Network system

Abstract

To perform radio communication using an undefined frequency band in a mesh network.SOLUTION: The first communication device 11 notifies the relay device 13 of the first frequency band and the connection information. The relay device 13 is capable of the first communication of performing wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c in the first frequency band and with the connection information notified from the first communication device 11. Further, the relay device 13 is capable of performing second communication for performing wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In wireless communications, the 6 GHz frequency band is known as a high-speed and stable frequency band. Possible uses for the 6 GHz frequency band include wireless communications for the backhaul and fronthaul of mesh networks. One known mesh network standard is EasyMesh, defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance (see, for example, Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). Note that Wi-Fi and EasyMesh are registered trademarks. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Wi-Fi EasyMesh”, Wi-Fi Alliance, [online], [searched March 17, 2022], Internet<URL:https: / / www.wi-fi.org / ja / discover-wi-fi / wi-fi-easymesh> [Non-patent document 2] "Easy internet access throughout your home! Wi-Fi EasyMesh™" (Easy Mesh), Buffalo, [online], [searched March 17, 2022], Internet<URL:https: / / www.buffalo.jp / topics / utilize / detail / easymesh.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, EasyMesh currently does not have specifications for using the 6 GHz frequency band as a backhaul or fronthaul, meaning users cannot take advantage of the 6 GHz frequency band.

[0005] The present invention aims to perform wireless communication using an undefined frequency band in a mesh network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The disclosed network system includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and forms a mesh network, wherein the first communication device notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, and the relay device is capable of a first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0007] The disclosed relay device is a relay device of a network system that forms a mesh network, and includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and is equipped with a communication unit that receives notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device, and a wireless communication unit that is capable of first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0008] The disclosed communication device includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and is the first communication device in a network system that forms a mesh network, and is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with the relay device, and a control unit that controls the communication unit and notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, wherein the control unit is capable of first control to cause the relay device to perform first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of the connection information that does not include a specific code, and second control to cause the relay device to perform second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band by notifying the relay device of the connection information that includes the specific code.

[0009] The disclosed control program includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and causes a processor of the relay device in a network system that forms a mesh network to receive notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device, and execute processing that enables a first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0010] The disclosed control program includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and causes a processor of the first communication device in a network system that forms a mesh network to execute processing that enables: a first control that notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, and causes the relay device to execute a first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of the connection information that does not include a specific code; and a second control that notifies the relay device of the connection information that includes the specific code, thereby causing the relay device to execute a second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a network system, a relay device, a communication device, and a control program that are capable of performing wireless communication using an undefined frequency band in a mesh network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a network system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a first communication device 11 and a relay device 13. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an onboarding process performed between a first communication device 11 and a relay device 13. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of RF Bands in an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2). [Figure 5] 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of RF Bands of an M2 message in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0014] (Embodiment 1) <Network system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a network system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network system 10 shown in Fig. 1 is a network system that forms a mesh network compatible with EasyMesh defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance, for example. As shown in Fig. 1, the network system 10 includes a first communication device 11, second communication devices 12a to 12c, and a relay device 13.

[0015] In the network system 10, the communication section between the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13 is referred to as a backhaul (BH). The communication section between the relay device 13 and the second communication devices 12a to 12c and the communication section between the first communication device 11 and the second communication devices 12a to 12c are referred to as a fronthaul (FH).

[0016] The first communication device 11 operates as a master device (controller) in the mesh network of the network system 10. The first communication device 11 includes a BF communication unit 11a, an FH communication unit 11b, and a control unit 11c. The BF communication unit 11a performs backhaul communication with the relay device 13. The backhaul communication between the BF communication unit 11a and the relay device 13 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

[0017] The FH communication unit 11b performs fronthaul wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c. The control unit 11c controls each communication by the BF communication unit 11a and the FH communication unit 11b. For example, the control unit 11c controls the BF communication unit 11a to notify the relay device 13 of a frequency band and connection information, which will be described later.

[0018] The second communication devices 12a to 12c (STAs) operate as slave devices in the mesh network of the network system 10. In the example of FIG. 1, the second communication device 12a is an information terminal compatible with 2.4 GHz wireless communication. The second communication device 12a is an information terminal compatible with 5 GHz wireless communication. The second communication device 12c is an information terminal compatible with 6 GHz wireless communication. Each of the second communication devices 12a to 12c communicates with the first communication device 11 via the relay device 13 or directly without via the relay device 13, thereby connecting to a wide area network (e.g., the Internet) via the first communication device 11.

