Base station and wireless terminal device

Abstract

A base station according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first wireless signal processing unit; a second wireless signal processing unit; and a link management unit. The link management unit establishes a multilink with a first wireless terminal device by using the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit. The link management unit can set the multilink to at least a first operation mode, and sets each of the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit to an intermittent operation mode in the first operation mode. In a case where the multilink is in the first operation mode, when first data destined to the first wireless terminal device has been inputted, the link management unit causes at least one of the wireless signal processing units associated with a traffic identifier added to the first data to transmit a beacon signal including information indicating that the first data is buffered.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments relate to a base station and a wireless terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is known as an information communication system that wirelessly connects a base station and wireless terminal devices. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] IEEE Std 802.11-2016, “9.3.3.3 Beacon frame format” and “11.1 Synchronization”, 7 December 2016 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The challenge is to improve the reliability of data communication during multi-link power saving operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A base station according to an embodiment includes a first wireless signal processing unit, a second wireless signal processing unit, and a link management unit. The link management unit establishes a multilink with a first wireless terminal device using the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit. The link management unit can at least set the multilink to a first operation mode, and sets each of the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit to an intermittent operation mode in the first operation mode. When the multilink is set to the first operation mode, the link management unit causes at least one wireless signal processing unit associated with a traffic identifier added to the first data to transmit a beacon signal including information indicating that the first data is buffered when first data addressed to the first wireless terminal device is input. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The base station according to the embodiment can improve the efficiency of data communication during the power save operation of the multilink. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of frequency bands used in wireless communication in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of a link state between the base station and the wireless terminal device included in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a base station included in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a wireless terminal device included in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a base station included in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a wireless terminal device included in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an architecture of a MAC layer in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a transmission operation of the base station included in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a format of a beacon signal used during multi-link power save in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a receiving operation of a wireless terminal device included in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of a method for transmitting and receiving traffic in the normal operation mode of the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of a traffic transmission / reception method during multilink power save in the information communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a receiving operation of a wireless terminal device included in an information communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of a method for transmitting and receiving traffic using a link in a power saving state in an information communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a transmission operation of the base station included in the information communication system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an information communication system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment illustrates an apparatus or method for embodying the technical idea of ​​the invention. The drawings are schematic or conceptual. In the following, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals. The numbers following the letters constituting the reference numerals are used to distinguish between elements that are referred to by reference numerals containing the same letters and have similar configurations. Similarly, the letters and "hyphen + number" following the numbers constituting the reference numerals are used to distinguish between elements that are referred to by reference numerals containing the same numbers and have similar configurations. When it is not necessary to distinguish between elements indicated by reference numerals containing the same letters or numbers, these elements are referred to by reference numerals containing only letters or numbers.

[0009] <1> First embodiment The information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0010] <1-1> Configuration <1-1-1> Overall composition Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information communication system 1 includes, for example, an access point AP, at least one wireless terminal apparatus WTA, and a server SV.

[0011] The base station AP is a wireless LAN access point or a wireless LAN router, and is configured to be connectable to the network NW. The base station AP is also configured to be wirelessly connectable to one or more wireless terminal devices WTA using one type of band or multiple types of bands. The base station AP may be wirelessly connected to a wireless repeater (in other words, a wireless range extender, a relay station, a repeater), or may be wirelessly connected to both the wireless terminal device WTA and the wireless repeater.

[0012] The wireless terminal device WTA is a wireless terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. The wireless terminal device WTA is configured to be wirelessly connectable to the base station AP. The base station AP identifies a plurality of wirelessly connected wireless terminal devices WTA by terminal identifiers AID. In this example, a wireless terminal device WTA with AID=#1 and a wireless terminal device WTA with AID=#2 are connected to the base station AP. The wireless terminal device WTA may be other electronic devices such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer.

[0013] The server SV is a computer that is configured to be connectable to the network NW and is configured to be able to communicate with the base station AP via the network NW. The server SV stores, for example, data of content intended for the wireless terminal device WTA. The server SV can transmit and receive data to and from the wireless terminal device WTA via the base station AP. Note that the communication between the base station AP and the server SV may use wireless communication, or a combination of wireless communication and wired communication.

[0014] The wireless communication between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA complies with the IEEE802.11 standard. The IEEE802.11 standard specifies the first and second MAC sublayers of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model. In the OSI reference model, communication functions are divided into seven layers (first layer: physical layer, second layer: data link layer, third layer: network layer, fourth layer: transport layer, fifth layer: session layer, sixth layer: presentation layer, seventh layer: application layer). The data link layer includes an LLC (Logical Link Control) layer and a MAC (Media Access Control) layer. The LLC layer forms an LLC packet by adding a DSAP (Destination Service Access Point) header and an SSAP (Source Service Access Point) header to data input from an upper application. The MAC layer forms a MAC frame by adding a MAC header to the LLC packet. This explanation focuses on the processing of the MAC sublayers of layers 1 and 2 defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard, and omits explanations of the processing of other layers.

[0015] In addition, a multilink may be used for the wireless connection between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA. The multilink is a wireless connection capable of transmitting and receiving data using multiple links. In a pair of a wirelessly connected base station AP and a wireless terminal device WTA, one operates as a transmitting station and the other operates as a receiving station. The transmitting station may transmit a wireless signal including data input from a higher-level application using at least one link constituting the multilink. The receiving station may receive the wireless signal transmitted by the transmitting station and restore the data included in the wireless signal using at least one link constituting the multilink. In this specification, a case will be described in which the base station AP operates as a transmitting station and the wireless terminal device WTA operates as a receiving station.

[0016] (Frequency bands used by the base station AP and wireless terminal device WTA) FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of frequency bands used in wireless communication in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band are used in wireless communication between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA. Each frequency band includes multiple channels. Specifically, it is assumed that each of the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band includes three channels CH1, CH2, and CH3. Note that frequency bands other than the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band may be used in wireless communication, and at least one channel CH may be assigned to each frequency band. In a multilink, two or more channels CH are used. The multiple channels CH used in a multilink may be the same frequency band or different frequency bands.

[0017] (Example of link state) FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of a link state of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA included in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The table is provided, for example, in a link management unit of the base station AP. The base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA manage the link state by using, for example, the table shown in FIG. 3. Hereinafter, the table for managing the state of the multilink is called "link management information." The base station AP may have link management information for each AID of the wireless terminal device WTA, or may manage the link state for each of a plurality of AIDs with one link management information. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the link management information associated with AID=#1 includes information on "STA function," "link," "frequency band," "channel ID," "multilink," "TID (Traffic IDentifier)," and "status."

