Mesh networks, mesh controllers, mesh agents, interference countermeasures and programs

Abstract

To provide a technique contributing to effective utilization of an available frequency band at a maximum regardless of situations in a mesh network.SOLUTION: In a mesh network including a mesh controller and a mesh agent, the mesh agent comprises a detection section for detecting an external radio wave in a frequency band to be used for wireless communication and notifying the mesh controller of a detection channel that is a channel of the external radio wave. The mesh controller comprises a controller control section by which, when the notification of the detection channel is received from the mesh agent, only the detection channel is excluded and the wireless communication is continued with a bandwidth before the detection of the external radio wave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a mesh network, a mesh controller, a mesh agent, a method for dealing with interference radio waves, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Wireless slave terminals equipped with wireless functions such as smartphones and IT devices have become widespread, and wireless communication is used in all aspects of daily life. As wireless frequency bands, the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band can be used. The 2.4 GHz band is also used for household appliances and the like, and there is a lot of interference. The 6 GHz band has little penetration of compatible products. Comparing the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, the 5 GHz band enables faster and more stable communication and is suitable for use in video distribution services and the like. Therefore, there are many cases where communication is used in the 5 GHz band.

[0003] In the 5 GHz band, 20 channels (frequency bands) can be used. Also, since radio waves do not interfere between adjacent channels, a stable line speed is maintained. These 20 channels are divided into three groups called the W52 band, W53 band, and W56 band. Among these, the frequencies of the W53 band and W56 band are used by weather radars and aviation radars in the same frequency band. It is necessary to prevent interference with these.

[0004] For example, in a house or the like, a plurality of wireless access points constituting a mesh network are installed, and the wireless slave device is connected to the Internet or the like through them. The wireless access point has a DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) function. For example, when the presence of a radar signal is detected in the 5 GHz band, there is a technique of switching the operating channel set in the band to another band by this DFS function to avoid interference (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-522196 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The following analysis was provided by the inventors of this invention.

[0007] According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, when external radio waves such as radar are detected, the frequency band (frequency channel) used by the external radio waves such as radar becomes unusable in order to avoid interference. Incidentally, of the multiple wireless access points that make up a mesh network, one operates as a mesh controller and the others operate as mesh agents. The mesh agents operate under the controller and, for example, notify the mesh controller when they detect external radio waves.

[0008] Wireless access points use equipment compliant with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard. In wireless communication using these access points, bandwidth can only be expanded using consecutive frequency channels within the available frequency band. Therefore, a mesh controller that receives notification of the detection of external radio waves cannot use the notified frequency band and the resulting discontinuous frequency bands, and is forced to significantly reduce its bandwidth. In other words, it cannot make maximum use of the available frequency band after detecting external radio waves.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technology that contributes to making maximum use of the available frequency band in a mesh network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the first perspective of this disclosure, in a mesh network including a mesh controller and mesh agents, The mesh agent includes a detection unit that detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication and notifies the mesh controller of the detection channel, which is the channel of the external radio waves. The mesh network is provided, which includes a controller control unit that, upon receiving notification of the detection channel from the mesh agent, excludes only that detection channel and continues wireless communication at the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio waves.

[0011] According to the second perspective of this disclosure, a mesh controller in a mesh network including a mesh controller and mesh agents, A mesh controller is provided, which, upon receiving notification from the mesh agent of a detected channel, which is a channel of an external radio wave detected within the frequency band used for wireless communication, excludes only that detected channel and continues wireless communication in the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio wave.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a mesh agent in a mesh network including a mesh controller and a mesh agent, A detection unit that detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication, notifies the mesh controller of the detection channel which is the channel of the external radio waves, and disconnects the connection with the mesh controller, A mesh agent is provided, which includes an agent-side communication unit that, after notification, reconnects to the mesh controller and continues wireless communication with the mesh controller using the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio waves, excluding only the detection channel.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for dealing with interfering radio waves in a mesh network including a mesh controller and a mesh agent, The mesh agent detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication and notifies the mesh controller of the detected channel, which is the channel of the external radio waves. The mesh controller, upon receiving notification of the detected channel from the mesh agent, is provided with an interference handling method that excludes only the detected channel and continues wireless communication at the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio wave.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a mesh network including a mesh controller and mesh agents, a computer within the mesh controller, A program is provided to implement a controller control function that, upon receiving notification from the mesh agent of a detected channel, which is a channel of an external radio wave detected within the frequency band used for wireless communication, excludes only that detected channel and continues wireless communication in the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio wave.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a mesh network including a mesh controller and mesh agents, a computer within a mesh agent is provided. A detection function that detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication, notifies the mesh controller of the detection channel which is the channel of the external radio wave, and disconnects the connection with the mesh controller. After notification, a program is provided to enable agent-side communication functionality that reconnects to the mesh controller and continues wireless communication with the mesh controller using the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio waves, while excluding only the detection channel.

[0016] These programs can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be non-transitory, such as semiconductor memory, hard disks, magnetic recording media, or optical recording media. The present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. [Effect of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to maximizing the utilization of available frequency bands in a mesh network. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] It is an overall configuration diagram of an example of a mesh network according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] (a) is an overall configuration diagram of an example of a mesh network according to the present disclosure, and (b) is a functional configuration diagram of an example of a mesh controller and a mesh agent according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] (a) and (c) are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of a channel state according to the present disclosure, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a channel state of a comparative example, respectively. [Figure 5] (a) and (b) are sequence diagrams of an example of processing at the time of detecting interfering radio waves in a comparative example and the present disclosure, respectively. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of an example of the operation of a mesh controller according to the present disclosure at the time of detecting interfering radio waves. [Figure 7] (a) and (c) are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of a channel state according to the present disclosure, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a channel state of a comparative example, respectively. [Figure 8] (a) is a functional configuration diagram of an example of a mesh controller and a mesh agent according to the present disclosure, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram of an example of processing at the time of detecting interfering radio waves according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of an example of the operation of a mesh controller according to the present disclosure at the time of detecting interfering radio waves. [Figure 11]This is a sequence diagram of an example of the processing when interference radio waves are detected according to this disclosure. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the channel status related to this disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mesh controller and mesh agent of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Hereinafter, an outline of one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. The reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to aid understanding, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines between blocks in the drawings and other references in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows schematically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality.

