data to and from a storage unit 301 that stores programs and data that run on the communication device 102 .

[0041] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the communication device 102 when the communication parameters are set by reading out the computer program stored in the storage unit 301 to the control unit 302 and executing it.

[0042] The communication device 102 starts the processing of this flowchart when a user instructs the communication device 102 to display a communication parameter setting screen. The user's instruction may be given directly to the input unit 304 of the communication device 102, or may be given from another communication device connected to the communication device 102 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The other communication device connected to the communication device 102 wirelessly or via a wired connection may instruct the communication device 102 to display the setting screen by inputting the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the communication device 102 into the address bar of a browser. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may start the processing of this flowchart when it is connected to another communication device wired or wirelessly for the first time after being shipped from the factory. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may start the processing of this flowchart when it is powered on for the first time after being shipped from the factory.

[0043] First, the communication device 102 displays a communication parameter setting screen (S401). The setting screen may be displayed on the display unit (notification unit) of the communication device 102, or may be displayed on the display unit of another communication device (communication device 102) that communicates with the communication device 102 via wired or wireless communication. The setting screen displayed in this step will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 19.

[0044] Next, the communication device 102 determines whether the 6 GHz band has been selected for an item for setting a frequency band included in the displayed setting screen (S402). If the 6 GHz band has been selected as the frequency band to be used, the determination in this step is Yes. If a different frequency band (2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band) has been selected, the determination in this step is No. Note that the determination in this step may be based on a frequency channel. Specifically, the communication device 102 may determine whether a frequency channel belonging to the 6 GHz band has been selected for an item for setting a frequency channel included in the displayed setting screen. In this case, if the frequency channel selected as the frequency channel to be used is a frequency channel belonging to the 6 GHz band, the determination in this step is Yes. On the other hand, if the frequency channel selected as the frequency channel to be used is a frequency channel belonging to another frequency band (2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band), the determination in this step is No. If the determination in this step is No, the determination in this step is performed again. In this case, the display of each item on the setting screen is not switched to a display corresponding to the 6 GHz band. If the determination in this step is Yes, the communication device 102 performs the process of S403.

[0045] Next, the communication device 102 checks whether there is a STA currently connected in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band (S403). If there is no STA connected in at least one of the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band, the communication device 102 determines No in this step and performs processing of S407. On the other hand, if there is a STA connected in at least one of the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band, the communication device 102 determines Yes in this step and performs processing of S404.

[0046] The communication device 102 determines whether a STA connected in at least one of the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band is connected using an authentication method incompatible with the 6 GHz band (S404). In this embodiment, the authentication method incompatible with the 6 GHz band refers to an authentication method prior to WPA2, specifically, Open, which does not use WPA2, WPA, or OWE. If the communication device 102 is communicating with a STA using one of these authentication methods, the STA may not support WPA3. Changing the frequency band to the 6 GHz band may result in communication with the STA becoming impossible. While an AP notifies the AP of the authentication methods it supports using a beacon or probe response, a STA does not provide such notification. The STA simply requests the authentication method to be used for connection when sending an association request to the AP. Therefore, the AP cannot know whether the STA supports an authentication method other than the authentication method requested by the STA in the association request. In other words, because the AP cannot know whether the STA supports WPA3, it cannot determine whether communication with the STA will be possible if the frequency band is changed to the 6 GHz band. If the communication device 102 is connected to the STA using WPA3, the communication device 102 determines No in this step and performs processing in S407. On the other hand, if the communication device 102 is connected to the STA using an authentication method earlier than WPA2, the communication device 102 determines Yes in this step and displays S405. Note that in this step, the communication device 102 may also determine Yes if the communication device 102 is connected to the STA using Open in the OWE method.

[0047] Furthermore, if the communication device 102 determines No in S404, it may check whether the encryption method used in the connection with the STA is an encryption method that is incompatible with the 6 GHz band before performing the process of S407. Specifically, the communication device 102 may check whether the encryption method used in the connection with the STA has encryption strength lower than AES. If the encryption method used in the connection with the STA is TKIP or another encryption method with encryption strength lower than AES, the communication device 102 performs the process of S405. On the other hand, if the encryption method used in the connection with the STA has encryption strength equal to or higher than AES, it performs the process of S407.

[0048] If the communication device 102 can simultaneously maintain networks in multiple frequency bands, step S404 may be omitted, since in this case the communication device 102 can establish a new network in the 6 GHz band while maintaining a connection with the STA.

[0049] The communication device 102 displays a warning to the user (S405). The displayed warning indicates that changing the frequency band to the 6 GHz band may result in disconnection of the currently connected STA and in the inability to reconnect. In addition to displaying the warning, the communication device 102 may also perform processing such as outputting a beep or turning on a lamp. By displaying this warning, the user can recognize that switching the frequency band may result in the connection with the currently connected STA being disconnected. This allows the user to cancel the frequency band switching operation. In addition to the warning, the communication device 102 also displays a selection screen that allows the user to select whether or not to continue the frequency band switching process.

[0050] The communication device 102 determines whether to continue the frequency band switching process (S406). Specifically, it determines whether the user selected to continue the frequency band switching process on the selection screen displayed in S405. If the user selected to continue the switching process, the communication device 102 determines Yes in this step and performs the process of S407. On the other hand, if the user selected to interrupt or end the switching process, the communication device 102 determines No in this step and performs the process of S402 again. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may display the selection screen in S405 and determine No in this step based on the passage of a predetermined time.

[0051] The communication device 102 switches the display of the setting screen to one compatible with the 6 GHz band (S407). Specifically, the authentication method is switched to display only WPA3. Alternatively, the display is switched to allow only WPA3 to be selected as the authentication method. Note that in addition to WPA3, the OWE Open method may be displayed or displayed as a selectable method. The encryption method display is also switched to display only AES or allow only AES to be selected. In this case, authentication methods other than WPA3 (non-OWE Open, WPA, WPA2) are hidden or grayed out or shaded so that they cannot be selected. Graying out means displaying the corresponding option in a state where it cannot be selected, and generally means displaying the option in a light gray color. Furthermore, encryption methods other than AES (TKIP) are hidden or grayed out or shaded so that they cannot be selected. In addition, when the communication device 102 switches the display of the setting screen to one compatible with the 6 GHz band, it may notify the user that WPA and WPA2 are not available as authentication methods, and / or that TKIP is not available as an encryption method.