[0018] The STA function is a radio signal processing unit provided in each of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA, and the STA functions of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA are paired to form one link. Each STA function may use one or more channels, but in this embodiment, it is described as using one channel. Each of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA may have multiple STA functions. "STA function (Link ID)" in FIG. 3 indicates the STA function assigned between the wireless terminal device WTA that has established a link. In this example, three STA functions (STA1, STA2, and STA3) are assigned to wireless communication between the wireless terminal device WTA with AID=#1 and the base station AP. Then, STA1, STA2, and STA3 of the base station AP are associated with STA1, STA2, and STA3 of the wireless terminal device WTA, respectively.

[0019] The "frequency band" and "channel ID" in FIG. 3 indicate the frequency band and channel ID used for the link, respectively. In the "multi-link" in FIG. 3, the STA function with "○" attached indicates that the link is used for the multi-link. Specifically, STA1 of each of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA is associated with channel CH1 in the 6 GHz band. STA2 of each of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA is associated with channel CH2 in the 5 GHz band. STA1 and STA2 of each of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA are in a linked state and have established a multi-link. STA3 of each of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA is associated with the 2.4 GHz band and is in an unlinked state.

[0020] A TID is an identifier indicating a type of traffic (data). Each STA function transmits and receives traffic of a TID assigned to itself. Examples of types of traffic include "VO (Voice)", "VI (Video)", "BE (Best Effort)", and "BK (Background)". "TID" in FIG. 3 indicates a type of traffic assigned to a link. In a multi-link, one STA function may be assigned to one TID, or multiple STA functions may be assigned to one TID. In this example, TID#1 is assigned to STA1 and STA2 of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA, respectively. TID#2 is assigned to STA1 of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA, respectively. TID#3 is assigned to STA2 of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA, respectively. Each of TID#1 to #3 corresponds to one of VO, VI, BE, and BK.

[0021] The traffic and the STA function are associated when a multilink between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA is established. For example, the association between the traffic and the STA function is set so that the traffic volume (data volume) is equal among the multiple links constituting the multilink. Without being limited to this, traffic of similar types (priority / non-priority, etc.) may be collected in a specific link constituting the multilink. It is preferable that the frequency band allocated to the transmission and reception of the traffic is selected according to the type and data volume of the traffic. For example, it is considered to associate voice (VO), which has a small data volume, with the 2.4 GHz frequency band, and video (VI), which has a large data volume, with the 5 GHz frequency band.

[0022] "Status" in FIG. 3 indicates the status of the STA function. Examples of the status of the STA function include "active mode", "intermittent operation mode", and "dormant mode". The active mode corresponds to a state in which the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA maintains an awake state and is therefore capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals at any time. The intermittent operation mode corresponds to a state in which the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA operates intermittently by repeating an awake state and a doze state. The dormant mode corresponds to a state in which the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA maintains a doze state and is therefore unable to transmit or receive wireless signals. The dormant mode may be considered to be a case in which the resumption deadline (the period in which the awake state is set) is not set in the intermittent operation mode. The awake state corresponds to a state in which wireless signals can be transmitted and received. The doze state corresponds to a state in which wireless signals cannot be transmitted or received. In the doze state, the supply of power to a circuit related to the STA function is appropriately cut off. For this reason, the power consumption of the STA function decreases in the order of active mode, intermittent operation mode, and dormant mode.

[0023] In the information communication system 1, the base station AP can set the established multilink to normal operation mode or multilink power save. A multilink in normal operation mode is composed of an STA function (link) in active mode. A multilink power save is composed of at least one link in active mode or intermittent operation mode, and other links set to intermittent operation mode or dormant mode. Note that there may also be links (disabled links) that can be used for communication between the base station AP or the wireless terminal device WTA but are not included in the link set of the multilink between them.

[0024] <1-1-2> Hardware configuration The hardware configurations of the base station AP and the wireless terminal WTA will be described below.

[0025] (Base station AP hardware configuration) Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the base station AP included in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the base station AP includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a wireless communication module 13, and a wired communication module 14.

[0026] The CPU 10 is an integrated circuit capable of executing various programs, and controls the overall operation of the base station AP. The ROM 11 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and stores programs and control data for controlling the base station AP. The RAM 12 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory, and is used as a working area for the CPU 10. The wireless communication module 13 is a circuit used for transmitting and receiving data by wireless signals, and is configured to be connectable to an antenna. The wireless communication module 13 may include a plurality of communication modules corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands. The wired communication module 14 is a circuit used for transmitting and receiving data by wired signals, and is configured to be connectable to a network NW. The base station AP may have other hardware configurations. For example, when the base station AP is wirelessly connected to the network NW, the wired communication module 14 may be omitted from the base station AP.

[0027] (Hardware configuration of wireless terminal device WTA) 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the wireless terminal device WTA included in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the wireless terminal device WTA includes, for example, a CPU 20, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, a wireless communication module 23, a display 24, and a storage 25.

[0028] The CPU 20 is an integrated circuit capable of executing various programs, and controls the overall operation of the wireless terminal device WTA. The ROM 21 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and stores programs and control data for controlling the wireless terminal device WTA. The RAM 22 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory, and is used as a working area for the CPU 20. The wireless communication module 23 is a circuit used for transmitting and receiving data by wireless signals, and is configured to be connectable to an antenna. The wireless communication module 23 may include, for example, a plurality of communication modules corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands. The display 24 displays, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) corresponding to application software. The display 24 may have a function as an input interface for the wireless terminal device WTA. The storage 25 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores, for example, system software of the wireless terminal device WTA. The wireless terminal device WTA may have other hardware configurations. For example, when the wireless terminal device WTA is an IoT (Internet of Things) terminal or the like, the display 24 may be omitted from the wireless terminal device WTA.

[0029] <1-1-3> Functional configuration The functional configurations of the base station AP and the wireless terminal WTA will be described below.

[0030] (Functional configuration of base station AP) 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a base station AP included in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The base station AP includes, for example, a data processing unit 30a, a MAC frame processing unit 40a, a management unit 50a, and wireless signal processing units 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a. The processing of the data processing unit 30a, the MAC frame processing unit 40a, the management unit 50a, and the wireless signal processing units 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a is realized, for example, by the CPU 10 and the wireless communication module 13.