[0020] Furthermore, although there are ports and interfaces at the input / output connection points of each block in the diagram, they are omitted from the illustration. Also, in the following explanation, "A and / or B" means A or B, or A and B.

[0021] <<First Embodiment>> This embodiment will now be outlined.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, in a 5GHz mesh network 100a configured in a home or the like, when the mesh controller 200a receives a notification from the mesh agent 300a that includes detection channel information, which is the channel of an external radio wave such as a radar (hereinafter referred to as "radar" in this specification), it uses the preamble puncturing function to exclude only the frequency of the detected channel and resumes operation. Preamble puncturing will be described later.

[0023] This allows wireless communication to continue while maintaining bandwidth, even when radar is detected. In other words, even if radar is detected, the available bandwidth can be utilized to its fullest extent.

[0024] First, let's explain the mesh network. Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the mesh network 100a in this embodiment. The mesh network 100a in this embodiment comprises a mesh controller 200a and one or more mesh agents 300a. Here, as an example, we will explain the case where there is one mesh agent 300a. However, the number of mesh agents 300a is not limited to this.

[0025] The mesh controller 200a controls the mesh agents 300a, which are other access points in the mesh network 100a, to control the entire mesh network 100a. Meanwhile, the mesh agents 300a, under the management of the mesh controller 200a, notify the mesh controller 200a of various network information. The mesh controller 200a controls the entire mesh network 100a based on the network information notified by the mesh agents 300a.

[0026] The mesh controller 200a and mesh agent 300a form a mesh network via wireless backhaul connection.

[0027] Furthermore, zero or more wireless LAN clients, which are wireless slave terminals (slave devices; not shown), are connected to the mesh controller 200a and / or mesh agent 300a, respectively. In other words, the slave devices can wirelessly connect to the mesh controller 200a and mesh agent 300a.

[0028] In this embodiment, the mesh controller 200a and mesh agent 300a are, for example, wireless access points compliant with the IEEE 802.11be (hereinafter referred to as 11be) standard, which is a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication standard. Similarly, the slave devices that wirelessly connect to them are also wireless access points.

[0029] Furthermore, 11be can be used in the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. In this embodiment, the 5GHz band is used as an example. As mentioned above, the 5GHz band maintains a stable line speed, but on the other hand, it is a band used by radars such as marine radar, aerial radar, weather radar, and satellite radar, so radio interference from these can occur. In order to ensure broadband transmission even in such cases, 11be requires preamble puncturing functionality in the 5GHz and 6GHz bands.

[0030] The preamble puncturing function is a feature that excludes only the frequency range affected by narrowband interference that divides a broadband channel from data transmission.

[0031] Specifically, the unit frequency width (e.g., 20 MHz) for puncturing is predetermined. Then, the frequency range (frequency block) to be punctured is specified by its unit frequency width. When transmitting a wireless frame, that portion is punctured and transmitted. Information about the frequency block to be punctured is broadcast from the access point (in this embodiment, the mesh controller 200a or mesh agent 300a) to the slave devices under its control (wirelessly connected to the device) via a beacon frame or the like.

[0032] The functional configuration of this embodiment will be described below.

[0033] The mesh agent 300a of this embodiment includes a detection unit 330a. The detection unit 330a constantly detects radar signals within the operating band while it is running. If a signal is detected, it notifies the mesh controller 200a of the information of the detected channel (detected channel) as a radar detection notification.

[0034] The mesh controller 200a includes a controller control unit 220a. When the controller control unit 220a receives a radar detection notification from the mesh agent 300a, it uses the preamble puncturing function described above to exclude only the detection channel.

[0035] As described above, according to this embodiment, the mesh controller 200a and the mesh agent 300a establish a mesh connection via 5GHz wireless backhaul, and in the resulting mesh network 100a, the mesh controller 200a receives channels from the mesh agent 300a that are using external radio waves such as radar as detection channels. The mesh controller 200a then excludes only the corresponding detection channels using the preamble puncturing function.

[0036] This allows the mesh controller 200a to continue communication while maintaining the channel and bandwidth it was using before receiving a discovery channel from the mesh agent 300a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the available frequency bandwidth can be utilized to the fullest extent in the mesh network 100a.

[0037] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0038] Figure 2(a) is an overall configuration diagram of the mesh network 100 of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the mesh network 100 of this embodiment includes a mesh controller 200 and one or more mesh agents 300, similar to the first embodiment. Here, as an example, we will explain the case in which there are three mesh agents 300. However, the number of mesh agents 300 is not limited to this. For example, it can be arbitrarily determined within the constraints of the communication standards and equipment specifications to be followed.

[0039] The mesh controller 200 and mesh agent 300 function as wireless LAN access points (APs) within the mesh network 100. Zero or more wireless LAN clients, or wireless slave terminals (slave devices) 400, are connected to each of the mesh controller 200 and / or mesh agent 300. That is, the slave devices 400 can wirelessly connect to the mesh controller 200 and / or mesh agent 300. In this embodiment, the mesh controller 200, mesh agent 300, and slave devices 400 are, for example, devices compliant with the 11be standard. The mesh controller 200 and mesh agent 300 establish a mesh connection via a 5GHz wireless backhaul connection.

[0040] Next, we will describe the functional configurations of the mesh controller 200 and the mesh agent 300.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2(b), the mesh controller 200 of this embodiment includes a controller-side communication unit 210, a controller control unit 220, and a connected device information management unit 230.

