Network systems, relay devices, communication devices, and control programs

Abstract

To make it possible to perform wireless communication using an undefined frequency band in a mesh network.SOLUTION: A first communication device 11 notifies a relay device 13 of a first frequency band and connection information. The relay device 13 is capable of first communication of wirelessly communicating with second communication devices 12a to 12c in the first frequency band and connection information the relay device is notified of from the first communication device 11. Further, the relay device 13 is capable of second communication of wirelessly communicating with the second communication devices 12a to 12c in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a network system, a relay device, a communication device, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] In wireless communication, the 6 GHz frequency band is known as a high-speed and stable frequency band. As applications of the 6 GHz frequency band, wireless communication for the backhaul or front haul of a mesh network can be considered. As a standard for mesh networks, EasyMesh defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance is known (for example, Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). Note that Wi-Fi and EasyMesh are registered trademarks.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in its current form, EasyMesh does not have a specification for using the 6GHz frequency band as backhaul or fronthaul. Therefore, users cannot benefit from the 6GHz frequency band.

[0005] The present invention aims to enable wireless communication using an undefined frequency band in a mesh network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The disclosed network system is a network system that forms a mesh network, comprising a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, wherein the first communication device notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, and the relay device is capable of first communication, which wirelessly communicates with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and second communication, which wirelessly communicates with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0007] The disclosed relay device is a relay device in a network system forming a mesh network, comprising a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, and includes a communication unit that receives notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device, a wireless communication unit that performs a first communication for wireless communication with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication for wireless communication with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0008] The disclosed communication device is a communication device as the first communication device in a network system forming a mesh network, comprising: a first communication device; a second communication device; and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, the communication device comprising: a communication unit that communicates with the relay device; and a control unit that controls the communication unit and notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, wherein the control unit is capable of: first control which causes the relay device to execute a first communication which performs wireless communication with the second communication device in the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of the connection information which does not include a specific code; and second control which causes the relay device to execute a second communication which performs wireless communication with the second communication device in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band by notifying the relay device of the connection information which includes the specific code.

[0009] The disclosed control program includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first and second communication devices, and causes the processor of the relay device of a network system forming a mesh network to execute processing that enables a first communication, which receives notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device and performs wireless communication with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication, which performs wireless communication with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0010] The disclosed control program causes the processor of the first communication device of a network system forming a mesh network to perform the following processes: first control, which causes the relay device to execute a first communication to perform wireless communication with the second communication device in the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information and the connection information which does not include a specific code; and second control, which causes the relay device to execute a second communication to perform wireless communication with the second communication device in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band by notifying the relay device of the connection information which includes the specific code. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a network system, relay device, communication device, and control program that can perform wireless communication using an undefined frequency band in a mesh network. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows a network system 10, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the onboarding process performed between the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of RF Bands in an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2). [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of notification of connection information in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7]It is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of RF Bands of the M2 message in Embodiment 4. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 4. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of notification of connection information in Embodiment 4.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) <The network system 10 which is an embodiment of the present invention> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network system 10 which is an embodiment of the present invention. The network system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a network system that forms a mesh network compatible with EasyMesh defined by, for example, the Wi-Fi Alliance. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 10 includes a first communication device 11, second communication devices 12a to 12c, and a relay device 13.

[0015] In the network system 10, the communication section between the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13 is referred to as a backhaul (BH). The communication sections between the relay device 13 and the second communication devices 12a to 12c, and between the first communication device 11 and the second communication devices 12a to 12c are referred to as front hauls (FH).

[0016] The first communication device 11 operates as a master unit (Controller) in the mesh network of the network system 10. The first communication device 11 includes a BF communication unit 11a, an FH communication unit 11b, and a control unit 11c. The BF communication unit 11a performs backhaul communication with the relay device 13. The backhaul communication between the BF communication unit 11a and the relay device 13 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

[0017] The FH communication unit 11b performs front-haul wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c. The control unit 11c controls the communications by the BF communication unit 11a and the FH communication unit 11b. For example, the control unit 11c controls the BF communication unit 11a to notify the relay device 13 of the frequency band and connection information described later.

