Wireless communication systems, methods, and wireless communication devices

Abstract

This provides a wireless communication system that facilitates the provision of connection information to a lower-level wireless communication device for connecting to a higher-level wireless communication device. [Solution] The wireless communication system comprises a higher-level wireless communication device that provides wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID that allows connection to other devices via itself, and wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID that allows connection to itself, and a lower-level wireless communication device that, when it is not possible to establish a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the normal ESSID, establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and obtains normal connection information corresponding to the normal ESSID.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, method, and wireless communication device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for transmitting backup data indicating setting information related to the operation of an access point device to an external device on a second network different from the first network constructed by the access point device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a wireless communication system including a higher-level wireless communication device and a lower-level wireless communication device, when the settings of the higher-level wireless communication device are changed, etc., the lower-level wireless communication device may become unable to connect to the higher-level wireless communication device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main object is to provide a wireless communication system, method, and wireless communication device that can easily provide connection information for connecting to a higher-level wireless communication device to a lower-level wireless communication device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a wireless communication system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a higher-level wireless communication device that provides wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID that allows connection to other devices via itself, and wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID that allows connection to itself, and a lower-level wireless communication device that, when it is not possible to establish a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the normal ESSID, establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and obtains normal connection information corresponding to the normal ESSID. This makes it easy to provide the lower-level wireless communication device with normal connection information for connecting to the higher-level wireless communication device.

[0007] In the above embodiment, when the normal ESSID is changed from the first normal ESSID to the second normal ESSID, and the lower-level wireless communication device cannot establish a connection with the upper-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the first normal ESSID, the lower-level wireless communication device may establish a connection with the upper-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and obtain the normal connection information corresponding to the second normal ESSID from the upper-level wireless communication device. This makes it possible to provide normal connection information when the ESSID is changed and a connection cannot be established.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the system may further include a management server that holds the normal connection information, and the lower-level wireless communication device may establish a connection with the upper-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID, have the upper-level wireless communication device obtain the normal connection information from the management server on its behalf, and obtain the normal connection information from the upper-level wireless communication device. This makes it possible for the lower-level wireless communication device to obtain the normal connection information that the upper-level wireless communication device has obtained on its behalf.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the system may further include a management server that holds the normal connection information, the higher-level wireless communication device acquires and holds the normal connection information from the management server, and the lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and acquires the normal connection information from the higher-level wireless communication device. This makes it possible for the lower-level wireless communication device to acquire the normal connection information acquired and held by the higher-level wireless communication device from the management server.

[0010] In the above embodiment, when the higher-level wireless communication device is changed to the second normal ESSID, it may transmit a command using the setting ESSID to the lower-level wireless communication device, and when the lower-level wireless communication device receives the command from the higher-level wireless communication device, it may establish a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the setting ESSID and obtain the normal connection information from the higher-level wireless communication device. This makes it possible for the lower-level wireless communication device to obtain the normal connection information in response to a command from the higher-level wireless communication device.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the lower-level wireless communication device may pre-store configuration connection information corresponding to the configuration ESSID, and when it is not possible to establish a connection with the upper-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the normal ESSID, it may establish a connection with the upper-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and the configuration connection information, and obtain the normal connection information corresponding to the normal ESSID. This makes it possible for the lower-level wireless communication device to establish a connection with the upper-level wireless communication device using the configuration ESSID and the configuration connection information.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the higher-level wireless communication device and the lower-level wireless communication device may perform 802.11ah wireless LAN communication. This makes it possible to automate the connection between the higher-level wireless communication device and the lower-level wireless communication device, which are located far apart.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the lower-level wireless communication device may be a relay device that receives sensor data generated by the sensor terminal and transmits it to the higher-level wireless communication device. This makes it easier to provide the relay device, which acts as the lower-level wireless communication device, with normal connection information for connecting to the higher-level wireless communication device.

[0014] In the above embodiment, the lower-level wireless communication device may be a sensor terminal equipped with a sensor that transmits sensor data detected by the sensor to the higher-level wireless communication device. This makes it easier to provide the sensor terminal, which acts as the lower-level wireless communication device, with normal connection information for connecting to the higher-level wireless communication device.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the normal connection information may be a password. This makes it easier to provide the lower-level wireless communication device with a password as normal connection information for connecting to the higher-level wireless communication device.

[0016] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, a higher-level wireless communication device provides wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID that allows connection to other devices via itself, and wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID that allows connection to itself. When a lower-level wireless communication device cannot establish a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the wireless LAN communication with the normal ESSID, it establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the configuration ESSID and obtains normal connection information corresponding to the normal ESSID. This makes it easy to provide the lower-level wireless communication device with normal connection information for connecting to the higher-level wireless communication device.