[0042] The controller-side communication unit 210 transmits and receives wireless frames transmitted and received by the mesh controller 200. For example, it includes a backhaul interface for transmitting and receiving wireless frames with the mesh agent 300 via the backhaul communication network. It also includes a fronthaul interface for transmitting and receiving wireless frames with the slave unit 400 connected to itself via the fronthaul communication network. Furthermore, it is possible to transmit and receive wireless frames with external networks such as the Internet.

[0043] Furthermore, as described above, the mesh controller 200 of this embodiment is a device compliant with the 11be standard and is equipped with a preamble puncturing function. Therefore, the controller-side communication unit 210 can transmit and receive wireless frames by thinning out (puncturing) only predetermined frequency blocks.

[0044] The connected device information management unit 230 manages the device information of devices connected to the mesh controller 200. The device information is notified to the controller control unit 220 as needed. In this embodiment, the connected devices to be managed are slave devices and mesh agents 300.

[0045] The connected device information management unit 230 generates a management table 250 and manages the connected devices. An example of the management table 250 is shown in Figure 3. When a device is connected to the mesh controller 200, the connected device information management unit 230 registers the ID of the device as the connected device ID 251. It also registers the type 252 of the device in association with the connected device ID 251. The connected device ID 251 is information that can uniquely identify the device, such as the device's MAC address. The information to be registered in the management table 250 is transmitted from the connected device at the time of connection.

[0046] Furthermore, the connected device information management unit 230 notifies the controller control unit 220 if a mesh agent 300 exists as a connected device. The notification sent is called an agent presence notification.

[0047] The controller control unit 220 controls the operation of the entire mesh controller 200. For example, it manages information such as the frequency band used and the control channel. Also, for example, when it receives an agent presence notification, it monitors the frame received by the controller-side communication unit 210. As will be described later, it monitors whether or not there is a notification (radar detection notification) from the mesh agent 300 that includes information on the channel in which radar was detected (detection channel).

[0048] The controller control unit 220 further implements a preamble puncturing function. Specifically, upon receiving a radar detection notification, it excludes only the channels (frequency blocks) corresponding to the detection channels included in the notification. As a result, the controller-side communication unit 210 continues (resumes) communication in a punctured (thinned) state.

[0049] Furthermore, the controller control unit 220 periodically transmits Beacon frames as management frames via the controller-side communication unit 210. The wireless LAN client, the slave device 400, can collect Beacon signals transmitted by nearby access points (APs) and select the optimal AP.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the mesh agent 300 will be described. In this embodiment, the mesh agent 300 functions as a wireless LAN access point and also detects interfering external radio waves and notifies the mesh controller 200 of the channel information (detected channel) of the radio waves as a radar detection notification.

[0051] The mesh agent 300 of this embodiment, which realizes these features, includes an agent-side communication unit 310, an agent control unit 320, and a detection unit 330, as shown in Figure 2(b).

[0052] The agent-side communication unit 310 transmits and receives wireless frames transmitted and received by the mesh agent 300. For example, it includes a backhaul interface for transmitting and receiving wireless frames with the mesh controller 200 via the backhaul communication network. It also includes a fronthaul interface for transmitting and receiving wireless frames with slave units 400 connected to itself via the fronthaul communication network.

[0053] The mesh agent 300, like the mesh controller 200, is a device compliant with the 11be standard and is equipped with a preamble puncturing function. Therefore, the agent-side communication unit 310 can send and receive wireless frames with only a predetermined frequency block removed (punctured).

[0054] The agent control unit 320 controls the operation of the entire mesh agent 300 system.

[0055] The detection unit 330 has the same functions as the detection unit 330a of the first embodiment. That is, it continuously detects radar waves, etc., while running. The radio waves to be detected are external radio waves such as radar that are used or planned to be used in the mesh network 100, or that interfere with it. When such radar is detected, the detection unit notifies the mesh controller 200 of the information of the detected channel (detection channel).

[0056] The detection unit 330 transmits a radar detection notification to the mesh controller 200 via the backhaul interface of the agent-side communication unit 310.

[0057] The detection unit 330 transmits information about the detected channel in a message based on the specifications of various standards (mesh protocols) of the mesh network 100. For example, it uses the Channel Preference Report message format of the IEEE 1905 frame, which is transmitted when radar is detected. This format is a message form defined for transmitting channel information when radar is detected and includes the detected channel information.

[0058] Note that the transmission format for radar detection notifications is not limited to IEEE1905 frames.

[0059] [Processing upon detection of interfering radio waves] Next, using a specific example, we will explain the procedure for dealing with interfering radio waves when interfering radar (external radio waves) are detected in the mesh network 100 of this embodiment.

[0060] The 11be standard allows for transmission using, for example, consecutive 160MHz channels. The 5GHz band is divided into three groups, W52, W53, and W56, depending on the channels it supports. Of these, W52 supports channels 36 / 40 / 44 / 48 and is for indoor use only. W53 supports channels 52 / 56 / 60 / 64 and is also for indoor use only. W56 supports 11 channels from 100 to 140 and can be used outdoors. Note that only W53 and W56 have the potential to receive radar signals.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(a), channels 36 to 64 are used as the operating channels (operating channels; frequency band used) in the 5GHz band. The mesh controller 200 operates in an operating mode (36ch_160MHz_mode) with 36 control channels and a bandwidth of 160MHz. The control channels are the channels on which beacons are transmitted.

[0062] The operating channel can be any channel that includes the W53 or W56 bands, which are required for radar detection. The bandwidth can also be any bandwidth that allows for preamble puncturing, such as 80MHz.

[0063] Here, as a comparative example, Figure 5(a) shows the processing flow during radar detection when equipment without preamble puncturing functionality is used as the mesh controller 200x and mesh agent 300x.

[0064] As shown in this figure, in this case, when a mesh agent 300x detects a radar (step S1101), it generates a radar detection notification and sends it to the mesh controller 200x (step S1102). Then, it disconnects from the mesh controller 200x (step S1103). Here, for example, the mesh agent 300x that detected the radar sends a disconnection frame to the mesh controller 200x. Upon receiving this, the mesh controller 200x disconnects all of its subordinate mesh agents 300x.

