Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

To allow a communication device that controls a network made up of a plurality of base stations to control, when a plurality of links is to be established between the base stations, the establishment of the links.SOLUTION: A communication device that operates as an access point has communication means for communicating with another communication device that operates as an access point. The communication means is configured to communicate with another communication device via a first frequency band and to communicate with another communication device via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. When the communication means determines on the basis of the communication state between the communication device and another communication device to stop a first communication via the first frequency band, the communication means stops the first communication and performs a second communication via the second frequency band.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 combines the networks created by multiple access points (APs) that operate as base stations to create a network and treats them as a single network. Such a network that combines the networks created by multiple APs is called a Multi-AP network (MAP network). A MAP network includes a control device that controls the entire MAP network. Such a 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 themselves, establish a communication link called a backhaul link to perform backhaul communication. The controller can use information acquired from the agents belonging to the MAP network via backhaul communication to achieve efficient network control among the multiple agents belonging to the MAP network.

[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 acting as an agent of a MAP network may have multiple wireless I / Fs (Interfaces) and thus be able to simultaneously establish wireless networks in multiple frequency bands. APs that can simultaneously establish multiple wireless networks in multiple frequency bands may be able to establish multiple backhaul links for backhaul communication between the same AP. In such cases, since the controller in the MAP network is a device that controls the entire MAP network, it is preferable for it to control the establishment of backhaul links in the MAP network.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to enable a communication device that controls a network made up of a plurality of base stations to control the establishment of a plurality of links between the base stations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a communication device of the present invention comprises: A communication device that operates as an access point, the communication device having a communication means for communicating with another communication device that operates as an access point, the communication means being configured to communicate with the other communication device via a first frequency band and to communicate with the other communication device via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, the communication means being configured to stop the first communication via the first frequency band when determining based on a communication state between the communication device and the other communication device that the first communication via the first frequency band should be stopped, and to perform the second communication via the second frequency band. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when a plurality of links are established between base stations, the communication device that controls the network made up of the plurality of base stations can control the establishment of the links. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a network in which AP101, AP102, and AP103 participate. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an AP 101. [Figure 3] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing performed when AP102 and AP103 establish multiple backhaul links. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the AP 101 when establishing multiple backhaul links between the AP 102 and the AP 103. [Figure 5] 10 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] 10 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] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by AP 101 when a predetermined backhaul link among a plurality of backhaul links established between AP 102 and AP 103 is stopped. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of processing performed when AP102 and AP103 establish multiple backhaul links. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, 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 illustrated configurations.

[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 that have 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 that have 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 external networks 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 complies with at least one of the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards. IEEE stands for 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. It may also support wired communication standards such as wired LAN.

[0015] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the AP 102 has multiple wireless interfaces and can simultaneously establish multiple networks (networks 107 and 108). In this case, the networks 107 and 108 use different frequency bands. For example, if 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 frequency channels with less interference. For example, if 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, APs 101, 102, and 103 are compliant with the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard. In this case, a network that collectively includes networks 106, 107, 108, and 109 is referred to as a MAP (Multi-AP) network 111. The MAP network 111 is a network that includes APs 101, 102, and 103. AP 101 operates as a Multi-AP controller (controller) that controls the entire MAP network 111. APs 102 and 103 operate as Multi-AP agents (agents) that operate based on control instructions from the controller in the MAP network 111. Note that AP 101 may function as an agent in addition to the controller. In this case, control processing is performed by internal data exchange between the controller and agent of AP 101. Note that, although the controller of the MAP network 111 also functions as an AP in this embodiment, this is not limiting and it need not necessarily function as an AP.

[0017] AP 101, which is a controller, and APs 102 and 103, which are agents, can communicate via a MAP network 111. Specifically, AP 102, which is an agent, has a backhaul STA function for participating as an STA in network 106 established by AP 101, which is a controller. AP 102, which is an agent, participates in network 106 established by AP 101, which is a controller, using the backhaul STA function, thereby enabling communication between AP 101 and AP 102. The function of AP 102, which connects to an STA as an AP, is called a fronthaul AP function. AP 103 participates as an STA in network 107 established by AP 102, thereby enabling AP 103 to communicate with AP 101 via AP 102. In this way, APs 102 and 103, which are agents, can participate in the MAP network 111 by establishing a network as an AP and simultaneously participating as an STA in a network established 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 from the perspective of the AP 102 or 103. On the other hand, a network in which the AP 102 or 103 participates as an AP in which STAs or other APs participate is called a fronthaul BSS from the perspective of the AP 102 or 103. In other words, the same network is called a fronthaul BSS from the perspective of the AP that constructed the network, but is called a backhaul BSS from the perspective of an AP that participated in the network.

