Access point control system, access point, and program

Abstract

To provide an access point control system, an access point, and a program capable of improving the convenience of access points.SOLUTION: An access point control system 100 includes a reservation generation device 1 that generates reservation data including identification data of a wireless terminal 3, and multiple access points (APs) 2 located at different locations, and the AP2 includes a connection control unit that limits the number of connected wireless terminals other than a reserved wireless terminals in the AP2 to a predetermined number less than the maximum number of connected wireless terminals on the basis of the reservation data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an access point control system, an access point, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, during wireless communication by a communication unit that performs wireless communication by a communication method between an access point and a wireless LAN, when it is determined from a detection result by a detection unit that detects movement that the movement state is a movement state at a predetermined speed or higher, a technique for controlling the communication unit to perform reconnection of wireless communication to the access point is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a user having a wireless terminal moves into the communication area of an access point, due to congestion of the access point, it may be difficult to connect to the access point, or even if it is possible to connect to the access point, communication may not be possible at a sufficient speed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main object is to provide an access point control system, an access point, and a program capable of improving the convenience of an access point.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In the above embodiment, when the access point receives a connection request from a wireless terminal, the connection control unit may determine whether or not it is the wireless terminal related to the reservation data, and if it is the wireless terminal related to the reservation data, it may permit connection to the access point. This makes it possible to provide a connection to the access point to the wireless terminal related to the reservation.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the transmission control unit further enables the stealth function of the access point's ESSID, and the connection control unit may permit the wireless terminal to connect to the access point in response to a connection request from the wireless terminal that includes the access point's ESSID. This makes it possible to suppress congestion at the access point.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the transmission control unit may change at least one of the ESSID and password of the access point when enabling the stealth function. This makes it possible to suppress congestion at the access point.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the transmission control unit may enable the stealth function of the ESSID of the access point depending on the number of connected access points. This makes it possible to suppress congestion of the access point.

[0011] In the above embodiment, a plurality of access points may be arranged at different locations, and the reservation generation unit may acquire location data of the wireless terminal and, based on the location data of the wireless terminal, select an access point from among the plurality of access points to which the reservation data will be transmitted. This makes it possible to reserve an access point based on the location of the wireless terminal.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the reservation generation unit may select the access point corresponding to the predicted arrival location from the location data of the wireless terminal acquired sequentially. This makes it possible to reserve an access point corresponding to the arrival location of the wireless terminal.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the reservation generation unit may further acquire route data representing the path the wireless terminal travels, and select the access point corresponding to the destination predicted from the location data and route data of the wireless terminal. This makes it possible to reserve an access point corresponding to the destination of the wireless terminal.

[0014] In the above embodiment, the reservation generation unit generates reservation data that further includes time data representing the scheduled time for the wireless terminal to use the access point, and the connection control unit may limit the number of connected wireless terminals other than the wireless terminal to a predetermined number or less during the scheduled time. This makes it possible to impose restrictions on the scheduled time.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the connection control unit may start limiting the number of connected devices before the scheduled time. This makes it possible to limit the number of connected devices in advance.

[0016] In the above embodiment, the reservation generation unit may acquire the location data of the wireless terminal and determine the scheduled time based on the estimated arrival time to the destination location predicted from the location data of the wireless terminal. This makes it possible to reserve an access point according to the arrival time of the wireless terminal.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the connection control unit may suspend the restriction on the number of connected devices if it does not receive a connection request from the wireless terminal at the scheduled time. This makes it possible to release the connection to the access point to other wireless terminals if the reserved wireless terminal does not appear.

[0018] In the above embodiment, a plurality of access points may be arranged at different locations, and the reservation generation unit may acquire location data of the wireless terminal and generate a plurality of reservation data with different scheduled times for the plurality of access points based on the location data of the wireless terminal. This makes it possible to sequentially use a plurality of access points according to the location of the wireless terminal.

[0019] In the above embodiment, if multiple access points are arranged in the same area, the reservation generation unit may acquire data representing the number of connections for multiple access points whose wireless communication ranges overlap, and transmit the reservation data to the access point with the most available connections. This makes it possible to provide connections to less crowded access points.