[0065] Upon receiving a radar detection notification, the mesh controller 200x uses a function such as DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) to prohibit the use of the detection channel (step S1104). If the detection channel is a control channel, for example, it changes the control channel or changes the bandwidth (step S1105). For example, according to DFS, the detection channel is deactivated for 30 minutes, and the switched channel is also scanned for 1 minute to check for interference.

[0066] Subsequently, the mesh agent 300x reconnects to the mesh controller 200x (step S1106) and resumes communication.

[0067] For example, if the detection channel is 60ch, the channel status will be in the 80MHz operating mode for channels 36ch to 48ch, as shown in Figure 4(b). In this case, channels 52ch, 56ch, 60ch, and 64ch, which are in a discontinuous frequency band, will become unusable.

[0068] The IEEE 802.11n standard includes a technology called channel bonding to increase the amount of data transmitted and received at once by combining multiple consecutive channels to speed up wireless LAN communication. The number of channels that can be combined is 2, 4, 8, or 16. Since the bandwidth of each channel is 20 MHz, combining two channels will result in a 40 MHz channel. Furthermore, successor standards to 11n, such as 11be, allow for bandwidths of up to 80 MHz and 160 MHz. That is, up to four (80 MHz) or eight (160 MHz) channels can be combined.

[0069] In this case, only consecutive channels can be bundled. In the example in Figure 4(a), channels 36 and 40 are bundled to obtain a 40MHz wide channel. Similarly, channels 44 and 48 are bundled to obtain a 40MHz wide channel. The same applies to channels 52 and 56, and channels 60 and 64. These can then be bundled further to obtain two 80MHz wide channels. These can then be bundled to obtain a 160MHz wide channel, enabling an operating mode with a bandwidth of 160MHz.

[0070] On the other hand, in the example in Figure 4(b), channel 60 is unavailable. Therefore, channels 36 and 40, and channels 44 and 48 can be combined to achieve 80MHz, but channels 52 through 64 cannot be combined. Thus, as described above, the operating mode is 36 control channels with a bandwidth of 80MHz. In other words, the usable bandwidth is significantly reduced.

[0071] Next, Figure 5(b) shows the processing flow during radar detection by the mesh controller 200 and mesh agent 300 of this embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in Figure 5(a).

[0072] Furthermore, the detection unit 330 of the mesh agent 300 checks whether radar in the W53 frequency band is being used. If the detection unit 330 detects radar use (step S1101), it identifies the detected channel as a detection channel and generates a radar detection notification that includes information about the detection channel.

[0073] The detection unit 330 sends a radar detection notification to the mesh controller 200 via the agent-side communication unit 310 using an IEEE 1905 frame of the mesh protocol (step S1102). The mesh agent 300 also disconnects from the mesh controller 200 (step S1103). As described above, for example, the mesh agent 300 sends a disconnection frame to the mesh controller 200. This allows the mesh controller 200 to recognize the disconnection of the mesh agent 300. The mesh controller 200 then disconnects all of its subordinate mesh agents 300.

[0074] When the controller control unit 220 receives a radar detection notification via the controller-side communication unit 210, it performs a detection channel puncturing process to exclude the notified detection channel by preamble puncturing (step S1204). In other words, it removes only the frequency block containing the detection channel from the operating frequency band.

[0075] The controller control unit 220 reflects this in its operation (step S1205). Here, it places the relevant information (that only 60MHz has been punctured) on the Beacon element and transmits a Beacon frame via the controller-side communication unit 210.

[0076] Subsequently, when the mesh agent 300 reconnects (step S1106), the controller-side communication unit 210 and the agent-side communication unit 310 resume communication in the state after puncture.

[0077] The channel state after puncture is shown in Figure 4(c). As shown in this figure, communication resumes with a bandwidth of 160 MHz, with only channel 60 excluded. The control channel remains channel 36. In this way, it is possible to perform communication with the same control channel and bandwidth as before receiving radar detection notification from the mesh agent.

[0078] Here, we will explain in detail the operational flow within the mesh controller 200, focusing on the detection channel puncturing process described above when interference is detected upon connection of the mesh agent 300. Figure 6 shows the operational flow within the mesh controller 200. This process is initiated when a new mesh agent 300 is connected.

[0079] When a mesh agent 300 is connected to the mesh controller 200, the connected device information management unit 230 sends an agent presence notification to the controller control unit 220, notifying it that the mesh agent 300 has been connected. Following this, the controller control unit 220 begins monitoring wireless frames transmitted from the mesh agent 300 via the controller-side communication unit 210 (step S1301). Here, it monitors for the presence or absence of radar detection notifications using the IEEE 1905 frame of the mesh protocol.

[0080] The system checks for radar detection notifications at predetermined time intervals (step S1302). Upon receiving a radar detection notification (S1302; Yes), the controller control unit 220 determines whether the notified detection channel matches a control channel, i.e., whether it is a channel other than a detection channel (step S1303). This is because preamble puncturing cannot be applied to control channels.

[0081] If the detection channel does not match the control channel (S1303; Yes), the controller control unit 220 punctures the detection channel (step S1304).

[0082] On the other hand, if the detection channel matches the control channel, the controller control unit 220, as in the conventional method, uses the DFS function to transition the currently used control channel to another channel (step S1305).

[0083] Then, after puncturing or processing by the DFS function, the controller control unit 220 transmits information to the Beacon element via the controller-side communication unit 210 and sends a Beacon frame to reflect the changes in operation (step S1306), and then terminates the process.

[0084] After the mesh agent 300 is reconnected, the controller-side communication unit 210 communicates in the frequency band after puncture. Furthermore, this process is repeated whenever the mesh agent 300 is reconnected.

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment, the mesh network 100 establishes a mesh connection between the mesh controller 200 and the mesh agent 300 via a 5GHz wireless backhaul. When the mesh controller 200 receives detection channel information for a radar detected by the mesh agent 300, it excludes only the detection channel by preamble puncturing and resumes communication.