[0031] The data processing unit 30a may execute LLC layer and upper layer processing on the input data. When the base station AP is a transmitting station, the data processing unit 30a inputs data input from the server SV via the network NW to the MAC frame processing unit 40a. When the base station AP is a receiving station, the data processing unit 30a transmits data input from the MAC frame processing unit 40a to the server SV via the network NW.

[0032] The MAC frame processing unit 40a executes part of the MAC layer processing for the input data. When the base station AP is a transmitting station, the MAC frame processing unit 40a generates a MAC frame from the data input from the data processing unit 30a. When the base station AP is a receiving station, the MAC frame processing unit 40a restores data from the MAC frames input from each of the wireless signal processing units 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a. The MAC frame processing unit 40a can also execute processing based on instructions from the management unit 50a and exchange information with the management unit 50a.

[0033] The management unit 50a manages the link state with the wireless terminal device WTA based on the notification received from the wireless signal processing units 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a via the MAC frame processing unit 40a. The management unit 50a includes link management information 51a, an association processing unit 52a, and an authentication processing unit 53a. The link management information 51a is stored in, for example, the RAM 12, and includes information on the wireless terminal device WTA to which the base station AP is wirelessly connected. When the association processing unit 52a receives a connection request from the wireless terminal device WTA via any of the wireless signal processing units 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a, it executes a protocol related to association. Following the connection request, the authentication processing unit 53a executes a protocol related to authentication.

[0034] Each of the wireless signal processors 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a transmits and receives data between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA by wireless communication. Specifically, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a may execute a part of the MAC layer processing and the first layer processing on the input data or wireless signal. When the base station AP is a transmitting station, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a creates a wireless frame by adding a preamble, a PHY (physical layer) header, and the like to the data input from the MAC frame processor 40a. Then, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a converts the wireless frame into a wireless signal and distributes the converted wireless signal via the antenna of the base station AP. When the base station AP is a receiving station, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a converts the wireless signal received via the antenna of the base station AP into a wireless frame. Then, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a inputs the data included in the wireless frame to the MAC frame processor 40a. The wireless signal processors 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a may or may not share the antenna of the base station AP. In this example, the wireless signal processors 60-1a, 60-2a, and 60-3a handle wireless signals in the 6 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 2.4 GHz band, respectively. That is, the wireless signal processors 60-1a, 60-2b, and 60-3b correspond to the STA1, STA2, and STA3 of the base station AP, respectively.

[0035] Hereinafter, a set of the data processing unit 30a, the MAC frame processing unit 40a, and the management unit 50a provided in the base station AP is called a "link management unit LM1". When establishing a multi-link between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA, the link management unit LM1 can determine the correspondence between traffic and STA functions. The link management unit LM1 manages the state (active, intermittent operation, operation suspension) of the STA function of the wirelessly connected wireless terminal device WTA for each AID. In addition, the link management unit LM buffers data for each TID of each wireless terminal device WTA, that is, stores data for each TID in a buffer memory (for example, RAM 12). When the link management unit LM1 acquires data from a higher level, it transmits the data using a link of any of the STA functions constituting the multi-link. The link management unit LM1 may correspond the STA function that transmits the data to each TID (traffic flow), or may correspond one traffic flow to multiple STA functions and distribute the data to multiple STA functions.

[0036] (Functional configuration of wireless terminal device WTA) Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the wireless terminal device WTA included in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the wireless terminal device WTA includes, for example, a data processing unit 30b, a MAC frame processing unit 40b, a management unit 50b, wireless signal processing units 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b, and an application execution unit 70. The processing of the data processing unit 30b, the MAC frame processing unit 40b, the management unit 50b, and the wireless signal processing units 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b is realized, for example, by the CPU 20 and the wireless communication module 23. The processing of the application execution unit 70 is realized, for example, by the CPU 20.

[0037] The data processing unit 30b may execute LLC layer and upper layer processing on the input data. When the wireless terminal device WTA is a transmitting station, the data processing unit 30b inputs the data input from the application execution unit 70 to the MAC frame processing unit 40b. When the wireless terminal device WTA is a receiving station, the data processing unit 30b inputs the data input from the MAC frame processing unit 40b to the application execution unit 70.

[0038] The MAC frame processing unit 40b executes a part of the MAC layer processing for the input data. When the wireless terminal device WTA is a transmitting station, the MAC frame processing unit 40b generates a MAC frame from the data input from the data processing unit 30b. When the wireless terminal device WTA is a receiving station, the MAC frame processing unit 40b restores data from the MAC frames input from each of the wireless signal processing units 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b. The MAC frame processing unit 40b can also execute processing based on instructions from the management unit 50b and exchange information with the management unit 50b.

[0039] The management unit 50b manages the link state with the base station AP based on the notification received from the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b via the MAC frame processor 40b. The management unit 50b includes link management information 51b, an association processor 52b, and an authentication processor 53b. The link management information 51b is stored in, for example, the RAM 22, and includes information on the base station AP to which the wireless terminal device WTA is wirelessly connected. When the association processor 52b receives a connection request from the wireless terminal device WTA via any of the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b, it executes a protocol related to association. Following the connection request, the authentication processor 53b executes a protocol related to authentication.

[0040] Each of the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b transmits and receives data between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA by wireless communication. Specifically, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b can execute a part of the MAC layer processing and the first layer processing on the input data or wireless signal. More specifically, when the wireless terminal device WTA is a transmitting station, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b adds a preamble, a PHY header, and the like to the data input from the MAC frame processor 40b to create a wireless frame. Then, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b converts the wireless frame into a wireless signal and distributes the converted wireless signal via the antenna of the wireless terminal device WTA. When the wireless terminal device WTA is a receiving station, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b converts a wireless signal received via an antenna of the wireless terminal device WTA into a wireless frame. Then, each of the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b inputs data included in the wireless frame to the MAC frame processor 40b. The wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b may or may not share the antenna of the wireless terminal device WTA. In this example, the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b handle wireless signals in the 6 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 2.4 GHz band, respectively. That is, the wireless signal processors 60-1b, 60-2b, and 60-3b correspond to the STA1, STA2, and STA3 of the wireless terminal device WTA, respectively.