[0018] The second communication devices 12a to 12c (STA) operate as slave devices in the mesh network of the network system 10. In the example in Figure 1, the second communication device 12a is an information terminal that supports 2.4GHz wireless communication. The second communication device 12a is an information terminal that supports 5GHz wireless communication. The second communication device 12c is an information terminal that supports 6GHz wireless communication. Each of the second communication devices 12a to 12c communicates with the first communication device 11 either via the relay device 13 or directly without the relay device 13, thereby connecting to a wide area network (e.g., the Internet) via the first communication device 11.

[0019] The relay device 13 operates as an agent in the mesh network of the network system 10. Specifically, the relay device 13 relays communication between the first communication device 11 and the second communication devices 12a to 12c. The relay device 13 includes a BF communication unit 13a, an FH communication unit 13b, and a control unit 13c. The BF communication unit 13a performs backhaul communication with the first communication device 11.

[0020] The FH communication unit 13b performs front-haul wireless communication between the second communication devices 12a to 12c. The control unit 13c controls the communications by the BF communication unit 13a and the FH communication unit 13b. For example, the control unit 13c receives notification of the first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device 11 via the BF communication unit 13a.

[0021] <Hardware configuration of the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13. Each of the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13 shown in Figure 1 can be implemented by, for example, an information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 includes, for example, a processor 21, a memory 22, and a communication interface 23. The processor 21, the memory 22, and the communication interface 23 are connected by, for example, a bus 29.

[0022] The processor 21 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire information processing device 20. The processor 21 may also be implemented using other digital circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor 21 may be implemented using a combination of multiple digital circuits.

[0023] Memory 22 includes, for example, main memory and auxiliary memory. Main memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). Main memory is used as the work area of ​​the processor 21. Auxiliary memory is non-volatile memory such as magnetic disks, optical disks, and flash memory. Various programs for operating the information processing device 20 are stored in the auxiliary memory. Programs stored in auxiliary memory are loaded into main memory and executed by the processor 21.

[0024] The communication interface 23 is a communication interface that communicates with the outside of the information processing device 20. For example, the communication interface 23 is a communication interface that can communicate via wired or wireless connection. The communication interface 23 is controlled by the processor 21.

[0025] <Onboarding process performed between the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13> Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the onboarding process performed between the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13. When a mesh network is constructed in the network system 10, the onboarding process, as shown in Figure 3, is performed between the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13.

[0026] First, the relay device 13 sends a search packet (Autoconfig Search) to find the master device (for example, the first communication device 11) (step S31). In this example, assume that the first communication device 11 receives the search packet sent in step S31.

[0027] Next, the first communication device 11 sends a response packet to the relay device 13 for the search packet transmitted in step S31 (step S32). This allows the relay device 13 to recognize the first communication device 11 as the master device.

[0028] Next, the relay device 13 sends an M1 message (Autoconfig WSC M1) to the first communication device 11 (step S33). Then, the first communication device 11 sends an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2) to the relay device 13 in response to the M1 message sent in step S33 (step S34). The M2 message includes the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the first communication device 11 and the wireless communication authentication encryption key (encryption key). The M2 message also includes frequency band information indicating the frequency band used for wireless communication (see, for example, Figure 4).

[0029] Next, the relay device 13 sends a topology query packet to the first communication device 11 (step S35). Then, the first communication device 11 sends a topology response packet to the relay device 13 in response to the topology query packet sent in step S35 (step S36).

[0030] The topology response packet includes the MAC address of the first communication device 11 and the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the wireless communication. Based on the MAC address of the first communication device 11 received in steps S34 and S36, the first communication device 11 can obtain the authentication encryption key received in step S34 and the SSID received in step S36 in association with each other.

[0031] These SSIDs and authentication encryption keys are held by the first communication device 11 as connection information (credentials). The first communication device 11 uses this connection information to perform wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0032] The relay device 13 executes step S31 for each frequency band of the wireless communication it supports. Therefore, the process shown in Figure 3 is performed for each frequency band supported by the relay device 13, and the relay device 13 maintains connection information for each frequency band.