[0018] A link established when an agent AP joins a network established by another AP and used for communication 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 established by the agent AP, the backhaul link is established via a fronthaul BSS. On the other hand, for an AP that has joined a network established 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 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 serves as a controller, manages and controls the agents and STAs within the MAP network 111. For example, the AP 101, which serves as a controller, can control the frequency channel and transmission power of the network established by the agents AP 102 and AP 103 by transmitting a predetermined control message via a backhaul link. Additionally or alternatively, the AP 101, which serves as a controller, can cause the agent AP 102 or AP 103 to migrate to a different network. Alternatively, the AP 101 can also or alternatively control the steering of the STAs. For example, the AP 101 can perform roaming, which causes the STA 105, which is participating in the network 109 established by the AP 103 belonging to the MAP network 111, to migrate to the network 106 established by the AP 101. Alternatively, the AP 101 can also or alternatively control data traffic between APs and STAs or between APs, diagnose each network, and so on. In addition to or instead of these, the AP 101 can also obtain information about the network from the agent APs 102 and 103 via a backhaul link.

[0022] The APs 102 and 103, which are agents, can notify the AP 101, which is the controller, of network information via a backhaul link. The network information notified by the APs 102 and 103 includes, for example, the agent's own capability information (such as HT capability or VHT capability) and the capability information of the STAs and APs connected to the agent. Alternatively, the agent's capability information may include information about the agent's own wireless interface (wireless I / F) notified to the controller. The wireless I / F information may include, for example, the MAC address of the wireless I / F of the agent or the wireless LAN communication method 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. Furthermore, 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 may include, for example, the MAC address of the wired I / F and information about the physical link rate of the wired I / F.

[0023] Control instructions from AP 101, which serves as a controller, are transmitted and received to each agent (AP 102 and AP 103) via a backhaul link. In this embodiment, backhaul links are established between AP 101 and AP 102 and between AP 102 and AP 103, and communication is performed through these backhaul links. Specifically, AP 102 can connect to network 106 established by AP 101 as a backhaul STA while establishing networks 107 and 108. In this case, network 106 as seen from AP 101 is called a fronthaul BSS, while network 106 as seen from AP 102 is called a backhaul BSS. A backhaul link is established between AP 101 and AP 102 via network 106. Similarly, AP 103 can connect to at least one of networks 107 and 108 established by AP 102 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, multiple backhaul links may be established between the AP 102 and the AP 103. In this case, the networks 107 and 108 are each assumed to be networks that use frequency bands 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 that functions as a controller, but the device is not limited to this and may be a communication device such as a PC, tablet, smartphone, mobile phone, or television. The same applies to a device that functions as an agent. Any device may be any device 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 and 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 buttons and a keyboard. The output unit 203 outputs various types of data to the user. Here, the output by the output unit 203 includes, for example, at least one of 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 implemented by a single module, such as a touch panel. Furthermore, the input unit 202 and the output unit 203 may be integrated with the AP 101 or may be separate units.

[0028] The communication unit 204 controls wireless communications compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standards. In addition to or instead of this, the communication unit 204 may control wired communications such as wired LANs compliant with IEEE 802.3 standards, or IP communications. The communication unit 204 transmits and receives wireless signals via an antenna 205. Note that if the AP 101 can simultaneously establish multiple networks, the AP 101 may have multiple communication units 204 and antennas.

[0029] The communication unit 204 also 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 multiple 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 each have two wireless I / Fs.

[0030] The storage unit 206 is configured with one or more memories such as ROM and 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, the storage unit 206 may also use 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. 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 be equipped with multiple processors, such as a multi-core processor, and the entire AP 101 may be controlled by the multiple processors.

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

[0033] The control unit 207 also executes a program stored in the storage unit 206 to perform a WPS-compliant wireless LAN parameter setting process to establish a backhaul link. WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. By performing a WPS-compliant parameter setting process, the AP 101 can share communication parameters for establishing a backhaul link with other APs. 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 the frequency band to be used may also be included. The control unit 207 may also execute a program stored in the storage unit 206 to perform a communication parameter setting process that complies with the DPP, which provides higher security, in addition to or instead of the WPS. DPP stands for Device Provisioning Protocol, a 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 necessarily have the function as a controller. In this case, the control unit 207 does not necessarily have the function of the MAP controller unit 208.