[0052] Next, the communication device 102 determines whether the authentication information that has already been set can be used as a communication parameter for the 6 GHz band (S408). Specifically, for example, it determines whether a WPA2 pre-shared key can be used as a WPA3 password. If use of the pre-shared key as a password is permitted, the communication device 102 determines Yes in this step and performs processing in S409. On the other hand, if use of the pre-shared key as a password is not permitted, the communication device 102 determines No in this step and performs processing in S410. Note that whether or not a WPA or WPA2 pre-shared key can be used as a WPA3 password is set in the communication device 102 by the user, or is preset in the communication device 102. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may perform the determination in this step based on whether the number of characters in the character string set as the WPA or WPA2 pre-shared key is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of characters required for a WPA3 password. The communication device 102 determines Yes in this step if the number of characters in the pre-shared key is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of characters, and determines No in this step if the number of characters is less than the predetermined number of characters.

[0053] If the communication device 102 determines Yes in S408, it sets the authentication method that has already been set as the communication parameter for communication in the 6 GHz band (S409). Specifically, the pre-shared key for WPA or WPA2 is set as the password for WPA3. The pre-shared key for WPA or WPA2 may be automatically entered in the password input field for WPA3 on the setting screen. Note that even when the process of S409 is performed, the user may change the password.

[0054] Alternatively, if the communication device 102 determines No in S408, it displays a screen prompting the user to set communication parameters for the 6 GHz band (S410). Specifically, the communication device 102 displays a dialog box or comment prompting the user to enter a WPA3 password. Note that if the setting screen shares an input field for the WPA and WPA2 pre-shared keys with an input field for the WPA3 password, the input field will be left blank in this step.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the user can easily select the correct communication parameters by switching the communication parameter setting screen based on the selected frequency band, the authentication method with the currently connected STA, etc. In addition, the user can be notified of any errors that may occur when switching to the 6 GHz frequency band.

[0056] 4, after the 6 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, the communication device 102 determines whether any STAs are already connected in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band. However, this is not limited to this. When the 6 GHz band is selected by the user as the frequency band to be used (when the determination in S402 is Yes), the communication device 102 may skip the processes of S403 to S406 and perform the process of S407. Alternatively, when the determination in S402 is Yes, the communication device 102 may allow the user to set whether to determine whether any STAs are already connected in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band or to switch the display of the setting screen. In other words, when the determination in S402 is Yes, the communication device 102 may allow the user to set whether to perform the process of S404 or the process of S407.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the communication device 102 switches at least one of the authentication method and the encryption method displayed depending on the selected frequency band. However, this is not limiting and the communication device 102 may switch the frequency band displayed depending on the selected authentication method. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may switch the frequency band displayed depending on the selected encryption method. For example, if the user selects WPA2 as the authentication method, the 6 GHz band may not be displayed or may not be selectable as a frequency band setting option. In other words, if an authentication method or encryption method not supported in the 6 GHz band is selected, the communication device 102 may switch the display of the frequency band setting option. In this case, the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band may be displayed or may be selectable.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 102 switches at least one of the authentication method and the encryption method displayed depending on the selected frequency band, thereby preventing the user from selecting an authentication method or an encryption method that is not supported in the selected frequency band. However, this is not limited to this. When the user attempts to set an authentication method or an encryption method that is not supported in the selected frequency band, the communication device 102 may notify the user that the selected authentication method or encryption method is not supported. For example, when the user selects the 6 GHz band as the frequency band to be used and further selects WPA2 as the authentication method to be used, the communication device 102 may display an error message on the communication parameter setting screen indicating that communication cannot be performed. Note that the communication device 102 may notify the user when the user selects an authentication method or an encryption method setting item, or when the user instructs the user to complete the communication parameter setting.

[0059] 5 and subsequent figures show examples of communication parameter setting screens displayed by the communication device 102 of this embodiment. Six display patterns, namely, first to sixth display methods, have been described.

[0060] 5 and 6 show an example of a graphical user interface (GUI) that the communication device 102 displays as a setting screen in the first display format. In the first display format, the setting screen displays an item for setting the frequency band and items for setting the authentication method and encryption method on the same screen. Fig. 5 shows an example of the setting screen display when the 2.4 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used. Fig. 6 shows an example of the setting screen display when the 6 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used.

[0061] 5 and 6, the setting screen displays the network name of the network established by the communication device 102, the wireless operation mode, and whether or not to use auto-channel as configurable communication parameters. In addition to these items, the encryption method, encryption strength, and encryption key are also displayed as configurable communication parameters.

[0062] The network name is an item for setting the SSID. The SSID is originally an identifier for identifying the communication device 102, but in the cases of Figures 5 and 6, it is also used as the network name of the network established by the communication device 102.

[0063] The wireless operation mode is an item for setting the frequency band of the network established by the communication device 102. In the first display method, the 2.4 GHz band is represented as 802.11n+g+b, and the 5 GHz band is represented as 802.11ac+n+g+a to indicate the frequency band. The 6 GHz band is represented as 802.11ax, but this is not limited to this. For example, symbols such as " / ", "·", and " " or spaces may be used instead of "+". Alternatively, the bands may simply be represented as the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band, respectively. Alternatively, the 2.4 GHz band may be represented as Wi-Fi 4, the 5 GHz band as Wi-Fi 5+4, and the 6 GHz band as Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 is the name of a certification program for interoperability of communication devices compliant with the IEEE 802.11ax standard by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 are the names of the certification programs for the IEEE 802.11n standard and the IEEE 802.11ac standard, respectively. While the setting screen in this embodiment includes an item for setting a frequency band, it may instead include an item for setting a frequency channel. In this case, the user selects the frequency channel to be set from the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency channels.

[0064] The communication device 102 makes a determination based on the content set in the wireless setting mode in the determination of S402 in Fig. 4. If content corresponding to the 6 GHz band is selected in the wireless setting mode, the communication device 102 determines Yes in S402.

[0065] The use of auto channel is a setting item for setting whether or not the communication device 102 automatically selects a frequency channel to be used in the set frequency band. Note that if not using auto channel is selected in this setting item, a setting item for setting the frequency channel may be displayed instead of or in addition to this item.

