Wireless communication unit and wireless communication assembly

Abstract

This invention provides wireless communication units and wireless communication assemblies that facilitate the construction of wireless communication areas. [Solution] The wireless communication unit 1 comprises a connector 32 and a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is connected to the connector 32 and operates in access point mode, providing a connection to a wired network to a wireless communication terminal when it is possible to connect to a wired network by data transmission through the connector 32, and in repeater mode, relaying radio waves between the access point and the wireless communication terminal when it is not possible to connect to a wired network. The wireless communication assembly consists of a wireless communication unit and a relay unit. The relay unit comprises a docking station for holding the wireless communication unit and a rectangular adapter section that houses an AC adapter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication unit and a wireless communication assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication method in which data is received from a first communication device by a receiving unit, the data received by the receiving unit is stored as received data in a reception buffer, the received data stored in the reception buffer is converted into transmission data by a signal processing unit, the transmission data converted by the signal processing unit is stored in a transmission buffer, the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer is transmitted to a second communication device by a transmission unit, and the reception speed of data by the receiving unit is controlled based on the data amount of the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer.

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 order to construct a wireless communication area, it is necessary to separately prepare an access point that provides a connection to a wired network to a wireless communication terminal and a repeater that relays radio waves between the access point and the wireless communication terminal, which is complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main object is to provide a wireless communication unit and a wireless communication assembly capable of facilitating the construction of a wireless communication area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a wireless communication unit according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a connector and a wireless communication module that operates in an access point mode, which provides a connection to a wired network to a wireless communication terminal when it is possible to connect to a wired network by data transmission through the connector, and operates in a repeater mode, which relays radio waves between the access point and the wireless communication terminal when it is not possible to connect to the wired network. This makes it possible to facilitate the construction of a wireless communication area.

[0007] In the above embodiment, the wireless communication module may be powered by the connector. This allows both data transmission and power supply to be performed through the connector, further facilitating the construction of a wireless communication area.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the wireless communication module may attempt to connect to the wired network and operate in access point mode if a connection is established, and in repeater mode if a connection cannot be established. This makes it possible to switch modes depending on the result of the connection attempt.

[0009] In the above embodiment, power is supplied through the connector via a first mating connector and a first pin that can connect to the wired network, and via a second mating connector and a second pin that cannot connect to the wired network. The wireless communication module may operate in access point mode when power is supplied through the first pin and in repeater mode when power is supplied through the second pin. This makes it possible to switch modes depending on which pin is responsible for power supply.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the first mating connector may be a connector provided on the docking section of an information outlet installed on a wall for holding the wireless communication unit. This makes it possible to operate in access point mode when connected to the first mating connector provided on the docking section of the information outlet.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the second mating connector may be a connector provided on a relay unit connected to a power outlet installed on a wall. This makes it possible to operate in relay mode when connected to the second mating connector provided on the relay unit connected to the power outlet.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the relay unit comprises a plug portion that is inserted into the power outlet, and a dock portion provided with the second mating connector for holding the wireless communication unit, which is positioned adjacent to the plate of the power outlet. The wireless communication unit may be held in the dock portion, and the connector may be connected to the second mating connector. This makes it possible to hold the wireless communication unit with the dock portion positioned adjacent to the plate of the power outlet.

[0013] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention provides a wireless communication assembly comprising a wireless communication unit having a first connector and a wireless communication module, and a relay unit having a second connector connected to a power outlet installed on a wall and connected to the first connector of the wireless communication unit, wherein the wireless communication module operates in an access point mode that provides a connection to a wired network to a wireless communication terminal when it is possible to connect to a wired network by data transmission through the first connector, and operates in a relay mode that relays radio waves between the access point and the wireless communication terminal when it is not possible to connect to the wired network, and operates in the relay mode when the first connector of the wireless communication unit is connected to the second connector of the relay unit. This makes it possible to facilitate the construction of a wireless communication area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to facilitate the construction of wireless communication areas. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication unit. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication unit. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a laying unit. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a relay unit. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a relay unit. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication assembly. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication module. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication module.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and each drawing, elements that are the same as those described above with respect to the already shown drawings may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0017] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views showing an example of the wireless communication unit 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the laying unit 4. FIGS. 4 and FIG. 5 are perspective views showing an example of the relay unit 5. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of the wireless communication assembly 100 composed of the wireless communication unit 1 and the relay unit 5.

[0018] In the figure, the X1 direction is the front direction, and the X2 direction is the rear direction. The Y1 direction is the right direction, and the Y2 direction is the left direction. The Y1 or Y2 direction is also referred to as the side direction. The Z1 direction is the upward direction, and the Z2 direction is the downward direction. ​​The wireless communication unit 1 is a unit that realizes wireless LAN communication according to, for example, the IEEE802.11 standard. The wireless communication unit 1 is installed, for example, in a wall outlet (information outlet or power outlet) prepared indoors in a building, and contributes to the construction or expansion of a communication area.

