COMMUNICATION DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To enable a communication device that controls a network composed of a plurality of base stations to control establishment of a plurality of links between base stations.SOLUTION: A communication device 101 controlling a network 111 transmits a message to at least one of a first base station 102 and a second base station 103 that are included in the network 111 so that a plurality of links used for communication is established between the first base station 102 and the second base station 103.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to establishing links for use in communications. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology that treats the networks built by multiple access points (APs) that operate as base stations that build a network as a single network. Such a network that includes networks built by multiple APs is called a Multi-AP network (MAP network). A MAP network includes a control device that controls the entire MAP network. This control device is called a Multi-AP Controller. An AP that belongs to a MAP network and is controlled by the controller is called a Multi-AP Agent.

[0003] The controller and the agents, and the agents and the agents establish a communication link called a backhaul link to perform backhaul communication. The controller can realize efficient network control among a plurality of agents belonging to the MAP network by using information acquired from the agents belonging to the MAP network via the backhaul communication.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses controlling a network made up of a plurality of agents connected via backhaul communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-509703 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An AP that acts as an agent of a MAP network may have multiple wireless I / Fs (Interfaces) and may be able to simultaneously create wireless networks in multiple frequency bands. An AP that can simultaneously create multiple wireless networks in multiple frequency bands may be able to establish multiple backhaul links for backhaul communication between the same AP.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems. One aspect of the present invention has an object to enable control of establishment of multiple links by transmitting an Association Request including information related to the establishment of multiple links to an access point device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication device, Based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standard, it uses different frequencies The communication control means controls the transmission of an Association Request including information related to the establishment of a plurality of links to an access point device, and the communication control means controls at least an Association Request transmitted by the access point device as a response to the Association Request. , which conforms to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards and contains information elements related to the establishment of multiple links. After receiving the Association Response, the access point device , using different frequencies The method further includes controlling the establishment of a plurality of links. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible for a communication device to transmit an Association Request including information related to the establishment of multiple links to an access point device, thereby enabling control regarding the establishment of multiple links. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network in which AP101, AP102, and AP103 participate. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an AP 101. [Diagram 3] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process performed when AP102 and AP103 establish multiple backhaul links. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by AP 101 when establishing multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the AP 101 when determining whether to establish multiple backhaul links between the APs 102 and 103. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the AP 102 when establishing multiple backhaul links with the AP 103. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by AP 101 when a specific backhaul link among a plurality of backhaul links established between AP 102 and AP 103 is stopped. [Figure 8] 11 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing executed when AP102 and AP103 establish multiple backhaul links. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in the drawings.

[0012] 1 shows the configuration of a network in which an access point (AP) 101 according to this embodiment participates. APs 101, 102, and 103 are access points having the function of constructing a network (BSS, Basic Service Set). AP 101 constructs network 106, AP 102 constructs networks 107 and 108, and AP 103 constructs network 109. STAs 104 and 105 are stations having the function of participating in a network. STA 104 participates in network 106, and STA 105 participates in network 109. AP 101 is connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) 110, and is capable of communicating with an external network such as the Internet.

[0013] In this embodiment, the networks 106, 107, 108, and 109 are wireless LAN networks that comply with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. Specifically, each network is a network that supports at least one of the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards. Note that IEEE is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

[0014] Alternatively, each network may support other communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, UWB, ZigBee, MBOA, etc. in addition to the IEEE802.11 series standards. UWB stands for Ultra Wide Band, and MBOA stands for Multi Band OFDM Alliance. NFC stands for Near Field Communication. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, WiNET, etc. In addition to the IEEE802.11 series standards, each network may support standards such as the Wi-Fi Direct standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Each network may also support communication standards for wired communication such as wired LAN.

[0015] In addition, in this embodiment, the AP 102 has multiple wireless interfaces and can simultaneously construct multiple networks (networks 107 and 108). In this case, the networks 107 and 108 use different frequency bands. For example, when the network 107 uses the 2.4 GHz band, the network 108 uses the 5 GHz band. Alternatively, even if the networks 107 and 108 use the same frequency band, they may use a frequency channel with less interference. For example, when the network 107 uses a channel belonging to W52 in the 5 GHz band, the network 108 may use a channel belonging to W53. In this way, the AP 102 can simultaneously maintain multiple networks.

[0016] In this embodiment, the APs 101, 102, and 103 are compatible with the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard. In this case, a network including the networks 106, 107, 108, and 109 is referred to as a MAP (Multi-AP) network 111. The MAP network 111 is a network including the APs 101, 102, and 103. The AP 101 operates as a Multi-AP controller (controller) having a role of controlling the entire MAP network 111. In addition, the APs 102 and 103 operate as Multi-AP agents (agents) having a role of operating based on a control instruction from the controller in the MAP network 111. The AP 101 may have not only a function as a controller but also a function as an agent. In this case, the controller and the agent of the AP 101 perform control processing by internal data exchange. In this embodiment, the controller of the MAP network 111 also has a function as an AP, but this is not limited thereto and may not have a function as an AP.

[0017] AP 101, which is a controller, and APs 102 and 103, which are agents, can communicate with each other via a MAP network 111. Specifically, AP 102, which is an agent, has a backhaul STA function for participating as a STA in a network 106 constructed by AP 101, which is a controller. AP 102, which is an agent, participates in the network 106 constructed by AP 101, which is a controller, by the backhaul STA function, so that AP 101 and AP 102 can communicate with each other. The function of AP 102 to connect to a STA as an AP is called a fronthaul AP function. AP 103 participates as a STA in a network 107 constructed by AP 102, so that AP 103 can communicate with AP 101 via AP 102. In this way, APs 102 and 103, which are agents, can participate in a MAP network 111 by constructing a network as an AP and simultaneously participating as a STA in a network constructed by another AP. A network constructed by another AP in which the agent AP 102 or 103 participates as a STA is called a backhaul BSS when viewed from the AP 102 or 103. On the other hand, a network in which the AP 102 or 103 participates as an AP with STAs or other APs is called a fronthaul BSS when viewed from the AP 102 or 103. In other words, the same network is called a fronthaul BSS when viewed from the AP that constructed the network, but is called a backhaul BSS when viewed from an AP that participates in the network.

[0018] A link that an agent AP establishes when it joins a network built by another AP and that is used to communicate with the other AP is called a backhaul link. In this case, for an AP that has established a backhaul link with an AP that has joined the network built by the own device, the backhaul link is established via a fronthaul BSS. On the other hand, for an AP that has joined a network built by another AP and established a backhaul link with the other AP, the backhaul link is established via a backhaul BSS.

[0019] The controller and the agent may distinguish between a network in which a normal STA participates and a network in which an agent participates, or they may be treated as the same network.

[0020] In addition, the link that the agent or controller establishes with the STA is called a fronthaul link.

[0021] The AP 101, which is a controller, manages and controls the agents and STAs in the MAP network 111. For example, the AP 101, which is a controller, can control the frequency channel and transmission power of the network constructed by the AP 102 and AP 103, which are agents, by transmitting a predetermined control message via a backhaul link. In addition to this, or instead, the AP 101, which is a controller, may cause the AP 102 or AP 103, which is an agent, to move to a different network. Alternatively, the AP 101 can control the steering of the STAs in addition to these, or instead. For example, the AP 101 can perform roaming to move the connection destination of the STA 105, which is participating in the network 109 constructed by the AP 103 belonging to the MAP network 111, to the network 106 constructed by the AP 101. Alternatively, the AP 101 can control data traffic between APs and STAs or between APs and APs, diagnose each network, or the like. In addition to or instead of these, the AP 101 can obtain information about the network from the agents APs 102 and 103 via a backhaul link.