[0033] <M2メッセージ(Autoconfig WSC M2)のRF Bands> Figure 4 shows an example of RF Bands in an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2). The M2 message transmitted by step S34 shown in Figure 3 includes, for example, frequency band information 41. The frequency band information 41 is defined by a "Data Element Type" indicating that the frequency band information 41 is frequency band information (RF Bands), a "Data Element Length" indicating the data length of the frequency band information 41, and "RF Bands" indicating the frequency band.

[0034] Frequency Band Definition 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of the definition of the "RF Bands" value in the WSC specification. In Frequency Band Definition 42, the value "0x01" for "RF Bands" indicates a frequency band of 2.4 GHz, the value "0x02" for "RF Bands" indicates a frequency band of 5 GHz, and the value "0x04" for "RF Bands" indicates a frequency band of 60 GHz.

[0035] On the other hand, in the EasyMesh WSC specification, the 6GHz frequency band is not defined in frequency band definition 42, so the first communication device 11 cannot notify the relay device 13 of 6GHz wireless communication connection information via M2 message. In contrast, the network system 10 enables the relay device 13 to perform 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c even if the 6GHz frequency band is not defined.

[0036] <Processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 1> Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 1. In this example, the relay device 13 is assumed to support 2.4GHz wireless communication, 5GHz wireless communication, and 6GHz wireless communication for the fronthaul.

[0037] First, the relay device 13 receives connection information (SSID and authentication encryption key) for 2.4GHz wireless communication from the first communication device 11 (step S51). For example, the relay device 13 receives the connection information for 2.4GHz wireless communication from the first communication device 11 by performing the onboarding process shown in Figure 3 for 2.4GHz wireless communication with the first communication device 11. Next, the relay device 13 stores the connection information received in step S51 as connection information for 2.4GHz wireless communication (step S52).

[0038] Next, the relay device 13 receives connection information for 5GHz wireless communication from the first communication device 11 (step S53). For example, the relay device 13 receives connection information for 5GHz wireless communication from the first communication device 11 by performing the onboarding process shown in Figure 3 for 5GHz wireless communication with the first communication device 11. Next, the relay device 13 holds the connection information received in step S53 as connection information for 5GHz wireless communication (step S54).

[0039] Next, the relay device 13 receives connection information for 6GHz wireless communication from the first communication device 11 as connection information for 5GHz wireless communication that includes a specific code (step S55). For example, the relay device 13 performs the onboarding process shown in Figure 3 for 6GHz wireless communication with the first communication device 11. In this onboarding process, the first communication device 11 includes a pre-configured specific code in the connection information that it transmits as connection information for 5GHz wireless communication. As an example, the first communication device 11 includes a specific code in the authentication encryption key that it transmits as connection information for 5GHz wireless communication.

[0040] Next, the relay device 13, based on the fact that the connection information received from the relay device 13 in step S55 as connection information for 5GHz wireless communication includes a pre-set specific code, stores that connection information as connection information for 6GHz wireless communication (step S56).

[0041] As a result, the relay device 13 becomes capable of 2.4GHz wireless communication, 5GHz wireless communication, and 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c in the network system 10 with the first communication device 11 as the master unit.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 5, the relay device 13 then relays the communication between the first communication device 11 and the second communication device 12a by performing 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication device 12a using the stored 6GHz wireless communication connection information, in response to a request from the second communication device 12c which supports 6GHz wireless communication (step S57). At this time, the communication between the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0043] <Notification of connection information in Embodiment 1> Figure 6 shows an example of connection information notification in Embodiment 1. Connection information C2 is connection information for 2.4GHz wireless communication. Connection information C2 includes the SSID "Buffalo-2G-XXXX" and an authentication encryption key (not shown). In step S51 shown in Figure 5, the first communication device 11 transmits, for example, connection information C2 to the relay device 13.

[0044] Connection information C5 is connection information for 5GHz wireless communication. Connection information C5 includes the SSID "Buffalo-5G-XXXX" and an authentication encryption key (not shown). In step S53 shown in Figure 5, the first communication device 11 transmits, for example, connection information C5 to the relay device 13.

[0045] Connection information C6 is connection information for 6GHz wireless communication. Connection information C6 includes the SSID "Buffalo-6G-XXXX" and an authentication encryption key (not shown). In step S55 shown in Figure 5, the first communication device 11 transmits, for example, connection information C6 to the relay device 13 as connection information for 5GHz wireless communication, including a specific code.