[0020] The wireless communication unit 1 functions as an access point or a repeater (so-called repeater) by mode switching.

[0021] In the access point mode (hereinafter also referred to as AP mode), the wireless communication unit 1 provides a connection to a wired LAN to a wireless communication terminal (not shown). Also, in the AP mode, the wireless communication unit 1 functions as a mesh master unit.

[0022] In the repeater mode, the wireless communication unit 1 relays wireless communication between an access point (not shown) and a wireless communication terminal (not shown). Also, in the repeater mode, the wireless communication unit 1 functions as a mesh slave unit.

[0023] The wireless communication unit 1 switches between the AP mode and the repeater mode according to the connection partner.

[0024] When the connection partner is the laying unit 4 (see FIG. 3) connected to the wired LAN, the wireless communication unit 1 operates in the AP mode. However, when no LAN cable is connected to the laying unit 4, the wireless communication unit 1 operates in the repeater mode.

[0025] On the other hand, when the connection partner is the relay unit 5 (see FIGS. 4 to 6), the wireless communication unit 1 operates in the repeater mode. Details of the mode switching will be described later.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wireless communication unit 1 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped body 2 and a protrusion 21 provided in the center of the back surface of the body 2. The protrusion 21 is formed in a plate shape extending in the vertical direction and has guide grooves 23 on both outer surfaces to guide connection to the laying unit 4 or the relay unit 5.

[0027] A connector 32 is provided on the lower surface of the protrusion 21. The connector 32 is a female connector and has an opening formed on the lower surface of the protrusion 21. The connector 32 is, for example, a USB connector (in this example, a USB Type-C connector). The connector 32 may also be a male connector.

[0028] The wireless communication unit 1 transmits data through the connector 32 and operates by power supplied through the connector 32. The internal configuration and operation of the wireless communication unit 1 will be described in detail later.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the installation unit 4 comprises a rectangular main body 41 and a docking station 42 provided on the front of the main body 41. The installation unit 4 is incorporated, for example, into an information outlet (not shown) installed on a wall. The information outlet is an outlet equipped with a connector for connecting to a wired LAN.

[0030] The main body 41 of the installation unit 4 is housed inside the wall, and the dock unit 42 appears on the indoor side of the information outlet. The LAN cable installed inside the wall is connected to the main body 41.

[0031] It is preferable to use PoE (Power over Ethernet) compatible devices that can supply power via LAN cables for the communication equipment included in the main unit 41 and the higher-level communication equipment (e.g., a switching hub), thereby eliminating the need for power supply work.

[0032] The docking section 42 is the part for holding the wireless communication unit 1. The docking section 42 is provided with a connector 31 that connects to the connector 32 of the wireless communication unit 1. The connector 31 of the laying unit 4 is an example of a first mating connector.

[0033] The dock 42 is provided with a recess 49 into which the protrusion 21 (see Figure 2) of the wireless communication unit 1 is fitted. The recess 49 is formed in the shape of a groove extending in the vertical direction and is open in the forward direction. The recess 49 is also open in the upward direction, and the protrusion 21 is inserted from above.

[0034] Guide rails 43 are provided on both inner surfaces of the recess 49, which are inserted into guide grooves 23 (see Figure 2) provided on both outer surfaces of the protrusion 21, and guide the connection of the wireless communication unit 1.

[0035] A connector 31 is provided on the lower surface of the recess 49. The connector 31 is a male connector and protrudes upward from the lower surface of the recess 49. The connector 31 is, for example, a USB connector (in this example, a USB Type-C connector). The connector 31 may also be a female connector.

[0036] The convex portion 21 of the wireless communication unit 1 is inserted into the recess 49 from above and guided by the guide groove 23 and guide rail 43. In the process of reaching the lower surface of the recess 49, the connector 31, which protrudes upward from the lower surface of the recess 49, is inserted into the connector 32 formed on the lower surface of the convex portion 21.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the relay unit 5 comprises a plate-shaped dock section 52 and a rectangular parallelepiped adapter section 55 that houses an AC adapter. The relay unit 5 is connected to a power outlet C, for example, installed on a wall, and supplies power to the wireless communication unit 1.

[0038] The back of the adapter unit 55 is provided with a plug unit 56 that is plugged into the power outlet C. The bottom of the adapter unit 55 is provided with a power outlet unit 57 that is electrically connected to the plug unit 56.