[0022] The APs 102 and 103, which are agents, can notify the AP 101, which is a controller, of information about the network via a backhaul link. The network information notified by the APs 102 and 103 is, for example, the agent's own capability information (HT Capability, VHT Capability, etc.) and the capability information of the STA or AP connected to the agent. Alternatively, the agent may notify the controller of information about its own wireless interface (wireless I / F) as the agent's capability information. The information about the wireless I / F is, for example, the MAC address of the wireless I / F of the agent and the communication method of the wireless LAN supported by the agent. If the agent has multiple wireless I / Fs, the controller may be notified of information about each wireless I / F, or only information about some of the wireless I / Fs. In addition, not limited to the wireless I / F, if the agent has a wired interface (wired I / F), the capability information of the wired I / F may also be included. The capability information of the wired I / F refers to, for example, the MAC address of the wired I / F and information on the physical link rate in the wired line.

[0023] A control instruction from AP101, which is a controller, is transmitted and received to each agent (AP102 and AP103) via a backhaul link. In this embodiment, a backhaul link is established between AP101 and AP102, and between AP102 and AP103, and communication is performed. Specifically, AP102 can connect to network 106 established by AP101 as a backhaul STA while establishing networks 107 and 108. At this time, network 106 seen from AP101 is called a fronthaul BSS, while network 106 seen from AP102 is called a backhaul BSS. A backhaul link is established between AP101 and AP102 via network 106. Similarly, AP103 can connect to at least one of networks 107 and 108 established by AP102 as a backhaul STA while establishing network 109. In this case, the networks 107 and 108 seen from the AP 102 are called fronthaul BSSs, while the networks 107 and 108 seen from the AP 103 are called backhaul BSSs. As a result, a backhaul link is established between the AP 102 and the AP 103. In this embodiment, a backhaul link may be established between the AP 102 and the AP 103 via each of the networks 107 and 108. In other words, a plurality of backhaul links may be established between the AP 102 and the AP 103. In this case, the networks 107 and 108 are each a network that uses a frequency band with low interference. For example, one frequency band is the 2.4 GHz band, and the other frequency band is the 5 GHz band.

[0024] In this embodiment, an AP is used as an example of a device having a function as a controller, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be a communication device such as a PC, tablet, smartphone, mobile phone, or television. The same is true for a device having a function as an agent. Any device may be one that satisfies the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2, and is not limited to these.

[0025] 2 shows the hardware configuration of the AP 101. The AP 101 includes a power supply unit 201, an input unit 202, an output unit 203, a communication unit 204, an antenna 205, a storage unit 206, and a control unit 207.

[0026] The power supply unit 201 supplies power to each piece of hardware described below. The power supply unit 201 obtains power from, for example, an alternating current (AC) power supply or a battery.

[0027] The input unit 202 receives various operations from the user. For example, it includes modules such as a button and a keyboard. The output unit 203 performs various outputs to the user. Here, the output by the output unit 203 includes at least one of, for example, display on an LED or a screen, audio output by a speaker, and vibration output. Note that both the input unit 202 and the output unit 203 may be realized by one module, such as a touch panel. Also, the input unit 202 and the output unit 203 may be integrated with the AP 101 or may be separate from it.

[0028] The communication unit 204 controls wireless communication in compliance with the IEEE802.11 series standards. In addition to this, or instead, the communication unit 204 may control wired communication such as a wired LAN defined in compliance with IEEE802.3, or control IP communication. The communication unit 204 transmits and receives wireless signals via an antenna 205. Note that if the AP 101 can simultaneously build multiple networks, the AP 101 may have multiple communication units 204 and antennas.

[0029] Moreover, the communication unit 204 includes a wireless I / F. The wireless I / F includes an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a wireless LAN chip, and the like. The communication unit 204 may include a plurality of wireless I / Fs, and may be configured to include, for example, a wireless I / F compatible with the 2.4 GHz band and a wireless I / F compatible with the 5 GHz band. In this embodiment, the AP 101 has one wireless I / F, and the APs 102 and 103 have two wireless I / Fs.

[0030] The storage unit 206 is composed of one or more memories such as a ROM and a RAM, and stores various information such as computer programs for performing various operations described below and communication parameters for wireless communication. ROM stands for Read Only Memory, and RAM stands for Random Access Memory. In addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, storage media such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and DVDs may be used as the storage unit 206. Furthermore, the storage unit 206 may include multiple memories.

[0031] The control unit 207 is configured with one or more processors such as a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire AP 101 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 206. The control unit 207 may control the entire AP 101 in cooperation with the computer program stored in the storage unit 206 and an OS (Operating System). The control unit 207 also generates data and signals to be transmitted in communication with other communication devices. The CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and the MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit. The control unit 207 may also include multiple processors such as multi-core processors, and the entire AP 101 may be controlled by the multiple processors.

[0032] Also, the control unit 207 executes a program that causes the control unit 207 to function as a MAP (Multi-AP) controller unit 208 and a MAP agent unit 209 stored in the storage unit 206. The MAP controller unit 208 is a program for making the AP 101 operate as a controller of the MAP network 111. Also, the MAP agent unit 209 is a program for making the AP 101 operate as an agent of the MAP network 111. When the AP 101 simultaneously plays both the role of the controller and the role of the agent, the functions of both the MAP controller unit 208 and the MAP agent unit 209 are executed. When the AP 101 only plays the role of the controller, that is, does not play the role of the agent, only the function of the MAP controller unit 208 is executed. In this case, the function of the MAP agent unit 209 may be disabled. Similarly, when the AP 101 only plays the role of the agent, that is, does not play the role of the controller, only the function of the MAP agent unit 209 is executed. In this case, the function of the MAP controller unit 208 ...

[0033] Moreover, the control unit 207 executes a program stored in the storage unit 206 to execute a setting process of wireless LAN parameters conforming to WPS in order to establish a backhaul link. WPS is an abbreviation for Wi-Fi Protected Setup standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The AP 101 can share communication parameters for establishing a backhaul link with other APs by executing a setting process of parameters conforming to WPS. The communication parameters include at least one of an SSID (Service Set Identifier), an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key. In addition to the communication parameters, information on a frequency band to be used may be included. The control unit 207 may execute a program stored in the storage unit 206 to execute a setting process of communication parameters conforming to DPP, which has higher security, in addition to or instead of WPS. DPP is an abbreviation for Device Provisioning Protocol standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

[0034] The APs 102 and 103 have the same hardware configuration as the AP 101. The APs 102 and 103 do not need to have a function as a controller. In this case, the control unit 207 does not need to have the function of the MAP controller unit 208.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process executed when the AP 102 and the AP 103 establish a plurality of backhaul links.

[0036] In this embodiment, first, AP102 connects to the network 106 constructed by AP101 as a backhaul STA, establishes a backhaul link, and is registered as an agent with respect to AP101. As a result, a MAP network 111 including AP101 and AP102 is constructed. Next, AP103 connects to the network 107 constructed by AP102 in order to participate in the MAP network 111, and establishes a backhaul link with AP102. When AP103 establishes a backhaul link with AP102, it is registered as an agent with AP101 via AP102. Thereafter, under the control of AP101, which is a controller, a second backhaul link is established between AP102 and AP103 via network 108. The above flow will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] This sequence starts in a state in which the AP 102 participates as a backhaul STA in the network 106 established by the AP 101. When the AP 102 participates in the network 106, it transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration Search message of IEEE1905.1 by multicast as a search signal for searching for a controller (F301).

[0038] When the AP 101 receives the search signal transmitted from the AP 102, if the AP 101 is operating as a controller, the AP 101 transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration Response message as a response signal to the AP 102 (F302).

