COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION METHOD

Abstract

This communication device comprises: a control unit that sets information relating to multiband and / or multichannel communication in an extended field of a beacon signal; and a communication unit that transmits the beacon signal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that appropriately executes a process for connecting a communication device capable of using a plurality of frequency bands (for example, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and an external device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-195886 A [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] IEEE Draft Standard for Information Technology -- Telecommunications and Information Exchange Between Systems Local and Metropolitan Area Networks -- Specific Requirements - Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications IEEE P802.11-REVmd / D1.0, February 2018 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is currently discussing multi-band and multi-channel wireless LANs (Local Area Networks).

[0006] However, specific specifications for implementing multi-band and / or multi-channel have not been formulated.

[0007] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication device, a terminal, and a communication method capable of performing at least one of multi-band and multi-channel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that sets information regarding at least one of multibands and multichannels in an extension field of a beacon signal, and a communication unit that transmits the beacon signal.

[0009] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that receives a beacon signal in which information regarding at least one of multibands and multichannels is set in an extended field of the beacon signal, and a control unit that performs communication based on at least one of multibands and multichannels based on the information.

[0010] A communication method of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes setting information regarding at least one of multibands and multichannels in an extension field of a beacon signal and transmitting the beacon signal.

[0011] A communication method of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes receiving a beacon signal in which information regarding at least one of multibands and multichannels is set in an extended field of the beacon signal, and performing communication based on at least one of multibands and multichannels based on the information.

[0012] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of multi-band and multi-channel can be implemented.

[0014] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the beacon frame configuration [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3A] A diagram showing an example of the beacon frame configuration [Figure 3B] A diagram showing an example of the beacon frame configuration [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a modulated signal. [Figure 5A] A diagram showing an example of a modulated signal. [Figure 5B] A diagram showing an example of a modulated signal. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication system according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless communication system for a wireless LAN according to a second embodiment; [Figure 9A]A diagram showing an example of the beacon frame configuration [Figure 9B] A diagram showing an example of the beacon frame configuration [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a communication device. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a modulated signal. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the hardware configuration of a communication device. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 13B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 13C] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 13D] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 14A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 14B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 14C] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 14D] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 14E] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 14F] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 14G] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 14H] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-band communication. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transmission unit included in a transmission / reception device; [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a receiving unit included in a transmitting / receiving device; [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-channel communication. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-channel communication. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-channel communication. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of a data frame structure [Figure 21]A diagram showing an example of the structure of a Probe request frame [Figure 22] A diagram showing an example of the probe response frame configuration [Diagram 23] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an Association request frame [Figure 24] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an association response frame DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0017] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0018] (First embodiment) The SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the wireless LAN may be different between the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, but may be the same (common) in the case of band steering. Also, the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the access point may be different between the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, but may be the same (common) in the case of band steering.

[0019] In dual-band operation using band steering, for example, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, for example, terminals compatible with the 5 GHz band are detected and the detected clients are guided to the 5 GHz band. This guidance, for example, frees up the congested 2.4 GHz band for legacy terminals. In particular, in high-density terminal environments, the aforementioned guidance can reduce channel utilization and improve the end user experience. However, in dual-band operation using band steering, if there is vacancy in the 2.4 GHz band, terminals may be guided to the 2.4 GHz band.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a beacon frame. The numbers in Fig. 1 indicate the data lengths of the fields listed below. The units are bytes. The beacon frame includes, for example, the following fields:

[0021] 2-byte frame control field 2-byte duration (field) 6-byte DA (Destination Address) (field) 6-byte SA (Source Address) (field) 6-byte BSSID (field) 2-byte sequence control (field)

[0022] The above constitutes the MAC header. The beacon frame also contains a variable-length frame body (field). The frame body contains, for example, the following fields:

[0023] Variable length SSID (field) · Variable length country (field)

[0024] The variable-length frame body contains various information (fields) in addition to the SSID (field) and country (field), but these are omitted from FIG.

[0025] Generally, the "BSSID (Basic Service Set identifier)" of a beacon frame transmitted by an access point (hereinafter sometimes referred to as AP) is set to the BSSID of the AP. The "SSID" is set to the SSID of the AP. Since beacon frames are broadcast, "DA" is set to all 1's. The "SA" and "BSSID" are set to the MAC address of the AP.

[0026] When band steering is introduced into a wireless LAN wireless communication system, for example, the same SSID is set in the AP for the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, and an SSID for band steering is registered in a terminal capable of band steering.

[0027] The AP transmits a beacon in the frequency band to which it wants to guide the terminal. The terminal operates a communication unit that transmits and receives wireless signals in the 2.4 GHz band and a communication unit that transmits and receives wireless signals in the 5 GHz band, and communicates with the AP using the communication unit that has acquired the SSID. As a result, the terminal communicates with the AP in the frequency band guided by the AP.

[0028] For example, when an AP guides a terminal to the 5 GHz band, the AP broadcasts a beacon in the 5 GHz band. The terminal receives the beacon at its 5 GHz band communication unit and wirelessly communicates with the AP in the 5 GHz band. As a result, the terminal communicates with the AP in the 5 GHz band guided by the AP.

[0029] In a wireless LAN, for example, in order to improve the data transmission speed, a wireless communication system capable of performing band steering and multi-band / multi-channel (at least one of multi-band and multi-channel) is desired. In the first embodiment, a wireless LAN communication system capable of performing band steering and multi-band / multi-channel is provided.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the wireless communication system includes APs 1a and 1b and terminals 2a to 2c. The wireless communication system performs wireless communication based on a wireless LAN communication standard.

[0031] The AP 1a is an AP capable of performing band steering and multi-band / multi-channel operation. The terminals 2a to 2c are terminals capable of performing band steering and multi-band / multi-channel operation.

[0032] In the following, the beacon in the first frequency band transmitted by AP1a may be referred to as beacon #1.1, and the beacon in the second frequency band transmitted by AP1a may be referred to as beacon #1.2.

[0033] 2, in order to perform band steering, the SSID of beacon #1.1 and the SSID of beacon #1.2 are set to the same. For example, SSID #A is set as the SSID of beacon #1.1 and the SSID of beacon #1.2.

[0034] 2, in order to perform band steering, the SA of beacon #1.1 and the SA of beacon #1.2 are made the same. That is, the MAC address (BSSID) in beacon #1.1 and the MAC address (BSSID) in beacon #1.2 are made the same. For example, the MAC address #a is set in the SA of beacon #1.1 and the SA of beacon #1.2.

[0035] The terminals 2a to 2c each include a communication unit that performs wireless communication in a first frequency band and a communication unit that performs wireless communication in a second frequency band. The terminals 2a to 2c operate the communication unit for the first frequency band and the communication unit for the second frequency band, and communicate with the AP using the communication unit that has acquired SSID#A and MAC address #a. In other words, the terminals 2a to 2c do not distinguish (are aware of) the first frequency band and the second frequency band, but acquire SSID#A and MAC address #a to recognize the existence of AP 1a. This allows the terminals to realize band steering.

[0036] Note that, although this specification specifies a method for implementing multi-band multi-channel, it does not specify whether terminals 2a to 2c should be guided to the first frequency band or the second frequency band (band steering).

[0037] The wireless communication system in Fig. 2 performs band steering and also performs multi-band multi-channel. Therefore, the wireless communication system performs multi-band multi-channel under the condition that the SSID of beacon #1.1 and the SSID of beacon #1.2 are set to be the same, and the SA of beacon #1.1 and the SA of beacon #1.2 are set to be the same. In other words, the wireless communication system in Fig. 2 performs multi-band multi-channel under the condition that band steering can be performed.

[0038] In order to perform multi-band / multi-channel communication under a condition where band steering can be performed, AP1a sets information related to multi-band / multi-channel communication in, for example, an extension field of a beacon frame. That is, an extension field for storing information related to multi-band / multi-channel communication is provided in the beacon frame.

[0039] However, this is merely an example, and the information regarding multiband / multichannel communication does not have to be placed in the extended field of the beacon frame, and the information regarding multiband / multichannel communication may be placed in another field. Also, although the information regarding multiband / multichannel communication is named here, the name is not limited to this, and the information included in the information regarding multiband / multichannel communication is important. Furthermore, the information regarding multiband / multichannel communication may include only information regarding multiband communication, or only information regarding multichannel communication. In this case, the information may be called information regarding multiband communication or information regarding multichannel communication.

[0040] Hereinafter, the extension field provided in the beacon frame may be referred to as a multi-band multi-channel (MBMC) field. The MBMC field may be of a fixed length or a variable length.