[0041] The application execution unit 70 executes an application capable of using data input from the data processing unit 30b. Then, the application execution unit 70 inputs data to the data processing unit 30b and acquires data from the data processing unit 30b in accordance with the operation of the application. The application execution unit 70 can display information of the application on the display 24. Also, the application execution unit 70 can execute processing in accordance with operations via an input interface.

[0042] Hereinafter, the set of the data processing unit 30b, the MAC frame processing unit 40b, and the management unit 50b included in the wireless terminal device WTA will be referred to as the "link management unit LM2." When establishing a multi-link between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA, the link management unit LM2 can determine the correspondence between the traffic and the STA function. For example, when setting up a multi-link, the link management unit LM2 determines the correspondence between the traffic and the STA function, and requests the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP to apply the correspondence. Then, when the wireless terminal device WTA receives an acknowledgment to the request from the base station AP, the correspondence between the traffic and the STA function is determined.

[0043] <1-2> Operation Below, an overview of the MAC layer architecture will be described, and then operations of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA in the information communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0044] <1-2-1>MAC layer architecture Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a MAC layer architecture in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The left side of Fig. 8 shows an example of a MAC layer architecture in a base station AP (transmitting station). The right side of Fig. 8 shows an example of a MAC layer architecture in a wireless terminal device WTA (receiving station).

[0045] (Base station AP processing) As shown on the left side of FIG. 8, when the base station AP completes the processing in the LLC layer for data to be transmitted, it sequentially executes the processing of steps S10 to S15 in the MAC layer.

[0046] In the process of step S10, the link management unit LM1 (MAC frame processing unit 40a) of the base station AP executes A-MSDU aggregation. A-MSDU aggregation is a process of combining multiple MSDUs (MAC Service Data Units) input from the LLC layer to create one A-MSDU. An MSDU is a unit of data handled in the LLC layer. When multiple MSDUs have the same receiving station address and the same TID, the MAC frame processing unit 40a can create an A-MSDU using the multiple MSDUs.

[0047] In the process of step S11, the MAC frame processing unit 40a assigns one sequence number SN to one A-MSDU. The MAC frame processing unit 40a may manage the sequence number SN for each TID, or may manage it collectively for multiple TIDs. The sequence number SN is used to identify the part of data that the wireless terminal device WTA (receiving station) has successfully received.

[0048] In the process of step S12, the MAC frame processing unit 40a executes fragmentation for one A-MSDU. Fragmentation is a process of fragmenting (dividing) the A-MSDU. Each of the fragmented A-MSDUs corresponds to an MPDU.

[0049] In the process of step S13, the MAC frame processing unit 40a performs MPDU encryption on each MPDU. The MPDU encryption is a process for encrypting the MPDU. The encrypted MPDU is configured to be decryptable between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA to which the association has been established.

[0050] In the process of step S14, the STA function (wireless signal processor 60) of the base station AP adds a MAC header and an error detection code to the encrypted MPDU. The MAC header includes destination and source MAC addresses, an Ethertype field, and the like. The error detection code is used to detect errors in the data received by the receiving station. For example, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) is used as the error detection code.

[0051] In the process of step S15, the STA function of the base station AP executes A-MPDU aggregation. The A-MPDU aggregation is a process of generating one A-MPDU by combining multiple MPDUs. The generated A-MPDU is input to the physical layer.

[0052] As described above, in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment, the processes of steps S10 to S13 are executed by the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP (transmitting station), and the processes of steps S14 and S15 are executed by each STA function of the base station AP. Note that the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP may add a header including a sequence number SN to the MPDU to configure a data frame. That is, the process of step S14 may be executed by the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP.

[0053] (Processing of wireless terminal device WTA) As shown on the right side of FIG. 8, when the wireless terminal device WTA (receiving station) completes the physical layer processing for the received wireless signal, it sequentially executes the processing of steps S20 to S26 in the MAC layer.

[0054] In the process of step S20, the STA function (wireless signal processing unit 60) of the wireless terminal device WTA executes A-MPDU deaggregation. The A-MPDU deaggregation is a process of deaggregating (dividing) the A-MPDU input from the physical layer into MPDU units.

[0055] In the process of step S21, the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA executes error detection. The error detection is a process of detecting an error in the received data by using an error detection code (for example, CRC). The error detection in step S21 is executed for each MPDU.

[0056] In the process of step S22, the STA function of the wireless terminal apparatus WTA checks the reception status. Specifically, the STA function of the wireless terminal apparatus WTA judges whether the reception of the data (MPDU) is successful or not based on the success or failure of the error detection. If no error is detected, that is, if the data reception is successful, the STA function of the wireless terminal apparatus WTA executes the next process using the data. On the other hand, if an error is detected, the STA function of the wireless terminal apparatus WTA discards the data in which the error was detected.

[0057] In the process of step S23, the link management unit LM2 (MAC frame processing unit 40b) of the wireless terminal device WTA executes MPDU decoding. The MPDU decoding is a process of decoding the encrypted MPDU. The MPDU decoding is successful when the data is communicated between the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA to which the association has been established.

[0058] In step S24, the MAC frame processing unit 40b executes a reordering process on the decoded MPDUs. The reordering process is a process of reordering the MPDUs that have been successfully received in order of sequence numbers SN.

[0059] In the process of step S25, the MAC frame processing unit 40b defragments the rearranged MPDU. Defragmentation is a process of recovering the A-MSDU by combining a plurality of MPDUs.

[0060] In the process of step S26, the MAC frame processing unit 40b executes A-MSDU deaggregation. The A-MSDU deaggregation is a process of dividing the restored A-MSDU into MSDU units. The divided A-MSDUs are input to the LLC layer.

[0061] As described above, in the information communication system 1 of the first embodiment, the processing of steps S20 to S22 is executed by each STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA (receiving station), and the processing of steps S23 to S26 is executed by the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA.

[0062] <1-2-2> Transmission operation of the base station AP (transmitter) 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a transmission operation of the base station AP (transmitting station) included in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The transmission operation of the base station AP will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0063] When the data processed via the data processing unit 30a is input to the MAC frame processing unit 40a, the base station AP starts the series of processes in FIG. 9 (START).

[0064] First, the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP buffers the input data (step S30). In other words, when data is input from the LLC layer, the MAC frame processing unit 40a of the link management unit LM1 stores the data in a buffer memory.