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

[0036] In this embodiment, first, AP 102 connects as a backhaul STA to network 106 established by AP 101, establishes a backhaul link, and is registered as an agent with AP 101. This establishes a MAP network 111 including AP 101 and AP 102. Next, AP 103 connects to network 107 established by AP 102 to join MAP network 111, and establishes a backhaul link with AP 102. Once AP 103 establishes the backhaul link with AP 102, it is registered as an agent with AP 101 via AP 102. Thereafter, under the control of AP 101, which serves as the controller, a second backhaul link is established between AP 102 and AP 103 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 where AP 102 is participating as a backhaul STA in network 106 established by AP 101. When AP 102 joins network 106, it transmits an IEEE1905.1 AP-Autoconfiguration Search message 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] Upon receiving the response signal, the AP 102 transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration WSC message to the AP 101 as a registration request signal for registering itself with the AP 101, which is the controller (F303). This message includes a message equivalent to an M1 message conforming to the Wi-Fi Simple Configuration (WSC) 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 also includes capability information related to wireless communication of the AP 102. Specifically, the capability information related to wireless communication includes information related to a frequency band (at least one of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) available to the AP 102 and information related to available frequency channels. 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 also be included.

[0040] Note that this 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, the MAC address of the wireless I / F. Furthermore, the registration request signal may be extended to include information about a BSS that other APs can join, among the fronthaul BSSs that the AP 102 can establish. The information about the BSS is, specifically, the BSSID of the BSS. Furthermore, the information about the BSS that other APs can join may include information about whether the BSS has been established or not. Furthermore, the registration request signal may be extended to include capability information about whether the AP 102 can simultaneously establish multiple backhaul links.

[0041] Upon receiving 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 WSC M2 message. In this case, the registration response signal includes the device name of the AP 101 and information indicating that no error 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 an error occurs in the AP 101 during registration of the AP 102 and the registration fails, a registration response signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted.

[0042] The AP 102 may notify the user in response to the registration response signal received from the AP 101 in F304. For example, if the AP 102 receives a registration response signal including information indicating that no error occurred, the AP 102 notifies the user that registration was successful. Alternatively, the AP 102 may notify the user that it has joined the MAP network 111. On the other hand, if the AP 102 receives a registration response signal including information indicating that an error occurred, the AP 102 notifies the user that registration failed. Alternatively, the AP 102 may notify the user that it was unable to join the MAP network 111. Furthermore, if 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 the present embodiment, information about the wireless I / F of AP 102 and information about BSSs in which other APs can join are included in the registration request signal transmitted from AP 102, but this is not limited to this. After completing the processes up to F304, AP 101 may transmit a query message to AP 102 to inquire about this information, and receive a response message to acquire this information from AP 102. Similarly, capability information as to whether AP 102 can simultaneously establish multiple backhaul links may be acquired by transmitting a query message and receiving a response message to acquire this information.

[0044] Alternatively, if there is a version of the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard that supports the establishment of multiple backhaul links, the AP 102 may inquire about the version of the standard that it 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, AP 102 is registered in AP 101, which is the controller, as an agent of the MAP network 111. In addition, AP 101 can obtain information about the wireless I / F of AP 102 and BSSs in which other APs can join, as well as capability information about AP 102 regarding the establishment of multiple backhaul links.

[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 onboarding between APs 102 and 103, AP 103 can be added to the MAP network 111. In the flow shown in Figure 3, onboarding is performed using a method that complies with the WPS standard.

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

[0048] When the buttons are pressed on AP 102 and AP 103, the onboarding process starts in a manner compliant with the WPS standard. First, AP 102 transmits a beacon containing information indicating that WPS processing has begun. AP 103 detects AP 102 as an AP implementing WPS by receiving the beacon transmitted by AP 102. Alternatively, AP 103 may detect AP 102 by transmitting a probe request and receiving a probe response from AP 102.

[0049] When the AP 103 detects the AP 102 as an AP that is implementing WPS, it sends an Association Request to the AP 102 (F305). At this time, the Association Request is sent with a MAP IE (Multi-AP Information Element) attached. The MAP IE is an information element that complies with the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard and includes information indicating that the AP 103 is sending 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 in 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, in the Association Request and Association Response, respectively, information indicating whether the respective devices 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 join (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 join. Note that a MAP IE is included in the WLAN frames 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 AP 103 shares communication parameters with AP 102 through the WPS process, the communication link between AP 102 and AP 103 is temporarily disconnected. After that, AP 103 transmits an Association Request to AP 102 using the communication parameters of the fronthaul BSS of 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). Note that a MAP IE is added to each of the Association Request and Association Response before transmission. Through the above processing, a backhaul link is established between the AP 102 and the AP 103. Thereafter, the backhaul link is encrypted using a 4-way handshake, if necessary.