[0041] Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a beacon frame of beacon #1.1. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a beacon frame of beacon #1.2. As shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the SA, BSSID, and SSID of beacon #1.1 are the same as the SA, BSSID, and SSID of beacon #1.2.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, an MBMC field is provided in the options of the beacon frames of Beacon #1.1 and Beacon #1.2. The MBMC field stores, for example, information on whether multiband and multichannel are available. The MBMC field may be located, for example, in the options portion of the beacon frame, and is not limited to the position shown in Figures 3A and 3B. As described above, the MBMC field may be included in the beacon frame.

[0043] The MBMC field stores, for example, information indicating whether the AP 1a is capable of multiband (multiband compatible). For example, the AP 1a is a multiband compatible AP. In this case, the MBMC field of the beacon frame stores information indicating that the AP 1a is capable of multiband.

[0044] When a multiband / multichannel compatible terminal receives beacon #1.1 and beacon #1.2, it refers to the MBMC fields of beacon #1.1 and beacon #1.2. If the MBMC field contains information indicating that AP1a is a multiband compatible AP, the multiband / multichannel compatible terminal distinguishes between the SSID of beacon #1.1 and the SSID of beacon #1.2.

[0045] That is, the multiband / multichannel-capable terminal distinguishes beacon #1.1 of the first frequency band from beacon #1.2 of the second frequency band based on the information in the MBMC field, thereby enabling the multiband / multichannel-capable terminal to perform multiband-based communication based on the first frequency band of beacon #1.1 and the second frequency band of beacon #1.2.

[0046] In addition, the MBMC field stores, for example, information indicating whether the AP 1a is capable of multi-channel (multi-channel compatible). For example, the AP 1a is a multi-channel compatible AP. In this case, the MBMC field of the beacon frame stores information indicating that the AP 1a is capable of multi-channel.

[0047] When a multiband / multichannel-compatible terminal receives beacon #1.1 and beacon #1.2, it refers to the MBMC fields of beacon #1.1 and beacon #1.2. If the MBMC field contains information indicating that AP1a is a multichannel-compatible AP, the multiband / multichannel-compatible terminal distinguishes between the SSID of beacon #1.1 and the SSID of beacon #1.2.

[0048] That is, the multiband / multichannel-capable terminal distinguishes beacon #1.1 of the first frequency band from beacon #1.2 of the first frequency band based on the information in the MBMC field. This allows the multiband / multichannel-capable terminal to perform either multichannel communication in the first frequency band or multichannel communication in the second frequency band, or both, based on beacon #1.1 of the first frequency band and beacon #1.2 of the second frequency band.

[0049] The legacy terminal does not refer to the MBMC fields of beacon #1.1 and beacon #1.2. The legacy terminal communicates with AP1a using the frequency band of the beacon from which it acquires the SSID, between the SSID of beacon #1.1 in the first frequency band and the SSID of beacon #1.2 in the second frequency band.

[0050] Multi-band communication may be defined as follows:

[0051] A first communication device (e.g., a terminal) may simultaneously receive multiple modulated signals transmitted by one or more communication devices (e.g., an AP (Access Point), a base station) that are its communication counterparts. Among these multiple modulated signals, there are modulated signals in multiple frequency bands (e.g., the 5 GHz band and the 6 GHz band).

[0052] The first communication device may communicate with one or more communication devices as communication partners simultaneously using a plurality of frequency bands.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of modulated signals. Fig. 4 shows a modulated signal 11a in a first frequency band, a modulated signal 11b in a second frequency band, and a modulated signal 11c in a third frequency band. The first frequency band is, for example, a 5 GHz band. The second frequency band is, for example, a 6 GHz band. The third frequency band is, for example, a 2.4 GHz band.

[0054] When multi-band communication is applied, the terminal may simultaneously receive modulated signals 11a to 11c in multiple frequency bands from the AP. For example, the terminal may simultaneously receive modulated signals in two or more frequency bands, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 2.4 GHz, from the AP.

[0055] Multi-channel communication may be defined as follows:

[0056] A first communication device (e.g., a terminal) may simultaneously receive multiple modulated signals transmitted by one or more communication devices (e.g., an AP (Access Point), a base station) that are its communication counterparts. Among these multiple modulated signals, there are modulated signals of multiple channels in a first frequency band (e.g., a first channel and a second channel in the 5 GHz band).

[0057] The first communication device may simultaneously communicate with one or more communication devices as communication partners using multiple channels in the first frequency band.

[0058] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of modulated signals. Fig. 5A shows modulated signals 12a and 12b in a certain frequency band. Fig. 5B shows modulated signals 13a and 13b in a certain frequency band. The certain frequency band is, for example, the 5 GHz band.

[0059] When multi-channel communication is applied, a terminal may simultaneously receive modulated signals of multiple channels from an AP. For example, a terminal may simultaneously receive a modulated signal of a first channel and a modulated signal of a second channel in the 5 GHz band from an AP. That is, a terminal may simultaneously receive modulated signals of multiple adjacent channels from an AP.

[0060] Also, the terminal may simultaneously receive a modulated signal of a first channel and a modulated signal of a fourth channel in the 5 GHz band from the AP, for example. That is, the terminal may simultaneously receive modulated signals of multiple discrete channels from the AP.

[0061] When the terminal simultaneously receives modulated signals 12a and 12b shown in Fig. 5A, the terminal can secure a bandwidth of 240 MHz. When the terminal simultaneously receives modulated signals 13a and 13b shown in Fig. 5B, the terminal can secure a bandwidth of 360 MHz.

[0062] As described above, the AP sets information related to multiband / multichannel communication in the MBMC field of a beacon frame. The AP wirelessly transmits the beacon frame in which the information is set. The terminal receives the beacon frame in which the information related to multiband / multichannel communication is set in the MBMC field. The terminal executes multiband / multichannel communication based on the information. This allows the AP and the terminal to achieve the effect of being able to execute multiband / multichannel. Note that in the above description, the terminal performs multichannel communication and the terminal performs multiband communication separately, but the terminal may perform multichannel communication and multiband communication simultaneously. Furthermore, when the settings of the MAC address and SSID of the AP are taken into consideration, the effect of being able to execute multiband / multichannel communication and band steering can be achieved.

[0063] (Variation 1) The MBMC field of the beacon may include information on frequency bands in which multiband communication is available.The MBMC field of the beacon may include information on frequency bands in which multichannel communication is available.

[0064] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 6, the same components as in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0065] The AP1a in FIG. 6 transmits beacons in a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band. The first frequency band is, for example, the 5 GHz band. The second frequency band is, for example, the 6 GHz band. The third frequency band is, for example, the 2.4 GHz band. Hereinafter, the beacon in the third frequency band may be referred to as beacon #1.3.

[0066] In the wireless communication system of Fig. 6, in order to perform band steering, the SSID of beacon #1.1, the SSID of beacon #1.2, and the SSID of beacon #1.3 are set to the same. For example, SSID #A is set to the SSID of beacon #1.1, the SSID of beacon #1.2, and the SSID of beacon #1.3.

[0067] 2, in order to perform band steering, the SA of beacon #1.1, the SA of beacon #1.2, and the SA of beacon #1.3 are made the same. That is, the MAC address (BSSID) in beacon #1.1, the MAC address (BSSID) in beacon #1.2, and the MAC address (BSSID) in beacon #1.3 are made the same. For example, the MAC address #a is set to the SA of beacon #1.1, the SA of beacon #1.2, and the SA of beacon #1.3.

[0068] The AP 1a sets information about frequency bands available for multiband communication in the MBMC fields (see, for example, FIGS. 3A and 3B) provided in the beacons #1.1 to #1.3.

[0069] For example, AP1a sets information of the second frequency band in the MBMC field of beacon #1.1 of the first frequency band. AP1a sets information of the first frequency band in the MBMC field of beacon #1.2 of the second frequency band. AP1a sets information indicating that multi-band is not possible in the MBMC field of beacon #1.3 of the third frequency band. That is, the following information is set in the MBMC fields of beacons #1.1 to #1.3.

[0070] Beacon #1.1: Second frequency band Beacon #1.2: 1st frequency band Beacon #1.3: Multiband not available

[0071] In this case, the terminals 2a to 2c that receive the beacon #1.1 in the first frequency band refer to the MBMC field of the beacon #1.1 and can perform multi-band communication using the first frequency band of the beacon #1.1 and the second frequency band indicated by the MBMC field. The terminals 2a to 2c that receive the beacon #1.2 in the second frequency band refer to the MBMC field of the beacon #1.2 and can perform multi-band communication using the second frequency band of the beacon #1.2 and the first frequency band indicated by the MBMC field. The terminals 2a to 2c that receive the beacon #1.3 in the third frequency band refer to the MBMC field of the beacon #1.3 and determine that multi-band communication is not possible. The terminals 2a to 2c that receive the beacon #1.3 in the third frequency band communicate with the AP 1a using one third frequency band.