[0065] Next, the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP acquires a link corresponding to the TID of the input data (step S31). Specifically, the management unit 50a of the link management unit LM1 refers to the "TID" of the link management information 51a corresponding to the AID of the transmission destination (destination) of the input data, and acquires a link associated with the TID of the input data, for example, by mapping.

[0066] Next, the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP checks whether all links are in power save operation (step S32). Specifically, the management unit 50a checks the status of at least one link (STA function) associated with the TID of the input data by referring to the "status" of the link management information 51a corresponding to the AID of the destination of the input data. Then, it checks whether the status of the at least one link is all in active mode or in power save operation. This "power save operation" corresponds to a multi-link power save that does not include links in active mode and is composed of links in intermittent operation mode or operation pause mode.

[0067] In the process of step S32, when it is confirmed that all links are in power save mode (step S32, YES), that is, when all STA functions constituting the multilink with the destination wireless terminal device WTA are in intermittent operation mode or inactive mode, the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP transmits a beacon signal using at least one link in intermittent operation mode (step S33). This "at least one link in intermittent operation mode" can be appropriately selected by the link management unit LM1 from one or more. The beacon signal includes information notifying whether or not there is data buffered by the base station AP for each AID.

[0068] After the process of step S33, the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP waits until it receives a transmission request (step S34). At this time, the wireless terminal device WTA receives the beacon signal transmitted by the process of step S33, and transmits a transmission request (polling for the wireless terminal device WTA to acquire data from the base station AP) in response to receiving the beacon signal. Note that the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP may cause the same STA function to retransmit the beacon signal if it does not receive a transmission request for a predetermined time after transmitting the beacon signal.

[0069] Upon receiving the transmission request, the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP transmits the data using the link on which the transmission request was received (step S35). In other words, when the link management unit LM1 receives a transmission request, it outputs the data buffered in the buffer memory to the STA function corresponding to the link on which the transmission request was received. This causes the data to be transmitted from the base station AP to the wireless terminal device WTA. Upon completing the process of step S35, the base station AP ends the series of processes in FIG. 9 (end).

[0070] In the process of step S32, if it is confirmed that all links are not in power save mode (step S32, YES), that is, if the multiple STA functions constituting the multilink with the destination wireless terminal device WTA include an active mode STA function, the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP transmits data using the active mode link (step S36). In other words, if some of the multiple STA functions constituting the multilink are in active mode, the data is transmitted to the destination wireless terminal device WTA using the active mode link. When the process of step S36 is completed, the base station AP ends the series of processes in FIG. 9 (END).

[0071] When multiple wireless terminal devices WTA are wirelessly connected to the base station AP, the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP may receive transmission requests from multiple links. Even in such a case, the link management unit LM1 can manage the link (STA function) used for data transmission for each AID by referring to the link management information 51a. When the traffic type of data input to the base station AP is "LL (Low latency)", it is preferable that the link management unit LM1 maps the data to a link that is not in power saving mode.

[0072] (Beacon signal format) FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a format of a beacon signal used during multi-link power save in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the beacon signal includes the AID of the wireless terminal device WTA wirelessly connected to the base station AP and a PVB (Partial Virtual Bitmap) for each AID. The PVB stores the presence or absence of buffer data for the associated AID. For example, the beacon signal stores pairs of AID and PVB in order, such as "AID#1", "PVB of AID#1", "AID#2", and "PVB of AID#2". Note that the beacon signal may be in another format as long as the wireless terminal device WTA can grasp the pair of AID and PVB.

[0073] <1-2-3> Reception operation of wireless terminal equipment (WTA) 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a receiving operation of the wireless terminal device WTA (receiving station) included in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the receiving operation of the wireless terminal device WTA will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] The wireless terminal WTA sets at least one link in the intermittent operation mode during multi-link power save, and when the link in the intermittent operation mode has been in the Doze state for a predetermined time, starts the series of processes in FIG. 11 (START).

[0075] First, the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA changes the link in the intermittent operation mode to an awake state (step S40). The timing for changing the link in the intermittent operation mode to an awake state is set based on the timing when the base station AP transmits a beacon signal.

[0076] After that, the link (STA function) changed to the awake state receives a beacon signal (step S41). Then, the link transfers information included in the received beacon signal to the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA.

[0077] Next, the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal WTA acquires the traffic notification (step S42). The traffic notification corresponds to the information including the pair of AID and PVB included in the beacon signal described with reference to FIG.

[0078] Next, the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal WTA checks whether there is traffic targeted for its own AID (step S43). In other words, the link management unit LM2 checks from the received beacon signal whether data addressed to the wireless terminal WTA is buffered in the base station AP.

[0079] In the process of step S43, if it is confirmed that there is no traffic targeted at its own AID (step S43, NO), the wireless terminal WTA proceeds to the process of step S48.

[0080] In the process of step S43, if it is confirmed that there is traffic targeted at its own AID (step S43, YES), the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA transmits a transmission request using the link on which the beacon signal was received (step S44). In other words, the link management unit LM2 outputs a polling to request data transmission to the link on which the beacon signal was received. Note that, when beacon signals are received on multiple links, the link management unit LM2 may transmit a transmission request using the link with the highest reception power.

[0081] After step S44, the wireless signal processor 60b corresponding to the link that transmitted the transmission request receives the data (step S45).

[0082] After the process of step S45, the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA checks whether the notified traffic has been successfully received (step S46). That is, the link management unit LM2 checks whether the error correction (step S21 in FIG. 8) of the data received in step S45 has been successfully performed.

[0083] In the process of step S46, when it is confirmed that the notified traffic has not been successfully received (step S46, NO), the wireless terminal device WTA proceeds to the process of step S44. That is, the wireless terminal device WTA repeatedly executes the processes of steps S44 to S46 until the notified traffic can be correctly received.

[0084] In the process of step S46, when it is confirmed that the notified traffic has been successfully received (step S46, YES), the wireless terminal device WTA notifies the base station AP that the multilink will transition to a power saving operation, for example, by using the link used for receiving the traffic (step S47). After completing the process of step S47, the wireless terminal device WTA proceeds to the process of step S48.

[0085] In the process of step S48, the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal apparatus WTA changes the link in the intermittent operation mode to the Doze state. When the process of step S48 is completed, the wireless terminal apparatus WTA ends the series of processes in FIG.