[0055] Next, the agent AP 103 is registered with AP 101, which is the controller. Specifically, AP 103 searches for the controller and transmits a registration request. The processes of F310 to F313 are the same as the processes of F301 to F304 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, as with AP 102, AP 101 acquires information about the wireless I / F of AP 103 and BSSs in which other APs can join, as well as capability information for AP 103 regarding the establishment of multiple backhaul links.

[0056] In this embodiment, it is assumed that AP 101 has acquired information about the wireless I / Fs of AP 102 and AP 103, information about BSSs in which other APs can join, and capability information related to the establishment of multiple backhaul links. Here, AP 101 performs a determination process to determine whether to establish multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103 (F314). Details of the determination process performed by AP 101 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. Here, it is assumed that AP 101 has determined to establish multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103.

[0057] In response to the determination result, the AP 101 transmits a backhaul establishment start message to the AP 102, which is a start message for starting the establishment of multiple backhaul links (F315). This message includes information indicating a network designated as a BSS to be used when establishing the backhaul links. Specifically, the message includes the BSSID of the designated network. Alternatively, the message may include an identifier that enables the designated network to be uniquely identified between the AP 101 and the AP 102. In this embodiment, the network 108 established by the AP 102 is designated as the network to be used when establishing the backhaul links. Note that the network 108 is called a fronthaul BSS from the perspective of the AP 102, but is called a backhaul BSS from the perspective of the AP 103. In addition to this, the message may also include information indicating the frequency band and frequency channel used by the designated network. Furthermore, if a communication parameter configuration process needs to be performed between the AP 102 and the AP 103 to establish a new backhaul link, the start request may include information specifying the method of the configuration process. The WPS method or the DPP method is selected as the communication parameter configuration process method. In addition, if it is determined based on the information obtained from AP102 that the 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 AP 102 receives the start request from AP 101, it determines whether it is possible to establish a backhaul link via the specified network. AP 102 transmits a backhaul establishment start response message, which is a start response message including information indicating the determination result, to AP 101 (F316). Note that it is determined that it is not possible to establish a backhaul link via the specified network in the following cases, for example: When WPS communication parameter setting processing is required to establish a backhaul link and AP 102 is already performing WPS communication parameter setting processing with another device, it is determined that it is not possible to establish a backhaul link. Note that the cases in which 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 specifying a wireless I / F in AP 103 that will operate as a backhaul STA 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 to AP 101 the start response message indicating that a backhaul link can be established.

[0061] If the start response message received from AP 103 contains information indicating that AP 103 can establish a backhaul link, AP 101 waits for a new backhaul link to be established between AP 102 and AP 103. If the received start response message contains information indicating that AP 103 cannot establish a backhaul link, AP 101 transmits a message to AP 102 to cancel the establishment of the backhaul link. In this case, the process of establishing the second backhaul link in AP 102 and AP 103 is stopped. Alternatively, AP 101 may transmit a backhaul establishment start message to AP 103 again after a certain period of 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 by broadcast or multicast within the MAP network 111.

[0063] Meanwhile, AP 102 and AP 103 each transmit a start response message indicating that a backhaul link can be established at F316 and F318, and then start the process of establishing a backhaul link. If the specified network has not yet been established in AP 102, AP 102 first establishes the network. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the specified network is network 108. AP 102 and AP 103 perform the same processes for network 108 as the onboarding processes performed 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 transmits a backhaul establishment completion message to the AP 101 (F326).

[0065] When AP 101 receives the backhaul establishment completion message, it transmits a backhaul establishment confirmation message to AP 102 and 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. AP 101 can then use this identifier to instruct the agent to control the backhaul link.

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

[0067] Furthermore, although the backhaul establishment completion message and backhaul establishment error message are transmitted from both AP102 and AP103 to AP101, this is not limiting and they may be transmitted from only one of them.

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

[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 instruct the establishment of the backhaul links, thereby causing the controller to control the establishment of the multiple backhaul links.

[0070] 3, the establishment of the second backhaul link between AP 102 and AP 103 is triggered by a backhaul establishment start message sent from AP 101. This is convenient because the user does not need to press buttons on AP 102 and AP 103 when establishing the second backhaul link between AP 102 and AP 103.

[0071] 3, the AP 102 and the AP 103 share communication parameters using the WPS method each time a backhaul link is established, but this is not limited to this. The AP 102 and the AP 103 may also share communication parameters to be used when establishing other backhaul links during the initial sharing process (F305 to F309). In this case, the AP 102 and the AP 103 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 other APs.