[0017] Also, when a wireless communication device according to another aspect of the present invention cannot establish a connection with a higher-level wireless communication device by means of wireless LAN communication using a normal-use ESSID that permits connection to another device via the self device and is provided by the higher-level wireless communication device, the wireless communication device includes a connection processing unit that establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device by means of wireless LAN communication using a setting-use ESSID that permits connection with the self device and is provided by the higher-level wireless communication device, and an acquisition processing unit that acquires normal-use connection information corresponding to the normal-use ESSID in a state where a connection has been established by means of wireless LAN communication using the setting-use ESSID. According to this, it becomes easy to provide the lower-level wireless communication device with the normal-use connection information for connecting to the higher-level wireless communication device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it becomes easy to provide the lower-level wireless communication device with the normal-use connection information for connecting to the higher-level wireless communication device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of an access point. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a relay device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a sensor terminal. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a method for acquiring connection information. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the acquisition of connection information. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the acquisition of connection information. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a method for acquiring connection information. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a method for acquiring connection information.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification and in each drawing, elements similar to those described above in relation to previously shown drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a wireless communication system 100. The wireless communication system 100 includes an access point 1, one or more relay devices 2A, 2B, and a sensor terminal 3. The wireless communication system 100 also includes a management server 4.

[0022] Access point 1 and management server 4 are connected to a communication network such as a wired LAN or the internet, and are able to communicate with each other via the network.

[0023] Relay devices 2A and 2B relay wireless communication between access point 1 and sensor terminal 3. Hereafter, relay devices 2A and 2B will be collectively referred to as "relay device 2". Relay device 2 is also called a repeater.

[0024] Sensor terminal 3 is a wireless communication terminal equipped with a sensor, and transmits sensor data detected by the sensor. Sensor terminal 3 is a so-called IoT device, also known as a station.

[0025] The sensor in sensor terminal 3 is, for example, a light sensor, an image sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

[0026] Sensor data is transmitted from sensor terminal 3 to relay device 2B, then from relay device 2B to relay device 2A, then from relay device 2A to access point 1, and finally from access point 1 to management server 4.

[0027] The management server 4 centrally manages the settings of the access point 1, relay device 2, and sensor terminal 3. The management server 4 transmits configuration information to these devices and receives status information from them.

[0028] Access point 1, relay device 2, and sensor terminal 3 are capable of wireless LAN communication using the 920MHz band. Specifically, access point 1, relay device 2, and sensor terminal 3 perform wireless LAN communication according to the IEEE standard 802.11ah.

[0029] The 920MHz band is suitable for long-distance communication, and furthermore, by having a relay device 2 interposed in series between the access point 1 and the sensor terminal 3, the wireless communication system 100 can collect sensor data from the remote sensor terminal 3.

[0030] Therefore, the wireless communication system 100 is suitable for applications such as collecting and managing information such as temperature, humidity, or video at various locations in a wide area, such as farmland.

[0031] However, in the 920MHz band, the Radio Law limits the transmission time per unit time (also called transmission duty cycle) to 10%. Specifically, the transmission time is limited to within 6 minutes per hour.

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of access point 1. Access point 1 comprises a control unit 10, a wireless communication unit 11, and a wired communication unit 12.

[0033] The control unit 10 is a computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and input / output interfaces. The CPU performs information processing according to a program loaded from ROM or non-volatile memory into RAM.

[0034] The wireless communication unit 11 performs 802.11ah wireless LAN communication. The wired communication unit 12 is connected to a wired LAN. The control unit 10 bridges the wireless communication device connected to the wireless communication unit 11 and the wired LAN connected to the wired communication unit 12.

[0035] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the relay device 2. The relay device 2 comprises a control unit 20 and a wireless communication unit 21. The control unit 20 and the wireless communication unit 21 have the same configuration as the control unit 10 and the wireless communication unit 11 of the access point 1.

[0036] Note that access point 1 and relay device 2 may be devices with the same configuration, and by switching modes, they may function as either access point 1 or relay device 2.

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the sensor terminal 3. The sensor terminal 3 comprises a control unit 30, a wireless communication unit 31, and a sensor 33. The control unit 30 and the wireless communication unit 31 have the same configuration as the control unit 10 and wireless communication unit 11 of the access point 1. Alternatively, the sensor terminal 3 may be made to function by providing the sensor 33 to a device with the same configuration as the access point 1 or the relay device 2.