[0019] The relay device 13 operates as a relay (Agent) in the mesh network of the network system 10. Specifically, the relay device 13 relays communications between the first communication device 11 and the second communication devices 12a to 12c. The relay device 13 includes a BF communication unit 13a, an FH communication unit 13b, and a control unit 13c. The BF communication unit 13a performs backhaul communications with the first communication device 11.

[0020] The FH communication unit 13b performs fronthaul wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c. The control unit 13c controls each communication by the BF communication unit 13a and the FH communication unit 13b. For example, the control unit 13c receives a notification of the first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device 11 via the BF communication unit 13a.

[0021] <Hardware Configuration of First Communication Device 11 and Relay Device 13> 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13. Each of the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by, for example, an information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 includes, for example, a processor 21, a memory 22, and a communication interface 23. The processor 21, the memory 22, and the communication interface 23 are connected by, for example, a bus 29.

[0022] The processor 21 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire information processing device 20. The processor 21 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 21 may also be realized by combining a plurality of digital circuits.

[0023] The memory 22 includes, for example, a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory is used as a work area for the processor 21. The auxiliary memory is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory. Various programs that operate the information processing device 20 are stored in the auxiliary memory. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory are loaded into the main memory and executed by the processor 21.

[0024] The communication interface 23 is a communication interface that performs communication with the outside of the information processing device 20. For example, the communication interface 23 is a communication interface that allows wired or wireless communication. The communication interface 23 is controlled by the processor 21.

[0025] <Onboarding Process Performed Between First Communication Device 11 and Relay Device 13> 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an onboarding process performed between the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13. When a mesh network is constructed in the network system 10, the onboarding process is performed between the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0026] First, the relay device 13 transmits a search packet (Autoconfig Search) for searching for a parent device (for example, the first communication device 11) (step S31). In this example, it is assumed that the first communication device 11 receives the search packet transmitted in step S31.

[0027] Next, the first communication device 11 transmits a response packet to the search packet transmitted in step S31 to the relay device 13 (step S32). This allows the relay device 13 to recognize the first communication device 11 as a master device.

[0028] Next, relay device 13 transmits an M1 message (Autoconfig WSC M1) to first communication device 11 (step S33). Next, first communication device 11 transmits an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2) in response to the M1 message transmitted in step S33 to relay device 13 (step S34). The M2 message includes a MAC (Media Access Control) address of first communication device 11 and an authentication encryption key (encryption key) for wireless communication. The M2 message also includes frequency band information indicating the frequency band to be used for wireless communication (see, for example, FIG. 4).

[0029] Next, the relay device 13 transmits a topology query packet (Topology Query) to the first communication device 11 (step S35). Next, the first communication device 11 transmits a topology response packet (Topology Response) in response to the topology query packet transmitted in step S35 to the relay device 13 (step S36).

[0030] The topology response packet includes the MAC address and the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the wireless communication of the first communication device 11. This allows the first communication device 11 to associate and acquire the authentication encryption key received in step S34 with the SSID received in step S36, based on the MAC address of the first communication device 11 received in steps S34 and S36.

[0031] These SSIDs and authentication encryption keys are held as connection information (credentials) by the first communication device 11. The first communication device 11 uses these connection information to perform wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0032] Relay device 13 executes step S31, for example, for each frequency band of wireless communication supported by relay device 13. Therefore, the process shown in Fig. 3 is executed for each frequency band supported by relay device 13, and relay device 13 holds connection information for each frequency band.

[0033] <M2メッセージ(Autoconfig WSC M2)のRF Bands> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of RF Bands in an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2). The M2 message transmitted in step S34 shown in Fig. 3 includes, for example, frequency band information 41. The frequency band information 41 defines "Data Element Type" indicating that the frequency band information 41 is frequency band information (RF Bands), "Data Element Length" indicating the data length of the frequency band information 41, and "RF Bands" indicating the frequency bands.

[0034] The frequency band definition 42 is a diagram showing an example of the definition of the value of "RF Bands" in the WSC specification. In the frequency band definition 42, it is defined that the value "0x01" of "RF Bands" indicates a frequency band of 2.4 GHz, the value "0x02" of "RF Bands" indicates a frequency band of 5 GHz, and the value "0x04" of "RF Bands" indicates a frequency band of 60 GHz.