[0066] Encryption is a setting item for setting the encryption method and authentication method. In the first display format, the encryption method and authentication method are set together as a single setting item. In this embodiment, the options for the encryption method and authentication method include Open, OWE (AES), WPA2-PSK (TKIP / AES), WPA2-PSK (AES), and WPA / WPA2-PSK (TKIP / AES). In addition to these options, WPA / WPA2-PSK (TKIP / AES), WPA / WPA2-PSK (AES), WPA2-EAP (AES), and WPA2-PSK / WPA3-SAE (AES) are also available. In addition to these options, WPA3-SAE (AES), WPA3-EAP (AES), and WPA2 / WPA3-EAP (AES) are also available. Note that OWE refers to Open, which uses OWE as the key sharing method. This option may be expressed as Open(AES) instead of OWE(AES). TKIP / AES indicates that either TKIP or AES may be used as the encryption method. Similarly, WPA / WPA2-PSK indicates that either WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK may be used as the authentication method. Similarly, WPA2-PSK / WPA3-SAE indicates that either WPA-PSK or WPA3-SAE may be used as the authentication method. In this way, encryption and authentication methods listed with a / indicate that either may be used. PSK stands for Pre-Shared Key and refers to an authentication method that uses a key sharing method with a pre-shared key. EAP stands for Extensible Authentication Protocol and is an authentication method that uses an authentication server that complies with the IEEE 802.1X standard. Enterprise may be used instead of EAP. PSK does not require such an authentication server. Personal may be used instead of SAE.

[0067] Note that when either WPA or WPA2 can be used as the authentication method, such as WPA / WPA2-PSK, it may be written as MIX or WPA2 MIX. Similarly, when either WPA2 or WPA3 can be used as the authentication method, it may be written as MIX or WPA3 MIX.

[0068] Encryption strength is an item for setting the key length used for encryption. Key lengths can be selected from 128 bits, 192 bits, and 256 bits. The larger the key length, the higher the security. Note that if the key length is set to the default, this item does not need to be displayed on the settings screen.

[0069] The encryption key is an item for setting a pre-shared key when WPA or WPA2 is selected as the authentication method. Note that when WPA3 is selected as the authentication method, this item also serves as an item for setting a WPA3 password. The user can enter any character string or a combination of letters and numbers. When WPA or WPA2 is set as the authentication method, the communication device 103, which is an STA, cannot join the network established by the communication device 102 unless it knows the pre-shared key set in the communication device 102. Similarly, when WPA3 is set as the authentication method, the communication device 103 cannot join the network established by the communication device 102 unless it knows the WPA3 password set in the communication device 102. The pre-shared key or WPA3 password may be shared between the communication devices 102 and 103 by being manually entered into the communication device 103 by the user, or may be shared via wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth.

[0070] Because the communication device 102 supports all authentication and encryption methods for communication in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, it displays all combinations of encryption and authentication methods as options for this item, as shown in FIG. 5. On the other hand, because the communication device 102 supports only some authentication and encryption methods for communication in the 6 GHz band, it displays only some of the combinations of encryption and authentication methods as options for this item, as shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, it displays only options that indicate the combination of WPA3 and Open using OWE, which are supported as authentication methods in the 6 GHz band, and AES, which is also supported as an encryption method in the 6 GHz band. In S407 of FIG. 4, the communication device 102 switches from the display shown in FIG. 5 to the display shown in FIG. 6.

[0071] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a communication parameter setting screen when the 6 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used in the first display format. For communication in the 6 GHz band, the communication device 102 supports WPA3 as the authentication method and Open using OWE as the key sharing method, and also supports AES as the encryption method, and therefore displays combinations of these as encryption options. Specifically, only OWE (AES), WPA3-SAE (AES), and WPA3-EAP (AES) are displayed. Note that when switching from the screen of FIG. 5 to the screen of FIG. 6, if the value set for the encryption key is not to be used as the WPA3 password (if the determination in S408 of FIG. 4 is No), this item is left blank.

[0072] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, by switching the displayed authentication method (and encryption method) depending on the frequency band selected by the user, the user can easily recognize the authentication methods available in the selected frequency band. Also, by displaying only the authentication methods supported for communication in the selected frequency band, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally selecting an authentication method that cannot be used, which would result in communication being disabled. This allows the user to easily select an authentication method supported in the selected frequency band.

[0073] In the first display method, the authentication method and the encryption method are combined into one setting item, but this is not limiting and each may be displayed as a separate setting item. Also, in the first display method, "encryption" is used as the name of the setting item that combines the authentication method and the encryption method, but this is not limiting and other names such as authentication method, security method, encryption mode, etc. may be used.

[0074] 7 and 8 show an example of a graphical user interface that the communication device 102 displays as a setting screen in the second display format. In the second display format, a different setting screen is displayed for each frequency band. FIG. 7 shows an example of a display of a setting screen for communication parameters for the 2.4 GHz band. FIG. 8 shows an example of a display of a setting screen for communication parameters for the 6 GHz band. FIGS. 7 and 8 are displayed when the user selects "Wireless Advanced Settings (2.4 GHz)" or "Wireless Advanced Settings (6 GHz)," respectively, from the menu on the left side of the figure. When "Wireless Advanced Settings (6 GHz)" is selected and the wireless function is set to be used, the communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 of FIG. 4. Furthermore, in S407 of FIG. 4, the communication device 102 switches the display from the setting screen shown in FIG. 7 to the setting screen shown in FIG. 8. Note that when "Wireless Advanced Settings (5 GHz)" is selected, the communication device 102 may display the setting screen shown in FIG. 7, similar to when "Wireless Advanced Settings (2.4 GHz)" is selected.

[0075] 7 and 8, the setting screen displays, as configurable communication parameters, whether or not to use the wireless function of the communication device 102, the network name of the network to be constructed, and whether or not to use auto-channel. In addition to these items, the encryption mode, encryption strength, and encryption key are also displayed as configurable communication parameters.

[0076] The use / non-use of wireless function is an item for setting whether or not to use the wireless function in a selected frequency band. For example, if the 2.4 GHz band is selected in the left menu and the wireless function is set to be used on the displayed setting screen, the 2.4 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used by the communication device 102. The communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 in response to the setting that the wireless function is set to be used on the displayed setting screen in which the 6 GHz band is selected in the left menu. Note that the communication device 102 may automatically set the wireless function of other frequency bands to be not used in response to the user setting the wireless function to be used for a certain frequency band.

[0077] The network name and whether or not auto-channel is used are the same as in Figures 5 and 6.

[0078] The encryption mode is a setting item that allows the authentication method and encryption method to be set together, and is similar to the "encryption" setting item shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 7, when "wireless advanced settings (2.4 GHz)" is selected, the communication device 102 displays all supported combinations of authentication methods and encryption methods, as in Fig. 5. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8, when "wireless advanced settings (6 GHz)" is selected, the communication device 102 displays only the combinations of authentication methods and encryption methods that are supported for communication in the 6 GHz band, as in Fig. 6.

[0079] The encryption strength and encryption key are the same as those in FIGS.