[0038] The control unit 30 generates sensor data based on the signal output from the sensor 33. The number of sensors 33 is not limited to one; there may be multiple sensors. The control unit 30 may generate and transmit the sensor data, or the control unit 30 may acquire and transmit sensor data generated by a unit (such as a PC) that includes the sensor 33.

[0039] Access point 1, relay device 2, and sensor terminal 3 are equipped with solar panels (not shown), are installed outdoors, and operate by receiving power from the solar panels.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, access point 1, relay device 2A, and relay device 2B provide wireless LAN communication using ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) ​​to the device directly below them. Sensor terminal 3 does not have an ESSID.

[0041] Here, sensor terminal 3 is a lower-level wireless communication device for relay device 2B, relay device 2B is a lower-level wireless communication device for relay device 2A, and relay device 2A is a lower-level wireless communication device for access point 1.

[0042] Furthermore, relay device 2B is a higher-level wireless communication device for sensor terminal 3, relay device 2A is a higher-level wireless communication device for relay device 2B, and access point 1 is a higher-level wireless communication device for relay device 2A.

[0043] In this embodiment, the higher-level wireless communication device provides the lower-level wireless communication device with wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID and wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID. The normal ESSID is an example of a first or second ESSID.

[0044] Wireless LAN communication using the standard ESSID allows connection to other devices such as the management server 4 via the higher-level wireless communication device (the device itself). The lower-level wireless communication device transmits sensor data to the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the standard ESSID.

[0045] The lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the normal ESSID and its corresponding normal connection information. The normal connection information is usually provided by the management server 4. This normal connection information is, for example, a password.

[0046] Wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID allows connection to the higher-level wireless communication device (the device itself). However, it does not allow connection to other devices such as the management server 4 via the higher-level wireless communication device. The lower-level wireless communication device can send and receive data with the higher-level wireless communication device through wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID.

[0047] The lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the configuration ESSID and its corresponding configuration connection information. This configuration connection information is pre-stored, for example, at the time of shipment, and is generally not changed.

[0048] Incidentally, since the wireless communication system 100 is installed outdoors, it is recommended to periodically change the normal ESSID from a security standpoint. The normal ESSID of each wireless communication device is managed by the management server 4 and is changed according to instructions from the management server 4.

[0049] Management server 4 normally changes the normal ESSID of the lower-level wireless communication device, and then changes the normal ESSID of the higher-level wireless communication device. However, if the normal ESSID of the higher-level wireless communication device is mistakenly changed first, the lower-level wireless communication device will be unable to access the higher-level wireless communication device.

[0050] In that case, the connection between management server 4 and the lower-level wireless communication devices would be lost, and the lower-level wireless communication devices and the devices below them would no longer be under the management of management server 4. Since each device is installed in a wide area outdoors, it would be extremely time-consuming for a user to approach each device directly and change its settings individually.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described below, the lower-level wireless communication device uses the configuration ESSID to obtain the normal connection information of the upper-level wireless communication device's normal ESSID, thereby maintaining the connection.

[0052] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the method according to the first embodiment implemented in the wireless communication system 100. The figure mainly shows the process related to the acquisition of normal connection information by the lower-level wireless communication device.

[0053] The control unit of the higher-level wireless communication device (for example, the control unit 10 of access point 1 or the control unit 20 of relay device 2) executes processes S11 to S13 shown in the left half of the figure according to the program. The control unit of the lower-level wireless communication device (for example, the control unit 20 of relay device 2 or the control unit 30 of sensor terminal 3) executes processes S21 to S26 shown in the right half of the figure according to the program.

[0054] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the acquisition of connection information. Figure 6 shows an example of normal operation. Access point 1, relay device 2, and sensor terminal 3 each have different normal ESSIDs and connection information. Also, in normal operation, the configuration ESSID is not used.

[0055] Figure 7 shows the case where relay device 2B is unable to establish a connection with relay device 2A using the normal ESSID. In this case, relay device 2B establishes a connection with relay device 2A using the configuration ESSID.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, first, the higher-level wireless communication device changes the normal ESSID from the first ESSID to the second ESSID in response to a command from the management server 4 (S11). At this time, the connection information corresponding to the second ESSID is also set.

[0057] As a result of this change, the lower-level wireless communication device attempts to establish a connection using the first ESSID (S21), but the normal ESSID has been changed from the first ESSID to the second ESSID, and since it does not have the connection information for the second ESSID, it is unable to establish a connection.

[0058] If a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device cannot be established using the first ESSID (S22: NO), the lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the configuration ESSID and its connection information (S23, processing as a connection processing unit, see Figure 7).

[0059] Next, the lower-level wireless communication device, having established a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the configuration ESSID, executes the process of acquiring connection information for the second ESSID (S24, processing as an acquisition processing unit).