[0072] Although information on a frequency band available for multi-band communication is set in the MBMC field, information on a frequency band available for multi-channel communication may be set in the MBMC field. For example, the following information may be set in the MBMC fields of beacons #1.1 to #1.3:

[0073] Beacon #1.1: Information indicating whether multi-channel communication is possible in the first frequency band Beacon #1.2: Information indicating whether multi-channel communication is possible in the second frequency band Beacon #1.3: Information indicating whether multi-channel communication is possible in the third frequency band

[0074] In the first modification, information on one frequency band available for multiband communication is set in the MBMC field of one beacon, but this is not limited to this. For example, the following information may be set in the MBMC fields of beacons #1.1 to #1.3:

[0075] Beacon #1.1: Second frequency band information and third frequency band information Beacon #1.2: First frequency band information and third frequency band information Beacon #1.3: First frequency band information and second frequency band information

[0076] In this case, for example, terminals 2a to 2c that receive beacon #1.1 in the first frequency band can perform multiband communication using the first, second, and third frequency bands. Terminals 2a to 2c that receive beacon #1.2 in the second frequency band can perform multiband communication using the first, second, and third frequency bands. Terminals 2a to 2c that receive beacon #1.1 in the third frequency band can perform multiband communication using the first, second, and third frequency bands. That is, information on two or more frequency bands that are capable of multiband communication may be set in the MBMC field of one beacon.

[0077] In the above example in which information on two or more frequency bands available for multiband communication is set in the MBMC field of one beacon, information on the same third frequency band is set as the frequency band available for multiband communication in the MBMC fields of beacon #1.1 and beacon #1.2. In this case, the third frequency band indicated in the MBMC field of beacon #1.1 may be set to use the first channel, and the third frequency band indicated in the MBMC field of beacon #1.2 may be set to use the second channel. In other words, when the same frequency band is set as the frequency band available for multiband communication in the MBMC fields of different beacons, different channels may be set to be used in that frequency band.

[0078] In one MBMC field of a beacon, information on the frequency band available for multi-band communication and information on the frequency band available for multi-channel communication may be set separately. For example, the following information may be set in the MBMC field of each of beacons #1.1 to #1.3.

[0079] "Information on frequency bands available for multi-band communication" Beacon #1.1: Information indicating whether the first frequency band can be used during multi-band communication Beacon #1.2: Information indicating whether the second frequency band can be used during multi-band communication Beacon #1.3: Information indicating whether or not a third frequency band can be used during multi-band communication

[0080] However, the above information does not have to be included in each beacon.

[0081] "Information on frequency bands available for multi-channel communication" Beacon #1.1: Information indicating whether multi-channel communication is possible in the first frequency band Beacon #1.2: Information indicating whether multi-channel communication is possible in the second frequency band Beacon #1.3: Information indicating whether multi-channel communication is possible in the third frequency band

[0082] The beacon frame may be provided with two MBMC fields. One MBMC field may be set with frequency band information available for multi-band communication, and the other MBMC field may be set with frequency band information available for multi-channel communication.

[0083] Multi-channel communication may be prohibited in the third frequency band. For example, the 2.4 GHz band may not allow multi-channel communication because the number of available channels is small.

[0084] In this case, the information indicating whether or not multi-channel is possible may not be set in the MBMC field of the beacon #1.3 of the third frequency band. Alternatively, the MBMC field may not be provided in the beacon #1.3 of the third frequency band. Therefore, the following frequency band information in which multi-channel communication is possible may be set in the MBMC fields of the beacons #1.1 and #1.2.

[0085] "Information on frequency bands available for multi-channel communication" Beacon #1.1: Information indicating whether multi-channel is possible in the first frequency band Beacon #1.2: Information indicating whether multi-channel is possible in the second frequency band

[0086] Furthermore, multi-band communication may be disabled in the third frequency band. For example, the 2.4 GHz band may be disabled in multi-band communication because the number of available channels is small.

[0087] In this case, the information indicating whether or not multiband is possible may not be set in the MBMC field of the beacon #1.3 of the third frequency band. Alternatively, the MBMC field may not be provided in the beacon #1.3 of the third frequency band. Therefore, the following frequency band information in which multiband communication is possible may be set in the MBMC fields of the beacons #1.1 and #1.2.

[0088] "Information on frequency bands available for multi-band communication" Beacon #1.1: Information indicating whether the first frequency band can be used during multi-band communication Beacon #1.2: Information indicating whether the second frequency band can be used during multi-band communication

[0089] However, the above information does not have to be included in each beacon.

[0090] As described above, information on frequency bands available for multi-band communication may be set in the MBMC field of the beacon. Information on frequency bands available for multi-channel communication may be set in the MBMC field of the beacon. This provides an advantage that the communication system configured with the AP and the terminal can implement multi-band and multi-channel communication. Furthermore, when considering the settings of the MAC address and SSID of the AP, an advantage that multi-band and multi-channel communication and band steering can be implemented can be provided.

[0091] The above-mentioned frequency band information available for multi-channel communication may include information on specific channels. For example, the MBMC field of beacon #1.1 may be set with information on channels available for multi-channel communication as shown below.

[0092] Beacon #1.1: Information indicating whether channel ch1 of the first frequency band is available, information indicating whether channel ch2 of the first frequency band is available, ..., information indicating whether channel chn of the first frequency band is available

[0093] As in the above example of beacon #1.1, in beacon #1.2 and beacon #1.3, specific channels available for multi-channel communication may be set in the MBMC field.

[0094] (Variation 2) In the second modification, a wireless communication system in which beacons having different SSIDs are included among a plurality of beacons will be described.

[0095] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 7, the same components as in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0096] 7, the AP1a transmits beacons in a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band. The first frequency band is, for example, the 5 GHz band. The second frequency band is, for example, the 6 GHz band. The third frequency band is, for example, the 2.4 GHz band.

[0097] In the wireless communication system of FIG. 7, in order to perform band steering between the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the SSID of beacon #1.1 and the SSID of beacon #1.2 are made the same.

[0098] For example, SSID#A is set for the SSID of beacon#1.1 and the SSID of beacon#1.2, and SSID#B is set for the SSID of beacon#1.3 of the third frequency band that does not perform band steering.

[0099] 7, in order to perform band steering, the SA of beacon #1.1 and the SA of beacon #1.2 are set to be the same. That is, the MAC address (BSSID) in beacon #1.1 and the MAC address (BSSID) in beacon #1.2 are set to be the same.

[0100] For example, MAC address #a is set in the SA of beacon #1.1 and the SA of beacon #1.2, and MAC address #b is set in the SA of beacon #1.3 of the third frequency band that does not perform band steering.

[0101] The beacon frames of beacon #1.1 and beacon #1.2 are provided with the MBMC field described in the first embodiment or the first modification of the first embodiment. This allows the wireless communication system shown in Fig. 7 to perform communication based on either band steering or multi-band / multi-channel in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0102] When the terminals 2a to 2c acquire the SSID of the beacon #1.3 in the third frequency band, they communicate with the AP 1a using the single third frequency band.

[0103] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, even if band steering is not performed, multi-band multi-channel can be performed.

[0104] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system for a wireless LAN according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 8, the same components as in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0105] 8 transmits beacons in a first frequency band and a second frequency band. The first frequency band is, for example, the 5 GHz band. The second frequency band is, for example, the 6 GHz band.

[0106] In the wireless communication system of Fig. 8, since band steering is not performed between the first and second frequency bands, the SSID of beacon #1.1 and the SSID of beacon #1.2 are different. For example, the SSID of beacon #1.1 is set to SSID #A, and the SSID of beacon #1.2 is set to SSID #B.

[0107] The MAC address (BSSID) of AP1a in the first frequency band and the MAC address (BSSID) of AP1a in the second frequency band may be the same or different. In the following, a case where the MAC addresses are different will be described as an example. For example, the MAC address #a is set in the SA of beacon #1.1, and the MAC address #b is set in the SA of beacon #1.2.

[0108] In order to perform multiband / multichannel under the condition that band steering is not performed, AP1a sets an SSID capable of multiband / multichannel in the extension field of the beacon frame. In other words, the beacon frame is provided with a field for setting (describing) an SSID capable of multiband / multichannel. As an example, this field is assumed to be an extension field.

[0109] Hereinafter, the extension field may be referred to as the MBMC field. The MBMC field may be of a fixed length or of a variable length.

[0110] Fig. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a beacon frame of beacon #1.1. Fig. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a beacon frame of beacon #1.2. As shown in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the SA, BSSID, and SSID of beacon #1.1 are different from the SA, BSSID, and SSID of beacon #1.2.

[0111] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, an MBMC field is provided in the options of the beacon frames of beacon #1.1 and beacon #1.2. An SSID capable of multi-band and multi-channel is set in the MBMC field. The MBMC field may be placed in the options portion of the beacon frame, for example, and is not limited to the position shown in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0112] For example, SSID#B that is capable of multiband is set in the MBMC field of beacon #1.1. That is, SSID#B that is set in beacon #1.2 is set in the MBMC field of beacon #1.1.