[0080] In the second display method, when the setting screen of Fig. 8 is displayed, the content of the corresponding setting item on the setting screen of Fig. 8 may be determined according to the content set for the setting item on the setting screen of Fig. 7. For example, if WPA2-PSK is selected as the encryption mode in Fig. 7, the communication device 102 may display WPA3-SAE as the default encryption mode when switching to the setting screen of Fig. 8. Alternatively, if WPA2-EAP is selected as the encryption mode in Fig. 7, the communication device 102 may display WPA3-EAP as the default encryption mode when switching to the setting screen of Fig. 8.

[0081] Alternatively, when the communication apparatus 102 displays the setting screen of FIG. 8, it may display WPA3-EAP as the default encryption mode, regardless of the encryption mode setting of FIG.

[0082] 7 and 8, the communication device 102 switches the authentication and encryption schemes that can be set depending on which frequency band the user sets the communication parameters for, allowing the user to easily select an authentication and encryption scheme that is supported in the frequency band for which the settings are being made.

[0083] In the second display method, whether to display the setting screen of Fig. 7 or the setting screen of Fig. 8 is switched depending on whether the user selects a frequency band for setting communication parameters, but this is not limited to this. The communication device 102 may provide setting screens corresponding to the respective frequency bands as tabs, or may provide separate screens that are displayed when a link corresponding to the frequency band is selected. Alternatively, the setting screen may be provided with a free entry field in which the user can freely enter information, and the screen of Fig. 8 may be displayed when the user enters "6 GHz" in the free entry field.

[0084] 9 to 12 show an example of a graphical user interface that the communication device 102 displays as a setting screen in the third display format. In the third display format, a different setting screen is displayed for each frequency band, and the authentication method and encryption method are displayed as separate setting items. FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example of a display of a setting screen for communication parameters in the 2.4 GHz band, where FIG. 9 shows an example of a display of authentication method options, and FIG. 10 shows an example of a display of encryption method options. Also, FIGS. 11 and 12 show an example of a display of a setting screen for communication parameters in the 6 GHz band, where FIG. 11 shows an example of a display of authentication method options, and FIG. 12 shows an example of a display of encryption method options. FIGS. 9 and 10 are displayed when the user selects "Basic (2.4 GHz)" from the tab menu in the figures. Also, FIGS. 11 and 12 are displayed when the user selects "Basic (6 GHz)" from the tab menu in the figures. Note that the communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 of FIG. 4 when "Basic (6 GHz)" is selected and the wireless function is set to be used. 4, the communication device 102 switches the display from the setting screen shown in Figures 9 and 10 to the setting screen shown in Figures 11 and 12. When "Basic (5 GHz)" is selected, the communication device 102 may display the setting screen shown in Figures 9 and 10, just as when "Basic (2.4 GHz)" is selected.

[0085] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the setting screen displays the following items that can be set as communication parameters: whether or not to use the wireless function of the communication device 102, the wireless channel, the double speed mode band, the SSID, wireless authentication, wireless encryption, and the encryption key.

[0086] The use of the wireless function is the same as in FIGS.

[0087] The wireless channel is a setting item for setting the frequency channel to be used for communication in the selected frequency band. When "Automatic" is selected in this setting item, the communication device 102 selects a frequency channel that is relatively less congested as the frequency channel to be used based on the number of received probe requests. The user can also specify a specific frequency channel. This setting item displays frequency channels according to the selected frequency band as selectable options.

[0088] The double speed mode is an option for setting the bandwidth used in communication in the selected frequency band. The user can select one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz as the bandwidth to be used. Note that instead of 20 MHz, the options may include an option indicating that double speed mode is not used.

[0089] The SSID is a setting item similar to the network name shown in FIGS.

[0090] The wireless authentication setting is an item for setting the authentication method for the network established by the communication device 102. The wireless encryption setting is an item for setting the encryption method for the network established by the communication device 102. In the first and second display methods, the authentication method and encryption method are set as a single setting item, but in the third display method, they are set as separate setting items. As shown in FIG. 9 , when setting communication parameters for the 2.4 GHz band, the communication device 102 displays all supported authentication methods as options. Specifically, the authentication method options displayed are Open, OWE, WPA2-PSK, WPA / WPA2-PSK, WPA2-EAP, WPA2-PSK / WPA3-SAE, WPA3-SAE, WPA3-EAP, and WPA2 / WPA3-EAP. Furthermore, when setting communication parameters for the 2.4 GHz band, the communication device 102 displays all supported encryption methods as options, as shown in FIG. 10. Specifically, the options for encryption methods are TKIP, AES, and TKIP / AES. Note that TKIP / AES may also be expressed as MIX.

[0091] On the other hand, when setting communication parameters for the 6 GHz band, the communication device 102 displays only authentication methods supported for communication in the 6 GHz band, as shown in Fig. 11. Specifically, OWE, WPA3-SAE, and WPA3-EAP are displayed as authentication method options. Similarly, when setting communication parameters for the 6 GHz band, the communication device 102 displays only encryption methods supported for communication in the 6 GHz band, as shown in Fig. 12. Specifically, AES is displayed as an encryption method option. Note that in this embodiment, since the communication device 102 supports only AES as an encryption method for the 6 GHz band, AES may be fixed as the setting item for the encryption method for the 6 GHz band.

[0092] The encryption key is the same as in FIGS.

[0093] Even when the authentication method and encryption method are set separately as shown in Figures 9 to 12, the communication device 102 switches the display of each method depending on the selected frequency band, allowing the user to easily select the appropriate authentication method and encryption method.

[0094] 13 and 14 show an example of a graphical user interface that the communication device 102 displays as a setting screen in the fourth display format. In the fourth display format, the setting of the frequency band to be used and the setting of the authentication method and encryption method to be used are set using different setting screens. FIG. 13 shows an example of a display of a setting screen for setting the frequency band to be used. FIG. 14 shows an example of a display of a setting screen for setting the authentication method and encryption method to be used. FIG. 13 is displayed when the user selects "WIRELESS" from the menu at the top of the figure. FIG. 14 is displayed when the user selects "SECURITY" from the menu at the top of the figure. In the display screen where "WIRELESS" was selected, the communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 of FIG. 4 in response to the user selecting "802.11ax (6 GHz)" from the menu on the left side of the figure and selecting "Use" for the wireless function. In addition, in S407 of FIG. 4, the communication device 102 switches the setting screen displayed when the user selects "SECURITY" to the setting screen shown in FIG. 14.