[0060] In this embodiment, the lower-level wireless communication device causes the higher-level wireless communication device to obtain connection information for the second ESSID on its behalf. That is, the higher-level wireless communication device obtains connection information for the second ESSID from the management server 4 on behalf of the lower-level wireless communication device in response to a request from the lower-level wireless communication device (S12), and provides the obtained connection information for the second ESSID to the lower-level wireless communication device (S13).

[0061] In detail, the higher-level wireless communication device acts as a proxy server and forwards requests from the lower-level wireless communication device to the management server 4. The management server 4 does not recognize the request as coming from the higher-level wireless communication device, but rather as coming from the lower-level wireless communication device, and returns connection information for a second ESSID for the lower-level wireless communication device. The higher-level wireless communication device then transmits the connection information for the second ESSID it obtained to the lower-level wireless communication device via a connection using the configuration ESSID.

[0062] When the lower-level wireless communication device obtains connection information for the second ESSID from the higher-level wireless communication device (S24), it terminates its connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the configuration ESSID (S25). Then, it establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the second ESSID and the obtained connection information (S26). This returns it to the normal operating state (see Figure 6).

[0063] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure according to the second embodiment. Steps that overlap with the above embodiment may be given the same number, and detailed explanations may be omitted.

[0064] In this embodiment, the higher-level wireless communication device obtains and retains the setting information for the second ESSID from the management server 4 (S14), and then changes the normal ESSID from the first ESSID to the second ESSID (S11).

[0065] Then, the lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the configuration ESSID (S23), and obtains the connection information for the second ESSID held by the higher-level wireless communication device (S24). The higher-level wireless communication device provides the lower-level wireless communication device with the connection information for the second ESSID it holds, in response to a request from the lower-level wireless communication device (S15).

[0066] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure according to the third embodiment. Steps that overlap with the above embodiments may be given the same number, and detailed explanations may be omitted.

[0067] In this embodiment, when the higher-level wireless communication device receives a command to change the normal ESSID from the management server 4 (S16), it sends a connection command to the lower-level wireless communication device instructing it to connect using the configuration ESSID (S17), and then changes the normal ESSID from the first ESSID to the second ESSID (S11).

[0068] Then, when the lower-level wireless communication device receives a connection command from the higher-level wireless communication device (S27), it establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device using the configuration ESSID (S23) and obtains connection information for the second ESSID from the higher-level wireless communication device (S24). The acquisition of connection information is not limited to proxy acquisition, but may also be in the form of prior acquisition and retention as described in the second embodiment.

[0069] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are of course possible for those skilled in the art.

[0070] In the embodiments described above, the operation when the normal ESSID of the higher-level wireless communication device is changed from the first ESSID to the second ESSID has been explained. However, the operation is not limited to this, and the same operation can also be applied when the lower-level wireless communication device makes its initial connection to the higher-level wireless communication device.

[0071] The following lists representative embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] (1) A higher-level wireless communication device that provides wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID that allows connection to other devices via itself, and wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID that allows connection to itself, When a connection cannot be established with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the standard ESSID, the lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and obtains standard connection information corresponding to the standard ESSID. A wireless communication system equipped with the following features.

[0073] (2) When the normal ESSID is changed from the first normal ESSID to the second normal ESSID, and the lower-level wireless communication device cannot establish a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the first normal ESSID, the lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and obtains the normal connection information corresponding to the second normal ESSID from the higher-level wireless communication device. (1) The wireless communication system described above.

[0074] (3) The system further includes a management server that holds the aforementioned normal connection information, The lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the upper-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID, causes the upper-level wireless communication device to obtain the normal connection information from the management server on its behalf, and obtains the normal connection information from the upper-level wireless communication device. The wireless communication system described in (1) or (2).

[0075] (4) The system further includes a management server that holds the aforementioned normal connection information, The aforementioned higher-level wireless communication device acquires and maintains the normal connection information from the management server. The lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID, and obtains the normal connection information from the higher-level wireless communication device. The wireless communication system described in (1) or (2).

[0076] (5) When the higher-level wireless communication device is changed to the second normal ESSID, it transmits a command using the setting ESSID to the lower-level wireless communication device. When the lower wireless communication device receives the command from the higher wireless communication device, it establishes a connection with the higher wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID, and obtains the normal connection information from the higher wireless communication device. (2) The wireless communication system described above.

[0077] (6) The aforementioned lower-level wireless communication device is The configuration connection information corresponding to the aforementioned configuration ESSID is stored in advance, When a connection cannot be established with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the standard ESSID, a connection is established with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and the configuration connection information, and the standard connection information corresponding to the standard ESSID is obtained. A wireless communication system as described in any of (1) through (5).