[0113] Moreover, the MBMC field of the beacon #1.2 is set to SSID#A that is capable of multiband. That is, the MBMC field of the beacon #1.2 is set to SSID#A that is set in the beacon #1.1.

[0114] When a multiband / multichannel-compatible terminal receives beacon #1.1, it refers to the MBMC field of beacon #1.1. Based on SSID#B in the MBMC field, the multiband / multichannel-compatible terminal determines (acquires) the second frequency band of beacon #1.2 as a multiband-compatible frequency band. In other words, the multiband / multichannel-compatible terminal performs multiband communication using the first frequency band of the received beacon #1.1 and the second frequency band of beacon #1.2 in SSID#B set in the MBMC field.

[0115] When a terminal capable of multiband and multichannel receives beacon #1.2, it refers to the MBMC field of beacon #1.2. The terminal capable of multiband and multichannel determines (acquires) the first frequency band of beacon #1.1 as a frequency band capable of multiband, based on SSID #A in the MBMC field. In other words, the terminal capable of multiband and multichannel performs multiband communication using the second frequency band of the received beacon #1.2 and the first frequency band of beacon #1.1 in SSID #A set in the MBMC field.

[0116] The legacy terminal does not refer to the MBMC fields of beacon #1.1 and beacon #1.2. The legacy terminal communicates with AP1a using the frequency band of the beacon from which it acquires the SSID, between the SSID of beacon #1.1 in the first frequency band and the SSID of beacon #1.2 in the second frequency band.

[0117] The MBMC field may be set with information indicating that the MBMC field is invalid. For example, in the wireless communication system of FIG. 8, when band steering is used and the MBMC field is not used, all 0s or all 1s may be set in the MBMC field.

[0118] As described above, the AP sets a multiband-compatible SSID in the MBMC field of a beacon frame. The AP wirelessly transmits a beacon frame in which the multiband-compatible SSID is set to a terminal. The terminal receives a beacon frame in which the SSID is set in the MBMC field. The terminal performs multiband / multichannel communication based on the SSID set in the MBMC field. This allows the AP and terminal to achieve the effect of being able to perform multiband / multichannel communication.

[0119] (Variation 1) Although an SSID capable of multibands is set in the MBMC field, a BSSID capable of multibands may also be set.

[0120] For example, the MAC address #b may be set as a multiband-compatible BSSID in the beacon #1.1, and the MAC address #a may be set as a multiband-compatible BSSID in the beacon #1.2.

[0121] In this way, the wireless communication system can perform multi-band communication even when using BSSID.

[0122] The embodiment has been described above.

[0123] In each of the above embodiments, the multi-band communication and the multi-channel communication may be used together. For example, the wireless communication system may perform multi-channel communication in a first frequency band and perform multi-band communication in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0124] In each of the above embodiments, the AP may use the first frequency band as a primary channel and transmit a beacon #1.1, and the AP may use the second frequency band as a secondary channel and transmit a beacon #1.2.

[0125] In this case, the SSID of beacon #1.1 in the first frequency band and the SSID of beacon #1.2 in the second frequency band are different. The SA (or BSSID, i.e., MAC address) of beacon #1.1 in the first frequency band and the SA (or BSSID, i.e., MAC address) of beacon #1.2 in the second frequency band may be the same or different.

[0126] The MBMC field of beacon #1.1 is set with information on the second frequency band of the secondary channel. For example, the MBMC field may include information on the channel position of the secondary channel. The MBMC field of beacon #1.2 may not be set with information on the first frequency band of the primary channel.

[0127] In this case, the wireless communication system operates as follows.

[0128] When the terminal connects to the AP using only the second frequency band, the terminal starts communication based on beacon #1.2.

[0129] When the terminal connects using only the first frequency band, or when the terminal starts communication using multi-bands using the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the terminal starts communication based on beacon #1.1.

[0130] In particular, when a terminal performs multi-band communication, the terminal identifies the position of the channel of the second frequency band based on the information on the second frequency band of the secondary channel of beacon #1.1, and performs communication.

[0131] In each of the above embodiments, a random MAC address may be adopted. When a random MAC address is adopted in the AP, the BSSID of the beacon is changed.

[0132] In this case, the beacon frame may be provided with an extension field in which information indicating that the MAC address has been changed is stored. This extension field may also store information on the MAC address before the change. This provides the advantage that a terminal communicating with the AP can identify the AP from the MAC address before the change and the MAC address after the change.

[0133] Also, the AP may adopt a random MAC address depending on the frequency band. For example, the AP may adopt a random MAC address in a first frequency band and may not adopt a random MAC address in a second frequency band. Although it is called a random MAC address here, the MAC address of the AP may not be changed randomly, for example, the MAC address may be changed regularly, or the MAC address of the AP may be specified from a device other than the AP. Therefore, it does not have to be called a random MAC address, that is, the name is not limited to this example.

[0134] In each of the above embodiments, the AP may be called a base station or a communication device. The terminal may be called a client or a communication device. The beacon may be called a beacon signal. The beacon frame may be called a beacon signal.

[0135] The functions of the AP and the terminal in each of the above embodiments may be realized by, for example, the following hardware.

[0136] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example or a configuration example of a communication device. The communication device in Fig. 10 is an AP or a terminal. When the communication device in Fig. 10 is an AP, the communication device can communicate with one or more terminals. The communication device (AP or terminal) may transmit and receive modulated signals based on the communication standard described in Non-Patent Document 1, for example.

[0137] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a modulated signal, in which the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents power of the modulated signal.

[0138] The communication device in FIG. 10 is, for example, a device that transmits and receives modulated signals in a first frequency band 201, which is the 5 GHz band, a second frequency band 202, which is the 6 (or 7) GHz band, and a third frequency band 203, which is the 2.4 GHz band, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0139] Returning to the description of Fig. 10, the antenna 104_1, the antenna 105_1, and the transmission / reception device 102_1 transmit and receive modulated signals in a first frequency band 201. The antenna 104_2, the antenna 105_2, and the transmission / reception device 102_2 transmit and receive modulated signals in a second frequency band 202. The antenna 104_3, the antenna 105_3, and the transmission / reception device 102_3 transmit and receive modulated signals in a third frequency band 203.

[0140] The control unit 111 outputs a control signal 112 to the transmission data processing unit 107, the transmission / reception device 102_1, the transmission / reception device 102_2, and the transmission / reception device 102_3. The control unit 111 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0141] A signal 114 including data is input to the interface unit 113. The interface unit 113 also outputs data 109 to the transmission data processing unit 107. The interface unit 113 also receives a received data group 110 output from the received data processing unit 108. The interface unit 113 outputs a signal 115 to a processing block (not shown).

[0142] Data 109 is input to the transmission data processing unit 107. In addition, a control signal 112 is input to the transmission data processing unit 107.

[0143] Based on the control signal 112, the transmission data processing unit 107 outputs the first data 101_1, the second data 101_2, and the third data 101_3 to the transmission / reception device 102_1, the transmission / reception device 102_2, and the transmission / reception device 102_3, respectively.

[0144] For example, when the AP transmits a modulated signal in the first frequency band 201, the transmission data processing unit 107 outputs the first data 101_1 to the transmission / reception device 102_1. When the AP transmits a modulated signal in the second frequency band 202, the transmission data processing unit 107 outputs the second data 101_2 to the transmission / reception device 102_2. When the AP transmits a modulated signal in the third frequency band 203, the transmission data processing unit 107 outputs the third data 101_3 to the transmission / reception device 102_3.

[0145] Also, for example, when the AP transmits a modulated signal of a first frequency band 201, a modulated signal of a second frequency band 202, and a modulated signal of a third frequency band 203, the transmission data processing unit 107 outputs the first data 101_1, the second data 101_2, and the third data 101_3 to the transmission / reception device 102_1, the transmission / reception device 102_2, and the transmission / reception device 102_3.

[0146] The first data 101_1 is input to the transmitting / receiving device 102_1. In addition, a control signal 112 is input to the transmitting / receiving device 102_1.

[0147] The transmitting / receiving device 102_1 performs processes such as encoding and mapping of error correction code on the first data 101_1 based on information such as a transmission method, a modulation method, and an error correction coding method included in the control signal 112, generates a first transmission signal 103_1 of a first frequency band 201, and outputs it to an antenna 104_1. The transmission signal 103_1 of the first modulated signal is output as a radio wave from the antenna 104_1.

[0148] The second data 101_2 is input to the transmitting / receiving device 102_2. In addition, a control signal 112 is input to the transmitting / receiving device 102_2.

[0149] The transmitting / receiving device 102_2 performs processes such as encoding and mapping of an error correction code on the second data 101_2 based on information such as a transmission method, a modulation method, and an error correction coding method included in the control signal 112, generates a second transmission signal 103_2 of a second frequency band 202, and outputs it to the antenna 104_2. The transmission signal 103_2 of the second modulated signal is output as a radio wave from the antenna 104_2.