[0073] AP 101 starts the process of this flowchart when a new agent joins the MAP network that it controls. Alternatively, AP 101 may start the process of this flowchart based on a user instruction, or may start the process of this flowchart based on detecting a change in topology within the MAP network. Alternatively, AP 101 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 agent information 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 or instead of this, the AP 101 may acquire network information notified from the agent via a backhaul link. Alternatively, the AP 101 may transmit a query message to the agent and acquire information from the agent in response. For example, the AP 101 may transmit an AP Capability Query message, which is defined in the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard as a query message 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 as a response from the AP 102. However, the AP 101 may also acquire 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 this is not limited to this. The AP 101, which serves as the controller, may acquire only information about 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 multiple backhaul links can be established 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 APs 102 and 103. The AP 101 makes this determination based on information acquired from the APs 102 and 103 in S401 about the frequency bands available to each of them. Specifically, if both the APs 102 and 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 APs 102 and 103 can use only one of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, the AP 101 determines No in this step. Alternatively or additionally, if AP 101 has acquired information on wireless I / Fs capable of operating as backhaul STAs from AP 102 and AP 103 in S401, the determination in this step may be based on that information. Specifically, if both AP 102 and AP 103 have notified AP 101 of wireless I / Fs capable of operating as backhaul STAs that are different from the wireless I / Fs already in use, AP 101 determines Yes in this step. On the other hand, if at least one of AP 102 and AP 103 has notified AP 101 of only the wireless I / Fs already in use as wireless I / Fs capable of operating as backhaul STAs, or if no wireless I / Fs have been notified, AP 101 determines No in this step. Alternatively, or additionally, if AP 101 has acquired capability information from AP 102 and AP 103 in S401 regarding whether multiple backhaul links can be established simultaneously, the determination in this step may be 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 determination in this step is Yes, the AP 101 performs the process of S403. On the other hand, if the determination in this step is No, the AP 101 ends the process.

[0076] In this step, AP 101 may make a judgment only for two specific agents in MAP network 111. Alternatively, AP 101 may make a judgment for all combinations of agents that have established backhaul links in MAP network 111. In addition, when making a judgment for all combinations of agents that have established backhaul links, AP 101 performs the processing from S403 onwards for each combination.

[0077] Next, AP 101 determines whether multiple backhaul links are required (S403). In this step, it is determined whether multiple backhaul links need to be established between the agents for which the answer in S402 was Yes. An example of the processing in this step is shown in FIG. 5.

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

[0079] The AP 101 determines 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 determines 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 AP 102 and AP 103 as the communication status, and therefore performs the determination 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 determines Yes in this step and performs processing in S503. On the other hand, if the communication volume (link utilization rate) acquired in S501 is less than the predetermined threshold, the AP 101 determines No in this step and performs processing in S506. The threshold used in this determination may be preset in the AP 101, or may be calculated by the AP 101 based on link metrics of the entire MAP network 111, or may be set by the user.

[0080] In this embodiment, the AP 101 makes the determination in this step based on the communication volume, 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 in S502 based on the physical rate. 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 regarding the throughput of at least one of the APs 102 and 103 as the communication status in S501, the AP 101 may make the determination in S502 based on the throughput. 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 information, such as link metrics, of the networks established by all agents in the MAP network 111. Specifically, AP 101 acquires the 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. Furthermore, 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 establishing multiple backhaul links between the target agents will affect other communications in the MAP network 111 (S504). For example, if a new network 108 is established to establish a new backhaul link, wireless frames such as beacons and data communications between the backhaul links will be transmitted on the same frequency channel as the network 108. Thus, establishing a new backhaul link may interfere 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 within the MAP network 111.

[0083] In this step, the AP 101 specifically determines whether 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 processing in S506. On the other hand, if another link does not exist, the AP 101 determines No in this step and performs processing in 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 determines that the newly established backhaul link will not affect the existing link and performs processing in S505. On the other hand, if the communication volume (link utilization rate) of the other link is greater than the predetermined threshold, the AP 101 determines that the newly established backhaul link may affect the existing link and performs processing in S506.

[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 processing of S505 or S506, AP 101 ends this flow.