[0086] As described above, the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA periodically goes into the Awake state to receive a beacon signal from the base station AP, and outputs the received beacon signal to the link management unit LM2. Then, the link management unit LM2 appropriately transmits a data transmission request to the base station AP based on the received beacon signal. Then, after the data transmission is completed, the link management unit LM2 transitions the link used for the data transmission to the Doze state.

[0087] <1-2-4> Examples of sending and receiving operations (Example of how traffic is transmitted and received in normal operation mode) Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of a method for transmitting and receiving traffic in a normal operation mode of the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. In this example, STA1 and STA2 of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA respectively establish multi-links, and STA1 in an active mode is shown. Hereinafter, a specific example of a method for transmitting and receiving traffic in a normal operation mode will be described with reference to Fig. 12.

[0088] When data is input to the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP, the link management unit LM1 executes the process of steps S30 to S32. That is, the input data is buffered (step S30), and a link corresponding to the TID of the input data is acquired (step S31). In this example, since the STA1 of each of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA is in the active mode (step S32, NO), data transmission is then executed using the link in the active mode (step S36).

[0089] Specifically, the link management unit LM1 transmits data to STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA using STA1 of the base station AP. When STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA receives the data, it transfers the received data to the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA. Then, in response to the data being correctly received, the link management unit LM2 transmits a reception response (DataAck) to STA1 of the base station AP using STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA. STA1 of the base station AP transfers the reception response received from STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA to the link management unit LM1. Then, in response to receiving the reception response, the link management unit LM1 determines that the data transmission has been successful, and discards the transmitted data from the buffer memory.

[0090] (Specific example of traffic transmission and reception method during multi-link power save) Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of a traffic transmission / reception method during multi-link power save in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. In this example, STA1 and STA2 of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA respectively establish multi-links, and STA1 is shown in the figure in the doze state in the intermittent operation mode. Hereinafter, a specific example of a traffic transmission / reception method during multi-link power save will be described with reference to Fig. 13.

[0091] When data (Data) is input to the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP, the link management unit LM1 executes the process of steps S30 to S32. That is, the input data is buffered (step S30), and a link corresponding to the TID of the input data is acquired (step S31). In this example, since the STA1 of each of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA is in a power save operation (intermittent operation mode) (step S32, YES), a beacon signal (Beacon) is transmitted next (step S33).

[0092] Specifically, before a beacon signal is transmitted, each STA1 of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA is changed from a Doze state to an Awake state (step S40). Then, the link management unit LM1 transmits a beacon signal including information on AID and PVB corresponding to traffic to the STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA using the STA1 of the base station AP (step S33). When the STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA receives the beacon signal, it transfers the information on AID and PVB included in the beacon signal to the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA. Then, based on the transferred information on AID and PVB, the link management unit LM2 confirms that there is traffic targeting its own AID (step S43, YES), and transmits a data transmission request (Data Request) to the base station AP via the link (STA1) that received the beacon signal (step S44). When the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP receives the transmission request via the STA1 of the base station AP, it transmits data to the wireless terminal device WTA using the STA1 of the base station AP (step S35). Then, the wireless terminal WTA receives the data and transmits a reception response to the base station AP in the same manner as in the normal operation mode (step S45).

[0093] Thereafter, the link management unit LM2 of the base station AP notifies the wireless terminal device WTA of the start of the power saving operation in response to the completion of reception of the notified traffic (step S47). Specifically, the link management unit LM2 transmits a notification signal (PSN) of the power saving operation to the STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA using the link (STA1) used for receiving the data. When the STA1 of the base station AP receives the notification signal, it transfers the received notification signal to the link management unit LM1. Then, the link management unit LM1 updates the link management information based on the notification signal, and transmits an acknowledgment (PSNAck) of the power saving operation to the STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA using the STA1 of the base station AP. When the STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA receives the acknowledgment, it transfers the received acknowledgment to the link management unit LM2. Then, the link management unit LM2 updates the link management information based on the acknowledgment signal. Then, the STA1 of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA each transition to the power saving operation (Doze state) (step S48).

[0094] <1-3> Effects of the first embodiment Data communication by multilink can realize efficient communication and improve communication speed by using multiple bands. On the other hand, the power consumption of multilink is higher than that of single link because multiple STA functions are used in each base station and wireless terminal device. Therefore, when traffic is not stagnating, it is preferable to operate each link constituting the multilink in power saving mode.

[0095] When data addressed to a wireless terminal device in power saving operation is input, the base station may notify the wireless terminal device of the presence or absence of buffered data by transmitting a beacon signal indicating that buffered data is available. However, when notifying the presence or absence of buffered data on an AID basis for multiple wireless terminal devices WTA, each wireless terminal device does not know which link to transition to the Awake state.

[0096] Therefore, in the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment, when all links corresponding to the TID of the traffic input from the LLC layer are in power save operation (intermittent operation mode or operation suspension mode), the base station AP transmits a beacon signal notifying the presence of the traffic on each link corresponding to the TID while buffering the traffic. As a result, the association between the TID buffering the traffic and the link (STA function) is identified by the link transmitting the beacon signal, instead of the buffer information for each TID.

[0097] As a result, the wireless terminal WTA can grasp the presence or absence of traffic addressed to itself and the link assigned to the traffic addressed to itself based on the link through which the beacon signal was received and the information (AID and PVB) included in the beacon signal.Then, the wireless terminal WTA can transmit a transmission request to the base station AP and receive data using any of the links based on the association between the TID and the link set in the multilink.

[0098] As described above, the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment can transmit data buffered in the base station AP to the wireless terminal device WTA more reliably even when each link constituting the multilink is in a power save operation. Furthermore, the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment can more actively utilize the power save operation by improving the reliability of data transmission during the power save operation. As a result, the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment can suppress power consumption.

[0099] <2> Second embodiment The configuration of the information communication system 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the information communication system 1 according to the second embodiment, the wireless terminal device WTA transmits a transmission request without going through the link management unit LM2 during multilink power save. The following describes the information communication system 1 according to the second embodiment and the differences from the first embodiment.

[0100] <2-1>Operation <2-1-1> Reception operation of wireless terminal equipment (WTA) Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a receiving operation of the wireless terminal device WTA (receiving station) included in the information communication system 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the receiving operation of the wireless terminal device WTA according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which the processes of steps S42 to S46 in the receiving operation of the wireless terminal device WTA according to the first embodiment described with reference to Fig. 11 are replaced with steps S50 to S54, respectively.