[0039] When the AP 102 receives the response signal, the AP 102 transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration WSC message to the AP 101 as a registration request signal for registering the AP 102 with the AP 101, which is a controller (F303). This message includes a message equivalent to an M1 message conforming to the WSC (Wi-Fi Simple Configuration) standard. Specifically, this message includes information such as the MAC address and device name of the AP 102. In addition to this, the registration request signal includes capability information regarding wireless communication of the AP 102. Specifically, the capability information regarding wireless communication includes information regarding a frequency band (at least one of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) available to the AP 102 and information regarding a frequency channel available to the AP 102. In addition to or instead of this information, an identifier for uniquely identifying the network 106 in which the AP 102 participates within the MAP network 111 may be included.

[0040] The registration request signal may be extended to include information about a wireless I / F included in the AP 102 and capable of operating as a backhaul STA. The information about the wireless I / F is specifically a MAC address of the wireless I / F. The registration request signal may be extended to include information about a BSS in which other APs can participate, among the fronthaul BSSs that the AP 102 can establish. The information about the BSS is specifically the BSSID of the BSS. The information about the BSS in which other APs can participate may include information on whether the BSS has been established or not. The registration request signal may be extended to include capability information on whether the AP 102 can establish multiple backhaul links simultaneously.

[0041] When the AP 101 receives the registration request signal, the AP 101 transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration WSC message to the AP 102 as a registration response signal (F304). If the AP 101 is successfully registered as an agent, the registration response signal includes a message equivalent to the M2 message of the WSC. In this case, the registration response signal includes the device name of the AP 101 and information indicating that no error has occurred. The registration response signal also includes an identifier for uniquely identifying the network 106 within the MAP network 111. The identifier included in the registration response signal may be the same as the identifier included in the registration request signal. If some error occurs in the registration of the AP 102 in the AP 101 and the registration fails, a registration response signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted.

[0042] In addition, the AP 102 may notify the user according to the registration response signal received from the AP 101 at F304. For example, when the AP 102 receives a registration response signal including information indicating that no error has occurred, the AP 102 notifies the user that registration has been successful. Alternatively, the AP 102 may notify the user that it has joined the MAP network 111. On the other hand, when the AP 102 receives a registration response signal including information indicating that an error has occurred, the AP 102 notifies the user that registration has failed. Alternatively, the AP 102 may notify the user that it has not been able to join the MAP network 111. Also, when the registration response signal includes information indicating the cause of the error, the AP 102 may notify the user of the cause of the error.

[0043] In this embodiment, information about the wireless I / F of AP102 and information about the BSS in which other APs can join are included in the registration request signal transmitted from AP102, but this is not limited to the above. After completing the processes up to F304, AP101 may transmit a query message to AP102 to inquire about the information, and receive a response message to acquire the information from AP102. Similarly, capability information on whether AP102 can simultaneously establish multiple backhaul links may be acquired by transmitting a query message and receiving a response message to the query message.

[0044] Alternatively, if there is a version of the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard that supports the establishment of multiple backhaul links among multiple versions of the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard, the AP 102 may inquire about the version of the standard that the AP 102 supports. In this case, the AP 101 can determine whether the AP 102 can establish multiple backhaul links based on the version information of the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard that the AP 102 supports.

[0045] By performing the above process, AP102 is registered in AP101, which is the controller, as an agent of the MAP network 111. In addition, AP101 can obtain information regarding the wireless I / F of AP102 and the BSS in which other APs can participate, and capability information regarding the establishment of multiple backhaul links for AP102.

[0046] Next, a backhaul link is established between AP 102 and AP 103. In this case, the process of establishing a link between agents at Layer 2 (data link layer) of the OSI reference model is called onboarding. Here, by performing the onboarding process between APs 102 and 103, AP 103 can be added to the MAP network 111. In the flow shown in FIG. 3, the onboarding process is performed by a method that complies with the WPS standard.

[0047] First, to start the onboarding process in the AP 102 and the AP 103, the user presses a button provided on each of them. This button may be used in combination with a button used for setting communication parameters by a PBC (Push Button Configuration) method conforming to the WPS standard.

[0048] When the button is pressed in AP102 and AP103, an onboarding process is started in a manner compliant with the WPS standard. First, AP102 transmits a Beacon including information indicating that WPS processing has started. AP103 detects AP102 as an AP implementing WPS by receiving the Beacon transmitted by AP102. Alternatively, AP103 may detect AP102 by transmitting a Probe Request and receiving a Probe Response from AP102 in response.

[0049] When the AP 103 detects the AP 102 as an AP implementing WPS, it transmits an Association Request to the AP 102 (F305). At this time, a MAP IE (Multi-AP Information Element) is added to the Association Request and transmitted. The MAP IE is an information element that complies with the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard, and includes information indicating that the AP 103 is transmitting the Association Request as a backhaul STA.

[0050] When the AP 102 receives the Association Request, it transmits an Association Response to the AP 103 as a response (F306). The Association Response also includes a MAP IE. The MAP IE transmitted from the AP 102 includes information indicating that the destination network 107 is a BSS to which other APs can connect.

[0051] The APs 102 and 103 may transmit an Association Request and an Association Response, respectively, that include information indicating whether the APs themselves are capable of establishing multiple backhaul links.

[0052] When the AP 103 receives the Association Response, it performs WPS processing with the AP 102, and shares communication parameters of the fronthaul BSS of the AP 102 in which the AP 103 can participate (F307). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication parameters of the network 107 are provided from the AP 102 to the AP 103 as communication parameters of the fronthaul BSS of the AP 102 in which the AP 103 can participate. Note that a MAP IE is included in a wireless LAN frame transmitted and received in the WPS processing. Also, from the perspective of the AP 103, the network 107 is called a backhaul BSS.

[0053] When the AP 103 shares communication parameters with the AP 102 through the WPS process, the communication link between the AP 102 and the AP 103 is temporarily disconnected. After that, the AP 103 transmits an Association Request to the AP 102 by using the communication parameters of the fronthaul BSS of the AP 102 acquired through the WPS process (F308).

[0054] When the AP 102 receives the Association Request, it transmits an Association Response to the AP 103 as a response (F309). A MAP IE is added to each of the Association Request and Association Response before transmission. Through the above process, a backhaul link is established between the AP 102 and the AP 103. Thereafter, the backhaul link is encrypted by a 4-way handshake as necessary.

[0055] Next, the agent AP103 is registered in AP101, which is a controller. Specifically, AP103 searches for a controller and transmits a registration request. The processes of F310 to F313 are similar to the processes of F301 to F304 described above, and therefore will not be described. Also, like AP102, AP101 acquires information about the wireless I / F of AP103 and the BSS in which other APs can participate, and capability information about AP103 regarding the establishment of multiple backhaul links.

[0056] In this embodiment, it is assumed that AP101 has acquired information regarding the wireless I / Fs of AP102 and AP103 and the BSS in which other APs can participate, and capability information regarding the establishment of multiple backhaul links. Here, AP101 performs a determination process of whether to establish multiple backhaul links between AP102 and AP103 (F314). Details of the determination process performed by AP101 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. Here, it is assumed that AP101 has determined to establish multiple backhaul links between AP102 and AP103.