[0086] In other words, it is possible to communicate using the widest frequency band while maintaining the control channel and bandwidth that were in use before the radar was detected.

[0087] As a result, according to this embodiment, the available frequency band can be utilized to the fullest extent in the mesh network 100.

[0088] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In this embodiment, a slave unit 410 that does not conform to the 11be standard (non-compatible slave unit) is connected to the mesh controller 200.

[0089] The non-compatible slave unit 410 cannot use discontinuous bandwidth because it cannot handle punctures. This embodiment enables communication at the maximum bandwidth even in such cases. For example, in this embodiment, the control channel is changed when a radar detection notification is received from the mesh agent 300.

[0090] First, the operating channels after radar detection when an incompatible slave unit 410 that cannot handle punctures is connected will be explained using Figures 7(a) and 7(b).

[0091] Here, as shown in Figure 7(a), channels 36 to 64 are used as the operating channels (operating channels; frequency band used) in the 5GHz band. The mesh controller 200 is assumed to operate in an operating mode (64ch_160MHz_mode) with 64 control channels and a bandwidth of 160MHz.

[0092] For example, if the mesh agent 300 detects a radar on channel 60, it sends a radar detection notification to the mesh controller 200 that includes channel 60 as the detection channel information.

[0093] The mesh controller 200 of the second embodiment operates in an operating mode that excludes only 60 channels. That is, it operates in an operating mode with 64 control channels and a bandwidth of 160 MHz. The mesh agent 300 and the slave device (compatible slave device) 400 compliant with 11be can operate at a bandwidth of 160 MHz.

[0094] However, since the non-compatible slave unit 410 cannot use discontinuous bandwidth, as shown in Figure 7(b), it will operate with a bandwidth of 20MHz using only 64 channels, which are a continuous bandwidth including the 64 control channels.

[0095] The following description of this embodiment will focus on its configuration, which differs from that of the second embodiment.

[0096] Figure 8(a) is an overall configuration diagram of the mesh network 100b of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the mesh network 100b comprises a mesh controller 200b and mesh agents 300.

[0097] Each configuration is basically the same as the configuration of the mesh network 100 of the second embodiment. However, the mesh controller 200b is connected to both a compatible slave device 400 and a non-compatible slave device 410. The compatible slave device 400 is a wireless slave terminal compliant with the 11be standard, as described above. On the other hand, the non-compatible slave device 410 is a wireless slave terminal that does not comply with the 11be standard.

[0098] In this embodiment, the connected device information management unit 230b manages device information connected to the mesh controller 200b using a management table 250b, similar to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the items managed in the second embodiment, the supported standards of the connected devices are also managed.

[0099] An example of the management table 250b of this embodiment is shown in Figure 8(b). As shown in this figure, when a device is connected to the mesh controller 200b, the connected device information management unit 230b registers the ID of the device as the connected device ID 251. It also registers the type 252 of the device in association with the connected device ID 251. Furthermore, the standard that the device supports is also registered as the supported standard 253 in association with the connected device ID 251.

[0100] Furthermore, the connected device information management unit 230b in this embodiment notifies the controller control unit 220b of the presence of an agent, similar to the second embodiment. In addition, it also notifies the controller control unit 220b if an incompatible slave device 410 is connected to the mesh controller 200b.

[0101] In this embodiment, the controller control unit 220b, upon receiving an agent presence notification, monitors for the presence or absence of a radar detection notification, similar to the second embodiment. Upon receiving a radar detection notification, it performs preamble puncturing. Furthermore, if there is an incompatible slave unit 410 among the connected devices, it changes the control channel according to the detection channel.

[0102] [Processing upon detection of interfering radio waves] Next, the processing flow when interference radio waves (radar) are detected by the mesh controller 200b and mesh agent 300 of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 9 shows the processing flow when interference radio waves are detected in this embodiment. Processes that are the same as in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

[0103] In this embodiment as well, when the detection unit 330 detects radar in the W53 band (step S1101), it sends a radar detection notification to the mesh controller 200b (step S1102). Then, it disconnects from the mesh controller 200b (step S1103).

[0104] In this embodiment, after receiving a radar detection notification, the controller control unit 220b disconnects the connected compatible slave unit 400 and incompatible slave unit 410 in order to change the channel state (step S2101).

[0105] Subsequently, the controller control unit 220b performs a detection channel puncturing process, similar to the second embodiment, to exclude the notified detection channels by preamble puncturing (step S2102).

[0106] In the detection channel puncturing process, since the non-compatible slave unit 410 is also connected to the mesh controller 200b, the controller control unit 220b also performs bandwidth processing that takes into account the non-compatible slave unit 410. Details of the processing will be described later.

[0107] Subsequently, the controller control unit 220b reflects the changes in operation, similar to the second embodiment (step S1205).

[0108] When the mesh agent 300 reconnects (step S1106), the controller-side communication unit 210 and the agent-side communication unit 310 resume communication in the state after detection channel puncture.

[0109] Furthermore, when the compatible slave unit 400 and the incompatible slave unit 410 connect to the mesh controller 200b (step S2103), communication between the compatible slave unit 400 and the incompatible slave unit 410 resumes in the state after detection channel puncture. However, the incompatible slave unit 410 communicates using the maximum bandwidth that can be secured.

[0110] Here, we will explain the details of the operation flow of the mesh controller 200b, focusing on the detection channel puncturing process described above when interference radio waves are detected upon connection of the mesh agent 300. Figure 10 shows the operation flow of the mesh controller 200b in this embodiment. This process is initiated when a new mesh agent 300 is connected.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the controller control unit 220b is aware of the connection of an incompatible slave unit 410 because it has received prior notification from the connected device information management unit 230b.

[0112] The process similar to that in the second embodiment will be briefly explained.