[0150] The third data 101_3 is input to the transmitting / receiving device 102_3. In addition, a control signal 112 is input to the transmitting / receiving device 102_3.

[0151] The transmitting / receiving device 102_3 performs processes such as encoding and mapping of an error correction code on the third data 101_3 based on information such as a transmission method, a modulation method, and an error correction coding method included in the control signal 112, generates a third transmission signal 103_3 of a third frequency band 203, and outputs it to an antenna 104_3. The transmission signal 103_3 of the third modulated signal is output as a radio wave from the antenna 104_3.

[0152] In addition, the antenna 104_1, the antenna 104_2, and the antenna 104_3 each mean that one or more antennas are provided. In the case of a configuration of a plurality of antennas, a plurality of modulated signals are transmitted, and the communication device can perform MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) or MISO (Multiple-Input Single-Output) transmission.

[0153] When the antenna 105_1 receives a modulated signal of the first frequency band 201, a first received signal 199_1 is input to the transmitting / receiving device 102_1. The transmitting / receiving device 102_1 performs processes such as demodulation (demapping) and decoding of error correction code on the first received signal 199_1, and outputs a first data group 106_1 to the received data processing unit 108.

[0154] When the antenna 105_2 receives a modulated signal of the second frequency band 202, a second received signal 199_2 is input to the transmitting / receiving device 102_2. The transmitting / receiving device 102_2 performs processes such as demodulation (demapping) and decoding of error correction code on the second received signal 199_2, and outputs a second data group 106_2 to the received data processing unit 108.

[0155] When the antenna 105_3 receives a modulated signal of the third frequency band 203, a third received signal 199_3 is input to the transmitting / receiving device 102_3. The transmitting / receiving device 102_3 performs processes such as demodulation (demapping) and decoding of error correction code on the third received signal 199_3, and outputs a third data group 106_3 to the received data processing unit 108.

[0156] The first data group 106_1, the second data group 106_2, and the third data group 106_3 are input to the received data processing unit 108. The received data processing unit 108 outputs a received data group 110 to the control unit 111 and the interface unit 113.

[0157] The control unit 111 receives the received data group 110, determines one or more frequency bands from the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band for transmitting the modulated signal, and outputs a control signal 112 including the determination information. The control unit 111 also outputs a control signal 112 including information on the transmission method, modulation method, and coding method of the error correction code for each modulated signal to be transmitted.

[0158] It should be noted that the antennas 105_1, 105_2, and 105_3 indicate that one or more antennas are provided.

[0159] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the hardware configuration of a communication device. In Fig. 12, the same components as in Fig. 10 are given the same reference numerals. The communication device in Fig. 12 is different from the communication device in Fig. 10 in that the components for transmitting and receiving in the third frequency band 203, which is the 2.4 GHz band, are omitted.

[0160] The communication device shown in Fig. 12 is a device that supports, for example, two frequency bands, 5 GHz and 6 GHz, among the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. If the communication device includes a section that transmits and receives in the 2.4 GHz band, band steering is likely to be implemented. If the communication device does not include a section that transmits and receives in the 2.4 GHz band, multi-band multi-channel is likely to be implemented.

[0161] 13A to 13D are examples of a communication device such as an AP or a terminal performing multi-band communication, and show examples of frames of modulated signals transmitted by the communication device. In Fig. 13A to 13D, the vertical axis is time, and the horizontal axis is frequency (carrier).

[0162] A frame 500_1 indicates a frame configuration in a first frequency band, a frame 500_2 indicates a frame configuration in a second frequency band, and a frame 500_3 indicates a frame configuration in a third frequency band. Data symbols 502_1, 502_2, and 502_3 are symbols for transmitting data.

[0163] FIG. 13A shows an example of multi-band communication in which data symbols 502_1 to 502_3 exist in a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band at a first time.

[0164] FIG. 13B illustrates an example of multi-band communication in which data symbols 502_1 and 502_3 are present in a first frequency band and a third frequency band at a first time.

[0165] FIG. 13C illustrates an example of multi-band communication in which data symbols 502_2 and 502_3 are present in a second frequency band and a third frequency band at a first time.

[0166] FIG. 13D illustrates an example of multi-band communication in which data symbols 502_1 and 502_2 are present in a first frequency band and a second frequency band at a first time.

[0167] 14A to 14H are examples of communication devices such as APs and terminals performing multi-band communication, and show examples of frames of modulated signals transmitted by the communication devices. In Fig. 14A to 14H, the vertical axis is time, and the horizontal axis is frequency (carrier).

[0168] A frame 500_1 indicates a frame configuration in a first frequency band, a frame 500_2 indicates a frame configuration in a second frequency band, and a frame 500_3 indicates a frame configuration in a third frequency band. Data symbols 502_1, 502_2, and 502_3 are symbols for transmitting data.

[0169] The first fields 701_1 to 701_3 include, for example, symbols for a communication partner (terminal) of the AP to perform signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, channel estimation, etc. The second fields 702_1 to 702_3 are fields for transmitting control information to a communication partner (terminal) of the AP, and include, for example, information on an error correction code method for generating a symbol addressed to a certain terminal, information on a modulation method, information on a transmission method, etc.

[0170] FIG. 14A shows an example of multi-band communication in which, at a first time, first fields 701_1 to 701_3 exist in a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band, at a second time, second fields 702_1 to 702_3 exist in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band, and at a third time, data symbols 502_1 to 502_3 exist in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band.

[0171] 14B shows an example of multi-band communication in which symbols exist in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band at any of the first to third times. This is an example in which the timing of the symbols varies depending on the frequency band. However, the timing of the symbols is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0172] FIG. 14C shows an example of multi-band communication in which, at a first time, first fields 701_1 and 701_3 are present in a first frequency band and a third frequency band, at a second time, second fields 702_1 and 702_3 are present in the first frequency band and a third frequency band, and at a third time, data symbols 502_1 and 502_3 are present in the first frequency band and the third frequency band.

[0173] 14D shows an example of multi-band communication in which symbols exist in the first frequency band and the third frequency band at any of the first to third times. This is an example in which the timing of the symbols varies depending on the frequency band. However, the timing of the symbols is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0174] FIG. 14E shows an example of multi-band communication in which a first field 701_2, 701_3 is present in a second frequency band and a third frequency band at a first time, a second field 702_2, 702_3 is present in the second frequency band and a third frequency band at a second time, and data symbols 502_2, 502_3 are present in the second frequency band and a third frequency band at a third time.

[0175] 14F shows an example of multi-band communication in which symbols exist in the second frequency band and the third frequency band at any of the first to third times. This is an example in which the timing of the symbols varies depending on the frequency band. However, the timing of the symbols is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0176] FIG. 14G shows an example of multi-band communication in which at a first time, first fields 701_1 and 701_2 are present in a first frequency band and a second frequency band, at a second time, second fields 702_1 and 702_2 are present in the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and at a third time, data symbols 502_1 and 502_2 are present in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0177] 14H shows an example of multi-band communication in which symbols exist in the first frequency band and the second frequency band at any of the first to third times. This is an example in which the timing of the symbols varies depending on the frequency band. However, the timing of the symbols is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0178] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transmission section included in the transmission / reception devices 102_1 to 102_3 of FIG.

[0179] A control signal 2000 is input to the error correction coding group 2002. In addition, data 2001 is input to the error correction coding group 2002.

[0180] The control signal 2000 includes information related to an error correction coding method, such as the type of code, the code length, the coding rate, etc. The error correction coding group 2002 performs error correction coding on the data 2001 based on the control signal 2000, and outputs the coded data group 2003 to the signal processing group 2004.

[0181] The error correction coding group 2002 may include one or more error correction coding units. In this case, the coded data group 2003 is made up of data of one or more coded words.

[0182] A control signal 2000 is input to the signal processing group 2004. In addition, a coded data group 2003 is input to the signal processing group 2004.

[0183] The signal processing group 2004 performs processes such as mapping (modulation), precoding, and interleaving based on the control signal 2000 , and outputs a modulated signal group 2005 to the radio processing group 2006 .

[0184] For example, when the signal processing group 2004 outputs one modulated signal, it performs, for example, interleaving and mapping processing, and outputs the one modulated signal to the radio processing group 2006 as the modulated signal group 2005. When the signal processing group 2004 outputs multiple modulated signals, it performs, for example, interleaving, mapping, and, if necessary, precoding, and outputs the multiple modulated signals to the radio processing group 2006 as the modulated signal group 2005.

[0185] A control signal 2000 is input to the radio processing group 2006. In addition, a modulated signal group 2005 is input to the radio processing group 2006.