[0057] In response to the determination result, the AP101 transmits a backhaul establishment start message, which is a start message for starting the establishment of multiple backhaul links, to the AP102 (F315). This message includes information indicating a network designated as a BSS to be used when establishing a backhaul link. Specifically, the BSSID of the designated network is included. Alternatively, an identifier that allows the designated network to be uniquely identified between the AP101 and the AP102 may be included. In this embodiment, the network 108 constructed by the AP102 is designated as a network to be used when establishing a backhaul link. Note that the network 108 is called a fronthaul BSS from the perspective of the AP102, but is called a backhaul BSS from the perspective of the AP103. In addition to this, the message may include information indicating a frequency band and a frequency channel used by the designated network. Furthermore, when a communication parameter setting process needs to be performed between the AP102 and the AP103 to establish a new backhaul link, information specifying a method of the setting process may be included in the start request. The WPS method or the DPP method is selected as the communication parameter setting process method. In addition, if it is determined based on the information obtained from AP102 that a network to be used to establish a new backhaul link has not yet been constructed, the start request may include information instructing the network to be constructed.

[0058] When the AP 102 receives the start request from the AP 101, the AP 102 determines whether it is possible to establish a backhaul link via the specified network. The AP 102 transmits a backhaul establishment start response message, which is a start response message including information indicating the result of the determination, to the AP 101 (F316). It is determined that it is not possible to establish a backhaul link via the specified network in the following cases, for example. When a communication parameter setting process using the WPS method is required to establish a backhaul link and the AP 102 is already performing a communication parameter setting process using the WPS method with another device, it is determined that it is not possible to establish a backhaul link. It is noted that the cases in which the AP 102 determines that it is not possible to establish a backhaul link are not limited to these.

[0059] If the backhaul establishment start response message received from AP 102 contains information indicating that AP 102 can establish a backhaul link, AP 101 also transmits a start message to AP 103 (F317). The start message transmitted to AP 103 here is the same as the start message transmitted to AP 102 in F315. Note that instead of or in addition to the information contained in the start message in F315, information for designating a wireless I / F that operates as a backhaul STA in AP 103 may be included.

[0060] When AP 103 receives the backhaul establishment start message, it determines whether a backhaul link can be established, similar to AP 102, and transmits a backhaul establishment start response message including the determination result to AP 101 (F318). Here, it is assumed that AP 103 has transmitted the start response message indicating that a backhaul link can be established to AP 101.

[0061] When the start response message received from AP103 includes information indicating that AP103 can establish a backhaul link, AP101 waits for a new backhaul link to be established between AP102 and AP103. When the received start response message includes information indicating that AP103 cannot establish a backhaul link, AP101 transmits a message to AP102 to cancel the establishment of the backhaul link. In this case, the process of establishing the second backhaul link in AP102 and AP103 is stopped. Alternatively, without being limited to this, AP101 may transmit a backhaul establishment start message to AP103 again after a certain time has elapsed.

[0062] In this embodiment, the backhaul establishment start message is transmitted to AP 102 and AP 103 in that order at F315 and F317, but the order is not limited to this. The backhaul establishment start message may be transmitted to AP 102 and AP 103 simultaneously, or the transmission order may be reversed. Alternatively, the backhaul establishment start message may be transmitted to multiple APs in the MAP network 111 by broadcast or multicast.

[0063] On the other hand, AP102 and AP103 each transmit a start response message indicating that a backhaul link can be established at F316 and F318, and then start a process of establishing a backhaul link. If the specified network has not been established in AP102, AP102 first establishes the corresponding network. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the specified network is network 108. AP102 and AP103 execute the same process for network 108 as the onboarding process executed at F305 to F309 described above (F319 to F323).

[0064] When the onboarding process is completed in the APs 102 and 103 and a second backhaul link is established between the APs 102 and 103, the AP 102 transmits a backhaul establishment completion message to the AP 101 (F324). Similarly, the AP 103 also transmits a backhaul establishment completion message to the AP 101 (F326).

[0065] When the AP 101 receives the backhaul establishment completion message, it transmits a backhaul establishment confirmation message to the AP 102 and the AP 103 (F325, F327). The backhaul establishment confirmation message may include an identifier that can uniquely identify the newly established backhaul link within the MAP network 111. Thereafter, the AP 101 can use this identifier to instruct the agent to control the corresponding backhaul link.

[0066] If the establishment of the backhaul link fails, a backhaul establishment error message including information indicating the failure of the establishment of the backhaul link may be transmitted to the AP 101 instead of the backhaul establishment completion message. If the AP 101 receives a backhaul establishment error message from at least one of the APs 102 and 103, the AP 101 transmits a stop message to the APs 102 and 103 to stop the establishment of the backhaul link.

[0067] In addition, the backhaul establishment completion message and the backhaul establishment error message are transmitted from both AP102 and AP103 to AP101, but this is not limited to the above and they may be transmitted from only one of them.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the messages communicated at F315 to F318 and F324 to F327 are transmitted in a format conforming to the IEEE1905.1 standard, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be transmitted in a message format different from that.

[0069] By performing the above processing, it is possible to establish multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103. In this way, when multiple backhaul links are to be established between agents, the controller can control the establishment of the multiple backhaul links by instructing the controller to establish the backhaul links.

[0070] 3, the establishment of the second backhaul link between AP102 and AP103 is triggered by a backhaul establishment start message sent from AP 101. This is convenient because the user does not need to press the buttons on AP102 and AP103 when establishing the second backhaul link between AP102 and AP103.

[0071] In Fig. 3, the AP102 and the AP103 perform a communication parameter sharing process by the WPS method every time they establish a backhaul link, but this is not limited to this. The AP102 and the AP103 may also share communication parameters to be used when establishing other backhaul links in the initial sharing process (F305 to F309). In this case, the AP102 and the AP103 may omit the process of F321.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 207 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 206 when the AP 101 establishes multiple backhaul links between the APs.

[0073] AP101 starts the process of this flowchart when a new agent joins the MAP network controlled by the AP101. Alternatively, AP101 may start the process of this flowchart based on an instruction from a user, or may start the process of this flowchart based on detection of a change in topology in the MAP network. Alternatively, AP101 may start the process of this flowchart based on a request from an agent participating in the MAP network to establish multiple backhaul links.

[0074] First, the AP 101 acquires information on the agent of the MAP network 111 (S401). The acquired agent information is information notified by the AP-Autoconfiguration message (F303, F312) shown in FIG. 3. In addition to this, or instead, the AP 101 may acquire network information notified from the agent via a backhaul link. Alternatively, the AP 101 may transmit a query message, which is an inquiry message, to the agent and acquire information from the agent as a response. For example, the AP 101 may transmit an AP Capability Query message, which is specified in the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard as a query message for inquiring about the capability information of an AP. In this case, the AP 101 can acquire the capability information of the AP 102 by receiving an AP Capability Report message, which is a response, from the AP 102. However, this is not limited to this, and the AP 101 may acquire the agent information by using other query messages in combination. In this embodiment, the acquisition of agent information is performed for all agents participating in the MAP network, but is not limited to this. The AP 101, which is a controller, may acquire only the information of an arbitrary agent.

[0075] The AP 101 determines whether multiple backhaul links can be established between any two agents in the MAP network 111 (S402). Whether or not there is the ability to establish multiple backhaul links is determined based on information acquired from the agents in S401. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the AP 101 determines whether multiple backhaul links can be established between the AP 102 and the AP 103. The AP 101 makes this determination based on information acquired from the AP 102 and the AP 103 in S401 about the frequency bands available to each of them. Specifically, if both the AP 102 and the AP 103 can use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, the AP 101 determines Yes in this step. On the other hand, if at least one of the AP 102 and the AP 103 can use only one of the frequency bands, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, the AP 101 determines No in this step. Alternatively or in addition, if AP101 has acquired information on a wireless I / F capable of operating as a backhaul STA from AP102 and AP103 in S401, the determination in this step may be made based on the information. Specifically, if both AP102 and AP103 have notified AP101 of a wireless I / F that is different from the wireless I / F already in use as a wireless I / F capable of operating as a backhaul STA, AP101 determines Yes in this step. On the other hand, if at least one of AP102 and AP103 has notified AP101 of only the wireless I / F already in use as a wireless I / F capable of operating as a backhaul STA, or has not notified AP101 of a wireless I / F, AP101 determines No in this step. Alternatively, instead or in addition, if AP101 has acquired capability information on whether multiple backhaul links can be established simultaneously from AP102 and AP103 in S401, the determination in this step may be made based on the capability information. Specifically, if both AP 102 and AP 103 can simultaneously establish multiple backhaul links, AP 101 determines Yes in this step. On the other hand, if at least one of AP 102 and AP 103 cannot simultaneously establish multiple backhaul links, AP 101 determines No in this step.If the result of this step is Yes, the AP 101 performs the process of S403. On the other hand, if the result of this step is No, the AP 101 ends the process.