[0020] Furthermore, an access point according to another aspect of the present invention includes a reservation acquisition unit that acquires reservation data including identification data of a wireless terminal, and a connection control unit that, based on the reservation data, limits the number of connected wireless terminals other than the wireless terminal to a predetermined number less than or equal to the maximum number of connected terminals. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of the access point.

[0021] Furthermore, a program in another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following actions: acquire identification data for a wireless terminal, and generate reservation data including the identification data for the wireless terminal, for causing the access point to limit the number of wireless terminals other than the wireless terminal to a predetermined number less than or equal to the maximum number of connected terminals. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of the access point.

[0022] In the above aspect, it may be further caused to be executed by a computer that a plurality of the access points are arranged at different positions from each other, obtaining position data of the wireless terminal, and selecting, from among the plurality of access points, an access point that transmits the reservation data based on the position data of the wireless terminal. According to this, it becomes possible to reserve an access point based on the position of the wireless terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of an access point control system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of an access point. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless terminal. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reservation generation device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the content of an AP database. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an operation example of a reservation generation device. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining an example of generation of reservation data. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining an example of generation of reservation data. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining an example of generation of reservation data. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the content of a MAC address list. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of the content of a reservation list. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an operation example of an access point. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining a modification example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] [Access Point Control System] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an access point control system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the AP control system 100). The AP control system 100 comprises a reservation generation device (reservation generation unit) 1 and a plurality of access points 2 (hereinafter referred to as AP2) arranged at different locations.

[0026] The reservation generation device 1 and AP2 are connected to a network N, including the Internet or a wired LAN, and are capable of network communication with each other. The reservation generation device 1 is a computer, such as a server computer.

[0027] AP2 is a wireless LAN access point that performs wireless communication using the wireless LAN communication method. AP2 provides wireless terminal 3 with a connection to network N.

[0028] Wireless terminal 3 can communicate with AP2 using the wireless LAN communication method. Furthermore, wireless terminal 3 can communicate with reservation generation device 1 via base station B using the mobile communication method.

[0029] Wireless terminal 3 is a portable wireless terminal such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or laptop computer. Wireless terminal 3 is carried by user U.

[0030] In this embodiment, the AP control system 100 is, for example, a system that provides a public wireless LAN service. AP2 is installed, for example, at a train station, bus stop, airport, tourist spot, restaurant, or commercial facility. The user U of the wireless terminal 3 travels, for example, by train, bus, or on foot. When the wireless terminal 3 enters the communication area of ​​AP2, wireless communication takes place between the wireless terminal 3 and AP2.

[0031] [Access Point] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of AP2. AP2 comprises a control unit 20, a memory 21, a wireless communication unit 22, and a wired communication unit 23.

[0032] The control unit 20 is a computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and input / output interfaces. The CPU of the control unit 20 performs information processing according to a program loaded from ROM or non-volatile memory into RAM. The program may be supplied via an information storage medium or via a communication network.

[0033] The wireless communication unit 22 performs wireless communication using the wireless LAN communication method. The wired communication unit 23 is connected to network N. The control unit 20 bridges the wireless terminal 3 connected to the wireless communication unit 22 and network N connected to the wired communication unit 23.

[0034] The control unit 20 comprises a reservation acquisition unit 201, a connection control unit 202, and a transmission control unit 203. These functional units are realized by the CPU of the control unit 20 executing information processing according to a program. Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0035] Memory 21 includes a MAC address list 212 and a reservation list 213. The MAC address list 212 is a list in which the MAC addresses of clients connected to AP2 are registered. Details of the MAC address list 212 and the reservation list 213 will be described later.

[0036] [Wireless terminal] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the wireless terminal 3. The wireless terminal 3 comprises a control unit 30, a wireless communication unit 31, a wireless communication unit 32, a GNSS receiver 33, and a touch panel 34.

[0037] The control unit 30 is a computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and input / output interfaces. The CPU of the control unit 30 performs information processing according to a program loaded from ROM or non-volatile memory into RAM. The program may be supplied via an information storage medium or via a communication network.

[0038] The wireless communication unit 31 performs wireless communication using the wireless LAN communication method. The wireless communication unit 32 performs wireless communication via base station B using the mobile communication method.