[0186] Based on the control signal 2000, the radio processing group 2006 performs processes such as generating an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) signal, orthogonal modulation, and frequency conversion on the modulated signal group 2005, and outputs a transmission signal group 2007 to an antenna. The transmission signal group 2007 is transmitted from the antenna as radio waves.

[0187] It is also possible to use a signal processor for a single carrier system without using OFDM. For example, examples of single carrier systems include "DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform)-Spread OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)", "Trajectory Constrained DFT-Spread OFDM", "OFDM based SC (Single Carrier)", "SC (Single Carrier)-FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)", and "Guard interval DFT-Spread OFDM".

[0188] When modulated signal group 2005 is composed of N modulated signals, radio processing group 2006 generates transmitted signal group 2007 of N transmitted signals, where N is an integer of 1 or more.

[0189] When the transmission signal group 2007 is made up of a plurality of transmission signals, the transmission signals are transmitted as radio waves using a plurality of antennas. When MIMO transmission is used, a plurality of modulated signals are transmitted at the same frequency and at the same time.

[0190] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving section included in the transmitting / receiving devices 102_1 to 102_3 of FIG.

[0191] A control signal 2050 is input to the radio processing group 2052. In addition, a received signal group 2051 is input to the radio processing group 2052.

[0192] The radio processing group 2052 performs frequency conversion, orthogonal demodulation, and OFDM processing on the received signal group 2051 based on the control signal 2050 , and outputs a baseband signal group 2053 to a signal processing group 2054 .

[0193] It is also possible to use a signal processor for a single carrier system without using OFDM. For example, examples of single carrier systems include "DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform)-Spread OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)", "Trajectory Constrained DFT-Spread OFDM", "OFDM based SC (Single Carrier)", "SC (Single Carrier)-FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)", and "Guard interval DFT-Spread OFDM".

[0194] Note that received signal group 2051 may be composed of one or more received signals, and baseband signal group 2053 may be composed of one or more baseband signals.

[0195] A control signal 2050 is input to the signal processing group 2054. In addition, a baseband signal group 2053 is input to the signal processing group 2054.

[0196] Based on the control signal 2050, the signal processing group 2054 performs signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, frequency offset estimation, channel estimation, etc. on the baseband signal group 2053, as well as demapping, and outputs the likelihood 2055 of the received bit to the error correction code decoding group 2056.

[0197] The error correction code decoding group 2056 receives a control signal 2050. The error correction code decoding group 2056 also receives a likelihood 2055 of the received bit.

[0198] The error correction code decoding group 2056 performs error correction code decoding on the likelihood 2055 of the received bit based on the information on the error correction coding method included in the control signal 2050 , and outputs received data 2057 .

[0199] Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of multi-channel communication. (1) and (2) in Fig. 17 show an example of a bandwidth used when an AP (or a terminal) transmits a modulated signal using a third frequency band.

[0200] 17(1), the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is time. Transmission symbol 2101 indicates a symbol contained in a modulated signal. The bandwidth of transmission symbol 2101 is 20 MHz.

[0201] 17(2), the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is time. Transmission symbol 2101 indicates a symbol contained in the modulated signal. The bandwidth of transmission symbol 2101 is 40 MHz.

[0202] When transmitting a modulated signal using the third frequency band, the AP (or the terminal) may perform channel bonding on the 20 MHz and 40 MHz frequency bands. Note that the frequency bands shown in (1) and (2) of FIG. 17 are merely examples.

[0203] Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of multi-channel communication. (1), (2), (3), and (4) shown in Fig. 18 show examples of frequency bands used when an AP (or a terminal) transmits a modulated signal using a first frequency band and / or a second frequency band.

[0204] 18(1), the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is time. Transmission symbol 2101 indicates a symbol contained in a modulated signal. The bandwidth of transmission symbol 2101 is 20 MHz.

[0205] 18(2), the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is time. Transmission symbol 2101 indicates a symbol contained in a modulated signal. The bandwidth of transmission symbol 2101 is 40 MHz.

[0206] 18(3), the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is time. Transmission symbol 2101 indicates a symbol contained in a modulated signal. The bandwidth of transmission symbol 2101 is 80 MHz.

[0207] 18(4), the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is time. Transmission symbol 2101 indicates a symbol contained in the modulated signal. The bandwidth of transmission symbol 2101 is 160 MHz.

[0208] When transmitting a modulated signal using the first frequency band and / or the second frequency band, the AP (or the terminal) may perform channel bonding on two or more of the frequency bands of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz. Note that (1), (2), (3), and (4) in FIG. 18 are merely examples.

[0209] Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of multi-channel communication. (1), (2), and (3) shown in Fig. 19 show examples of frequency bands used when an AP (or a terminal) transmits a modulated signal using the second frequency band, for example.

[0210] 19(1), the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is time. Transmission symbol 2101 indicates a symbol contained in a modulated signal. The bandwidth of transmission symbol 2101 is 80 MHz.

[0211] 19(2), the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is time. Transmission symbol 2101 indicates a symbol contained in a modulated signal. The bandwidth of transmission symbol 2101 is 160 MHz.

[0212] 19(3), the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is time. Transmission symbol 2101 indicates a symbol contained in a modulated signal. The bandwidth of transmission symbol 2101 is 320 MHz.

[0213] When transmitting a modulated signal using the second frequency band, the AP (or the terminal) may perform channel bonding on two or more of the 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz frequency bands. Note that (1), (2), and (3) in FIG. 19 are merely examples.

[0214] Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data frame. The numbers in Figure 20 indicate the data length of the fields listed below, and are expressed in bytes. The data frame includes, for example, the following:

[0215] 2-byte frame control field - 2-byte duration ID (ID: Identifier) ​​(field) 6-byte (receiver) address 1 (field) 6-byte (sender) address 2 (field) 6-byte (filtering) address 3 (field) 2-byte sequence control (field) 6-byte (optional) address 4 (field) Frame body 4-byte FCS (Frame Check Sequence) (field)

[0216] Table 1 shows the usage of the address field of a data frame.

[0217] [Table 1]

[0218] In Table 1, IBSS is Independent Basic Service Set, AP is Access Point, WDS is Wireless Distribution System, DS is Distribution System, BSSID is Basic Service Set ID (ID: identifier), DA is Destination Address, SA is Source Address, RA is Receiver Address, and TA is Transmitter Address. However, Figure 20 is merely an example of a data frame, and the data frame is not limited to this configuration.

[0219] Next, we will explain BSSID and SSID (Service Set ID).

[0220] BSSID: In infrastructure networks, the BSSID is the MAC address of the wireless interface of the access point. In ad-hoc networks, the BSSID is randomly generated and the Universal / Local bit is set to 1.

[0221] SSID: Larger identifiers (0 to 32 bytes) than the usual 48-bit identifiers

[0222] An example of a MAC frame will be described below. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a Probe request frame. The numbers in Fig. 21 indicate the data length of the field described below, and are expressed in bytes. The Probe request frame includes, for example, the following:

[0223] 2-byte frame control field 2-byte duration (field) 6-byte DA (Destination Address) (field) 6-byte SA (Source Address) (field) 6-byte BSSID (field) 2-byte sequence control (field)

[0224] The above constitutes the MAC header. The Probe request frame also contains the following:

[0225] Variable length SSID (field) Support rate of variable length (field)

[0226] The above is the frame body. The Probe request frame also includes the following:

[0227] 4-byte FCS (field)

[0228] Generally, in a probe request frame sent by a terminal, "DA" is the MAC address of the AP, and "SA" and "BSSID" are included in the terminal's MAC address. Generally, "SSID" is the SSID of the AP.

[0229] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a probe response frame. The numbers in Fig. 22 indicate the data length of the fields listed below, and are expressed in bytes. The probe response frame includes, for example, the following:

[0230] 2-byte frame control field 2-byte duration (field) 6-byte DA (Destination Address) (field) 6-byte SA (Source Address) (field) 6-byte BSSID (field) 2-byte sequence control (field)

[0231] The above constitutes the MAC header. The Probe response frame also contains the following:

[0232] Variable length body (field) 4-byte FCS (Frame Check Sequence) (field) 8-byte timestamp (field) 2-byte beacon interval (field) 2-byte capability information (field) Variable length SSID (field) 7-byte FH (Frequency Hopping) parameter set (field) - 2-byte DS (Direct Sequence) parameter set (field) 8-byte CF (Contention Free) parameter set (field) 4-byte BSSID parameter set (field) · Variable length country (field) 4-byte FH hopping parameter (field) ·FH pattern table (field) 3 bytes of power limit (field) 6-byte variable length channel switch (field) 8-byte quiet field Variable length IBSS DFS (field) - 4-byte TPC (Transmit Power Control) report (field) Variable length ERP (Effective Radiated Power) (field) - Supports variable length extension rates (fields) Variable length RSN (Robust Security Network) (field)

[0233] Generally, in a probe response frame sent by an AP, "DA" is the MAC address of the terminal, and "SA" and "BSSID" are included in the MAC address of the AP. Generally, "SSID" is the SSID of the AP.