[0076] In this step, AP 101 may make the determination only for two specific agents in MAP network 111. Alternatively, AP 101 may make the determination for all combinations of agents that have established backhaul links in MAP network 111. In addition, when making the determination for all combinations of agents that have established backhaul links, the process from S403 onward is performed for each combination.

[0077] Next, the AP 101 judges whether or not multiple backhaul links are required (S403). In this step, it is judged whether or not multiple backhaul links need to be established between the agents for which the answer in S402 was Yes. An example of the process in this step is shown in FIG. 5.

[0078] The AP 101 acquires the communication status of the backhaul link between the two target agents (S501). In this embodiment, the AP 101 acquires the communication status of the backhaul link already established between the AP 102 and the AP 103. The AP 101 acquires the communication status by being notified of information on the communication status of the backhaul link from the agent. Alternatively, the AP 101 may transmit a query message to at least one of the AP 102 and the AP 103 to inquire about the communication status of the backhaul link, and acquire the communication status as a response message. For example, the AP 101 may transmit a query message to inquire about link metrics information of the backhaul link, and acquire the link metrics information included in the response message, thereby acquiring the communication status. The link metrics are indicated by, for example, capability information on the throughput of at least one of the AP 102 and the AP 103, or information on the physical rate and communication volume of the target backhaul link. In this embodiment, the link metrics are indicated by a link utilization rate, which is information on the communication volume of the backhaul link. In this step, the AP 101 may also acquire radio wave conditions indicated by the RSSI, the state of the frequency channel, etc., of at least one of the APs 102 and 103. Note that RSSI is an abbreviation for Received Signal Strength Indicator, and indicates the strength of a received signal.

[0079] The AP 101 judges whether the communication volume (link utilization rate) of the target backhaul link is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (S502). In this step, the AP 101 judges whether it is necessary to establish multiple backhaul links between the agents based on the communication status between the agents acquired by the AP 101 in S501. In this embodiment, the AP 101 acquires the communication volume (link utilization rate) of the backhaul link between the AP 102 and the AP 103 as the communication status, and therefore performs the judgment in this step based on the communication volume (link utilization rate). If the communication volume (link utilization rate) acquired in S501 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the AP 101 judges Yes in this step and performs the process of S503. On the other hand, if the communication volume (link utilization rate) acquired in S501 is less than the predetermined threshold, the AP 101 judges No in this step and performs the process of S506. The threshold value used in this judgment may be preset in the AP 101, or may be calculated by the AP 101 from the link metrics of the entire MAP network 111. Alternatively, the threshold value may be set by the user.

[0080] In this embodiment, the AP 101 makes the determination based on the communication volume in this step, but this is not limited to this. If the AP 101 acquires the physical rate of the target backhaul link as the communication status in S501, the AP 101 may make the determination based on the physical rate in S502. In this case, the AP 101 determines whether the physical rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold in this step. Alternatively, if the AP 101 acquires capability information on the throughput of at least one of the AP 102 and the AP 103 as the communication status in S501, the AP 101 may make the determination based on the throughput in S502. In this case, the AP 101 determines whether the throughput is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold in S502.

[0081] Next, AP 101 acquires the communication status of the entire MAP network 111 (S503). In this step, AP 101 acquires communication status such as link metrics of the established network for all agents in the MAP network 111. Specifically, AP 101 acquires communication volume, physical rate, or throughput of the networks established by all agents in the MAP network. AP 101 may transmit a query message to acquire link metric information as in S501, and acquire the communication status from the response message. Also, if AP 101 does not know the frequency channel of the network established by each agent, it may acquire information about the frequency channel in this step.

[0082] Based on the overall communication status of the MAP network 111 acquired in S503, the AP 101 determines whether the establishment of multiple backhaul links between the target agents will affect other communications in the MAP network 111 (S504). For example, when the network 108 is newly established to establish a new backhaul link, wireless frames such as beacons and data communications between the backhaul links are transmitted on the same frequency channel as the network 108. In this way, the establishment of a new backhaul link may cause interference with existing communications, resulting in a decrease in the data communication speed of the existing communications or packet loss. By making this determination, it is possible to prevent the new backhaul link from interfering with communications via other links already established in the MAP network 111.

[0083] In this step, specifically, the AP 101 determines whether or not another link exists on the same frequency channel as the newly established backhaul link. If another link exists, the AP 101 determines Yes in this step and performs the process of S506. On the other hand, if another link does not exist, the AP 101 determines No in this step and performs the process of S505. If the determination in this step is Yes, the AP 101 may further perform a determination based on the communication status of another link existing on the same frequency channel. Specifically, if the communication volume (link utilization rate) of the other link is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the AP 101 performs the process of S505 assuming that the newly established backhaul link will not affect the existing link. On the other hand, if the communication volume (link utilization rate) of the other link is greater than the predetermined threshold, the AP 101 performs the process of S506 assuming that the newly established backhaul link may affect the existing link.

[0084] Note that S503 and S504 may be omitted. In this case, if the determination in S502 is Yes, the AP 101 performs the process of S505.

[0085] AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links are required (S505). Specifically, AP 101 stores information that multiple backhaul links are required between the target agents. On the other hand, in S506, AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links are not required. Specifically, AP 101 stores information that multiple backhaul links are not required between the target agents. After performing the process of S505 or S506, AP 101 ends this flow.

[0086] The determination process shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the determination is made based on the communication status between the target agents and the communication status of the entire MAP network, but the necessity of multiple backhaul links may be determined based on a selection by the user. In this case, the processes of S501 to S504 may be omitted. For example, if the user has set that the establishment of multiple backhaul links in the MAP network 111 is permitted, the AP 101 performs the process of S505. On the other hand, if the user has set that the establishment of multiple backhaul links in the MAP network 111 is not permitted, the AP 101 performs the process of S506. Alternatively, the user may be able to set whether or not to permit the establishment of multiple backhaul links between specific agents. The user may set the setting via a STA connected to the AP 101 by a wired LAN or wireless LAN, or via an input unit of the AP 101. Alternatively, the setting may be performed via another device connected via an external network to which the AP 101 is connected, or via a STA participating in the network within the MAP network 111.

[0087] Alternatively, AP101 may make the determination in Fig. 5 based on the radio wave conditions of the existing backhaul links. Specifically, when at least one of the RSSI of AP102 and the RSSI of AP103 is lower than a predetermined threshold, AP101 performs the process of S505 to establish multiple backhaul links between AP102 and AP103. Note that, when the RSSI is higher than the predetermined threshold, AP101 performs the process of S506. In this way, when the RSSI of the existing backhaul link between AP102 and AP103 is low, a backup backhaul link can be established by establishing multiple backhaul links.