[0095] FIG. 13 shows an example of a setting screen displayed when "WIRELESS" is selected from the menu at the top. A menu for transitioning to a setting screen corresponding to each frequency band is displayed on the left side of the setting screen. Each frequency band is displayed as "802.11a / n / ac (5 GHz)," "802.11b / g / n (2.4 GHz)," and "802.11ax (6 GHz)," respectively. Alternatively, the bands may simply be displayed as 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 6 GHz. When one of these menus is selected, a setting screen is displayed, as shown in FIG. 13, for setting communication parameters, such as whether to use the wireless function, the network name, and whether to use auto-channel. In this case, for example, when the 2.4 GHz band is selected from the menu on the left, the setting screen displayed allows the user to set whether to use the wireless function for the 2.4 GHz band, etc.

[0096] The use / non-use of wireless function is an item for setting whether or not to use the wireless function in the selected frequency band. For example, if the 2.4 GHz band is selected in the left menu and the wireless function is set to be used on the displayed setting screen, the 2.4 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used by the communication device 102. The communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 in response to the setting that the wireless function is set to be used on the displayed setting screen in which the 6 GHz band is selected in the left menu. Note that the communication device 102 may automatically set the wireless function of other frequency bands to be not used in response to the user setting the wireless function to be used for a certain frequency band.

[0097] The network name and whether or not auto-channel is used are the same as in Figures 5 and 6.

[0098] An example of the setting screen that is displayed when "SECURITY" is selected from the menu at the top is shown in Fig. 14. As shown in Fig. 14, the setting screen displays the encryption, encryption strength, and encryption key of the communication device 102 as items that can be set as communication parameters.

[0099] 5 and 6, encryption is an item for collectively setting the authentication method and encryption method used by the communication device 102 for communication. In this embodiment, since the 6 GHz band is set as the frequency band to be used on the setting screen shown in FIG. 13, only combinations of authentication method and encryption method supported in the 6 GHz band are displayed on the setting screen shown in FIG. 14. If the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is set as the frequency band to be used, all combinations of supported authentication method and encryption method are displayed as options in the encryption setting item, as in FIG. 5. In S407 of FIG. 4, the setting screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.

[0100] 13 and 14, even when the frequency band and the authentication method are set on different setting screens, the user can easily set an appropriate authentication method by switching the display of the setting screen for setting the authentication method according to the set frequency band. Similarly, the user can easily set an appropriate encryption method by switching the display of the encryption method according to the set frequency band.

[0101] In the fourth display method, a common setting screen is used to set the combination of authentication and encryption methods for all frequency bands, but this is not limiting. The communication device 102 may set each authentication and encryption method using a different setting screen for each frequency band. Specifically, the communication device 102 may display a setting screen for the authentication and encryption methods for the 2.4 GHz band, a setting screen for the authentication and encryption methods for the 5 GHz band, and a setting screen for the authentication and encryption methods for the 6 GHz band, separately.

[0102] In addition, in the fourth display method, the frequency band and the authentication method are set on separate setting screens, but this is not limited to this. Setting items for setting the authentication method and the encryption method may be displayed on the setting screen following the items displayed on the frequency band setting screen. In this case, the items shown in Fig. 14 may be displayed in the form of a foldable menu that is expanded and displayed when a link is selected. For example, a link called "Advanced Settings" may be displayed following the setting items shown in Fig. 13. When a user selects the "Advanced Settings" link, the items shown in Fig. 14 are expanded and displayed.

[0103] Alternatively, a link to the setting screen in Fig. 14 may be provided below the setting items shown in Fig. 13. By providing links to the setting screens for the authentication method and encryption method on the frequency band setting screen, the user can easily transition to the setting screens for the authentication method and encryption method after setting the frequency band.

[0104] 15 and 16 show an example of a graphical user interface that the communication device 102 displays as a setting screen in the fifth display format. In the fifth display format, the authentication method and encryption method are set using a setting screen different from the frequency band setting screen. The authentication method and encryption method are set using separate setting items. FIG. 15 shows an example of a setting screen display for setting the frequency band to be used. FIG. 16 shows an example of a setting screen display for setting the authentication method and encryption method when the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used. FIG. 17 shows an example of a setting screen display for setting the authentication method and encryption method when the 6 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used. When a user instructs the communication device 102 to display a setting screen for setting a frequency band or a frequency channel, the communication device 102 displays the setting screen shown in FIG. 15. When a user instructs the communication device 102 to display a setting screen for setting at least one of the authentication method and the encryption method, the communication device 102 displays the setting screen shown in FIG. 16 or 17. Note that the communication device 102 displays the setting screen of Fig. 16 when the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is set as the frequency band to be used, and displays the setting screen of Fig. 17 when the 6 GHz band is set as the frequency band to be used. Furthermore, the communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 of Fig. 4 in response to the selection of the 6 GHz band as the frequency band to be used on the setting screen shown in Fig. 15. Note that in S407 of Fig. 4, the communication device 102 switches the setting screen for the setting method and encryption method from the setting screen shown in Fig. 16 to the setting screen displayed in Fig. 17.

[0105] An example of a setting screen that is displayed when a user instructs the display of a setting screen for setting a frequency band or a frequency channel is shown in Fig. 15. As shown in Fig. 15, the setting screen displays the band and frequency used by the communication device 102 as items that can be set as communication parameters.

[0106] The band is a setting item for setting the frequency band used by the communication device 102. Specific options displayed for this setting item are 2.4 GHz band only, 5 GHz band only, 6 GHz band only, 2.4 GHz band preferred, 5 GHz band preferred, and 6 GHz band preferred. Additionally, Dual-band (2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band), Dual-band (5 GHz band, 6 GHz band), and Dual-band (2.4 GHz band, 6 GHz band) are displayed as options. Furthermore, Triple-band (2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band) is displayed as an option. Additionally, 2.4 GHz band preferred (excluding the 5 GHz band), 2.4 GHz band preferred (excluding the 6 GHz band), 5 GHz band preferred (excluding the 2.4 GHz band), and 5 GHz band preferred (excluding the 6 GHz band) are displayed as options. Additionally, 6 GHz band preferred (excluding the 2.4 GHz band) and 6 GHz band preferred (excluding the 5 GHz band) are displayed as options.