[0035] On the other hand, in the EasyMesh WSC specification, the 6 GHz frequency band is not defined in the frequency band definition 42, and the first communication device 11 cannot notify the relay device 13 of the connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication by using an M2 message. In contrast, the network system 10 enables the relay device 13 to perform 6 GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c, even though the 6 GHz frequency band is not defined.

[0036] <Processing in the network system 10 according to the first embodiment> 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 according to the first embodiment. In this example, it is assumed that the relay device 13 supports 2.4 GHz wireless communication, 5 GHz wireless communication, and 6 GHz wireless communication for the fronthaul.

[0037] First, relay device 13 receives connection information (SSID and authentication encryption key) for 2.4 GHz wireless communication from first communication device 11 (step S51). For example, relay device 13 receives the connection information for 2.4 GHz wireless communication from first communication device 11 by executing the onboarding process shown in FIG. 3 for 2.4 GHz wireless communication with first communication device 11. Next, relay device 13 holds the connection information received in step S51 as connection information for 2.4 GHz wireless communication (step S52).

[0038] Next, relay device 13 receives connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication from first communication device 11 (step S53). For example, relay device 13 receives the connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication from first communication device 11 by executing the onboarding process shown in FIG. 3 for 5 GHz wireless communication with first communication device 11. Next, relay device 13 holds the connection information received in step S53 as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication (step S54).

[0039] Next, relay device 13 receives connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication from first communication device 11 as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication including the specific code (step S55). For example, relay device 13 executes the onboarding process shown in FIG. 3 for 6 GHz wireless communication with first communication device 11. In this onboarding process, first communication device 11 includes a predetermined specific code in the connection information to be transmitted as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication. As an example, first communication device 11 includes the specific code in the authentication encryption key to be transmitted as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication.

[0040] Next, based on the fact that the connection information received from the relay device 13 in step S55 as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication contains a predetermined specific code, the relay device 13 stores the connection information as connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication (step S56).

[0041] As a result, in the network system 10 in which the first communication device 11 is the parent device, the relay device 13 is able to perform 2.4 GHz wireless communication, 5 GHz wireless communication, and 6 GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0042] 5, thereafter, in response to a request from second communication device 12c that supports 6 GHz wireless communication, relay device 13 performs 6 GHz wireless communication with second communication device 12a using the retained 6 GHz wireless communication connection information, thereby relaying communication between first communication device 11 and second communication device 12a (step S57). At this time, communication between first communication device 11 and relay device 13 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0043] <Notification of connection information in the first embodiment> 6 is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in the first embodiment. The connection information C2 is connection information for 2.4 GHz wireless communication. The connection information C2 includes an SSID "Buffalo-2G-XXXX" and an authentication encryption key (not shown). In step S51 shown in FIG. 5, the first communication device 11 transmits the connection information C2 to the relay device 13, for example.

[0044] The connection information C5 is connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication. The connection information C5 includes the SSID "Buffalo-5G-XXXX" and an authentication encryption key (not shown). In step S53 shown in FIG. 5, the first communication device 11 transmits the connection information C5 to the relay device 13, for example.

[0045] The connection information C6 is connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication. The connection information C6 includes the SSID "Buffalo-6G-XXXX" and an authentication encryption key (not shown). In step S55 shown in FIG. 5, the first communication device 11 transmits, for example, the connection information C6 as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication together with a specific code to the relay device 13.

[0046] Specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits connection information C6 including a specific code to the relay device 13 using an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2) with the value of frequency band information 41 (see FIG. 4) set to "0x02" (5 GHz). The specific code is a code that is unlikely to be included in normal connection information. As an example, the first communication device 11 includes an authentication encryption key, part of which includes the specific code, in the connection information C6.

[0047] This allows the first communication device 11 to notify the relay device 13 of the connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication including the specific code using a profile (for example, the profile shown in Figure 4) that is common to the connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication not including the specific code.

[0048] The relay device 13 stores the connection information received from the first communication device 11 as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication by the M2 message in which the value of the frequency band information 41 is “0x02” (5 GHz) as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication if it does not contain a specific code, and stores it as connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication if it contains a specific code.

[0049] In this way, in the first embodiment, first communication device 11 transmits connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication including the specific code. Relay device 13 recognizes that this connection information is connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication based on the specific code, and stores this connection information as connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication.