[0088] Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the AP 101 judges whether or not it is necessary to establish a plurality of backhaul links between agents (S404). The AP 101 makes this judgment based on the result of the judgment in S403. Specifically, when the AP 101 has performed the process of S505 in FIG. 5, the AP 101 judges this judgment as Yes, and when the AP 101 has performed the process of S506 in FIG. 5, the AP 101 judges this judgment as No. If the judgment is No, the AP 101 returns to the process of S403. Note that a timer may be set, and if the judgment is not made as Yes in S404 within a predetermined time period after the first judgment as No in S404, the AP 101 may end this flow. Alternatively, if the judgment is made as No a predetermined number of times consecutively in S404, the AP 101 may end this flow. If the judgment is made as Yes in S404, the AP 101 performs the process of S405.

[0089] The AP 101 transmits a backhaul establishment start message to the target agent (at least one of the APs 102 and 103) (S405). The backhaul establishment start message transmitted here is the message shown by F315 and F317 in FIG.

[0090] Next, AP101 determines whether a backhaul establishment start response message has been received from a target agent (at least one of AP102 and AP103) (S406). The backhaul establishment start response message received here is the message shown in F316 and F318 in FIG. 3. In this step, AP101 waits for reception of a backhaul establishment start response message from the agent that transmitted the backhaul establishment start message in S406. If AP101 does not receive the backhaul establishment start response message, it determines No in this step and performs the process of S406 again. Note that if a backhaul establishment start response message has not been received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the backhaul establishment start message in S405, AP101 may end this flow. If AP101 receives a backhaul establishment start response message, it determines Yes in this step and performs the process of S407.

[0091] AP101 determines whether a new backhaul link can be established between the target agents (between AP102 and AP103) (S407). Specifically, it determines whether the backhaul establishment start response message received in S406 contains information indicating that a new backhaul link can be established. If the backhaul establishment start response messages received from both AP102 and AP103 contain information indicating that a new backhaul link can be established, AP101 determines Yes in this step and performs processing of S408. On the other hand, if the backhaul establishment start response message received from at least one of AP102 and AP103 contains information indicating that a new backhaul link cannot be established, AP101 determines No in this step and performs processing of S409.

[0092] If it is not possible to establish a new backhaul link, AP 101 performs a process of canceling the establishment of the new backhaul link (S409). Specifically, AP 101 transmits a stop message to at least one of AP 102 and AP 103 to stop the process of establishing the backhaul link. AP 101 may transmit the stop message only to the agent that has transmitted the backhaul establishment start response message including information indicating that a new backhaul link can be established. Note that, if AP 101 has instructed AP 102 to construct network 108 in order to establish a new backhaul link, AP 101 may instruct AP 102 to stop network 108. After executing S409, AP 101 ends this flow.

[0093] On the other hand, if it is possible to establish a new backhaul link, AP101 determines whether it has received a new backhaul establishment completion message from the target agent (S408). The backhaul establishment completion message received here is the message shown in F324 and F326 in Fig. 3. AP101 only needs to receive the corresponding message from at least one of AP102 and AP103.

[0094] In this embodiment, the AP 101 receives a backhaul establishment start response message, but this is not limited to the above. After transmitting the backhaul establishment start message, the AP 101 may start a timer and determine whether or not a backhaul establishment completion message is received before a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, after executing S405, the processes of S406 and S407 may be skipped and the process of S408 may be executed. In this case, if the backhaul establishment completion message is not received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the AP 101 executes the process of S409, and if the backhaul establishment completion message is received, the AP 101 executes the process of S410.

[0095] AP 101 transmits a backhaul establishment confirmation message to the target agent (at least one of AP 102 and AP 103) (S410). The backhaul establishment confirmation message transmitted in this step is the message shown in F325 and F327 in FIG. 3. This step may be omitted. After performing the processing of this step, AP 101 terminates this flow.

[0096] As shown in Figure 4, the controller controls whether to establish multiple backhaul links between agents, allowing backhaul links to be established while taking into account the impact on other communications within the MAP network.

[0097] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 207 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 206 when the AP 102 establishes multiple backhaul links with the AP 103.

[0098] The AP 102 starts the process of this flowchart when it establishes a new backhaul link with another agent that it controls. Alternatively, the AP 102 may start the process of this flowchart based on an instruction from a user.

[0099] AP102 determines whether it has received a backhaul establishment start message from AP101, which is the controller (S601). The backhaul establishment start message received here is the message shown in F315 in FIG. 3. If AP102 has not received the backhaul establishment start message, it determines this as No and performs the process of S601 again. If AP102 has not received the backhaul establishment start message within a predetermined time period after starting this flow, it ends this flow. On the other hand, if AP102 has received the backhaul establishment start message, it determines this as Yes and performs the process of S602.

[0100] The AP 102 determines whether or not it is possible to establish a new backhaul link in the own device (S602). Details of the determination process have been explained in F316 of FIG. 3 and will not be described here. If it is possible to establish a new backhaul link, the AP 102 determines Yes in this step and performs the process of S603. On the other hand, if it is not possible to establish a new backhaul link, the AP 102 determines No in this step and performs the process of S604.

[0101] If the AP 102 is unable to establish a new backhaul link in its own device, the AP 102 transmits a backhaul establishment start response message including information indicating that the backhaul link cannot be established to the AP 101, which is the controller (S604). After performing the process of S604, the AP 102 ends this flow.

[0102] On the other hand, if the AP 102 can establish a new backhaul link in its own device, the AP 102 transmits a backhaul establishment start response message including information indicating that the backhaul link can be established to the AP 101, which is the controller (S603). The backhaul establishment start response message transmitted here is the message shown in F316 in FIG.

[0103] The AP 102 performs a process of establishing a new backhaul link with the AP 103 (S605). In this embodiment, the AP 101 performs the establishment process with the AP 103 using the WPS method, as shown in F319 to F323 in FIG.

[0104] Next, AP 101 determines whether the establishment of a new backhaul link has been successful (S606). If AP 102 has successfully established a new backhaul link with AP 103, it determines "Yes" in this step and performs processing in S608. On the other hand, if AP 102 has failed to establish a new backhaul link with AP 103, it determines "No" in this step and performs processing in S607.

[0105] If the establishment of a new backhaul link with the AP 103 fails, the AP 102 transmits a backhaul establishment failure message to the AP 101, which is the controller (S607). After performing the process of S607, the AP 102 ends this flow.

[0106] On the other hand, if the establishment of a new backhaul link with AP 103 is successful, AP 102 transmits a backhaul establishment completion message to AP 101, which is the controller (S608). The backhaul establishment completion message transmitted here is the message shown in F324 in FIG.

[0107] Next, AP102 determines whether a backhaul establishment confirmation message has been received from AP101, which is the controller (S609). As described above, the backhaul establishment confirmation message does not have to be sent from AP101, in which case this step is omitted. The backhaul establishment confirmation message received here is the message shown by F325 in FIG. 3. If AP102 does not receive a backhaul establishment confirmation message from AP101, it determines No in this step and performs the process of S609 again. On the other hand, AP102 determines Yes in this step in which it receives a backhaul establishment confirmation message from the controller from AP101, and terminates this flow.

[0108] As described above, Fig. 6 shows the process executed when AP 102 establishes multiple backhaul links with AP 103. This process allows multiple backhaul links to be established between agents based on instructions from the controller.

[0109] 7 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 207 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 206 when the AP 101 stops the backhaul link between the AP 102 and the AP 103. Here, after multiple backhaul links are established between the AP 102 and the AP 103, when the multiple backhaul links are no longer needed between the target agents, the controller stops one of the backhaul links.

[0110] The AP 101 starts the process of this flowchart when multiple backhaul links are established between the AP 102 and the AP 103. Alternatively, the AP 101 may start the process of this flowchart based on an instruction from a user.