[0046] Specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits connection information C6, which includes a specific code, to the relay device 13 using an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2) with the value of frequency band information 41 (see Figure 4) set to "0x02" (5GHz). The specific code is a code that is unlikely to be included in normal connection information. As an example, the first communication device 11 includes an authentication encryption key that contains the specific code in part in the connection information C6.

[0047] As a result, the first communication device 11 can notify the relay device 13 of connection information for 6GHz wireless communication including a specific code using a common profile (for example, the profile shown in Figure 4) with connection information for 5GHz wireless communication that does not include a specific code.

[0048] The relay device 13 receives connection information from the first communication device 11 as connection information for 5GHz wireless communication via an M2 message in which the value of frequency band information 41 is "0x02" (5GHz). If it does not contain a specific code, the relay device 13 stores it as connection information for 5GHz wireless communication, and if it does contain a specific code, it stores it as connection information for 6GHz wireless communication.

[0049] Thus, in Embodiment 1, the first communication device 11 transmits 6GHz wireless communication connection information as 5GHz wireless communication connection information including a specific code. The relay device 13 recognizes that this connection information is 6GHz wireless communication connection information based on the specific code and stores this connection information as 6GHz wireless communication connection information.

[0050] As a result, even if the 6GHz frequency band is not defined and the first communication device 11 cannot transmit 6GHz wireless communication connection information to the relay device 13 as 6GHz wireless communication connection information, the relay device 13 will be able to perform 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0051] Although the first communication device 11 has been described as transmitting 6GHz wireless communication connection information as 5GHz wireless communication connection information, the first communication device 11 may also transmit 6GHz wireless communication connection information as wireless communication connection information for a frequency band other than 5GHz (for example, 2.4GHz or 60GHz). In this case as well, the first communication device 11 can include a specific code in the connection information so that the relay device 13 can retain it as 6GHz wireless communication connection information.

[0052] (Embodiment 2) The differences between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 will now be described.

[0053] <Processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 2> Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 2.

[0054] Steps S71 to S74 shown in Figure 7 are the same as steps S51 to S54 shown in Figure 5. Following step S74, the relay device 13 generates and stores 6GHz wireless communication connection information from the 5GHz wireless communication connection information received in step S74, based on the fact that it received 5GHz wireless communication connection information in step S74 and that the relay device 13 supports 6GHz wireless communication (step S75). For example, the SSID of the 5GHz wireless communication is renamed to the SSID of the 6GHz wireless communication, and the authentication encryption key of the 5GHz wireless communication is used as the authentication encryption key of the 6GHz wireless communication.

[0055] As a result, the relay device 13 becomes capable of 2.4GHz wireless communication, 5GHz wireless communication, and 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c in the network system 10 with the first communication device 11 as the master unit. Step S76 is the same as step S57 shown in Figure 5.

[0056] <Notification of connection information in Embodiment 2> Figure 8 shows an example of connection information notification in Embodiment 2. In step S75 shown in Figure 7, the relay device 13 copies the 5GHz wireless communication connection information C5 received from the first communication device 11, for example, and changes "5G" to "6G" in the SSID "Buffalo-5G-XXXX" included in the connection information C5 to "Buffalo-6G-XXXX" and holds it as the SSID for 6GHz wireless communication. The relay device 13 also holds the authentication encryption key included in the connection information C5 as the authentication encryption key for 6GHz wireless communication. As a result, the relay device 13 generates the 6GHz wireless communication connection information C6 and becomes capable of 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0057] Furthermore, the first communication device 11 also generates 6GHz wireless communication connection information C6, similar to the relay device 13, using the 5GHz wireless communication connection information C5 transmitted to the relay device 13. As a result, the first communication device 11 also becomes capable of 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0058] Thus, in Embodiment 2, the relay device 13, based on the fact that the relay device 13 supports 6GHz wireless communication, uses the 5GHz wireless communication connection information received from the first communication device 11 to perform 6GHz wireless communication (second communication) with the second communication device 12c.