[0113] Similar to the second embodiment, monitoring for radar detection notifications is started (step S1301), and the presence or absence of radar detection notifications is checked at predetermined time intervals (step S1302). When a radar detection notification is received (step S1302; Yes), the controller control unit 220b determines whether or not an incompatible slave unit 410 is connected to its own device (step S2201). If an incompatible slave unit 410 is not connected (S2201; No), the same processing as in the second embodiment (S1303~S1306) is performed, and the process is terminated.

[0114] On the other hand, if an incompatible sub-unit 410 is connected (S2201; Yes), first disconnect the connection with sub-units 400 and 410 (step S2202).

[0115] Next, the controller control unit 220b determines whether the detection channel is anything other than a control channel (step S2203). If the detection channel is anything other than a control channel (S2203; Yes), the controller control unit 220b punctures the detection channel (step S2204).

[0116] Subsequently, the controller control unit 220b of this embodiment determines whether the maximum bandwidth can be secured with the detection channel excluded from the operating frequency band (step S2206). If the maximum bandwidth cannot be secured, it determines the control channel that can secure the largest possible continuous frequency band. The controller control unit 220b calculates the maximum channel width that can be secured from the information on the operating frequency band, the information on the control channel, and the information on the detection channel, and determines the control channel to be changed.

[0117] For example, as shown in Figure 7(a), if the operating frequency band is from 36ch to 64ch, and the control channel is 64ch, and the detection channel is 60ch, then in this state, as shown in Figure 7(b), it will operate in a mode with a bandwidth of 20MHz using only channel 64.

[0118] In this state, the maximum continuous frequency band that can be secured is 80 MHz. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7(c), this is four consecutive channels between 36ch and 56ch. If the control channel is one of these channels, the maximum continuous frequency band can be secured. On the other hand, if the control channel is between 36ch and 56ch, the maximum continuous frequency can be secured without changing the control channel.

[0119] If the controller control unit 220b does not have a channel available (S2206; No), it changes to a control channel within the range of available channels (step S2207). In the example in Figures 7(a) to 7(c), the control channel is changed from 64ch to 48ch. Note that the control channel to be changed is not limited to 48ch; as mentioned above, any channel between 36ch and 56ch is acceptable.

[0120] Subsequently, the controller control unit 220b reflects the changes in its operation (step S2208) and terminates the process.

[0121] As a result of this process, if an incompatible slave unit 410 is connected to the mesh controller 200b which was operating in the channel state shown in Figure 7(a), it will operate in the channel state shown in Figure 7(c). That is, the mesh agent 300 and the 11be-compatible slave unit 400 communicate with the mesh controller 200b using control channel 48ch with a bandwidth of 160MHz (48ch_160MHz_mode) where only channel 60 is excluded. On the other hand, the incompatible slave unit 410 communicates with the mesh controller 200b using control channel 48ch, with a bandwidth of 80MHz using four channels from channels 32ch to 56ch, for example, channels 36ch to 48ch (48ch_80MHz_mode).

[0122] As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained when radar is detected within the operating frequency band. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even when a slave unit 410 that does not support 11be is connected to the mesh controller 200b, communication with the non-supported slave unit 410 can be performed with the maximum bandwidth secured.

[0123] In other words, according to this embodiment, the available frequency band can be utilized to the fullest extent in the mesh network 100b.

[0124] <Example 1> In each of the above embodiments, when radar is detected, the operating mode is changed taking into account the slave units 400 connected to the mesh controllers 200, 200a, and 200b (hereinafter referred to as 200; the same applies to other configurations). However, this is not limited to this. For example, preamble puncturing may be performed only for communication with the mesh agent 300.

[0125] In other words, if a radar is detected by the mesh agent 300, the mesh agent 300 cannot use the detection channel. Therefore, the mesh controller 200 also cannot use the detection channel when communicating with the mesh agent 300. However, since the mesh controller 200 itself has not detected a radar, it can communicate with its subordinate slave devices 400 without excluding that channel.

[0126] In this modified version, when the mesh controller 200 receives a radar detection notification from the mesh agent 300, it preamble punctures only with the mesh agent 300 that sent the notification. It does not notify the slave units 400 and 410 connected to it of the puncturing information.

[0127] In other words, in each of the above embodiments, the controller control unit 220 reflects the preamble puncturing on the Beacon element. However, in this modified example, it does not reflect the preamble puncturing on the Beacon element. Specifically, the Beacon element is not changed after puncturing, and the puncturing information is only added to the data frame when communicating with the mesh agent 300.

[0128] In this modified version, communication with the mesh agent 300 that has detected the radar is performed without using the detection channel, and puncturing information is not notified to the slave units 400 and 410 connected to it, thereby optimizing communication for each slave unit 400 and 410.

[0129] As a result, the mesh controller 200 in this modified configuration can continue to communicate with the mesh agent 300, excluding the detection channel where the radar was detected. Meanwhile, it can continue to communicate with the other slave devices 400 and 410 connected to the mesh controller 200 without being affected by puncture.

[0130] Figure 11 shows the processing flow when interference charge is detected in this modified example. Processes that are the same as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0131] In this modified example, if the detection unit 330 detects a radar (step S1101), it sends a radar detection notification to the mesh controller 200 (step S1102). Then, it disconnects from the mesh controller 200 (step S1103).

[0132] Then, the controller control unit 220 excludes the notified detection channel by preamble puncturing, similar to the second embodiment (step S1204).

[0133] Subsequently, in this modified example, after the mesh agent 300 reconnects (step S1106), the mesh controller 200 resumes communication with the mesh agent 300 in the post-puncturing state (puncturing communication).

[0134] On the other hand, in this modified example, the change is not reflected in the operation, that is, it is not reflected in the Beacon element. Therefore, communication between the slave units 400 and 410 is resumed in a state without puncture (puncture-free communication).

[0135] This will be explained using specific channel states. Figure 12 shows the channel state after receiving a radar detection notification in this modified example.

[0136] Here, as an example, we assume that the mesh controller 200 operates in an operating mode with 64 control channels and a bandwidth of 160 MHz, and that the mesh agent 300 detects radar on channel 60.