[0039] The GNSS receiver 33 detects the position of the wireless terminal 3 based on radio waves received from the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0040] The touch panel 34 is a display device with a touch sensor. The display unit and the operation unit may be provided separately, rather than being limited to the touch panel 34.

[0041] The control unit 30 transmits identification data of the wireless terminal 3 to the reservation generation device 1 via the wireless communication unit 32. The identification data is, for example, a MAC address.

[0042] The control unit 30 sequentially transmits the location data of the wireless terminal 3 to the reservation generation device 1 via the wireless communication unit 32. The control unit 30 may also transmit route data representing the path the wireless terminal 3 travels to the reservation generation device 1 via the wireless communication unit 32.

[0043] The control unit 30 stores setting data for each AP2, such as the ESSID (Service Set Identifier), MAC address, channel, encryption mode, and encryption key, in memory and uses it when the wireless communication unit 31 connects to the AP2.

[0044] [Reservation Generator] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the reservation generation device 1. The reservation generation device 1 is a device for reserving the use of AP2. The reservation generation device 1 includes a control unit 10.

[0045] The control unit 10 is a computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and input / output interfaces. The CPU of the control unit 10 performs information processing according to a program loaded from ROM or non-volatile memory into RAM. The program may be supplied via an information storage medium or via a communication network.

[0046] The control unit 10 comprises a data acquisition unit 11, a position / time prediction unit 12, an AP selection unit 13, a time determination unit 14, and a reservation generation unit 15. These functional units are realized by the CPU of the control unit 10 executing information processing according to a program.

[0047] The control unit 10 further includes an AP database 19. The AP database 19 is located in the memory of the control unit 10. Various data of AP2 are registered in the AP database 19.

[0048] Figure 5 shows an example of the contents of the AP database 19. The AP database 19 includes fields such as "ID", "Model", "Location", "IP Address", and "Number of Connected Devices". The AP database 19 may also include a field such as "ESSID".

[0049] "ID" is the identifier of AP2. "Model" represents the model name or model number of AP2. "Location" represents the location where AP2 is installed. The location is represented by coordinates, for example, latitude and longitude. However, the location may also be represented by a string of characters representing the name of a place, such as a station name or facility name.

[0050] The "IP address" represents the address used to identify AP2 on network N. The IP address is used when sending reservation data to AP2. The "number of connected devices" represents the number of clients currently connected to AP2. Data representing the number of connected devices is sent sequentially from AP2.

[0051] Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of the reservation generation device 1. The control unit 10 of the reservation generation device 1 functions as the data acquisition unit 11, position / time prediction unit 12, AP selection unit 13, and reservation generation device 14 shown in Figure 4 by executing the information processing shown in the figure according to the program.

[0052] First, the control unit 10 acquires identification data and location data of the wireless terminal 3 (S11, processing as the data acquisition unit 11). The identification data is, for example, the MAC address. The control unit 10 sequentially acquires the location data of the wireless terminal 3. The control unit 10 may further acquire route data representing the path that the wireless terminal 3 travels.

[0053] Next, the control unit 10 predicts the destination of the wireless terminal 3 based on the acquired location data (S12, processing as the location and time prediction unit 12). Furthermore, the control unit 10 also predicts the time of arrival at the destination (arrival time).

[0054] Specifically, the control unit 10 predicts the destination of the wireless terminal 3 from the position data of the wireless terminal 3 that is acquired sequentially. As shown in Figure 7, when the position of the wireless terminal 3 is detected sequentially along the path traveled by user U, the destination of the wireless terminal 3 is predicted to be on the extension of that path. In addition, the time to reach the destination is also predicted from the position of the wireless terminal 3 and its change over time.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may predict the destination of the wireless terminal 3 from its location data and route data. As shown in Figure 8, for example, if route guidance is being performed on the wireless terminal 3 using a map application or transit guidance application, the destination of the wireless terminal 3 is predicted along the route being guided. In addition, the time to reach the destination is also predicted from the position of the wireless terminal 3 and its change over time.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 10 and the position / time prediction unit 12 predict multiple destination locations with different arrival times. As shown in Figure 9, multiple destination locations are predicted along the predicted path predicted from the position of the wireless terminal 3. In other words, the path connecting the multiple destination locations becomes the predicted path for the wireless terminal 3. When route guidance is being performed, multiple destination locations are predicted along the path being guided.