[0111] First, AP101 determines whether or not multiple backhaul links are required between predetermined agents (S701). In this step, a process similar to that shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Specifically, AP101 determines whether the communication volume (link utilization rate) of each of the multiple backhaul links established between AP102 and AP103 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The threshold in this step is assumed to be smaller than the threshold in S502. If the communication volume (link utilization rate) of either one of the backhaul links is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, AP101 determines that multiple backhaul links between AP102 and AP103 are not required. On the other hand, if the communication volume (link utilization rate) of both backhaul links is higher than the predetermined threshold, AP101 determines that multiple backhaul links between AP102 and AP103 are required. Alternatively or in addition to this, AP101 may make the determination based on the communication status in the MAP network 111. Specifically, the determination is made based on the communication volume (link utilization rate) of other links in the MAP network 111 that share the same frequency channel as one of the multiple backhaul links established between the AP 102 and the AP 103. If the communication volume (link utilization rate) of the other links is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links between the AP 102 and the AP 103 are unnecessary. On the other hand, if the communication volume (link utilization rate) of the other links is lower than a predetermined threshold, the AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links between the AP 102 and the AP 103 are necessary. Alternatively, the AP 101 may make the determination based on an instruction from a user. Specifically, if the user sets that the execution of multiple backhaul links in the MAP network 111 is not possible, the AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links between the AP 102 and the AP 103 are unnecessary. Alternatively, the AP 101 makes the determination in the same manner when the user instructs the termination of the multiple backhaul links between the AP 102 and the AP 103.

[0112] Alternatively, when multiple backhaul links are established between agents for the purpose of backing up the backhaul links, the determination may be made based on the radio wave conditions of the backhaul links used for the main purpose. Specifically, when the RSSI of the backhaul links used for the main purpose is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, AP101 determines that multiple backhaul links between AP102 and AP103 are unnecessary. On the other hand, when the RSSI of the backhaul links used for the main purpose is lower than a predetermined threshold, AP101 determines that multiple backhaul links between AP102 and AP103 are necessary.

[0113] Based on the result of the determination made in S701, AP101 determines whether multiple backhaul links are necessary between predetermined agents (S702). If it is determined in S701 that multiple backhaul links are necessary between AP102 and AP103, then this step is determined as Yes, and this flow ends. As a result, the multiple backhaul links between AP102 and AP103 are maintained. On the other hand, if it is determined in S701 that multiple backhaul links are not necessary, then this step is determined as No, and AP101 performs the process of S703.

[0114] The AP101 transmits a stop message to a predetermined agent (at least one of the AP102 and the AP103) to instruct the target backhaul link to be stopped (S703). The backhaul link to be stopped here is the one whose communication volume (link utilization rate) is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold in S701. When the communication volume (link utilization rate) of both backhaul links is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, which backhaul link is to be stopped may be preset in the AP101. In this case, the AP101 may determine based on the frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) in which the backhaul link is established, or may determine to leave the one with the larger communication volume (link utilization rate). Alternatively, which backhaul link is to be left may be selected by the user. It is assumed that the stop message is transmitted via a backhaul link different from the backhaul link to be stopped. After executing the process of S703, the AP101 ends this flow.

[0115] At least one of AP102 and AP103 stops the corresponding backhaul link when it receives a stop message from AP101. AP102, which configures network 108 in which the corresponding backhaul link is established, may stop network 108 when no other communication is being performed on network 108. AP102 may autonomously stop network 108, or AP101 may instruct AP102 to stop network 108.

[0116] As mentioned above, Figure 7 shows a method for stopping one of the backhaul links by control by the controller when multiple backhaul links between agents are no longer needed. The controller can control multiple backhaul links between agents according to changes in the traffic volume in the backhaul links and changes in the communication conditions within the MAP network.

[0117] In this embodiment, the WPS method is used when establishing a backhaul link, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the DPP method may also be used. In the DPP method, communication parameters are shared in a method that complies with the Wi-Fi DPP standard. In the communication parameter sharing process that complies with the Wi-Fi DPP standard, a device that provides communication parameters is called a Configurator, and a device that acquires communication parameters is called an Enrollee. The Enrollee can join the network using the communication parameters acquired from the Configurator. The Configurator can provide communication parameters not only to the STA but also to the AP, thereby causing the AP to build a network that uses the provided communication parameters.

[0118] Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process executed when AP102 and AP103 establish multiple backhaul links using the DPP method. In this embodiment, AP101 operates as a Configurator, and AP102 and AP103 operate as Enrollees. In addition, when the sequence in Fig. 8 is started, AP101 and AP102 have already shared communication parameters using the DPP method, and AP102 has joined the network 106 established by AP101.

[0119] First, the AP 102 transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration Search message (F801) to search for a controller within the MAP network 111. This process is similar to F301 in FIG.

[0120] When the AP 101 receives the search signal from the AP 102, the AP 101, operating as the controller, transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration Response message to the AP 102 (F802). This process is similar to F302 in FIG.

[0121] In FIG. 3, since the WPS method is used, AP-Autoconfiguration WSC messages are transmitted and received between AP101 and AP102, and between AP101 and AP103 (F303, F304, F312, and F313 in FIG. 3). However, when the DPP method is used, the transmission and reception of such messages is not necessary. Therefore, in this process, a message including capability information regarding wireless communication of AP102 and AP103, and information regarding a wireless I / F and a BSS in which other APs can participate is transmitted instead of a WSC message. Alternatively, such information may be included in an AP-Autoconfiguration Search message transmitted from AP102 or AP103. Alternatively, AP101 may transmit a query message for requesting acquisition of such information, and AP102 and AP103 may transmit a response message to the query message including the relevant information.

[0122] Next, in order for the AP 103 to newly establish a backhaul link with the AP 102, first, a DPP sharing process is performed between the AP 101 and the AP 103 (F803). The DPP sharing process includes a bootstrapping process, an authentication process, and a configuration process.

[0123] First, AP 101 and AP 103 perform a bootstrap processing. In the bootstrap processing, public key information is shared between the Configurator and the Enrollee. Specifically, the Configurator uses a camera function to capture the public key information included in a QR code (registered trademark) associated with the Enrollee, and shares the captured image. Without being limited to this, the public key information may be shared by Bluetooth communication or NFC communication. Alternatively, the public key information may be shared by a PKEX method in which the Configurator and the Enrollee share the public key information using a common character string.

[0124] Next, the AP 101 and the AP 103 perform authentication processing. Authentication processing is processing performed between the Configurator and the Enrollee. In this processing, the Configurator and the Enrollee exchange frames of authentication request, authentication response, and authentication confirmation to authenticate the other device.

[0125] Next, the AP 101 and the AP 103 perform a configuration process. In the configuration process, a connector, which is a communication parameter, is provided from the Configurator to the Enrollee. The connector is various information used in the authentication protocol and key exchange algorithm defined by the Wi-Fi DPP standard. In this embodiment, the connector is information for participating in the network 107 constructed by the AP 102. In the configuration process, the information provided by the AP 101 may include information for identifying the connection destination using communication parameters, such as the SSID of the AP to be connected to.

[0126] The AP 103 performs DPP connection processing (F804) using the Connector acquired from the AP 101. Specifically, the AP 103 uses the acquired Connector to join the network 107 established by the AP 102 and establish a backhaul link.

[0127] The AP 103 transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration Search message to the AP 101 (F805). In response to this, the AP 101 transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration Response message to the AP 103 (F806). Note that these processes are similar to F310 and F311 in Fig. 3. Also, similar to the processes of F801 and F802, the capability information regarding wireless communication of the AP 103 and the information regarding the wireless I / F and the BSS in which other APs can participate may be transmitted in F805 or may be transmitted using a separate message.