[0039] The dock unit 52 is provided with a connector 31 that connects to the connector 32 of the wireless communication unit 1. The connector 31 of the relay unit 5 is used to supply power from the power outlet C to the wireless communication unit 1 and is not used for data transmission. The connector 31 of the relay unit 5 is an example of a second mating connector.

[0040] The dock section 52 has a common retaining structure with the dock section 42 of the laying unit 4 (see Figure 3). Specifically, the dock 52 has a recess 59, guide rails 53 are provided on both inner surfaces of the recess 59, and a connector 31 is provided on the lower surface of the recess 59.

[0041] By making the docking section 42 of the laying unit 4 and the docking section 52 of the relay unit 5 a common holding structure, the wireless communication unit 1 can be connected to either the laying unit 4 or the relay unit 5.

[0042] The dock unit 52 is positioned laterally to the adapter unit 55. Specifically, the back surface of the dock unit 52 is positioned rearward relative to the back surface of the adapter unit 55, creating a step between the two back surfaces. This step corresponds to the thickness of the plate P on which the power outlet C is provided.

[0043] This step allows the dock unit 52 to be adjacent to the plate P and in contact with the wall when the adapter unit 55 is connected to the power outlet C. The dock unit 52 has a mounting portion 58 with screw holes and is fixed to the wall with screws. This makes it possible to hold the wireless communication unit 1 in a stable position.

[0044] By positioning the docking station 52 to the side of the plate P on which the power outlet C is located, it is possible to reduce the protrusion dimension of the wireless communication assembly 100, which consists of the wireless communication unit 1 and the relay unit 5, from the wall. The docking station 52 may also be positioned above or below the plate P.

[0045] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the wireless communication module 10 provided by the wireless communication unit 1. The wireless communication module 10 includes a control unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, an I / F unit 13 (interface unit), and a power supply unit 14.

[0046] The control unit 11 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.

[0047] The wireless communication unit 12 performs wireless LAN communication. The I / F unit 13 acts as an intermediary for power supply and data transmission through the connector 32.

[0048] In other words, the I / F unit 13 separates power from the signal input through the connector 32 and supplies it to the power supply unit 14. The power supply unit 14 supplies power from the I / F unit 13 to the control unit 11 and the wireless communication unit 12.

[0049] When connected to a wired LAN, the I / F unit 13 extracts data from the signals input through the connector 32 and outputs it to the control unit 11, and converts the data input from the control unit 11 into signals and outputs them through the connector 32.

[0050] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless communication module 10. The control unit 11 of the wireless communication module 10 executes the information processing shown in the figure according to the program. The information processing shown in the figure is executed, for example, when the wireless communication module 10 is started up by receiving power through the connector 32.

[0051] First, the control unit 11 attempts to connect to the wired LAN (S11) and determines whether or not the connection was established (S12).

[0052] If a connection is established (S12: YES), the control unit 11 starts operating in AP mode (S13).

[0053] If a connection cannot be established (S12: NO), the control unit 11 starts operating in repeater mode (S14).

[0054] A successful connection is defined as the wireless communication unit 1 being connected to the installation unit 4 (see Figure 3), which is connected to a wired LAN. In other words, the connector 32 of the wireless communication unit 1 is connected to the connector 31 of the installation unit 4, and the wireless communication module 10 is activated.

[0055] The case where a connection could not be established corresponds to the situation where the wireless communication unit 1 is connected to the relay unit 5 (see Figures 4 to 6). In other words, this occurs when the connector 32 of the wireless communication unit 1 is connected to the connector 31 of the relay unit 5 and the wireless communication module 10 is activated.

[0056] Furthermore, the failure to establish a connection also includes cases where the wireless communication unit 1 is connected to the installation unit 4, which is not connected to a wired LAN.

[0057] According to the embodiment described above, by operating the wireless communication unit 1 in AP mode when it can be connected to a wired LAN, and in repeater mode when it cannot be connected to a wired LAN, it is possible to easily expand the communication area without electrical work.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Mode switching is not limited to the method of attempting to connect to a wired LAN, but may also be performed according to differences in the power supply path, as described below.

[0060] Power is supplied through connector 32 via a first pin, and via a second pin, from among the multiple pins provided by connector 32, to connector 31 of installation unit 4.

[0061] Specifically, the power supply path from the connector 32 through the I / F unit 13 and the power supply unit 14 to the control unit 11 is provided in two systems: a first power supply path connected to the first pin and a second power supply path connected to the second pin.

[0062] Furthermore, the wireless communication module 10 operates in AP mode when powered through the first pin and in repeater mode when powered through the second pin, thereby enabling mode switching in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0063] The following lists representative embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] (1) Connector and A wireless communication module that operates in access point mode, providing a connection to a wireless communication terminal to a wired network when it is possible to connect to the wired network by data transmission through the connector, and operates in repeater mode, relaying radio waves between the access point and the wireless communication terminal when it is not possible to connect to the wired network. A wireless communication unit equipped with the following features.