[0107] The options "2.4 GHz band only," "5 GHz band only," and "6 GHz band only" indicate the use of only the specified frequency band. When these options are selected, other frequency bands are not used. The options "2.4 GHz band preferred," "5 GHz band preferred," and "6 GHz band preferred" prioritize the use of the specified frequency band, but allow the use of other frequency bands if the specified frequency band is unsuitable for use due to congestion or other reasons. Note that when "2.4 GHz band preferred" or "5 GHz band preferred" is selected, if the configured authentication method and encryption method are not supported for communication in the 6 GHz band, the 6 GHz band is not used. Alternatively, when "2.4 GHz band preferred" or "5 GHz band preferred" is selected, the communication device 102 may display only authentication method and encryption method options that are supported in the 6 GHz band. In this case, the communication device 102 may use the 6 GHz band even when "2.4 GHz band preferred" or "5 GHz band preferred" is selected. Dual-band and triple-band are options that allow networks to be established and maintained in parallel in each of the specified frequency bands. For example, if dual-band (2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band) is selected, the communication device 102 establishes networks in both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. In this case, the communication device 102 simultaneously maintains two networks in different frequency bands. If triple-band is selected, the communication device 102 simultaneously maintains three networks in different frequency bands. An option that prioritizes a specific frequency band and excludes other frequency bands, such as prioritizing the 2.4 GHz band (excluding the 5 GHz band), prioritizes the use of a specific frequency band but does not use frequency bands designated as excluded. In this case, the communication device 102 does not use frequency bands designated as excluded, regardless of the authentication method or encryption method that is set.

[0108] In this item, if an option that includes the 6 GHz band as a frequency band to be used is selected, the determination in S403 of Fig. 4 is Yes. Note that, if Dual-band including the 6 GHz band is selected in this item, the communication device 102 can maintain communication in at least one of the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band in parallel with communication in the 6 GHz band, and therefore the processing in S404 to S406 may be skipped. Similarly, if Triple-band is selected in this item, the communication device 102 may skip the processing in S404 to S406.

[0109] The frequency to be used is a setting item for setting the frequency channel or type to be used in the specified frequency band. Type is a general term for multiple frequency channels, and in the 5 GHz band, three types can be selected: W52 (36ch-48ch), W53 (52ch-62ch), and W56 (100ch-140ch). In this setting item, the user can select one or more frequency channels or types. In addition, when selecting the frequency band to be used, multiple frequency bands can be used, and if selected, the frequency channel or type to be used can be specified for each frequency band.

[0110] When the user presses the OK button on the setting screen shown in FIG. 15 to instruct completion of the setting, the frequency band and frequency channel that the communication device 102 uses for communication are set.

[0111] Next, the setting screen that is displayed when the user instructs to display the setting screen for setting at least one of the authentication method and the encryption method will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0112] In FIG. 15, when an option that does not include the 6 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, a setting screen such as that shown in FIG. 16 is displayed as a setting screen for selecting at least one of an authentication method or an encryption method. In the setting screen of FIG. 16, setting items for setting the authentication method and the encryption method are displayed separately. In the case of FIG. 16, the communication device 102 displays all authentication methods supported by the communication device 102 as selectable authentication method options. Specifically, the same options as those in FIG. 9 are displayed. Furthermore, the communication device 102 displays all encryption methods supported by the communication device 102 as selectable encryption method options. Specifically, the same options as those in FIG. 10 are displayed.

[0113] On the other hand, in FIG. 15 , when an option including the 6 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, a setting screen such as that shown in FIG. 17 is displayed as a setting screen for selecting at least one of an authentication method or an encryption method. The setting screen in FIG. 17 displays setting items for setting the authentication method and the encryption method separately. In the case of FIG. 17 , the communication device 102 displays, as authentication method options, authentication methods supported by the communication device 102 for communication in the 6 GHz band so that they can be selected. Specifically, options similar to those in FIG. 11 are displayed as selectable, and other options are displayed as grayed out to prevent selection. Furthermore, the communication device 102 displays, as encryption method options, encryption methods supported by the communication device 102 for communication in the 6 GHz band so that they can be selected. Specifically, options similar to those in FIG. 10 are displayed as selectable, and other options are displayed as grayed out to prevent selection. Note that in FIG. 17 , the communication device 102 may not display non-selectable options and may display only selectable options.

[0114] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the authentication and encryption methods displayed as selectable options can be switched depending on whether the options selected as the frequency band to be used include the 6 GHz band, allowing the user to easily select the appropriate authentication and encryption method.

[0115] 18 and 19 show an example of a graphical user interface that the communication device 102 displays as a setting screen in the sixth display mode. When the sixth display mode is used, the display of the authentication method and encryption method is switched depending on the selected frequency band. The sixth display mode allows communication parameters to be set for each frequency band. FIG. 18 shows an example of a setting screen for setting communication parameters for communication in the 6 GHz band, which is displayed when "Basic (6 GHz)" is selected from the tab menu at the top.

[0116] Fig. 19 shows an example of the pop-up menu that is displayed when setting the authentication method in Fig. 18. In response to the selection of "Basic (6 GHz)" from the tab menu at the top and the setting to use the wireless function, the communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 of Fig. 4.

[0117] An example of a display of a setting screen for setting communication parameters for communication in the 6 GHz band is shown in Fig. 18. As shown in Fig. 18, the setting screen displays, as configurable communication parameters, whether or not the wireless function of the communication device 102 is in use, the wireless channel, the double-speed mode band, the SSID, wireless authentication, wireless encryption, and the encryption key.

[0118] Each setting item has a link labeled "Edit," and when the user selects the link, the corresponding item becomes editable. Specifically, the corresponding item becomes available for input, and options for the corresponding item are displayed. In this embodiment, the input fields and options are displayed as pop-up menus, but this is not limiting. Input may be made directly to each item displayed in FIG. 18, or a pull-down menu may be displayed. Instead of a link, editing may be enabled in response to voice input from the user instructing editing of the corresponding item.

[0119] The use of the wireless function is the same as in FIGS.

[0120] The wireless channel and double speed mode are the same as those in FIGS.

[0121] The SSID is the same as the network name shown in FIGS.

[0122] Wireless authentication is a setting item for setting the authentication method to be used by the communication device 102. When the 6 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, authentication methods supported by the communication device 102 for communication in the 6 GHz band are displayed as options, as shown in Fig. 19. Specifically, options similar to those in Fig. 11 are displayed. Note that when the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, all authentication methods supported by the communication device 102 are displayed as options; specifically, options similar to those in Fig. 9 are displayed.

[0123] The wireless encryption is a setting item for selecting an encryption method to be used by the communication device 102. When the 6 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, encryption methods supported by the communication device 102 for communication in the 6 GHz band are displayed as options. Specifically, options similar to those shown in FIG. 12 are displayed. Note that in this embodiment, the only encryption method supported by the communication device 102 for communication in the 6 GHz band is AES, so in this case, AES may be set as a fixed value in this item. On the other hand, when the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, all encryption methods supported by the communication device 102 are displayed as options; specifically, options similar to those shown in FIG. 10 are displayed.