[0050] This makes it possible for the relay device 13 to perform 6 GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c even if the 6 GHz frequency band is not defined and the first communication device 11 cannot transmit connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication to the relay device 13 as connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication.

[0051] Although the configuration in which first communication device 11 transmits connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication as connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication has been described, first communication device 11 may transmit connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication as connection information for wireless communication of a frequency band other than 5 GHz (for example, 2.4 GHz or 60 GHz). In this case, first communication device 11 can cause relay device 13 to hold the connection information as connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication by including a specific code in the connection information.

[0052] (Embodiment 2) The second embodiment will be described in terms of the differences from the first embodiment.

[0053] <Processing in the network system 10 according to the second embodiment> FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0054] Steps S71 to S74 shown in Fig. 7 are the same as steps S51 to S54 shown in Fig. 5. After step S74, based on the fact that relay device 13 has received the connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication in step S74 and that relay device 13 supports 6 GHz wireless communication, relay device 13 generates and stores connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication from the connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication received in step S74 (step S75). For example, the SSID for 5 GHz wireless communication is renamed to the SSID for 6 GHz wireless communication, and the authentication encryption key for 5 GHz wireless communication is used as the authentication encryption key for 6 GHz wireless communication without modification.

[0055] As a result, relay device 13 is able to perform 2.4 GHz wireless communication, 5 GHz wireless communication, and 6 GHz wireless communication with second communication devices 12a to 12c in network system 10, with first communication device 11 as the parent device. Step S76 is the same as step S57 shown in FIG. 5.

[0056] <Notification of connection information in the second embodiment> 8 is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in the second embodiment. In step S75 shown in FIG. 7, the relay device 13 copies the connection information C5 for the 5 GHz wireless communication received from the first communication device 11, for example, and stores "Buffalo-6G-XXXX," which is the SSID included in the connection information C5, by changing "5G" from "Buffalo-5G-XXXX" to "6G," as the SSID for the 6 GHz wireless communication. The relay device 13 also stores the authentication encryption key included in the connection information C5 as the authentication encryption key for the 6 GHz wireless communication. As a result, the relay device 13 generates connection information C6 for the 6 GHz wireless communication, and becomes able to perform 6 GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0057] Similarly to the relay device 13, the first communication device 11 also generates connection information C6 for 6 GHz wireless communication using the connection information C5 for 5 GHz wireless communication transmitted to the relay device 13. This allows the first communication device 11 to be able to perform 6 GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0058] Thus, in the second embodiment, the relay device 13 performs 6 GHz wireless communication (second communication) with the second communication device 12c using the connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication received from the first communication device 11, based on the fact that the relay device 13 supports 6 GHz wireless communication.

[0059] This makes it possible for the relay device 13 to perform 6 GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c even if the 6 GHz frequency band is not defined and the first communication device 11 cannot transmit connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication to the relay device 13.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13 use the same connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication, and therefore the users of the second communication devices 12a to 12c can perform 6 GHz wireless communication with either the first communication device 11 or the relay device 13 simply by setting the connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication of either the first communication device 11 or the relay device 13 to the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, if the first communication device 11 changes the connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication, the connection information for the relay device 13 is also automatically updated according to the EasyMesh protocol. Therefore, even if the connection information is changed in accordance with the change in the connection information for the first communication device 11, the connection information for the relay device 13 can also be automatically updated in accordance with the update of the connection information for the relay device 13.

[0062] Although the configuration has been described in which relay device 13 generates connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication using connection information for 5 GHz wireless communication, relay device 13 may also be configured to generate connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication using connection information for wireless communication of a frequency band other than 5 GHz (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 60 GHz).

[0063] (Embodiment 3) The third embodiment will be described in terms of the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0064] <Processing in the network system 10 according to the third embodiment> FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 according to the third embodiment.

[0065] Steps S91 to S94 shown in Fig. 9 are the same as steps S51 to S54 shown in Fig. 5. After step S94, the relay device 13 holds connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication manually set by the user (step S95). The relay device 13 may accept this manual setting by the user in step S95, or may accept it before step S95 (for example, before the start of the processing in Fig. 9). Note that the connection information set manually may be the value directly entered by the user, or may be a random value automatically generated based on a user instruction.

[0066] As a result, relay device 13 is able to perform 2.4 GHz wireless communication, 5 GHz wireless communication, and 6 GHz wireless communication with second communication devices 12a to 12c in network system 10, with first communication device 11 as the parent device. Step S96 is the same as step S57 shown in FIG. 5.