[0059] As a result, even if the 6GHz frequency band is not defined and the first communication device 11 cannot transmit connection information for 6GHz wireless communication to the relay device 13, the relay device 13 will be able to perform 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0060] In Embodiment 2, since the first communication device 11 and the relay device 13 use the same connection information for 6GHz wireless communication, users of the second communication devices 12a to 12c can perform 6GHz wireless communication with either the first communication device 11 or the relay device 13 simply by setting the connection information for 6GHz wireless communication of either the first communication device 11 or the relay device 13 for the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0061] Furthermore, if, for example, the first communication device 11 changes the connection information for 5GHz wireless communication, the connection information of the relay device 13 is automatically updated by the EasyMesh protocol. Therefore, even if the connection information changes due to a change in the connection information of the first communication device 11, the connection information of the relay device 13 can also be automatically updated in conjunction with the update of the relay device 13's connection information.

[0062] Although the description above describes a configuration in which the relay device 13 generates 6GHz wireless communication connection information using 5GHz wireless communication connection information, the relay device 13 may also be configured to generate 6GHz wireless communication connection information using wireless communication connection information in frequency bands other than 5GHz (for example, 2.4GHz or 60GHz).

[0063] (Embodiment 3) The differences between Embodiment 3 and Embodiments 1 and 2 will be described below.

[0064] <Processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 3> Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 3.

[0065] Steps S91 to S94 shown in Figure 9 are the same as steps S51 to S54 shown in Figure 5. Following step S94, the relay device 13 holds the connection information for the 6GHz wireless communication manually configured by the user (step S95). The relay device 13 may accept this manual configuration by the user in step S95, or it may accept it before step S95 (for example, before the start of the process in Figure 9). The connection information configured manually may be the value entered by the user, or it may be a random value automatically generated based on the user's instructions.

[0066] As a result, the relay device 13 becomes capable of 2.4GHz wireless communication, 5GHz wireless communication, and 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c in the network system 10 with the first communication device 11 as the master unit. Step S96 is the same as step S57 shown in Figure 5.

[0067] <Notification of connection information in Embodiment 3> Figure 10 shows an example of connection information notification in Embodiment 3. In step S95 shown in Figure 7, the relay device 13 stores the manually set connection information C6a for 6GHz wireless communication, instead of the 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless communication connection information received from the first communication device 11.

[0068] The relay device 13 may accept manual settings of 6GHz wireless communication connection information from the user, for example, through a user interface provided on the relay device 13, or through a device that can communicate with the relay device 13 and has a user interface.

[0069] Thus, in Embodiment 3, the relay device 13 performs 6GHz wireless communication (second communication) with the second communication device 12c using connection information manually set by the user. In other words, the relay device 13, which supports 6GHz wireless communication, performs 6GHz wireless communication using connection information manually set by the user, regardless of the connection information from the first communication device 11.

[0070] As a result, even if the 6GHz frequency band is not defined and the first communication device 11 cannot transmit connection information for 6GHz wireless communication to the relay device 13, the relay device 13 will be able to perform 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0071] As described above, in embodiments 1 to 3, the first communication device 11 notifies the relay device 13 of the first frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and connection information (SSID and authentication encryption key) via M2 messages (Autoconfig WSC M2) or topology response packets. In response, the relay device 13 can perform a first communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c using the first frequency band and connection information notified by the first communication device 11.

[0072] In addition, the relay device 13 is also capable of second communication, which involves wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c in a second frequency band (6 GHz) that is different from the first frequency band notified by the first communication device 11. This means that even if the second frequency band is not defined and the first communication device 11 cannot transmit connection information for wireless communication in the second frequency band to the relay device 13, the relay device 13 can still perform wireless communication in the second frequency band with the second communication devices 12a to 12c. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform wireless communication using an undefined frequency band in a mesh network.

[0073] (Embodiment 4) The differences between Embodiment 3 and Embodiments 1 to 3 will be described below.

[0074] <RF Bands of M2 Message in Embodiment 4> Figure 11 shows an example of RF Bands in an M2 message in Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 11, in Embodiment 4, a new frequency band of 6 GHz is defined as "0x08" in the frequency band definition 42. As a result, as shown in the frequency band information 41 in Figure 11, by transmitting connection information with an M2 message where the value of the frequency band information 41 is "0x08" (6 GHz), that connection information can be transmitted to the relay device 13 as connection information for 6 GHz wireless communication.