[0101] Specifically, first, similarly to the first embodiment, a receiving operation is started (START), a link in an intermittent operation mode is changed to an Awake state (step S40), and the link receives a beacon signal (step S41).

[0102] After the process of step S41, the STA function of the wireless terminal WTA acquires the traffic notification (step S50).

[0103] Next, the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA checks whether the traffic is targeted for its own AID (step S51). That is, in the second embodiment, the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA knows the AID to which it belongs. Then, the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA checks whether data addressed to itself is buffered in the base station AP based on the traffic notification (AID and PVB) included in the received beacon signal.

[0104] In the process of step S51, if it is confirmed that the traffic is not targeted at its own AID (step S51, NO), the wireless terminal WTA proceeds to the process of step S48.

[0105] In the process of step S51, if it is confirmed that the traffic is targeted at its own AID (step S51, YES), the STA function that received the beacon signal spontaneously transmits a transmission request (step S52). In other words, the link that received the beacon signal transmits a polling request for data transmission to the base station AP without going through an instruction from the link management unit LM2.

[0106] After step S52, the link that transmitted the transmission request receives the data (step S53).

[0107] After the process of step S53, the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA checks whether the notified traffic has been successfully received (step S54). That is, the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA checks whether the error correction of the data received in step S45 has been successfully performed.

[0108] In the process of step S54, when it is confirmed that the notified traffic has not been successfully received (step S54, NO), the wireless terminal device WTA proceeds to the process of step S52. That is, the wireless terminal device WTA repeatedly executes the processes of steps S52 to S54 until the notified traffic can be correctly received.

[0109] In the process of step S54, if it is confirmed that the notified traffic has been successfully received (step S54, YES), the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA transfers data to the link management unit LM2. Then, as in the first embodiment, the link management unit LM2 notifies the base station AP that the multilink will transition to a power saving operation (step S47). After completing the process of step S54, the wireless terminal device WTA proceeds to the process of step S48.

[0110] In the process of step S48, the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA changes the link in the intermittent operation mode to the Doze state, as in the first embodiment. When the process of step S48 is completed, the wireless terminal device WTA ends the series of processes in Fig. 14 (END). Other operations of the information communication system 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0111] <2-1-2> Examples of sending and receiving operations Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of a method for transmitting and receiving traffic using a link in a power saving state in the information communication system 1 according to the second embodiment. In this example, STA1 and STA2 of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA respectively establish a multi-link, and STA1 in a doze state in an intermittent operation mode is shown. As shown in Fig. 15, the operation of the information communication system 1 according to the second embodiment has a configuration different from that of the information communication system 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Fig. 13, except for the operation of the wireless terminal device WTA.

[0112] Specifically, when a beacon signal is transmitted based on the input of data to the base station AP and the fact that the STA1 of each of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA is in the intermittent operation mode (step S33), the STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA receives the beacon signal (step S41) in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Then, the STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA refers to the AID and PVB information included in the beacon signal, confirms that there is traffic targeting its own AID (step S51, YES), and transmits a data transmission request to the STA1 of the base station AP (step S52). When the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP receives the transmission request via the STA1 of the base station AP, it transmits data to the STA1 of the wireless terminal device WTA using the STA1 of the base station AP in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step S35). Then, the wireless terminal device WTA receives the data and transmits a reception response to the base station AP in the same manner as in the normal operation mode. The reception response by the wireless terminal device WTA may be transmitted by the STA function without going through the link management unit LM2. The operation regarding notification of a power saving operation after successful reception of the data shown in FIG. 15 is similar to the operation shown in FIG.

[0113] <2-2> Effects of the second embodiment As described above, in the information communication system 1 according to the second embodiment, the STA function in the wireless terminal device WTA during the power save operation periodically enters the awake state to receive a beacon signal. Then, the STA function of the wireless terminal device WTA confirms that traffic addressed to itself has been accumulated, and transmits a transmission request to the base station AP without going through the link management unit LM2. As a result, the information communication system 1 according to the second embodiment can obtain the same effect as the first embodiment, and furthermore, the response of the wireless terminal device WTA during the power save operation can be made faster than that of the first embodiment. In addition, the wireless terminal device WTA according to the second embodiment can suppress power consumption more than that of the first embodiment, since some processing of the reception operation is omitted.

[0114] <3> Third embodiment The configuration of the information communication system 1 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the information communication system 1 according to the third embodiment, the wireless terminal device WTA executes processing according to the traffic type during multilink power save. The following describes the information communication system 1 according to the third embodiment and the differences from the first embodiment.

[0115] <3-1> Operation of base station AP (transmitter) Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a transmission operation of the base station AP (transmitting station) included in the information communication system 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, the reception operation of the wireless terminal device WTA according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which the process when the determination condition in the process of step S32 is satisfied is changed in the transmission operation of the base station AP according to the first embodiment described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0116] Specifically, first, as in the first embodiment, the transmission operation is started (START), the input data is buffered (step S30), the link corresponding to the TID of the input data is obtained (step S31), and it is confirmed whether all links are in power save operation (step S32).

[0117] In the processing of step S32, if it is confirmed that all links are not in power saving mode (step S32, NO), data is transmitted using the active link (step S36), as in the first embodiment, and the series of processing in Figure 16 ends (END).

[0118] In the process of step S32, when it is confirmed that all links are in the power saving mode (step S32, YES), the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP checks whether the input data is RTA (Real Time Applications) data (step S60). RTA data is data that requires low delay. For example, "LL" is assigned as a traffic type to RTA data.

[0119] In the processing of step S60, if it is confirmed that the input data is not RTA data (step S60, NO), as in the first embodiment, a beacon signal is transmitted using at least one link in intermittent operation mode (step S33), the link is waited for to receive a transmission request (step S34), data is transmitted using the link that received the transmission request (step S35), and the series of processing in FIG. 16 is terminated (END).

[0120] In the process of step S60, if it is confirmed that the input data is RTA data (step S60, YES), the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP changes the power saving operation link to a TWT (Target Wake Time) operation mode (step S61). The TWT operation mode is an operation mode in which the link is set to an Awake state or a Doze state based on a wake-up timing scheduled by synchronizing the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA.