[0057] Next, the control unit 10 selects an AP2 from among multiple AP2s to which the reservation data will be sent, based on the predicted arrival location of the wireless terminal 3 (S13, processing as AP selection unit 13). The control unit 10 refers to the "location" of multiple AP2s registered in the AP database 19 (see Figure 5) and selects an AP2 that corresponds to the predicted arrival location of the wireless terminal 3.

[0058] Specifically, the control unit 10 selects an AP2 whose communication area includes the predicted reach of the wireless terminal 3. The communication area of ​​AP2 is determined by the location and communication distance of AP2. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may select the AP2 closest to the predicted reach of the wireless terminal 3.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the AP2 corresponding to the predicted reach of the wireless terminal 3 is selected as the destination for the reservation data. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, multiple AP2a to 2c corresponding to multiple predicted reach locations of the wireless terminal 3 may be selected. In other words, multiple AP2a to 2c located on the predicted path of the wireless terminal 3 may be selected.

[0060] Next, the control unit 10 determines the scheduled time for using the selected AP2 based on the predicted arrival time of the wireless terminal 3 (S14, processing as the time determination unit 14). The scheduled time represents at least the start time when the AP2 is to be used. The scheduled time may also include an end time or a period of use.

[0061] The scheduled time may be the same as the predicted arrival time of wireless terminal 3, or it may be earlier (for example, a few minutes earlier). By setting the scheduled time earlier than the arrival time, AP2 can be made ready to connect when wireless terminal 3 arrives. This can also be achieved by accelerating the timing of limiting the number of connected AP2 devices, as described later.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, when multiple AP2a~2c are selected, multiple different scheduled times ta~tc are determined for each of the multiple AP2a~2c. In other words, multiple scheduled times ta~tc are determined so that the wireless terminal 3 moving with user U can use the multiple AP2a~2c in sequence.

[0063] Next, the control unit 10 generates reservation data to reserve the use of the selected AP2 and transmits the generated reservation data to the selected AP2 (S15, processing as reservation generation unit 15). The reservation data includes identification data of the wireless terminal 3. The reservation data further includes time data representing the scheduled time for the wireless terminal 3 to use the AP2.

[0064] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, reservation data is sent to the AP2 corresponding to the predicted arrival location based on the location data of the wireless terminal 3. Also, as shown in Figure 9, if multiple AP2a to 2c are selected, multiple reservation data containing different scheduled times ta to tc are sent to the selected AP2a to 2c.

[0065] [Access point operation] The following describes the operation of AP2 after it has acquired reservation data from reservation generation device 1.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2 above, the control unit 20 of AP2 includes a reservation acquisition unit 201, a connection control unit 202, and a connection control unit 203. The memory 21 includes a MAC address list 212 and a reservation list 213.

[0067] The reservation acquisition unit 201 acquires reservation data from the reservation generation device 1 and registers the acquired reservation data in the reservation list 213. The connection control unit 202 controls the number of AP2 connections based on the reservation data registered in the reservation list 213.

[0068] The connection control unit 203 enables or disables the ESSID stealth function of AP2. The ESSID stealth function is a function that, for example, stops AP2's beacon, or hides or encrypts the ESSID before transmitting the beacon.

[0069] Furthermore, the connection control unit 202 or connection control unit 203 may not be located inside AP2, but may be located outside AP2, for example, inside reservation generation device 1, and control AP2 via network N.

[0070] Figure 10 shows an example of the contents of MAC address list 212. MAC address list 212 registers the MAC addresses of clients connected to AP2.

[0071] MAC address list 212 can register N MAC addresses, where N is the maximum number of connected devices. Therefore, AP2 can connect up to N clients.

[0072] When the number of connected devices to AP2 reaches the maximum number of connected devices N, it becomes impossible to connect any new clients. Furthermore, as the number of connected devices to AP2 approaches the maximum number of connected devices N, even if new clients can connect, they may not be able to communicate at a sufficient speed, making it impossible for users to use the service comfortably.