[0086] Note that the determination process shown in FIG. 5 is merely 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. However, this is not limiting. The necessity of multiple backhaul links may be determined based on a user selection. In this case, steps S501 to S504 may be omitted. For example, if the user has configured the MAP network 111 to permit the establishment of multiple backhaul links, the AP 101 performs step S505. On the other hand, if the user has configured the MAP network 111 to prohibit the establishment of multiple backhaul links, the AP 101 performs step S506. Alternatively, the user may be able to configure whether or not to permit the establishment of multiple backhaul links between specific agents. The user's configuration may be performed via a STA connected to the AP 101 via a wired or wireless LAN, or via an input unit of the AP 101. Alternatively, the configuration 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, AP 101 may make the determination in Fig. 5 based on the radio wave conditions of the existing backhaul links. Specifically, if at least one of the RSSI of AP 102 and the RSSI of AP 103 is lower than a predetermined threshold, AP 101 performs processing in S505 to establish multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103. Note that if the RSSI is higher than the predetermined threshold, AP 101 performs processing in S506. In this way, if the RSSI of the existing backhaul link between AP 102 and AP 103 is low, establishing multiple backhaul links allows for the establishment of a backup backhaul link.

[0088] Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the AP 101 determines whether multiple backhaul links need to be established between agents (S404). The AP 101 makes this determination based on the result of the determination in S403. Specifically, if the AP 101 has performed the process of S505 in FIG. 5, the AP 101 determines Yes in this determination, and if the AP 101 has performed the process of S506 in FIG. 5, the AP 101 determines No in this determination. If the AP 101 determines No in this determination, the AP 101 returns to the process of S403. Note that a timer may be set so that, for example, if the AP 101 does not determine Yes in S404 within a predetermined time period after the first No determination in S404, the AP 101 ends this flow. Alternatively, if the AP 101 determines No a predetermined number of times consecutively in S404, the AP 101 may end this flow. If the AP 101 determines Yes in S404, the AP 101 performs the process of S405.

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

[0090] Next, AP101 determines whether it has received a backhaul establishment start response message from the 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 to receive a backhaul establishment start response message from the agent that sent the backhaul establishment start message in S406. If AP101 has not received a backhaul establishment start response message, it determines No in this step and performs the process of S406 again. Note that if AP101 has not received a backhaul establishment start response message even after a predetermined time has passed since the backhaul establishment start message in S405, AP101 may end this flow. If AP101 has received a backhaul establishment start response message, it determines Yes in this step and performs the process of S407.

[0091] AP 101 determines whether a new backhaul link can be established between the target agents (between AP 102 and AP 103) (S407). Specifically, AP 101 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 AP 102 and AP 103 contain information indicating that a new backhaul link can be established, AP 101 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 AP 102 and AP 103 contains information indicating that a new backhaul link cannot be established, AP 101 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 processing to cancel 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 containing information indicating that a new backhaul link can be established. Note that if AP 101 has instructed AP 102 to build 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 terminates 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 Figure 3. AP101 only needs to receive the corresponding message from at least one of AP102 and AP103.

[0094] In this embodiment, AP101 receives a backhaul establishment start response message, but this is not limited to this. After transmitting the backhaul establishment start message, AP101 may start a timer and determine whether a backhaul establishment completion message has been 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 has not been received before the predetermined time has elapsed, AP101 executes the process of S409, and if the backhaul establishment completion message has been received, AP101 executes the process of S410.

[0095] AP101 sends a backhaul establishment confirmation message to the target agent (at least one of AP102 and AP103) (S410). The backhaul establishment confirmation message sent in this step is the message shown in F325 and F327 in FIG. 3. Note that this step may be omitted. After AP101 processes this step, it ends 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 by 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. Note that if AP102 has not received the backhaul establishment start message within a predetermined time period since starting this flow, AP102 terminates 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 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 are therefore omitted 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 is able 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 can be established to the controller AP 101 (S603). The backhaul establishment start response message transmitted here is the message shown by F316 in FIG. 3.

[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 was successful (S606). If the establishment of a new backhaul link with AP 103 was successful, AP 102 determines "Yes" in this step and performs processing in S608. On the other hand, if the establishment of a new backhaul link with AP 103 was unsuccessful, AP 102 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 it has received a backhaul establishment confirmation message from AP101, which is the controller (S609). As mentioned 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 Figure 3. If AP102 has not received 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, Figure 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, if 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, AP 101 determines whether multiple backhaul links are necessary between predetermined agents (S701). This step involves processing similar to the flow shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, AP 101 determines whether the communication volume (link utilization rate) of each of the multiple backhaul links established between AP 102 and AP 103 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 backhaul link is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links are unnecessary between AP 102 and AP 103. On the other hand, if the communication volume (link utilization rate) of both backhaul links is higher than the predetermined threshold, AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links are necessary between AP 102 and AP 103. Alternatively, or in addition, AP 101 may make this determination based on the communication status within the MAP network 111. Specifically, the determination is made based on the communication volume (link utilization rate) of another link in the MAP network 111 that shares the same frequency channel as one of the multiple backhaul links established between AP 102 and AP 103. If the communication volume (link utilization rate) of the other link is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103 are unnecessary. On the other hand, if the communication volume (link utilization rate) of the other link is lower than a predetermined threshold, AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103 are necessary. Alternatively, AP 101 may make the determination based on a user instruction. Specifically, if the user sets that multiple backhaul links in the MAP network 111 are not possible, AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103 are unnecessary. Alternatively, the same determination is made when the user instructs AP 101 to terminate the multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103.