[0124] The encryption key is the same as in FIGS.

[0125] In S407 of Fig. 4, the communication device 102 switches the options of the pop-up menu displayed when the user instructs editing of the authentication method and encryption method to, for example, those shown in Fig. 19. This allows the user to select an appropriate authentication method and encryption method depending on the frequency band to be used.

[0126] As described above, as shown in the first to sixth display methods, by switching between options displayed as an authentication method or selectable options depending on the frequency band used, the user can easily set an appropriate authentication method. In addition to or instead of this, by switching between options displayed as an encryption method or selectable options depending on the frequency band used, the user can easily set an appropriate encryption method.

[0127] Note that, in the setting screens shown as the first to sixth display methods, items for setting other communication parameters may be added to the setting screen. Alternatively, any of the setting items may not be displayed. Furthermore, at least one setting item included in the setting screen of any of the first to sixth display methods may be included in the setting screen of another display method.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the communication device 102 switches the display of at least one of the authentication method and the encryption method to only supported methods depending on the frequency band selected for use. However, this is not limited to this. The communication device 102 may be controlled to restrict the combination of a specific frequency band with a specific authentication method or a specific encryption method. Specifically, it may restrict the selection and setting of an authentication method or encryption method not supported in the frequency band selected for use as a communication parameter. For example, the communication device 102 may display all options for at least one of the authentication method and the encryption method regardless of the frequency band selected. In this case, the communication device 102 may notify the user of an error if an authentication method or encryption method not supported in the frequency band selected for use is selected. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user of an error if an instruction to complete the setting is given while an authentication method or encryption method not supported in the frequency band selected for use is selected. Specifically, notifying the user of the error means displaying a screen indicating an error on the display unit (notification unit) of the communication device 102. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user by playing an error sound indicating an error and outputting it from a speaker (notification unit). In this case, when at least one of an authentication method or an encryption method supported in the frequency band selected for use is selected, the communication device 102 may notify the user that there is no problem with the settings. Specifically, the communication device 102 displays a screen indicating that there is no problem with the settings on a display unit (notification unit). Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user by playing a sound indicating that there is no problem with the settings and outputting it from an output unit (notification unit). Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user that the settings are complete when an instruction to complete the settings is given after at least one of an authentication method or an encryption method supported in the frequency band selected for use has been selected. Specifically, the communication device 102 displays a screen indicating that the settings are complete on a display unit (notification unit). Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user by playing a sound indicating that the settings are complete and outputting it from an output unit (notification unit).

[0129] Alternatively, the communication device 102 may switch the frequency bands that it displays as selectable depending on at least one of the authentication method or encryption method selected for use. Specifically, when WPA3 or Open with OWE is selected as the authentication method, the communication device 102 displays the 6 GHz band as a selectable frequency band. In this case, the communication device 102 may also display the 5 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz band as selectable frequency bands. On the other hand, when WPA, WPA2, or Open other than OWE is selected as the authentication method, the communication device 102 displays the 5 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz band as selectable frequency bands. In this case, the communication device 102 does not display the 6 GHz band, or displays it but grays it out so that it cannot be selected. Similarly, when AES is selected as the encryption method, the communication device 102 displays the 6 GHz band as a selectable frequency band. In this case, the communication device 102 may also display the 5 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz band as selectable frequency bands. On the other hand, if TKIP is selected as the encryption method, the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequency bands are displayed as selectable bands, and the 6 GHz band is not displayed, or is displayed but grayed out so that it cannot be selected.

[0130] In the present embodiment, at least some of the authentication methods available for communication using the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band are different from those available for communication using the 6 GHz frequency band. However, this is not limiting. For example, at least one of the authentication methods or encryption methods supported for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands may be different. In this case, the communication device 102 may display only one of the authentication methods and encryption methods supported by the respective device on the communication parameter setting screen, depending on which frequency band is selected. Furthermore, a similar screen display may be performed when the communication devices 102 and 103 are capable of communication in another frequency band in addition to or instead of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Specifically, when a frequency band with a different supported authentication method is selected from the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, only the authentication methods supported for communication in the other frequency band may be displayed on the setting screen. Similarly, if the encryption methods supported differ between the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band, only the encryption methods supported for communication in those different frequency bands may be displayed on the settings screen.

[0131] In addition, although the present embodiment describes the communication device 102 supporting all of the authentication methods, Open, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, for communication in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, this is not a limitation. The communication device 102 may not support at least one of these authentication methods for communication in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. In this case, unsupported authentication methods may not be displayed as selectable options on the setting screens shown in the first to sixth display formats when the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band are selected. For example, if the communication device 102 does not support WPA3 as an authentication method for communication in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, options including WPA3 may not be displayed or may not be displayed as selectable options on the setting screens shown in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0132] In addition, in the present embodiment, the communication device 102 supports TKIP and AES as encryption methods for communication in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, but this is not limited to this. The communication device 102 does not have to support AES for communication in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. In this case, unsupported encryption methods may not be displayed as selectable options on the setting screen when the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is selected from among the setting screens shown in the first to sixth display formats.

[0133] In the present embodiment, the communication device 102 performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. However, this is not limiting. The communication device 102 may perform communication in accordance with different IEEE 802.11 series standards depending on the frequency band. For example, the communication device 102 may perform communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard for 6 GHz band communication and communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11b standard for 2.4 GHz band communication. Note that instead of communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11b standard, communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11g standard or the IEEE 802.11n standard may be performed. In this case, the communication device 102 may perform communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11a standard, the IEEE 802.11n standard, or the IEEE 802.11ac standard for 5 GHz band communication. Note that the communication device 102 may perform communication in any two frequency bands in accordance with the same communication standard.