[0137] As shown in this figure, communication with the mesh agent 300 is conducted using a 64-channel control network with a 160MHz bandwidth (64ch_160MHz_mode), where only channel 60 is excluded. On the other hand, communication with the slave units 400 and 410 is conducted using a 64-channel control network with a 160MHz bandwidth (64ch_160MHz_mode).

[0138] Thus, according to this modified version, since there are no changes to the Beacon element, the slave devices connected to the mesh controller 200 can continue communicating without any issues, whether they are slave devices 400 that comply with the 11be standard or slave devices 410 that do not.

[0139] <Modification 2> In the above embodiment, the mesh controller 200 is a device capable of connecting a slave unit 400 to itself. That is, it simultaneously possesses the functions of a mesh agent 300. However, it is not limited to this. The mesh controller 200 may have only the functions of a controller, and the slave unit 400 may not be connected.

[0140] <Variation 3> In the above embodiments and modifications, the mesh controller 200 and mesh agent 300 are assumed to be devices compliant with (or compatible with) the IEEE 802.11be standard, but are not limited to this. When transmitting wireless frames, they only need to have a preamble puncturing function that allows them to be transmitted by thinning (puncturing) in units of frequency blocks that are a predetermined frequency domain. For example, it is sufficient to have a device that complies with a standard in which the preamble puncturing function is a mandatory requirement. Alternatively, it may be a device that complies with a standard in which the preamble puncturing function is an optional requirement and is equipped with the preamble puncturing function.

[0141] <Modification 4> Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, when the mesh controller 200 receives a radar detection notification from the mesh agent 300 and the detection channel matches the control channel, it transitions the control channel being used to another channel using the same DFS function as before, and does not perform puncturing. However, it is not limited to this.

[0142] For example, the DFS function may be used to transition to another channel within the bandwidth that is using the control channel, and then the detection channel may be punctured.

[0143] In this case, for example, similar to the third embodiment, the control channel may be configured to be the channel that can secure the largest continuous frequency band when the detection channel is excluded.

[0144] [Hardware configuration] The mesh controllers 200, 200a, 200b and mesh agent 300 described above may be implemented, for example, by a general-purpose information processing device.

[0145] A general-purpose information processing device, for example as shown in Figure 13, comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 191, a main memory (memory) 192, an auxiliary memory 193, a communication interface 194, and an expansion interface 195, all interconnected by an internal bus.

[0146] The CPU 191 implements the above functions, for example, by loading a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 193 into the main memory device 192 and executing it, and also comprehensively controls the entire device. Alternatively, one or more processors, such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), may be used instead of the CPU 191.

[0147] The main memory 192 is a type of memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory 192 is the work area where the CPU 191 processes programs and other data executed by the device.

[0148] The auxiliary storage device 193 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 193 stores various programs that the device executes. The auxiliary storage device 193 may also include storage media such as a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, or DVD.

[0149] Furthermore, programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 193 can be provided as program products recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The auxiliary storage device 193 can be used to store various programs recorded on non-transitory computer-readable storage media for medium to long term.

[0150] Communication I / F 194 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals and data via wired or wireless means. In this embodiment, it functions as both a backhaul connection I / F and a fronthaul connection I / F.

[0151] The Expansion I / F195 is an interface for connecting display devices, input devices, etc. Display devices include, for example, LCD monitors. Input devices are devices that accept user input, such as keyboards and mice. They are used, for example, during connection setup.

[0152] Each of the above functions of each device is realized by the CPU 191 loading a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 193 into the main memory device 192 and executing it.

[0153] The management tables 250 and 250b generated by the connected device information management units 230 and 230b are stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage device 193. Control channel information and bandwidth usage information are also stored in the auxiliary storage device 193.

[0154] The hardware configuration of each device is not limited to this. Furthermore, each function (server) of each device may be implemented, for example, as a dedicated integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-a-chip (SOC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0155] Furthermore, the programs that implement each of the above functions of each device can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transient material such as semiconductor memory, hard disk, magnetic recording medium, or optical recording medium. The present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product.

[0156] In the process flow described above, multiple steps (processes) are listed in order, but the execution order of each step is not restricted by that order. For example, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that it does not affect the content, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0157] Although embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made that will be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, each embodiment and variation can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate. In addition, for example, the network configurations and element configurations shown in each drawing are examples to aid in understanding the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings.