[0075] <Processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 4> Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the network system 10 of Embodiment 4.

[0076] Steps S121 to S124 shown in Figure 12 are the same as steps S51 to S54 shown in Figure 5. Following step S124, the relay device 13 receives connection information for 6GHz wireless communication from the first communication device 11 (step S125). For example, the relay device 13 receives connection information for 6GHz wireless communication from the first communication device 11 by performing the onboarding process shown in Figure 3 for 6GHz wireless communication with the first communication device 11. Next, the relay device 13 holds the connection information received in step S125 as connection information for 6GHz wireless communication (step S126).

[0077] As a result, the relay device 13 becomes capable of 2.4GHz wireless communication, 5GHz wireless communication, and 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c in the network system 10 with the first communication device 11 as the master unit. Step S127 is the same as step S57 shown in Figure 5.

[0078] <Notification of connection information in Embodiment 4> Figure 13 shows an example of connection information notification in Embodiment 4. In step S125 shown in Figure 12, the first communication device 11 transmits, for example, connection information C6 to the relay device 13. Specifically, the first communication device 11 transmits connection information C6 to the relay device 13 using an M2 message (Autoconfig WSC M2) in which the value of frequency band information 41 (see Figure 4) is set to "0x08" (6GHz).

[0079] In Embodiment 4, a new 6GHz (e.g., "0x08") is defined in the RF Bands of the WSC packet, and the first communication device 11 transmits connection information to the relay device 13. This enables the relay device 13 to perform 6GHz wireless communication with the second communication devices 12a to 12c.

[0080] Furthermore, in Embodiment 4, since the connection information for 5GHz wireless communication and the connection information for 6GHz wireless communication are transmitted separately from the first communication device 11 to the relay device 13, it is possible to use different connection information (e.g., authentication encryption key) for 5GHz wireless communication and 6GHz wireless communication.

[0081] (modified version) Although a configuration in which the network system 10 includes one relay device (relay device 13) has been described, the network system 10 may include multiple relay devices. The configuration of each of the multiple relay devices can be the same as that of relay device 13. Also, although a configuration in which the network system 10 includes three slave devices (second communication devices 12a to 12c) has been described, the network system 10 may include one, two, or four or more slave devices.

[0082] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be implemented in combination.

[0083] (Regarding the control program) The control program stored in the memory 22 of the first communication device 11 or the memory 22 of the relay device 13 is stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium. Such a "computer-readable storage medium" is, for example, an optical medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM), or a magnetic storage medium such as a USB memory or memory card. Furthermore, such a program can also be provided via download over a network.

[0084] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0085] The disclosed network system includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, forming a mesh network, wherein the first communication device notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, and the relay device is capable of a first communication in which it wirelessly communicates with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication in which it wirelessly communicates with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0086] The disclosed network system is configured such that the relay device performs the second communication using the connection information when the connection information includes a specific code.

[0087] The disclosed network system is such that the first communication device notifies the connection information including the specific code and the connection information not including the specific code using a common profile.

[0088] The disclosed network system is such that the relay device performs the second communication using the connection information based on the fact that the relay device corresponds to the second frequency band.

[0089] The disclosed network system is such that the relay device performs the second communication using connection information manually configured by the user.

[0090] The disclosed network system is one in which the connection information includes at least one of the following: SSID (Service Set Identifier), MAC (Media Access Control) address, and authentication encryption key.

[0091] The disclosed relay device is a relay device in a network system forming a mesh network, comprising: a first communication device; a second communication device; and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, the relay device comprising: a communication unit that receives notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device; a wireless communication unit that performs a first communication for wireless communication with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information; and a second communication for wireless communication with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0092] The disclosed communication device is a communication device as the first communication device in a network system forming a mesh network, comprising: a first communication device; a second communication device; and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, the communication device comprising: a communication unit that communicates with the relay device; and a control unit that controls the communication unit and notifies the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information, wherein the control unit is capable of: first control, which causes the relay device to perform a first communication to perform wireless communication with the second communication device in the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of the connection information which does not include a specific code; and second control, which causes the relay device to perform a second communication to perform wireless communication with the second communication device in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band by notifying the relay device of the connection information which includes the specific code.