[0065] (2) The wireless communication module operates by power supplied through the connector. (1) The wireless communication unit described above.

[0066] (3) The wireless communication module attempts to connect to the wired network and operates in access point mode if it can establish a connection, and in repeater mode if it cannot establish a connection. The wireless communication unit described in (1) or (2).

[0067] (4) Power is supplied through the connector via a first mating connector and a first pin that can be connected to the wired network, and via a second mating connector and a second pin that cannot be connected to the wired network. The wireless communication module operates in access point mode when powered through the first pin, and operates in repeater mode when powered through the second pin. (2) The wireless communication unit described above.

[0068] (5) The first mating connector is a connector provided on the docking station of an information outlet installed on a wall, for holding the wireless communication unit. A wireless communication unit as described in any of (1) through (4).

[0069] (6) The aforementioned second mating connector is a connector provided on a relay unit connected to a power outlet installed on a wall. A wireless communication unit as described in any of (1) through (5).

[0070] (7) The relay unit is The plug portion that is inserted into the aforementioned power outlet, A dock section, provided with the second mating connector for holding the wireless communication unit, is located adjacent to the plate of the power outlet, Equipped with, The wireless communication unit is held in the dock section, and the connector is connected to the second mating connector. (6) The wireless communication unit described above.

[0071] (8) A wireless communication unit comprising a first connector and a wireless communication module, A relay unit having a second connector that is connected to a power outlet installed on the wall and connected to the first connector of the wireless communication unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned wireless communication module is When it is possible to connect to a wired network by data transmission through the first connector, it operates in access point mode, providing the connection to the wired network to a wireless communication terminal. This wireless communication module operates in repeater mode, relaying radio waves between the access point and the wireless communication terminal when it is not possible to connect to the aforementioned wired network. When the first connector of the wireless communication unit is connected to the second connector of the relay unit, it operates in relay mode. Wireless communication assembly. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1 Wireless communication unit, 10 Wireless communication module, 11 Control unit, 12 Wireless communication section, 13 I / F section, 14 Power supply section, 2 Main body section, 21 Protruding section, 23 Guide groove, 31, 32 Connectors, 4 Installation unit, 41 Main body section, 42 Dock section, 43 Guide rail, 49 Recessed section, 5 Relay unit, 52 Dock section, 53 Guide rail, 55 Adapter section, 56 Plug section, 57 Outlet section, 58 Mounting section, 59 Recessed section, 100 Wireless communication assembly, P Plate, C Power outlet

Claims

1. Connector and A wireless communication module that operates in access point mode, providing a connection to a wireless communication terminal to a wired network when it is possible to connect to the wired network by data transmission through the connector, and operates in repeater mode, relaying radio waves between the access point and the wireless communication terminal when it is not possible to connect to the wired network. A wireless communication unit equipped with the following features.

2. The wireless communication module operates by power supplied through the connector. The wireless communication unit according to claim 1.

3. The wireless communication module attempts to connect to the wired network and operates in access point mode if it can establish a connection, and in repeater mode if it cannot establish a connection. The wireless communication unit according to claim 1.

4. Power is supplied through the connector via a first mating connector and a first pin that can be connected to the wired network, and via a second mating connector and a second pin that cannot be connected to the wired network. The wireless communication module operates in access point mode when powered through the first pin, and operates in repeater mode when powered through the second pin. The wireless communication unit according to claim 2.

5. The first mating connector is a connector provided in the docking section of an information outlet installed on a wall, for holding the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned second mating connector is a connector provided on a relay unit connected to a power outlet installed on a wall. The wireless communication unit according to claim 1.

7. The relay unit is The plug portion that is inserted into the aforementioned power outlet, A dock section, provided with the second mating connector for holding the wireless communication unit, is located adjacent to the plate of the power outlet, Equipped with, The wireless communication unit is held in the dock section, and the connector is connected to the second mating connector. The wireless communication unit according to claim 6.

8. A wireless communication unit comprising a first connector and a wireless communication module, A relay unit having a second connector that is connected to a power outlet installed on the wall and connected to the first connector of the wireless communication unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned wireless communication module is When it is possible to connect to a wired network by data transmission through the first connector, it operates in access point mode, providing the connection to the wired network to a wireless communication terminal. This wireless communication module operates in repeater mode, relaying radio waves between the access point and the wireless communication terminal when it is not possible to connect to the aforementioned wired network. When the first connector of the wireless communication unit is connected to the second connector of the relay unit, it operates in relay mode. Wireless communication assembly.

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