[0158] Finally, preferred embodiments of the present invention are summarized. Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to these. (Note 1) In a mesh network including a mesh controller and mesh agents, The mesh agent includes a detection unit that detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication and notifies the mesh controller of the detection channel, which is the channel of the external radio waves. The mesh network includes a controller control unit that, upon receiving notification of the detection channel from the mesh agent, excludes only that detection channel and continues wireless communication at the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio waves. (Note 2) In the mesh network described in Appendix 1, The controller control unit preferably determines whether the detection channel is a control channel used by the mesh controller, and excludes the detection channel only if it is not a control channel. (Note 3) In the mesh network described in Appendix 1 or 2, The mesh controller and the mesh agent communicate wirelessly in accordance with the IEEE 802.11be standard. It is desirable that the controller control unit excludes the detection channel using a preamble puncturing function. (Note 4) In the mesh network described in Appendix 3, The mesh controller further comprises a connected device information management unit that manages connected devices, which are devices connected to it. The aforementioned connected device information management unit manages the communication standards that each of the connected devices conforms to. If there is a device among the connected devices that does not support IEEE802.11be, it is desirable for the controller control unit to change the control channel to a channel that can secure a continuous maximum bandwidth. (Note 5) In the mesh network described in Appendix 3, It is desirable that the mesh controller, among the connected devices which are devices connected to itself, exclude the detection channel using the preamble puncturing function and perform wireless communication with the mesh agent in the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio waves. (Note 6) A mesh controller in a mesh network including a mesh controller and mesh agents, A mesh controller comprising a controller control unit that, upon receiving notification from the mesh agent of a detected channel, which is a channel of an external radio wave detected within the frequency band used for wireless communication, excludes only that detected channel and continues wireless communication in the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio wave. (Note 7) A mesh agent in a mesh network that includes a mesh controller and mesh agents, A detection unit that detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication, notifies the mesh controller of the detection channel which is the channel of the external radio waves, and disconnects the connection with the mesh controller, A mesh agent comprising: an agent-side communication unit that, after notification, reconnects to the mesh controller and continues wireless communication with the mesh controller using the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio waves, excluding only the detection channel. (Note 8) A method for dealing with radio interference in a mesh network including a mesh controller and mesh agents, The mesh agent detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication and notifies the mesh controller of the detected channel, which is the channel of the external radio waves. An interference countermeasure method for the mesh controller, in which, upon receiving notification of the detected channel from the mesh agent, excludes only the detected channel and continues wireless communication with the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio wave. (Note 9) In a mesh network that includes a mesh controller and mesh agents, the computer within the mesh controller, A program for implementing a controller control function that, upon receiving notification from the mesh agent of a detected channel, which is a channel of an external radio wave detected within the frequency band used for wireless communication, excludes only that detected channel and continues wireless communication in the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio wave. (Note 10) In a mesh network that includes a mesh controller and mesh agents, the computer within the mesh agent, A detection function that detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication, notifies the mesh controller of the detection channel which is the channel of the external radio wave, and disconnects the connection with the mesh controller. A program for implementing an agent-side communication function that, after notification, reconnects to the mesh controller and continues wireless communication with the mesh controller using the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio waves, while excluding only the detection channel. (Note 11) In a mesh network described in any of the appendices 1 to 5, The aforementioned external radio waves are preferably radar. (Note 12) In the mesh network described in Appendix 5, It is desirable that the mesh controller does not notify connected devices other than the mesh agent that the detection channel has been excluded by the preamble puncturing function. Furthermore, the forms described in Appendix 6-10 can be expanded into the forms described in Appendix 2-5, 11, and 12, similar to Appendix 1.

[0159] Furthermore, the disclosures in the above-mentioned patent documents, etc., are incorporated into this book by reference. Within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention (including the claims), further modifications and adjustments of embodiments and variations are possible based on the basic technical concept. Also, within the framework of the disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or variation, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes the full disclosure, including the claims, and various modifications and alterations that a person skilled in the art could make in accordance with the technical concept. In particular, with respect to the numerical ranges described in this book, any numerical value or sub-range included within that range should be interpreted as being specifically described, even if not otherwise stated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 100: Mesh network, 100a: Mesh network, 100b: Mesh network, 191: CPU, 192: Main memory, 193: Secondary memory, 194: Communication I / F, 195: Expansion I / F 200: Mesh controller, 200a: Mesh controller, 200b: Mesh controller, 200x: Mesh controller, 210: Controller-side communication unit, 220: Controller control unit, 220a: Controller control unit, 220b: Controller control unit, 230: Connected device information management unit, 230b: Connected device information management unit, 250: Management table, 250b: Management table, 251: Connected device ID, 252: Type, 253: Supported standards, 300: Mesh agent, 300a: Mesh agent, 300x: Mesh agent, 310: Agent-side communication unit, 320: Agent control unit, 330: Detection unit, 330a: Detection unit, 400: Handset (compatible handset), 410: Handset (incompatible handset)

Claims

1. In a mesh network including a mesh controller and mesh agents, The mesh agent includes a detection unit that detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication and notifies the mesh controller of the detection channel, which is the channel of the external radio waves. The aforementioned mesh controller is Upon receiving notification of the detection channel from the mesh agent, the controller control unit excludes only that detection channel and continues wireless communication with the bandwidth used before the detection of the external radio wave. It comprises a connected device information management unit that manages connected devices, which are devices connected to itself, The aforementioned connected device information management unit manages the communication standards that each of the connected devices conforms to. The mesh controller and the mesh agent have a preamble puncturing function. A mesh network comprising a controller control unit that excludes the detection channel using the preamble puncturing function, and, if there is a device among the connected devices that does not have the preamble puncturing function, changes the control channel to a channel that can secure a continuous maximum bandwidth.

2. A mesh network according to claim 1, The controller control unit determines whether the detection channel is a control channel used by the mesh controller, and excludes the detection channel only if it is not a control channel, in a mesh network.

3. In the mesh network described in claim 1, The mesh controller is a mesh network in which, among the connected devices which are devices connected to itself, the detection channel is excluded by the preamble puncturing function and wireless communication is performed with the mesh agent using the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio waves.

4. A mesh controller in a mesh network, comprising a mesh controller and a mesh agent, each having preamble puncturing functionality, When the controller control unit receives notification from the mesh agent of a detected channel, which is a channel of an external radio wave detected within the frequency band used for wireless communication, it excludes only that detected channel and continues wireless communication in the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio wave. It comprises a connected device information management unit that manages the communication standards to which each connected device conforms, The controller control unit excludes the detection channel using the preamble puncturing function, and if there is a device among the connected devices that does not have the preamble puncturing function, it changes the control channel to a channel that can secure a continuous maximum bandwidth, thereby forming a mesh controller.

5. A method for dealing with interference in a mesh network, comprising a mesh controller and a mesh agent, each having a preamble puncturing function, The mesh agent detects external radio waves within the frequency band used for wireless communication and notifies the mesh controller of the detected channel, which is the channel of the external radio waves. In the aforementioned mesh controller, It manages the communication standards that each connected device conforms to. When the mesh agent receives notification of the detection channel, Only the detection channel in question is excluded by the preamble puncturing function, and wireless communication is continued in the bandwidth before the detection of the external radio wave. A method for dealing with interference radio waves, which, if there is a device among the connected devices that does not have the preamble puncturing function, changes the control channel to a channel that can secure a continuous maximum bandwidth.

6. A program for a computer in a mesh controller in a mesh network, which includes a mesh controller and a mesh agent, each having preamble puncturing functionality, to implement the functionality described in Claim 4.

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