[0073] Therefore, when reservation data is registered in the reservation list 213, the connection control unit 202 limits the number of connected wireless terminals other than the wireless terminal 3 related to the reservation to a predetermined number n or less, thereby enabling communication at a sufficient speed for the wireless terminal 3 related to the reservation. Hereinafter, wireless terminals other than the wireless terminal 3 related to the reservation will be referred to as "wireless terminal 3X".

[0074] The predetermined number n is not particularly limited and can be determined as appropriate. The predetermined number n is at most N-1, but it is preferable that it be smaller than N-1 from the viewpoint of enabling communication at a sufficient speed for the wireless terminal 3 related to the reservation and from the viewpoint of being able to accept multiple reservations. For example, it is preferable that the number of available units (Nn) be around 10 to 20. The maximum number of connected units N may also be variable depending on the situation.

[0075] Figure 11 shows an example of the contents of the reservation list 213. The reservation list 213 registers reservation data obtained from the reservation generation device 1. The reservation list 213 includes fields such as "Reservation ID," "MAC Address," and "Scheduled Time."

[0076] Figure 12 shows an example of AP2 operation. This figure mainly shows the processing related to controlling the number of connected devices, which is performed by the control unit 20 of AP2. The control unit 20 of AP2 functions as the connection control unit 202 shown in Figure 2 above by executing the information processing shown in this figure according to the program.

[0077] First, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a connection request has been made (S21). The connection request is a so-called association request. The connection request includes the ESSID of AP2. If a connection request has been made (S21: YES), the control unit 20 determines whether or not reservation data is registered in the reservation list 213 (S22).

[0078] If reservation data is registered in the reservation list 213 (S22: YES), the control unit 20 determines whether α minutes before the scheduled time included in the reservation data has passed (S23). α is a positive number determined as appropriate.

[0079] If it has passed α minutes before the scheduled time (S23: YES), the control unit 20 determines whether it has passed β minutes after the scheduled time included in the reservation data (S24). β is a positive number that can be determined as appropriate.

[0080] If it is not β minutes past the scheduled time (S24: NO), the control unit 20 determines whether the connection request source is the wireless terminal 3 associated with the reservation (S25). That is, the control unit 20 determines whether it has received a connection request from the wireless terminal 3 associated with the reservation.

[0081] The wireless terminal 3 related to the reservation is a wireless terminal whose reservation data is registered in the reservation list 213. In other words, it is a wireless terminal whose MAC address is included in the reservation data. Whether or not a terminal is the wireless terminal 3 related to the reservation is determined by whether or not the MAC address included in the connection request matches the MAC address included in the reservation data.

[0082] If the connection request originates from the reserved wireless terminal 3, that is, if a connection request is received from the reserved wireless terminal 3 (S25:YES), the control unit 20 permits the reserved wireless terminal 3 to connect to the wireless communication unit 22 (S26).

[0083] After granting permission for the connection, the control unit 20 sends an association response back to the reserved wireless terminal 3, and after the authentication process, begins sending and receiving data frames. The control unit 20 also adds the MAC address of the reserved wireless terminal 3 to the MAC address list 212.

[0084] On the other hand, if the connection request is not from the reserved wireless terminal 3, that is, if a connection request is received from a wireless terminal 3X other than the reserved wireless terminal 3 (S25: NO), the control unit 20 restricts wireless terminal 3X from connecting to the wireless communication unit 22 (S27, S28).

[0085] Specifically, the control unit 20 determines whether the number of connected devices to the wireless communication unit 22 is less than a predetermined number (S27). The number of connected devices to the wireless communication unit 22 is the number of MAC addresses registered in the MAC address list 212.

[0086] If the number of connected devices is less than a predetermined number (S27: YES), the control unit 20 permits the wireless terminal 3X to connect to the wireless communication unit 22 (S26).

[0087] On the other hand, if the number of connected devices exceeds a predetermined number (S27: NO), the control unit 20 refuses to connect the wireless terminal 3X (S28). As a result, the number of connected wireless terminals 3X other than the reserved wireless terminal 3 is limited to a predetermined number that is less than the maximum number of connected devices.

[0088] According to this, by restricting the connection of wireless terminals 3X other than the wireless terminal 3 related to reservations, congestion on AP2 is suppressed, and then the wireless terminal 3 related to reservations is provided with a connection to AP2, thereby improving the convenience of AP2.

