Wireless access point, wireless terminal, mesh network system, communication path configuration method and program

Abstract

To contribute to provision of an optimum communication environment according to a utilization environment in a mesh network.SOLUTION: A radio access point in a mesh network including the radio access point and a mesh agent comprises: a position estimation unit for estimating a current position that is the current position of the radio access point or a radio terminal connected to the mesh agent; a communication traffic measurement unit that, when the estimated current position is included in a high frequency use area in which a use frequency of the radio terminal is high, actually measures communication traffic of the radio terminal for each communication path enabled in the mesh network and identifies a best communication path having a best communication traffic; and a path change unit that, when the communication path set in the radio terminal is different from the best communication path, changes the set communication path to the best communication path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless access point, a wireless terminal, a mesh network system, a communication path setting method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a mesh network has been proposed as one of communication networks. For example, there is the Wi-Fi Easy Mesh (registered trademark) standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance for the mesh network. Such a mesh network is composed of, for example, a wireless repeater called a wireless access point having a controller function and a plurality of wireless repeaters called mesh agents for supplementing the radio wave intensity thereof.

[0003] In a mesh network, a wireless terminal (slave unit) that is a wireless LAN client generally connects to the wireless repeater with the strongest radio wave intensity, for example, the nearest wireless repeater, and communicates with the outside of the mesh network via the wireless access point. In a mesh network, since the mesh agents are arranged in a mesh shape, for example, there can be a plurality of communication paths between the wireless access point and the wireless repeater to which the wireless terminal connects.

[0004] There is a technique for calculating an optimal route between nodes (wireless repeaters) in a wireless communication network (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, an optimal route between nodes is calculated by using a route metric.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0007] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the route metric is calculated as a scalar number based on many factors such as the number of hops, data rate, link quality, and type of equipment. However, these are theoretical values ​​and do not necessarily correspond to actual communication speeds. Furthermore, in a mesh network, the positional relationship between the wireless terminals used and each wireless repeater is also an important factor in determining communication quality, but this is not considered at all.

[0008] Therefore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not necessarily provide a communication path that delivers the optimal communication speed according to the usage environment in a mesh network. In other words, it does not necessarily provide the optimal communication environment for users of wireless terminals.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to contribute to providing an optimal communication environment in a mesh network that is tailored to the usage environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the first perspective of this disclosure, A wireless access point in a mesh network that includes a wireless access point and a mesh agent, A position estimation unit that estimates the current location of a wireless terminal connected to the wireless access point or the mesh agent, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic measurement unit measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. A wireless access point is provided, which includes a route changing unit that changes the configured communication path to the best communication path if the communication path configured in the wireless terminal differs from the best communication path.

[0011] According to the second perspective of this disclosure, A wireless terminal that connects to a wireless access point or mesh agent in a mesh network, A position estimation unit that estimates the current position of the device, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic measurement unit measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. A wireless terminal is provided which includes a communication path changing unit that changes the configured communication path to the best communication path if the configured communication path differs from the best communication path.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, A mesh network system including wireless access points and mesh agents, The aforementioned wireless access point A position estimation unit that estimates the current location of a wireless terminal connected to the wireless access point or the mesh agent, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic measurement unit measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. A mesh network system is provided which includes a route changing unit that changes the configured communication path to the best communication path if the communication path configured in the wireless terminal differs from the best communication path.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, In a mesh network system including a wireless access point and a mesh agent, the wireless access point is The current location, which is the current location of the wireless terminal connected to the wireless access point or the mesh agent, is estimated. If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic of the wireless terminal is measured for each possible communication path within the mesh network, and the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic, is identified. A communication path setting method is provided, which, if the communication path set on the wireless terminal is different from the best communication path, changes the set communication path to the best communication path.

[0014] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, On the computer, A procedure for estimating the current location of a wireless terminal connected to a wireless access point or mesh agent within a mesh network, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the procedure involves measuring the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifying the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. A program is provided to perform a procedure for changing the communication path set on the wireless terminal to the best communication path if the set communication path differs from the best communication path.