[0112] Alternatively, if 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, if the RSSI of the backhaul links used for the main purpose is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103 are unnecessary. On the other hand, if the RSSI of the backhaul links used for the main purpose is lower than a predetermined threshold, AP 101 determines that multiple backhaul links between AP 102 and AP 103 are necessary.

[0113] Based on the result of the determination made in S701, AP101 determines whether multiple backhaul links are required between predetermined agents (S702). If it is determined in S701 that multiple backhaul links are required between AP102 and AP103, the result is Yes in this step, 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 required, the result is No in this step, and AP101 performs the processing of S703.

[0114] The AP 101 transmits a stop message to a predetermined agent (at least one of the APs 102 and 103) instructing it to stop the target backhaul link (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. Note that if the communication volumes (link utilization rates) of both backhaul links are equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, which backhaul link to stop may be preset in the AP 101. In this case, the AP 101 may determine which backhaul link to keep based on the frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) in which the backhaul link is established, or may determine to keep the link with the higher communication volume (link utilization rate). Alternatively, which backhaul link to keep may be selected by the user. Note that the stop message is transmitted via a backhaul link other than the backhaul link to be stopped. After executing the process of S703, the AP 101 terminates this flow.

[0115] When at least one of AP 102 and AP 103 receives a stop message from AP 101, it stops the corresponding backhaul link. AP 102, which configures network 108 in which the corresponding backhaul link is established, may stop network 108 if no other communication is being performed on network 108. The network 108 may be stopped autonomously by AP 102, or AP 101 may instruct AP 102 to do so.

[0116] Figure 7 shows how the controller can stop one of the backhaul links between agents when it becomes unnecessary. The controller can control the multiple backhaul links between agents according to changes in the traffic volume on the backhaul links and changes in the communication conditions within the MAP network.

[0117] In this embodiment, the WPS method is used to establish a backhaul link, but this is not limiting and the DPP method may also be used. In the DPP method, communication parameters are shared in a manner compliant with the Wi-Fi DPP standard. In the communication parameter sharing process compliant 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 STAs but also to APs, allowing the AP to build a network that uses the provided communication parameters.

[0118] 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing executed when AP 102 and AP 103 establish multiple backhaul links using the DPP method. In this embodiment, AP 101 operates as a configurator, and APs 102 and 103 operate as enrollees. At the time the sequence in FIG. 8 starts, AP 101 and AP 102 have already shared communication parameters using the DPP method, and AP 102 has joined the network 106 established by AP 101.

[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, which is operating as a controller, transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration Response message to the AP 102 (F802). This process is the same as F302 in FIG.

[0121] Note that in FIG. 3, because the WPS method was used, AP-Autoconfiguration WSC messages were transmitted and received between AP 101 and AP 102, and between AP 101 and AP 103 (F303, F304, F312, and F313 in FIG. 3). However, when the DPP method is used, the transmission and reception of such messages is unnecessary. Therefore, in this process, a message including wireless communication capability information of AP 102 and AP 103, information about the wireless I / F and BSSs in which other APs can join, is transmitted instead of the WSC message. Alternatively, this information may be included in an AP-Autoconfiguration Search message transmitted from AP 102 or AP 103. Alternatively, AP 101 may transmit a query message requesting acquisition of this information, and AP 102 or AP 103 may transmit the relevant information in a response message to the query message.

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

[0123] First, AP 101 and AP 103 perform 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 a picture of the public key information included in a QR code (registered trademark) associated with the Enrollee, and shares the captured picture. However, the public key information may also be shared via Bluetooth communication or NFC communication. Alternatively, the public key information may be shared via the PKEX method, in which the Configurator and the Enrollee share public key information using a common character string.

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

[0125] Next, the AP 101 and AP 103 perform configuration processing. In the configuration processing, the configurator provides the enrollee with a connector, which is a communication parameter. 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 processing, 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, the AP 101 transmits an AP-Autoconfiguration Response message to the AP 103 (F806). Note that these processes are the same as those of F310 and F311 in Fig. 3. Also, as with the processes of F801 and F802, the wireless communication capability information of the AP 103 and information about the wireless I / F and BSSs in which other APs can join 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 the same processes as 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 using the DPP method.