[0121] After the process of step S61, the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP transmits data in accordance with the RTA cycle (step S62). Specifically, for example, the link management unit LM1 notifies the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA of the RTA cycle, and the link management unit LM2 sets the power saving link (STA function) to an Awake state in accordance with the RTA cycle. This allows the base station AP to transmit data to the wireless terminal device WTA in accordance with the RTA cycle. When the process of step S62 is completed, the base station AP ends the series of processes in FIG. 16 (end). Other operations of the information communication system 1 according to the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0122] <3-2> Effects of the third embodiment As described above, the state of multilink power save may be switched depending on the type of traffic input to the base station AP. For example, in the information communication system 1 according to the third embodiment, the base station AP changes the link of multilink power save to a TWT operation mode that matches the period of the RTA in response to input of the RTA traffic. As a result, the information communication system 1 according to the third embodiment can transmit the RTA traffic within the required delay range.

[0123] <4> others In the above embodiment, each STA function may notify the corresponding link management unit LM when the link cannot be maintained due to the movement of the wireless terminal device WTA or the like. Also, the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA may change the state of the multi-link with the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP based on the notification from the STA function. Specifically, for example, the link management unit LM2 of the wireless terminal device WTA and the link management unit LM1 of the base station AP may appropriately change the STA function used in the multi-link. When the state of the multi-link is changed, the link management units LM1 and LM2 update the link management information 51a and 51b, respectively. Also, the link management units LM1 and LM2 may update the association between the traffic and the STA function according to the increase or decrease in the number of links.

[0124] The configuration and functional configuration of the information communication system 1 according to the embodiment may be other configurations. For example, the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA each have three STA functions (wireless signal processing units), but the present invention is not limited to this. The base station AP only needs to have at least two wireless signal processing units. Similarly, the wireless terminal device WTA only needs to have at least two wireless signal processing units. The number of channels that each STA function can process may be appropriately set according to the frequency band used. Each of the wireless communication modules 13 and 23 may support wireless communication in multiple frequency bands by multiple communication modules, or may support wireless communication in multiple frequency bands by one communication module. The functional configuration of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA may have other names and groupings as long as they can execute the operations described in the embodiment.

[0125] In the information communication system 1 according to the embodiment, the CPU 10 of the base station AP and the CPU 20 of the wireless terminal device WTA may each be other circuits. For example, the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA may each be equipped with an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or the like instead of a CPU. Each of the processes described in the embodiment may be realized by dedicated hardware. The processes of the base station AP and the wireless terminal device WTA may be a mixture of processes executed by software and processes executed by hardware, or may be only one of them.

[0126] In the embodiments, the wireless terminal device WTA operates as a receiving station, but the wireless terminal device WTA may operate as an access point (base station AP) described in each embodiment. In the embodiments, the flow charts used to explain the operations are merely examples. The order of the processes of each operation described in the embodiments may be changed as far as possible, and other processes may be added. Furthermore, the wireless frame format described in the embodiments is merely an example. In the information communication system 1, other formats may be used as long as they are capable of executing the operations described in the embodiments.

[0127] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. The embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple components disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1. Information and communication systems AP…Base station WTA: Wireless Terminal Equipment 10,20…CPU 11,21…ROM 12,22…RAM 13,23...Wireless communication module 14...Wired communication module 24…Display 25…Storage 30a, 30b...Data processing section 40a, 40b...MAC frame processing unit 50a, 50b…Management Department 51a, 51b...Link management information 52a, 52b... Association processing unit 53a, 53b...Authentication processing unit 60...Radio signal processing unit 70…Application execution unit LM1, LM2...Link Management Department

Claims

1. A first radio signal processing unit; A second radio signal processing unit; a link management unit that establishes a multi-link with a first wireless terminal device by using the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit, The link management unit The multilink can be set at least to a first operation mode, and in the first operation mode, each of the first radio signal processing unit and the second radio signal processing unit is set to an intermittent operation mode; when the multilink is set to the first operation mode, when first data addressed to the first wireless terminal device is input, causing at least one wireless signal processing unit associated with a traffic identifier added to the first data to transmit a beacon signal including information indicating that the first data is buffered; Base station.

2. the link management unit causes the at least one wireless signal processing unit to transmit the beacon signal, and then, in response to receiving a transmission request via the at least one wireless signal processing unit, causes the wireless signal processing unit that has received the transmission request to transmit the first data. The base station according to claim 1 .

3. The link management unit The multilink can be set to a second operation mode, and in the second operation mode, the first radio signal processing unit and the second radio signal processing unit are set to an active mode and an intermittent operation mode, respectively; when the multilink is set to the second operation mode, second data addressed to the first wireless terminal device is input, and a traffic identifier added to the second data is associated with each of the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit, causing the first wireless signal processing unit to transmit the second data; The base station according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A third radio signal processing unit; A fourth radio signal processing unit, the link management unit establishes a multi-link with a second wireless terminal device using the third wireless signal processing unit and the fourth wireless signal processing unit; When the beacon signal is transmitted, if data addressed to the second wireless terminal device is not input to the link management unit, the beacon signal includes information indicating that data addressed to the second wireless signal processing unit is not buffered. A base station according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A first radio signal processing unit; A second radio signal processing unit; a link management unit that establishes a multi-link with a base station by using the first radio signal processing unit and the second radio signal processing unit, The link management unit The multilink can be set at least to a first operation mode, and in the first operation mode, each of the first radio signal processing unit and the second radio signal processing unit is set to an intermittent operation mode; when the multi-link is set to the first operation mode, at least one of the first radio signal processing unit and the second radio signal processing unit is periodically set to a state in which it can receive radio signals, and when the at least one radio signal processing unit receives a beacon signal from the base station including information indicating that data addressed to the base station is buffered, the radio signal processing unit that has received the beacon signal transmits a data transmission request to the base station. Wireless terminal device.

6. The transmission request is generated by the link management unit.

6. The wireless terminal device according to claim 5.

7. the transmission request is generated by the wireless signal processing unit that has received the beacon signal, and the information is not transferred from the wireless signal processing unit to the link management unit; 7. The wireless terminal device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. When the link management unit has successfully received data corresponding to the transmission request from the base station, the link management unit causes the wireless signal processing unit that has received the beacon signal to transmit a signal notifying the start of a power save operation, and when the link management unit receives an affirmative response to the signal, sets the wireless signal processing unit that has received the beacon signal to a state in which it cannot receive wireless signals. A wireless terminal device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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