[0078] (7) The aforementioned upper-level wireless communication device and the aforementioned lower-level wireless communication device perform 802.11ah wireless LAN communication. A wireless communication system as described in any of (1) through (6).

[0079] (8) The lower-level wireless communication device is a relay device that receives sensor data generated by the sensor terminal and transmits it to the higher-level wireless communication device. A wireless communication system as described in any of (1) through (7).

[0080] (9) The lower-level wireless communication device is a sensor terminal equipped with a sensor that transmits sensor data detected by the sensor to the higher-level wireless communication device. A wireless communication system as described in any of (1) through (7).

[0081] (10) The aforementioned connection information is a password. A wireless communication system as described in any of (1) through (9).

[0082] (11) The higher-level wireless communication device provides wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID that allows connection to other devices via itself, and wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID that allows connection to itself. When a lower-level wireless communication device cannot establish a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the normal ESSID, it establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and obtains normal connection information corresponding to the normal ESSID. method.

[0083] (12) When a connection cannot be established with the above-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID provided by the above-level wireless communication device that allows connection to other devices via the device itself, a connection processing unit establishes a connection with the above-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID provided by the above-level wireless communication device that allows connection to the device itself, An acquisition processing unit that acquires normal connection information corresponding to the normal ESSID while a connection has been established by wireless LAN communication using the aforementioned configurable ESSID, A wireless communication device equipped with the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Access point, 2A, 2B Relay devices, 3 Sensor terminals, 4 Management server, 10 Control unit, 11 Wireless communication unit, 12 Wired communication unit, 20 Control unit, 21 Wireless communication unit, 30 Control unit, 31 Wireless communication unit, 33 Sensor, 100 Wireless communication system

Claims

1. A higher-level wireless communication device that provides wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID that allows connection to other devices via itself, and wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID that allows connection to itself. When a connection cannot be established with the higher-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the normal ESSID, the lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and obtains normal connection information corresponding to the normal ESSID. A wireless communication system equipped with the following features.

2. When the normal ESSID is changed from the first normal ESSID to the second normal ESSID, and the lower-level wireless communication device cannot establish a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the first normal ESSID, the lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication using the setting ESSID and obtains the normal connection information corresponding to the second normal ESSID from the higher-level wireless communication device. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a management server that holds the aforementioned normal connection information, The lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID, causes the higher-level wireless communication device to obtain the normal connection information from the management server on its behalf, and obtains the normal connection information from the higher-level wireless communication device. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a management server that holds the aforementioned normal connection information, The aforementioned higher-level wireless communication device acquires and maintains the normal connection information from the management server. The lower-level wireless communication device establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID, and obtains the normal connection information from the higher-level wireless communication device. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

5. When the higher-level wireless communication device is changed to the second normal ESSID, it transmits a command using the setting ESSID to the lower-level wireless communication device. When the lower wireless communication device receives the command from the higher wireless communication device, it establishes a connection with the higher wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the setting ESSID, and obtains the normal connection information from the higher wireless communication device. The wireless communication system according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned lower wireless communication device is The configuration connection information corresponding to the aforementioned configuration ESSID is stored in advance, When a connection cannot be established with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the standard ESSID, a connection is established with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and the configuration connection information, and the standard connection information corresponding to the standard ESSID is obtained. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned upper-level wireless communication device and the aforementioned lower-level wireless communication device perform 802.11ah wireless LAN communication. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

8. The lower-level wireless communication device is a relay device that receives sensor data generated by the sensor terminal and transmits it to the higher-level wireless communication device. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

9. The lower-level wireless communication device is a sensor terminal equipped with a sensor that transmits sensor data detected by the sensor to the higher-level wireless communication device. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned connection information is a password. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

11. The higher-level wireless communication device provides wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID that allows connection to other devices via the device itself, and wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID that allows connection to the device itself. When a lower-level wireless communication device cannot establish a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the normal ESSID, it establishes a connection with the higher-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using the configuration ESSID and obtains normal connection information corresponding to the normal ESSID. method.

12. When a connection cannot be established with the above-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using a normal ESSID provided by the above-level wireless communication device that allows connection to other devices via the device itself, a connection processing unit establishes a connection with the above-level wireless communication device via wireless LAN communication using a configuration ESSID provided by the above-level wireless communication device that allows connection to the device itself. An acquisition processing unit that acquires normal connection information corresponding to the normal ESSID while a connection has been established by wireless LAN communication using the aforementioned configuration ESSID, A wireless communication device equipped with the following features.

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