[0093] The disclosed control program includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first and second communication devices, and causes the processor of the relay device of a network system forming a mesh network to execute processing that enables a first communication, which receives notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device and performs wireless communication with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication, which performs wireless communication with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0094] The disclosed control program causes the processor of the first communication device of a network system forming a mesh network to perform the following processes: first control, which causes the relay device to execute a first communication to perform wireless communication with the second communication device in the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of a first frequency band and connection information and the connection information which does not include a specific code; and second control, which causes the relay device to execute a second communication to perform wireless communication with the second communication device in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band by notifying the relay device of the connection information which includes the specific code. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 Network Systems 11. First communication device 11a,13a BF Communication Department 11b,13b FH Communication Department 11c, 13c Control Unit 12a~12c 2nd communication device 13. Relay device 20 Information Processing Devices 21 processors 22 memory 23 Communication Interface 29 bus 41. Frequency Band Information 42. Frequency Band Definitions C2, C5, C6, C6a Connection Information

Claims

1. A network system that forms a mesh network, comprising a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, The second communication device is a slave device in the mesh network, The first communication device notifies the relay device of the first frequency band and connection information, The relay device is capable of performing a first communication with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and performs the second communication using the connection information when the connection information includes a specific code. The first communication device notifies the connection information including the specific code and the connection information not including the specific code using a common profile. Network system.

2. The network system according to Claim 1, The relay device performs the second communication using the connection information based on the fact that the relay device corresponds to the second frequency band. Network system.

3. A network system according to claim 1 or 2, The relay device performs the second communication using connection information manually set by the user. Network system.

4. A network system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned connection information includes at least one of the following: SSID (Service Set Identifier), MAC (Media Access Control) address, and authentication encryption key. Network system.

5. A relay device in a network system that forms a mesh network, comprising a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, The second communication device is a slave device in the mesh network, A communication unit that receives notification of a first frequency band and connection information from the first communication device, A wireless communication unit is capable of performing a first communication with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and performs the second communication using the connection information when the connection information includes a specific code. Equipped with, The communication unit receives notifications of connection information including the specific code and connection information not including the specific code, which are performed by the first communication device using a common profile. Relay device.

6. A communication device as the first communication device in a network system that forms a mesh network, comprising a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, The second communication device is a slave device in the mesh network, A communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned relay device, The system includes a control unit that controls the communication unit and notifies the relay device of the first frequency band and connection information, The control unit, A first control that causes the relay device to perform a first communication to wirelessly communicate with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information by notifying the relay device of the connection information which does not include a specific code, A second control is possible, which involves notifying the relay device of the connection information including the specified code, thereby causing the relay device to perform a second communication to wirelessly communicate with the second communication device in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The connection information including the specified code and the connection information not including the specified code are notified using a common profile. Communication device.

7. A control program for a relay device in a network system that forms a mesh network, comprising a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, The second communication device is a slave device in the mesh network, The processor of the aforementioned relay device The first communication device receives notification of the first frequency band and connection information, This enables a first communication that wirelessly communicates with the second communication device using the first frequency band and the connection information, and a second communication that wirelessly communicates with the second communication device using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. If the connection information includes a specific code, the second communication is performed using the connection information. In receiving the notification of the connection information, the first communication device receives notifications of the connection information including the specific code and the connection information not including the specific code, using a common profile. A control program for executing a process.

8. A control program for the first communication device of a network system that forms a mesh network, comprising a first communication device, a second communication device, and a relay device that relays communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, The second communication device is a slave device in the mesh network, The processor of the first communication device, The first frequency band and connection information are notified to the relay device. This enables a first control that causes the relay device to perform a first communication to wirelessly communicate with the second communication device in the first frequency band and using the connection information, by notifying the relay device of the connection information which does not include a specific code, and a second control that causes the relay device to perform a second communication to wirelessly communicate with the second communication device in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, by notifying the relay device of the connection information which includes the specific code. The connection information including the specified code and the connection information not including the specified code are notified using a common profile. A control program for executing a process.

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