[0130] The APs 102 and 103 execute DPP sharing processing to establish a new backhaul link (F812). The processing executed here is the same as that executed in F803. The Connector provided by the AP 101 in F812 is a communication parameter for participating in the network 108 established by the AP 102. Since the APs 102 and 103 have already executed the DPP sharing processing in F803, processing that can be omitted may be omitted. Specifically, the bootstrapping processing may be omitted. Alternatively, the bootstrapping processing and the authentication processing may be omitted, and only the configuration processing may be executed.

[0131] The AP 103 performs DPP connection processing (F813) using the Connector acquired in F812, thereby enabling 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 the same as the processing from F324 to F327 in FIG.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 8, AP 102 and AP 103 can perform onboarding processing using 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 this. All connectors used to establish the backhaul links may be provided in the initial DPP sharing processing (F803). Specifically, in F803, AP 101 may provide AP 103 with connectors for participating in both networks 107 and 108 established by AP 102. In this case, when AP 101 transmits a backhaul establishment start message to AP 102 and AP 103, the message may include information specifying which connectors to use to establish the backhaul links. In addition, AP 103 omits the processing of F812.

[0134] In this 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 via a wired network and perform wired communication. Furthermore, when multiple backhaul links are established, one may be established via wired communication and the other via wireless communication.

[0135] Furthermore, if the other device with which the APs 101, 102, and 103 share communication parameters supports both the WPS and DPP methods, the APs 101, 102, and 103 may select the DPP method with higher security. Alternatively, the user may select which sharing process to use. Alternatively, if the other device supports only one of the methods, the APs 101, 102, and 103 select the method.

[0136] Note that at least a part or all of the flowcharts of AP101 and AP102 shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 may be implemented by hardware. When implementing by hardware, for example, a specific compiler may be used to generate a dedicated circuit on an FPGA from a computer program for implementing each step, and this may be used. FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. Alternatively, a gate array circuit may be formed in the same manner as an FPGA and implemented as hardware. Alternatively, the steps may be implemented by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Furthermore, the steps of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 may be distributed and executed by multiple CPUs or devices (not shown). The same applies to the sequences of FIGS. 3 and 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 consisting 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 consisting of a single device.

[0138] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more 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. A communication device operating as an access point, a communication means for communicating with another communication device that operates as an access point; the communication means is configured to communicate with the other communication device via a first frequency band and to communicate with the other communication device via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; When the communication means determines based on a communication state between the communication device and the other communication device that the first communication via the first frequency band is to be stopped, the communication means stops the first communication and performs the second communication via the second frequency band. A communication device comprising:

2. The communication device communicates with the other communication device according to a communication procedure compliant with the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The other communication device relays data received from the communication device to the station.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The first communication and the second communication are communications via a backhaul link.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

5. The first frequency band is the 2.4 GHz band, and the second frequency band is the 5 GHz band.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

6. The communication means transmits a notice that the first communication has been stopped to a control device operating as an access point.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

7. A method for controlling a communication device operating as an access point, comprising: a communication step of communicating with another communication device operating as an access point; In the communication step, the communication device communicates with the other communication device via a first frequency band and also communicates with the other communication device via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; A control method characterized in that, in the communication step, when it is determined based on the communication state between the communication device and the other communication device that the first communication via the first frequency band should be stopped, the first communication is stopped and a second communication via the second frequency band is performed.

8. In the communication step, communication with the other communication device is performed according to a communication procedure compliant with the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard.

8. The communication method according to claim 7.

9. The other communication device relays data received from the communication device to the station.

8. The communication method according to claim 7.

10. The first communication and the second communication are communications via a backhaul link.

8. The communication method according to claim 7.

11. The first frequency band is the 2.4 GHz band, and the second frequency band is the 5 GHz band.

8. The communication method according to claim 7.

12. In the communication step, a notification that the first communication has been stopped is transmitted to a control device operating as an access point.

8. The communication method according to claim 7.

13. A computer included in a communication device operating as an access point, A program for executing a communication procedure for communicating with another communication device operating as an access point, in the communication procedure, causing the computer to execute a process of communicating with the other communication device via a first frequency band and communicating with the other communication device via a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; A program for causing the computer to execute a process of stopping the first communication via the first frequency band and performing a second communication via the second frequency band when it is determined, in the communication procedure, based on the communication status between the communication device and the other communication device, that the first communication via the first frequency band is to be stopped.

Images