[0234] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an Association request frame. The numbers in Fig. 23 indicate the data lengths of the fields listed below, and are expressed in bytes. The Association request frame includes, for example, the following:

[0235] 2-byte frame control field 2-byte duration (field) 6-byte DA (Destination Address) (field) 6-byte SA (Source Address) (field) 6-byte BSSID (field) 2-byte sequence control (field)

[0236] The above constitutes the MAC header. The Association request frame also contains the following:

[0237] 2-byte capability information (field) 2-byte listen interval (field) Variable length SSID (field) Support rate of variable length (field)

[0238] The above is the frame body. The Association request frame also contains the following:

[0239] 4-byte FCS (field)

[0240] Generally, in an Association request frame sent by a terminal, "DA" is the MAC address of the AP, and "SA" and "BSSID" form the MAC address of the terminal. Generally, "SSID" is the SSID of the AP.

[0241] Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an Association response frame. The numbers in Fig. 24 indicate the data length of the fields listed below, and are expressed in bytes. The Association response frame includes, for example, the following:

[0242] 2-byte frame control field 2-byte duration (field) 6-byte DA (Destination Address) (field) 6-byte SA (Source Address) (field) 6-byte BSSID (field) 2-byte sequence control (field)

[0243] The above constitutes the MAC header. The Association response frame also contains the following:

[0244] 2-byte capability information (field) 2-byte status code (field) 2-byte association identifier (field) Support rate of variable length (field)

[0245] The above is the frame body. The Association response frame also includes the following:

[0246] 4-byte FCS (field)

[0247] Generally, in an association response frame sent by an AP, "DA" is the MAC address of the terminal, and "SA" and "BSSID" are included in the MAC address of the AP.

[0248] 10, the transmission / reception device 102_1, the transmission / reception device 102_2, and the transmission / reception device 102_3 may be referred to as a communication unit. Alternatively, the transmission / reception device 102_1, the transmission / reception device 102_2, the transmission / reception device 102_3, the transmission data processing unit 107, and the reception data processing unit 108 may be referred to as a communication unit.

[0249] 12, the transmission / reception device 102_1 and the transmission / reception device 102_2 may be referred to as a communication unit. Alternatively, the transmission / reception device 102_1, the transmission / reception device 102_2, the transmission data processing unit 107, and the reception data processing unit 108 may be referred to as a communication unit.

[0250] 10 and 11 is an AP, the control unit 111 sets information about at least one of multibands and multichannels in the MBMC field of a beacon frame. The communication unit wirelessly transmits the beacon frame in which the information is set in the MBMC field by the control unit 111 to the terminal.

[0251] 10 and 11 is a terminal, the communication unit receives a beacon frame in which information on at least one of multibands and multichannels is set in the MBMC field of the beacon frame. The control unit 111 executes communication based on at least one of multibands and multichannels based on the information set in the beacon frame.

[0252] In the above-described embodiments, the notation "... part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0253] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modified or altered examples also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0254] (Supplementary Note 1) Of course, the embodiments and other contents described in this specification may be combined in combination.

[0255] Furthermore, each embodiment and other contents are merely examples. For example, even if a "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code to be used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." is given as an example, it is possible to implement the same configuration even if a different "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code to be used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." is applied.

[0256] Regarding the modulation method, the embodiments and other contents described in this specification can be implemented even if the following modulation methods are used. For example, APSK (Amplitude Phase Shift Keying) (e.g., 16APSK, 64APSK, 128APSK, 256APSK, 1024APSK, 4096APSK, etc.), PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) (e.g., 4PAM, 8PAM, 16PAM, 64PAM, 128PAM, 256PAM, 1024PAM, 4096PAM, etc.), PSK (Phase Shift Keying) (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, 64PSK, 128PSK, 256PSK, 1024PSK, 4096PSK, etc.), QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) (e.g., 4QAM, 8QAM, 16QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, For each modulation scheme, uniform mapping or non-uniform mapping may be used.

[0257] In addition, the method of arranging 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points in the IQ plane (modulation method having 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points) is not particularly limited in this specification. Therefore, the function of outputting in-phase components and quadrature components based on a plurality of bits becomes the function of the mapping unit, and then performing precoding and phase change becomes one of the effective functions of the present disclosure.

[0258] In this specification, when "∀" and "∃" are present, "∀" represents a universal quantifier, and "∃" represents an existential quantifier.

[0259] Furthermore, in this specification, when there is a complex plane, the unit of phase, such as the argument, is "radian."

[0260] Using the complex plane, complex numbers can be displayed in polar form as polar coordinates. When a point (a, b) on the complex plane corresponds to the complex number z=a+jb (both a and b are real numbers, and j is the imaginary unit), if this point is expressed as [r, θ] in polar coordinates, then a=r×cosθ and b=r×sinθ. r is expressed by the following formula.

[0261]

number

[0262] r is the absolute value of z (r=|z|), and θ is the argument. And z=a+jb is r×e jθ It is expressed as follows.

[0263] In this specification, the receiving device and the antenna of the terminal may be separate. For example, the receiving device may have an interface for inputting, via a cable, a signal received by the antenna or a signal obtained by frequency-converting the signal received by the antenna, and the receiving device performs subsequent processing. The data and information obtained by the receiving device may then be converted into video and sound, and displayed on a display (monitor), or sound may be output from a speaker. Furthermore, the data and information obtained by the receiving device may be subjected to signal processing related to video and sound (signal processing may not be required), and may be output from an RCA terminal (video terminal, audio terminal), USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (registered trademark: High-Definition Multimedia Interface), digital terminal, etc., provided in the receiving device.

[0264] In this specification, the transmitting device and / or the transmitting unit may be, for example, a broadcasting station, a base station, an access point, a terminal, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook computer, a server, a PC, a personal computer, a television, a home appliance (household electrical machinery and equipment), a device in a factory, a communication device and a broadcasting device such as an IoT (Internet of Things) device, a gNB (g Node B), a repeater, a node, a car, a bicycle, a motorcycle, a boat, a satellite, an aircraft, a drone, a device capable of moving, or a robot. In this case, the receiving device and / or the receiving unit may be, for example, a radio, a terminal, a personal computer, a mobile phone, an access point, a base station, a communication device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook computer, a server, a PC, a personal computer, a television, a home appliance (household electrical machinery and equipment), a device in a factory, a communication device and a broadcasting device such as an IoT (Internet of Things) device, a gNB (g Node B), a repeater, a node, a car, a bicycle, a motorcycle, a boat, a satellite, an aircraft, a drone, a device capable of moving, or a robot. In addition, the transmitting device and the receiving device in the present disclosure may be devices having a communication function, and may be in a form that allows the devices to be connected to devices for executing applications such as televisions, radios, personal computers, mobile phones, etc., via some interface. Furthermore, the communication devices in this specification may be, for example, broadcasting stations, base stations, access points, terminals, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, notebook computers, servers, personal computers, personal computers, televisions, home appliances (household electrical appliances), equipment in factories, communication equipment and broadcasting equipment such as IoT (Internet of Things) equipment, gNB (g Node B), repeaters, nodes, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, ships, satellites, aircraft, drones, movable equipment, and robots.

[0265] In addition, in this embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, such as reference signals (preambles, unique words, postambles, reference symbols, pilot symbols, pilot signals, etc.), symbols for control information, sector sweeps, etc., may be arranged in any manner in a frame.

[0266] The reference signal may be, for example, a known symbol modulated using PSK modulation in the transmitter / receiver (or the receiver may be able to know the symbol transmitted by the transmitter by synchronizing), a non-zero power signal, a zero power signal, a signal known in the transmitter / receiver, etc., and the receiver uses these signals to perform frequency synchronization, time synchronization, channel estimation (for each modulated signal) (CSI (Channel State Information) estimation), signal detection, reception state estimation, transmission state estimation, etc.

[0267] In addition, the control information symbols are used to transmit information that needs to be transmitted to the communication partner in order to realize communication other than data (such as applications) (for example, the modulation method, error correction coding method, and coding rate of the error correction coding method used in the communication, configuration information in higher layers, MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme), frame structure, channel information, information on the frequency band being used, information on the number of channels being used, etc.).

[0268] There may be cases where it is necessary to notify the transmitting device and / or the receiving device of the transmission method (MIMO, SISO, space-time block code, interleaving method, MCS), modulation method, and error correction coding method. Depending on the embodiment, this description may be omitted.

[0269] In both the transmitting antenna of the transmitting device and the receiving antenna of the receiving device, one antenna shown in the drawings may be composed of one antenna or multiple antennas.