[0067] <Notification of connection information in the third embodiment> Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in embodiment 3. In step S95 shown in Fig. 7, relay device 13 stores connection information manually set by the user as connection information C6a for 6 GHz wireless communication, instead of the connection information for 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless communication received from first communication device 11.

[0068] The relay device 13 may accept manual settings of connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication from the user, for example, via a user interface provided on the relay device 13, or may be accepted by a device that can communicate with the relay device 13 and has a user interface.

[0069] As described above, in the third embodiment, relay device 13 performs 6 GHz wireless communication (second communication) with second communication device 12c using connection information manually set by the user. That is, relay device 13 that supports 6 GHz wireless communication performs 6 GHz wireless communication using connection information manually set by the user, regardless of the connection information from first communication device 11.

[0070] This makes it possible for the relay device 13 to perform 6 GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c even if the 6 GHz frequency band is not defined and the first communication device 11 cannot transmit connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication to the relay device 13.

[0071] As described above, in the first to third embodiments, first communication device 11 notifies relay device 13 of the first frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and connection information (SSID and authentication encryption key) by using an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2) or a topology response packet (Topology Response). In response to this, relay device 13 is capable of first communication in which wireless communication is performed with second communication devices 12a to 12c using the first frequency band and connection information notified by first communication device 11.

[0072] In addition, relay device 13 is also capable of second communication, in which relay device 13 performs wireless communication with second communication devices 12a to 12c in a second frequency band (6 GHz) different from the first frequency band notified by first communication device 11. This allows relay device 13 to perform wireless communication in the second frequency band with second communication devices 12a to 12c even if the second frequency band is not defined and first communication device 11 cannot transmit connection information for wireless communication in the second frequency band to relay device 13. Therefore, wireless communication using an undefined frequency band becomes possible in the mesh network.

[0073] (Fourth embodiment) The third embodiment will be described in terms of the differences from the first to third embodiments.

[0074] <RF Bands of M2 Message in Fourth Embodiment> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of RF Bands in an M2 message according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, in the fourth embodiment, a 6 GHz frequency band is newly defined as "0x08" in a frequency band definition 42. As a result, as shown in frequency band information 41 in Fig. 11, by transmitting connection information by an M2 message in which the value of frequency band information 41 is set to "0x08" (6 GHz), the connection information can be transmitted to relay device 13 as connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication.

[0075] <Processing in the network system 10 according to the fourth embodiment> FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0076] Steps S121 to S124 shown in Fig. 12 are the same as steps S51 to S54 shown in Fig. 5. After step S124, relay device 13 receives connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication from first communication device 11 (step S125). For example, relay device 13 receives connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication from first communication device 11 by executing the onboarding process shown in Fig. 3 for 6 GHz wireless communication with first communication device 11. Next, relay device 13 holds the connection information received in step S125 as connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication (step S126).

[0077] As a result, relay device 13 is able to perform 2.4 GHz wireless communication, 5 GHz wireless communication, and 6 GHz wireless communication with second communication devices 12a to 12c in network system 10, with first communication device 11 as the parent device. Step S127 is the same as step S57 shown in FIG. 5.

[0078] <Notification of connection information in the fourth embodiment> Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in embodiment 4. In step S125 shown in Fig. 12, the first communication device 11 transmits, for example, connection information C6 to the relay device 13. Specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits the connection information C6 to the relay device 13 using an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2) in which the value of frequency band information 41 (see Fig. 4) is set to "0x08" (6 GHz).

[0079] In the fourth embodiment, 6 GHz (for example, "0x08") is newly defined in the RF Bands of the WSC packet, and first communication device 11 transmits connection information to relay device 13. This enables relay device 13 to perform 6 GHz wireless communication with second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0080] In addition, in embodiment 4, since the connection information for the 5 GHz wireless communication and the connection information for the 6 GHz wireless communication are transmitted separately from the first communication device 11 to the relay device 13, it is possible to use different connection information (e.g., authentication encryption key) for the 5 GHz wireless communication and the 6 GHz wireless communication.

[0081] (Variation) Although the configuration in which network system 10 includes one relay device (relay device 13) has been described, network system 10 may include multiple relay devices. Each of the multiple relay devices may have the same configuration as relay device 13. Furthermore, although the configuration in which network system 10 includes three slave devices (second communication devices 12a to 12c) has been described, network system 10 may include one, two, or four or more slave devices.