[0089] In the above procedure, if no reservation data is registered in the reservation list 213 (S22: NO), the control unit 20 does not restrict the connection and allows the wireless terminal 3X to connect (S26).

[0090] Furthermore, if it has passed α minutes before the scheduled time (S23: YES), the control unit 20 starts limiting the number of connected devices (S27, S28). By starting to limit the number of connected devices earlier than the scheduled time, AP2 can be made ready for connection when the wireless terminal 3 arrives.

[0091] Furthermore, if it has passed β minutes past the scheduled time (S24: YES), the control unit 20 does not restrict connections and allows connection to the wireless terminal 3X (S26). Thus, if no connection request is received from the reserved wireless terminal 3 at the scheduled time, it is preferable to discontinue the restriction on the number of connected devices.

[0092] With the above steps completed, the process related to controlling the number of connected devices by the control unit 20 of AP2 is finished.

[0093] Even if AP2's stealth function is enabled, the connection request from the wireless terminal 3 related to the reservation includes AP2's ESSID, so a connection to AP2 is possible.

[0094] The control unit 20 of AP2 can reduce the load on AP2 by enabling the ESSID stealth function (processing as the connection control unit 203). In other words, AP2 is constantly emitting a beacon to announce its presence, and for example, when a train arrives at a station, passengers' wireless terminals simultaneously and automatically attempt to connect to AP2 installed at the station. Therefore, AP2 needs to allocate resources to reject connection requests from wireless terminals that do not have the necessary connection privileges, but by enabling the stealth function of AP2, such a load can be reduced.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 20 of AP2 can adaptively reduce the load by enabling the ESSID stealth function according to the number of connected AP2s. In other words, when the number of connected AP2s approaches a predetermined number, enabling the ESSID stealth function reduces the load on AP2 and makes it possible to maintain the number of connected AP2s below the predetermined number.

[0096] Furthermore, when enabling the stealth function for the ESSID, the control unit 20 of AP2 may change at least one of the ESSID and password of AP2 (processing as the connection control unit 203). Even when the stealth function is enabled, clients that have already memorized the ESSID and password can still attempt to connect, but changing at least one of the ESSID and password can further reduce the load.

[0097] Specifically, in the case of changing the password, clients that have already memorized the ESSID can continue to attempt to connect, so AP2 will have to allocate resources to reject the clients (in this case, authentication will fail because the password is different), but it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of connected devices after the change.

[0098] On the other hand, when the ESSID is changed, clients will no longer be able to attempt to connect, allowing AP2 to conserve resources more effectively. However, since changing the ESSID necessitates reconnecting with already connected clients, it is preferable to notify already connected clients of the new ESSID separately before changing the ESSID.

[0099] [Differentiation] Figure 13 illustrates a modified example. This figure shows an example where multiple AP2a-2c are arranged in the same area. These AP2a-2c use different channels from each other, enabling overlapping wireless communication ranges.

[0100] These AP2a~2c devices transmit data representing the number of connected devices to the reservation generation device 1. This data may be the number of connected devices themselves, or it may be the number of available devices (maximum number of connected devices - number of connected devices). When the reservation generation device 1 receives the data representing the number of connected devices, it registers it in the AP database 19 (see Figure 5).

[0101] When there are multiple AP2a to 2c corresponding to the reach of the wireless terminal 3, the reservation generation device 1 refers to the AP database 19 and selects the AP2 with the most available slots as the destination for the reservation data. This makes it possible to further improve convenience.

[0102] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are of course possible for those skilled in the art.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the reservation generation device 1 was an independent device, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the functions of the reservation generation device 1 may be implemented in the wireless terminal 3. That is, a program for implementing the functions of the reservation generation device 1 may be executed in the wireless terminal 3.

[0104] Furthermore, the functions of the reservation generation device 1 may be implemented in any one of the multiple AP2s.