[0128] The AP 101 determines whether to establish multiple backhaul links between the AP 102 and the AP 103 (F807). This process is similar to F314 in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the AP 101 determines to establish multiple backhaul links between the AP 102 and the AP 103.

[0129] F808 to F811 in Fig. 8 are similar processes to F315 to F318 in Fig. 3. Note that in this process, it is assumed that the backhaul establishment start message (F808, F810) includes information instructing the establishment of a new backhaul link in the DPP method.

[0130] AP102 and AP103 execute DPP sharing processing to establish a new backhaul link (F812). The processing executed here is the same as that executed in F803. Note that the Connector provided by AP101 in F812 is a communication parameter for participating in the network 108 constructed by AP102. Note that, since AP102 and AP103 have already executed DPP sharing processing in F803, processing that can be omitted may be omitted. Specifically, Bootstrapping processing may be omitted. Alternatively, Bootstrapping processing and Authentication processing may be omitted, and only Configuration processing may be executed.

[0131] The AP 103 performs DPP connection processing (F813) using the Connector acquired in F812. This enables the AP 103 to join the network 108 of the AP 102 and establish a second backhaul link with the AP 102.

[0132] The processing from F814 to F817 in FIG. 8 is similar to the processing from F324 to F327 in FIG.

[0133] As described above, as shown in FIG. 8, AP102 and AP103 can perform onboarding processing by the DPP method. In FIG. 8, the DPP sharing processing (F812) is performed again when establishing multiple backhaul links. However, this is not limited to the above, and all Connectors used to establish the backhaul links may be provided in the initial DPP sharing processing (F803). Specifically, in F803, AP101 may provide AP103 with Connectors for participating in both networks 107 and 108 established by AP102. In this case, when AP101 transmits a backhaul establishment start message to AP102 and AP103, the message may include information specifying which connector is to be used to establish the backhaul link. AP103 omits the processing of F812.

[0134] In the present embodiment, a case where multiple APs are connected via a wireless network and perform wireless communication has been described, but this is not limiting, and at least some APs may be connected to each other via a wired network and perform wired communication. In addition, when multiple backhaul links are established, one may be established via wired communication and the other via wireless communication.

[0135] Also, when a device with which the AP 101, AP 102, and AP 103 share communication parameters supports both the WPS method and the DPP method, the AP 101, AP 102, and AP 103 may select the DPP method with higher security. Alternatively, the AP 101, AP 102, and AP 103 may select which sharing process to perform by user selection. Alternatively, when a device with which the AP 101, AP 102, and AP 103 share communication parameters supports only one method, the AP 101, AP 102, and AP 103 select the method.

[0136] At least a part or all of the flowcharts of AP101 and AP102 shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 may be realized by hardware. When the flowcharts are realized by hardware, for example, a specific compiler may be used to generate a dedicated circuit on an FPGA from a computer program for realizing each step, and this may be used. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array. Also, a gate array circuit may be formed in the same manner as an FPGA, and the hardware may be realized. Also, the hardware may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Also, each step of the flowcharts shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 may be distributed and performed by multiple CPUs or devices (not shown). The same applies to the sequences in FIG. 3 and FIG. 8.

[0137] Although the embodiments have been described above in detail, the present invention can be embodied as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a recording medium (storage medium), etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, an imaging device, a web application, etc.), or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

[0138] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 101 AP 102 AP 103 AP 104 STA 105 STA 106 Network 107 Network 108 Network 109 Network 110WAN 111 MAP Network

Claims

1. 1. A communication device, comprising: a communication control means for controlling transmission of an association request to an access point device, the association request including information elements related to the establishment of a plurality of links using different frequencies, the association request being in compliance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standard; a communication control means for controlling a communication device to establish multiple links using different frequencies with the access point device after receiving an Association Response that conforms to the IEEE 802.11 series standard and includes information elements related to the establishment of multiple links, the Association Response being transmitted by the access point device in response to the Association Request.

2. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of links includes a first link established using a first frequency band and a second link established using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

3. 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the first frequency band is a 2.4 GHz band, and the second frequency band is a 5 GHz band.

4. a first wireless communication interface for communication using a first frequency band and a second wireless communication interface for communication using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; the communication device configures a first network using the first frequency band and a second network using the second frequency band; A first link of the plurality of links is a communication link in a first network and a second link of the plurality of links is a communication link in a second network.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to the first and second inputs.

5. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the association request is transmitted to one of the access point devices.

6. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the association response includes information indicating that the access point device is capable of establishing a plurality of links.

7. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the communication device has at least one processing circuit, and the at least one processing circuit executes an instruction to cause the processing circuit itself to function as the communication control means.

8. 8. The communication device of claim 7, wherein the at least one processing circuit includes a central processing unit (CPU).

9. 7. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one integrated circuit, said at least one integrated circuit functioning as said communication control means.

10. 10. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the at least one integrated circuit is an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

11. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication device functions as an access point.

12. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the communication device is a communication device that supports Wi-Fi EasyMesh (registered trademark).

13. 1. A communication device, comprising: The communication device has a communication control means for controlling reception of an association request from another communication device, the association request including an information element related to the establishment of a plurality of links using different frequencies, the association request being compliant with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standard; the communication control means further controls the other communication device that has transmitted the Association Request to transmit an Association Response that conforms to the IEEE 802.11 series standard and includes information elements related to the establishment of a plurality of links; A communication device, characterized in that after said communication control means transmits said Association Response, a plurality of links using different frequencies are established between said other communication device and said communication device.

14. 14. The communication device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of links includes a first link established using a first frequency band and a second link established using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

15. 15. The communication device of claim 14, wherein the first frequency band is a 2.4 GHz band and the second frequency band is a 5 GHz band.

16. a first wireless communication interface for communication using a first frequency band and a second wireless communication interface for communication using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; the communication device configures a first network using the first frequency band and a second network using the second frequency band; A first link of the plurality of links is a communication link in a first network and a second link of the plurality of links is a communication link in a second network.

16. A communication device according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. 17. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the Association Request is transmitted to the communication device.

18. 18. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the Association Response includes information indicating that the communication device is capable of establishing a plurality of links.

19. 19. The communication device according to claim 13, further comprising at least one processing circuit, the at least one processing circuit executing an instruction to cause the processing circuit itself to function as a communication control means.

20. 20. The communication device of claim 19, wherein the at least one processing circuit includes a central processing unit (CPU).

21. 19. The communication device according to claim 13, further comprising at least one integrated circuit, the at least one integrated circuit functioning as the communication control unit.

22. 22. The communication device of claim 21, wherein the at least one integrated circuit is an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

23. The communication device according to any one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that the communication device functions as an access point.

24. The communication device according to any one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in that the communication device is a communication device that supports Wi-Fi EasyMesh (registered trademark).

25. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: a first communication control step of controlling an association request to be transmitted to an access point device, the association request including an information element related to the establishment of a plurality of links using different frequencies, in compliance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standard; and a second communication control step of controlling the access point device to establish multiple links using different frequencies after receiving an Association Response that conforms to the IEEE 802.11 series standard and includes information elements related to the establishment of multiple links, the Association Response being transmitted by at least the access point device in response to the Association Request.

26. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: a first communication control step of controlling reception of an association request from another communication device, the association request including an information element related to establishment of a plurality of links using different frequencies, in compliance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standard; a second communication control step of controlling the communication device to transmit an Association Response conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series standard and including information elements related to the establishment of a plurality of links to the other communication device that has transmitted the Association Request; a control method comprising: after the association response is transmitted by the second communication control step, a plurality of links using different frequencies are established between the other communication device and the communication device.

27. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling a communication device according to claim 25 or 26.

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