[0134] Although the communication parameters of the communication device 102 are configured via a setting screen in this embodiment, they may also be configured via a system console. Specifically, they may be configured via a system console displayed on the display of the communication device 102 or on the display of another communication device connected via wired or wireless communication. The user starts configuring the communication parameters of the communication device 102 by inputting a command to the system console to instruct wireless configuration or communication parameter configuration. The command is a string including numbers and letters. First, the user inputs a command specifying the 6 GHz band as the frequency band to be used, thereby setting the frequency band to 6 GHz. An example of such a command is a string such as "set band ax6." Next, if the user inputs a command specifying an authentication method that is not supported for 6 GHz band communication, the system console returns a response indicating that the configuration is not possible. For example, if the user inputs a command specifying WPA-PSK as the authentication method, such as "set wpa_key_mgmt WPA-PSK," the system console outputs "NG." On the other hand, if a command is input specifying an authentication method supported by the 6 GHz band, the system console responds with "OK," indicating that the setting is possible. The same applies to encryption methods: if a user inputs a command specifying an encryption method not supported in the 6 GHz band, the system console responds with a response indicating that the setting is not possible. If a user inputs a command specifying an encryption method supported in the 6 GHz band, the system console responds with a response indicating that the setting is possible. Note that the user may specify the authentication method or encryption method first, rather than the frequency band first. If a user specifies an authentication method or encryption method not supported in the 6 GHz band, and then inputs a command specifying the 6 GHz band as the frequency band to be used, the system console responds with a response indicating that the setting is not possible.Furthermore, when a command specifying the 6 GHz band as the frequency band to be used is input after the user has specified an authentication method or encryption method supported in the 6 GHz band, the system console outputs a response indicating that the setting is possible. Note that, instead of or in addition to outputting a response indicating that the setting is impossible, the system console may prevent the communication device 102 from starting to operate as an AP when the user inputs a command instructing the device to start operating as an AP. An example of a command to start operating as an AP is "AP enable." Note that, when the communication device 102 does not operate as an AP, the user may be notified of the reason.

[0135] At least a part or all of the flowchart of the communication device 102 shown in FIG. 4 may be realized by hardware. When realized by hardware, for example, a specific compiler may be used to generate a dedicated circuit on an FPGA from a computer program for realizing each step, and this may be used. FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. Alternatively, a gate array circuit may be formed in the same manner as an FPGA and realized as hardware. Alternatively, it may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0136] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 101 Network 102, 103 Communication equipment

Claims

1. A method for configuring a wireless network constructed by a communication device, A display control step that causes a setting screen for accepting the settings of the wireless network constructed by the aforementioned communication device to be displayed on the display unit, In order to prevent the selection of one or more authentication methods not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band, the system includes a receiving step for accepting user operations on a first display item for accepting the setting of authentication methods in a 6GHz band network, which is displayed on the display unit, A method characterized by having the following:

2. The receiving step prevents the selection of the one or more authentication methods by not displaying them as selectable options in the first display item. The method according to feature 1.

3. The receiving step prevents the selection of the one or more authentication methods by displaying the one or more authentication methods separately from other authentication methods in the first display item and controlling the system so as not to accept a selection operation corresponding to the one or more authentication methods. The method according to feature 1.

4. The reception step restricts the setting of the one or more authentication methods as authentication methods in the 6GHz band network when a user operation corresponding to the one or more authentication methods is performed. The method according to feature 1.

5. The restriction includes displaying on the settings screen that the one or more authentication methods are not supported in the 6GHz band network, or that communication cannot be performed using the one or more authentication methods. The method according to feature 4.

6. The setting screen includes, separately from the first display item, a second display item for accepting the setting of an authentication method in a 2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band network. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by...

7. The second display item displays the one or more authentication methods that are not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band, and accepts the selection of the authentication method. The method according to feature 6.

8. The one or more authentication methods include at least one of Open, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and WPA2, which do not use the Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) method as the key sharing method. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the features described herein.

9. The authentication method for accepting selections in the first display item is WPA3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by...

10. The authentication method for accepting selection in the first display item is an authentication method that uses the OWE method as the key sharing method. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by...

11. In the display control step, a third display item for accepting the setting of the encryption method is further displayed on the setting screen. In the aforementioned acceptance process, user operations on the third display item are accepted so as not to select an encryption method that is not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 6, characterized by...

12. The only selectable encryption method in the 6GHz band network is AES. The method according to the present invention, characterized by the features described in the present invention.

13. In the 6GHz band network, TKIP is prevented from being set as the encryption method. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the features described herein.

14. The determination of whether or not it is in the 6 GHz band is made based on the selection of a frequency band or a frequency channel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by...

15. The setting screen can be switched between a display corresponding to the 6GHz band and a display corresponding to a band other than the 6GHz band. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by...

16. The communication device further comprises a network construction step in which it constructs the 6GHz band wireless network using network parameters set based on the user operation on the first display item. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by...

17. The network construction step includes the step of transmitting a beacon frame in the 6GHz band based on the set authentication method and encryption method. The method according to 16, characterized by...

18. The further step of changing the network parameters of the already established wireless network based on user operations received on the settings screen, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by...

19. The parameter changing step is a step of changing network parameters including an authentication method. The method according to the present invention, characterized by the present invention.

20. The communication device is a wireless router, and the display unit is provided by another communication device that communicates wirelessly with the wireless router. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by...

21. A method for configuring a wireless network constructed by a communication device, A display control step that causes a setting screen for accepting the settings of the wireless network constructed by the aforementioned communication device to be displayed on the display unit, A reception process that accepts user operations via the aforementioned settings screen to set the frequency band and authentication method used in the wireless network, Even if the reception process receives a user operation to set the 6GHz band as the frequency band and a user operation to select an authentication method not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band, the control process controls the system so that the unsupported authentication method is not set as the authentication method used in the 6GHz band wireless network. A method characterized by having the following:

22. The control step involves treating the user operation of selecting the unsupported authentication method as invalid, thereby controlling the system so that the unsupported authentication method is not set as the authentication method used in the 6GHz band wireless network. The method according to feature 21.

23. In the control step, if the user operation to select the unsupported authentication method is received in the reception step, the authentication method that was set before the user operation was received is maintained. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by the features described herein.

24. In the control step, if the user operation to select the unsupported authentication method is received in the reception step, the authentication method supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band is set as the authentication method to be used in the 6GHz band wireless network. The method according to feature 21.

25. In the control step, when the unsupported authentication method is selected, the setting process for the 6GHz band wireless network is not completed. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by the features described herein.

26. In the control step, when the unsupported authentication method is selected, the construction of the 6GHz band wireless network using the unsupported authentication method is not performed. The method according to claim 21 or 25, characterized by the features described herein.

27. ​​If the user operation to select the unsupported authentication method is received in the reception step, the further step includes notifying the user that the unsupported authentication method cannot be set as an authentication method used in the 6GHz band wireless network. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, characterized by...

28. The authentication method in the 6GHz band that is not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard includes at least one of Open, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and WPA2, which does not use the Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) method as the key sharing method. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 27, characterized by...

29. The authentication method supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band includes at least one of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 3 and Open, which uses the OWE method as the key sharing method. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 28, characterized by...

30. The communication device is a wireless router, In the display control step, the setting screen is displayed on the display unit of another communication device that communicates with the wireless router by wire or wireless connection. In the reception process, information indicating the user operation performed on the settings screen is received from the other communication device. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 29, characterized by...

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