[0105] In the above embodiment, AP2 to which the reservation data will be sent was selected based on the location data of the wireless terminal 3. However, the embodiment is not limited to this; for example, user U, who operates the wireless terminal 3, may select AP2 to which the reservation data will be sent, or determine the planned time for use. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1 Reservation generation device, 2 Access point, 3 Wireless terminal, 20 Control unit, 201 Reservation acquisition unit, 202 Connection control unit, 203 Transmission control unit, 21 Memory, 212 MAC address list, 213 Reservation list, 22 Wireless communication unit, 23 Wired communication unit, 30 Control unit, 31 Wireless communication unit, 32 Wireless communication unit, 33 GNSS receiver, 34 Touch panel, 11 Data acquisition unit, 12 Location / time prediction unit, 13 AP selection unit, 14 Time determination unit, 15 Reservation generation unit, 19 AP database, 100 Access point control system, N Network, B Base station

Claims

1. A reservation generation unit that generates reservation data including wireless terminal identification data, A connection control unit that, based on the reservation data, limits the number of wireless terminals other than the wireless terminal related to the reservation data connected to the access point to a predetermined number less than or equal to the maximum number of connected terminals, An access point control system equipped with the following features.

2. The connection control unit, When the access point receives a connection request from a wireless terminal, it determines whether or not it is the wireless terminal related to the reservation data. If it is the wireless terminal related to the reservation data, it is permitted to connect to the access point. The access point control system according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises a transmission control unit that enables the stealth function of the access point's ESSID, The connection control unit, in response to a connection request from the wireless terminal relating to the reservation data including the access point's ESSID, permits the wireless terminal relating to the reservation data to connect to the access point. The access point control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The transmission control unit enables the stealth function of the access point's ESSID depending on the number of connected access points. The access point control system according to claim 3.

5. When enabling the stealth function, the transmission control unit changes at least one of the access point's ESSID and password. The access point control system according to claim 4.

6. Multiple access points are arranged at different locations from each other. The reservation generation unit acquires the location data of the wireless terminal and, based on the location data of the wireless terminal, selects an access point from among the multiple access points to which the reservation data will be transmitted. An access point control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The reservation generation unit selects the access point corresponding to the predicted destination location from the location data of the wireless terminals acquired sequentially. The access point control system according to claims 1 to 6.

8. The reservation generation unit further acquires route data representing the path the wireless terminal will travel, and selects the access point corresponding to the destination predicted from the wireless terminal's location data and route data. The access point control system according to claims 1 to 7.

9. The reservation generation unit generates the reservation data which further includes time data representing the scheduled time for the wireless terminal to use the access point. The connection control unit limits the number of connected wireless terminals other than the wireless terminal to the predetermined number or less during the scheduled time. An access point control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The connection control unit starts limiting the number of connected devices before the scheduled time. The access point control system according to claim 9.

11. The reservation generation unit acquires location data of the wireless terminal and determines the scheduled time based on the time to reach the destination predicted from the location data of the wireless terminal. The access point control system according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The connection control unit shall cancel the limit on the number of connected devices if it does not receive a connection request from the wireless terminal at the scheduled time. An access point control system according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. Multiple access points are arranged at different locations from each other. The reservation generation unit acquires location data of the wireless terminal and generates a plurality of reservation data for a plurality of access points, each with a different scheduled time, based on the location data of the wireless terminal. An access point control system according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The reservation generation unit acquires data representing the number of connected devices for multiple access points whose wireless communication ranges overlap, and transmits the reservation data to the access point with the most available devices. An access point control system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A reservation acquisition unit that acquires reservation data including wireless terminal identification data, A connection control unit that, based on the reservation data, limits the number of connected wireless terminals other than the wireless terminal related to the reservation data to a predetermined number less than or equal to the maximum number of connected terminals, An access point equipped with the following features.

16. To obtain identification data of wireless terminals, and, To generate reservation data including identification data of the aforementioned wireless terminal, Have the computer run it, The aforementioned reservation data is data used to restrict the number of wireless terminals other than the aforementioned wireless terminal to connected to the access point, to a predetermined number less than or equal to the maximum number of connected terminals. program.

17. Multiple access points are arranged at different locations from each other. To acquire the location data of the wireless terminal related to the reservation data, and Based on the location data of the wireless terminal relating to the reservation data, select an access point from among a plurality of access points to transmit the reservation data. To further have the computer perform the following actions: L as described in claim 16.

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