[0270] In addition, in the explanations of the embodiments, the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna may be described separately, but the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna may be combined into a single antenna, called a "transmitting / receiving antenna."

[0271] The transmitting antenna, the receiving antenna, and the transmitting / receiving antenna may be called, for example, an antenna port.

[0272] An antenna port may be a logical antenna (antenna group) consisting of one or more physical antennas. In other words, an antenna port does not necessarily refer to one physical antenna, but may refer to an array antenna consisting of multiple antennas. For example, the number of physical antennas that an antenna port is composed of is not specified, and it may be specified as the minimum unit by which a terminal station can transmit a reference signal (reference signal). In addition, an antenna port may be specified as a unit or minimum unit by which a precoding vector or a weighting of a precoding matrix is ​​multiplied.

[0273] In this specification, a single carrier method may be used. For example, examples of the single carrier method include "DFT(Discrete Fourier Transform)-Spread OFDM(Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)" (DFT-S OFDM), "Trajectory Constrained DFT-Spread OFDM", "Constrained DFT-Spread OFDM" (Constrained DFT-S OFDM), "OFDM based SC(Single Carrier)", "SC(Single Carrier)-FDMA(Frequency Division Multiple Access)", "Guard interval DFT-Spread OFDM", and a time-domain implementation single carrier method (e.g., SC(Single Carrier)-QAM).

[0274] In this specification, a server may provide an application relating to processing related to the receiving device and the receiving unit, and a terminal may realize the functions of the receiving device described in this specification by installing this application. Note that the application may be provided to the terminal by a communication device having the transmitting device described in this specification connecting to the server via a network, or the application may be provided to the terminal by a communication device having another transmitting function connecting to the server via a network.

[0275] Similarly, in this specification, a server may provide an application relating to processing related to the transmitting device and the transmitting unit, and the communication device may realize the functions of the transmitting device described in this specification by installing the application. Note that a method is also conceivable in which the application is provided to another communication device by connecting the communication device to the server via a network.

[0276] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to each embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, in each embodiment, the case where the communication is performed as a communication device is described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the communication method can also be implemented as software.

[0277] Also, for example, a program for executing the above-mentioned communication method may be stored in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the program may be run by a CPU.

[0278] In addition, a program for executing the above-mentioned communication method may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the program stored in the storage medium may be recorded in the computer's RAM (Random Access Memory), causing the computer to operate according to the program.

[0279] Each of the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments may be realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is typically an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip to include all or part of the configurations of each embodiment. Here, LSI is used, but depending on the degree of integration, it may be called an IC (Integrated Circuit), system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI. In addition, the method of integration is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. After LSI manufacture, a programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

[0280] At least one of the FPGA and the CPU may be configured to download all or part of the software required to realize the communication method described in the present disclosure via wireless or wired communication.Furthermore, all or part of the software for updating may be downloaded via wireless or wired communication.The downloaded software may be stored in a storage unit, and at least one of the FPGA and the CPU may be operated based on the stored software to execute the digital signal processing described in the present disclosure.

[0281] In this case, the device having at least one of an FPGA and a CPU may be connected to a communication modem wirelessly or via a wire, and the communication method described in this disclosure may be realized by this device and the communication modem.

[0282] For example, a communication device such as a base station, AP, or terminal described in this specification may include at least one of an FPGA and a CPU, and the communication device may include an interface for obtaining software for operating at least one of the FPGA and the CPU from the outside. Furthermore, the communication device may include a storage unit for storing software obtained from the outside, and may realize the signal processing described in this disclosure by operating the FPGA and the CPU based on the stored software.

[0283] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiment may be realized partially or entirely as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiment may be controlled partially or entirely by one LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of one chip so as to include some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have input and output of data. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI.

[0284] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. In addition, after LSI manufacturing, a programmable FPGA or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0285] Furthermore, if a new integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology or a derivative technology, it is possible to integrate the functional blocks using that technology. The application of biotechnology is also a possibility.

[0286] The present disclosure may be implemented in any type of apparatus, device, or system with communications capabilities (collectively, communications apparatus), including, but not limited to, telephones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones, etc.), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, notebooks, etc.), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (e.g., digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smart watches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, communications-enabled vehicles or mobile conveyances (e.g., cars, planes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the above-mentioned devices.

[0287] Communications Equipment includes, but is not limited to portable or mobile equipment, non-portable or fixed equipment, devices and systems of any kind, such as smart home devices (appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or metering devices, control panels, etc.), vending machines and any other "Things" that may exist on an Internet of Things (IoT) network.

[0288] Communications include data communications via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, communications satellite systems, etc., as well as data communications via combinations of these.

[0289] A communications apparatus also includes devices, such as controllers and sensors, connected or coupled to a communications device that performs the communications functions described in this disclosure, such as controllers and sensors that generate control and data signals used by the communications device to perform the communications functions of the communications apparatus.

[0290] The communication apparatus also includes infrastructure facilities, such as base stations, access points, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls the various apparatuses listed above, but are not limited to these.

[0291] The beacon signal may be used as follows: A first communication device may transmit a beacon signal, and a second communication device different from the first communication device may receive the beacon signal to perform LBT (Listen before Talk). In this case, the beacon signal may be called a signal for performing LBT.

[0292] Summary of the Disclosure A communication device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit that sets information regarding at least one of multibands and multichannels in an extension field of a beacon signal, and a communication unit that transmits the beacon signal.

[0293] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the beacon signal may be transmitted using a first frequency band and a second frequency band.

[0294] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may set a common SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​in the extended field of the beacon signal in the first frequency band and in the extended field of the beacon signal in the second frequency band.

[0295] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may set a common Media Access Control (MAC) address or a common Basic Service Set identifier (BSSID) in the extension field in the beacon signal in the first frequency band and in the extension field in the beacon signal in the second frequency band.

[0296] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may set information regarding whether or not communication based on at least one of multi-bands and multi-channels is possible in the extension field.

[0297] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may set at least one of information on a frequency band available for multiband communication and information on a frequency band available for multichannel communication in the extension field.

[0298] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may set an SSID or BSSID capable of multiband communication in the extension field.

[0299] A communication device according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit that receives a beacon signal in which information regarding at least one of multibands and multichannels is set in an extended field of the beacon signal, and a control unit that performs communication based on at least one of multibands and multichannels based on the information.

[0300] A communication method for a communication device according to the present disclosure includes setting information relating to at least one of multibands and multichannels in an extension field of a beacon signal and transmitting the beacon signal.

[0301] A communication method of a communication device according to the present disclosure receives a beacon signal in which information regarding at least one of multibands and multichannels is set in an extended field of the beacon signal, and performs communication based on at least one of multibands and multichannels based on the information.

[0302] The disclosures of the specification, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-162963, filed on September 6, 2019, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Industrial Applicability]

[0303] The present disclosure is useful for wireless communication systems such as wireless LANs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0304] 1a,1b AP Terminals 2a to 2c

Claims

1. a control unit that sets information on at least one of multibands and multichannels in an extension field of a beacon signal; a communication unit that transmits the beacon signal using a first frequency band and a second frequency band; having The control unit sets a common Media Access Control (MAC) address or a common Basic Service Set identifier (BSSID) in the extension field of the beacon signal in the first frequency band and in the extension field of the beacon signal in the second frequency band. Communications equipment.

2. The control unit sets a common SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​in the extension field of the beacon signal in the first frequency band and in the extension field of the beacon signal in the second frequency band. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit sets information regarding whether or not communication based on at least one of multibands and multichannels is possible in the extension field. The communication device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit sets at least one of information on a frequency band available for multiband communication and information on a frequency band available for multichannel communication in the extension field. The communication device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit sets an SSID or BSSID capable of multiband communication in the extension field. The communication device according to claim 1 .

6. a communication unit for receiving a beacon signal in which information regarding at least one of multibands and multichannels is set in an extension field of the beacon signal; a control unit that executes communication based on at least one of multi-band and multi-channel based on the information; having A common Media Access Control (MAC) address or a common Basic Service Set identifier (BSSID) is set in the extension field of the beacon signal in the first frequency band and in the extension field of the beacon signal in the second frequency band. Communications equipment.

7. Setting information regarding at least one of multi-band and multi-channel in an extension field of the beacon signal; Transmitting the beacon signal using a first frequency band and a second frequency band; A common Media Access Control (MAC) address or a common Basic Service Set identifier (BSSID) is set in the extension field of the beacon signal in the first frequency band and in the extension field of the beacon signal in the second frequency band. A communication method for a communication device.

8. receiving a beacon signal in which information regarding at least one of multibands and multichannels is set in an extension field of the beacon signal; performing multi-band and / or multi-channel based communications based on the information; A common Media Access Control (MAC) address or a common Basic Service Set identifier (BSSID) is set in the extension field of the beacon signal in the first frequency band and in the extension field of the beacon signal in the second frequency band. A communication method for a communication device.

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