[0082] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can also be implemented in combination.

[0083] (Regarding the control program) The control program stored in the memory 22 of the first communication device 11 or the memory 22 of the relay device 13 is stored in a non-transitory storage medium from which the program can be read by a computer. Such a "computer-readable storage medium" is, for example, an optical medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) or a magnetic storage medium such as a USB memory or a memory card. Such a program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

[0084] As described above, the present specification discloses the following:

[0085] The disclosed network system includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and forms a mesh network, in which the first communication device notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, and the relay device is capable of first communication in which it performs wireless communication with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and second communication in which it performs wireless communication with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0086] In the disclosed network system, when the connection information includes a specific code, the relay device performs the second communication using the connection information.

[0087] In the disclosed network system, the first communication device notifies the connection information including the specific code and the connection information not including the specific code using a common profile.

[0088] In the disclosed network system, the relay device performs the second communication using the connection information based on the fact that the relay device supports the second frequency band.

[0089] In the disclosed network system, the relay device performs the second communication using connection information manually set by a user.

[0090] In the disclosed network system, the connection information includes at least one of an SSID (Service Set Identifier), a MAC (Media Access Control) address, and an authentication encryption key.

[0091] The disclosed relay device is a relay device of a network system that forms a mesh network, and includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and is equipped with a communication unit that receives notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device, and a wireless communication unit that is capable of first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0092] The disclosed communication device includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and is the first communication device in a network system that forms a mesh network, and is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with the relay device, and a control unit that controls the communication unit and notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, wherein the control unit is capable of first control to cause the relay device to perform first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of the connection information that does not include a specific code, and second control to cause the relay device to perform second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band by notifying the relay device of the connection information that includes the specific code.

[0093] The disclosed control program includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and causes a processor of the relay device in a network system that forms a mesh network to receive notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device, and execute processing that enables a first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0094] The disclosed control program includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and causes a processor of the first communication device in a network system that forms a mesh network to execute processing that enables: a first control that notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, and causes the relay device to execute a first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of the connection information that does not include a specific code; and a second control that notifies the relay device of the connection information that includes the specific code, thereby causing the relay device to execute a second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 Network Systems 11 First communication device 11a,13a BF Communication Department 11b,13b FH Communication Department 11c, 13c Control section 12a~12c 2nd communication device 13 Relay device 20 Information processing equipment 21 processors 22 Memory 23 Communication Interface 29 Bus 41 Frequency band information 42 Frequency Band Definitions C2, C5, C6, C6a connection information

Claims

1. A network system including a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and forming a mesh network, the first communication device notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information; the relay device is capable of a first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; Network system.

2. 2. The network system according to claim 1, the relay device performs the second communication using the connection information when the connection information includes a specific code. Network system.

3. 3. The network system according to claim 2, the first communication device notifies the connection information including the specific code and the connection information not including the specific code using a common profile; Network system.

4. 4. The network system according to claim 1, the relay device performs the second communication using the connection information based on the fact that the relay device supports the second frequency band. Network system.

5. 5. The network system according to claim 1, the relay device performs the second communication using connection information manually set by a user. Network system.

6. 6. The network system according to claim 1, The connection information includes at least one of an SSID (Service Set Identifier), a MAC (Media Access Control) address, and an authentication encryption key. Network system.

7. a relay device for relaying communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, the relay device being included in a network system that forms a mesh network; a communication unit that receives a notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device; a wireless communication unit capable of first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; A relay device comprising:

8. A communication device serving as the first communication device in a network system that forms a mesh network, the communication device including: a first communication device; a second communication device; and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, a communication unit that communicates with the relay device; a control unit that controls the communication unit to notify the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information; The control unit a first control that causes the relay device to perform a first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of the connection information not including the specific code; and (2) a second control for causing the relay device to perform a second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band by notifying the relay device of the connection information including the specific code. Communication equipment.

9. A network system including a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, forming a mesh network, wherein a processor of the relay device receiving a notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device; enabling a first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; A control program for executing processing.

10. A network system including a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, forming a mesh network, wherein a processor of the first communication device notifying the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information; a first control for causing the relay device to execute a first communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of the connection information not including the specific code; and a second control for causing the relay device to execute a second communication in which wireless communication is performed with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band by notifying the relay device of the connection information including the specific code. A control program for executing processing.

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