[0015] 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. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, in a mesh network, it is possible to contribute to providing an optimal communication environment according to the usage environment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] (a) is an overall configuration diagram of an example of a mesh network according to the present disclosure, and (b) is a functional block diagram of an example of a wireless access point according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart of an example of communication path setting processing according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is an overall configuration diagram of an example of a mesh network according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] (a) and (b) are respectively functional block diagrams of an example of a wireless access point and a mesh agent according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams for explaining changes in communication speed in a mesh network according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a location identification method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] (a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a high-frequency usage area identification method according to the present disclosure, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a high-frequency usage area table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of a communication path of a mesh network according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart of an example of communication path setting processing according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of an example of high-frequency usage area registration processing according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] (a) and (b) are respectively an overall configuration diagram of an example of a mesh network according to the present disclosure and a functional block diagram of an example of a wireless terminal according to the present disclosure. <00001​​ [Figure 13] (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table for a modified version of the present disclosure, and (b) is a flowchart of a part of an example of a communication path setting process for a modified version of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the wireless access point and mesh agent of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 either A or B, or A and B.

[0020] <<First Embodiment>> This embodiment will now be outlined. In this embodiment, the explanation will be given as an example where each component device is a device that supports a communication method compliant with the Wi-Fi EasyMesh standard which allows for a multi-access point network. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the component devices may use other communication methods that enable wireless communication over a multi-access point network.

[0021] In this embodiment, in a mesh network 100a configured within a home or the like, as shown in Figure 1(a), if the wireless access point 210a is located in a location where the wireless terminal 310a is frequently used (high-frequency usage area), the best communication path is identified through actual measurement. Then, the communication path set by default on the wireless terminal 310a is changed to the identified best communication path.

[0022] The configuration to achieve this will be described below. Figure 1(a) is an overall diagram of the mesh network 100a of this embodiment.

[0023] As shown in this figure, the mesh network 100a of this embodiment comprises a wireless access point 210a and mesh agents 220a (221a, 222a).

[0024] The wireless access point 210a is both a wireless relay device and a device that controls the entire mesh network 100a. For this reason, the wireless access point 210a is also called a mesh controller. In this embodiment, the wireless access point 210a is connected to the broadband line 101 via the ONU (Optical Network Unit) 102, and connects the mesh network 100a to the broadband line 101.

[0025] The mesh agent 220a is a wireless repeater that supplements the signal strength of the wireless access point 210a. That is, it receives the radio waves from the wireless access point 210a and outputs radio waves again, thereby expanding the mesh network area. In this embodiment, multiple mesh agents 220 are arranged in a grid pattern, for example, within the mesh network 100a.

[0026] A wireless LAN client, a wireless terminal 310a, is connected to either the wireless access point 210a or the mesh agent 220a. The wireless terminal 310a is connected to the broadband line 101 via these wireless repeaters. The wireless terminal 310a is an information terminal with wireless communication capabilities. Examples include smartphones, notebook computers, and tablet computers.

[0027] Here, we illustrate the case where there are two mesh agents 220a (221a and 222a), but the number of mesh agents 220a is not limited to this. The number of mesh agents 220a can be increased to any number depending on the size of the area where the wireless terminals 310a are used. Also, if there is no need to distinguish between the wireless access point 210a and the mesh agents 220a, they are represented by a wireless repeater.

[0028] Furthermore, within the mesh network 100a, the route connecting the mesh agents 220a from the wireless access point 210a to the wireless terminal 310a (or vice versa) is called the communication path.

[0029] For example, in the example shown in Figure 1(a), data transmitted from the broadband line 101 to the wireless terminal 310a may take several paths: a communication path from the wireless access point 210a to the mesh agent 221a and then to the mesh agent 222a, and then to the wireless terminal 310a; a communication path from the wireless access point 210a to the mesh agent 222a, and then to the wireless terminal 310a; or a communication path from the wireless access point 210a directly to the wireless terminal 310a. Data transmitted from the wireless terminal 310a to the broadband line 101 will travel through each communication path in reverse order.

[0030] When the wireless terminal 310a connects to any wireless repeater within the mesh network 100a, the wireless access point 210a configures a communication path from among these configurable communication paths according to predetermined rules.

[0031] The wireless access point 210a and the mesh agent 220a form a communication channel called the backhaul 103 between the devices to communicate with each other. The channel through which each wireless terminal 310a connects to the wireless access point 210a or the mesh agent 220a is called the fronthaul 104.

[0032] Figure 1(b) is a functional block diagram of the wireless access point 210a of this embodiment, showing the functions related to this embodiment.

[0033] As shown in this figure, the wireless access point 210a of this embodiment includes a position estimation unit 211a, a communication traffic measurement unit 212a, and a route change unit 213a. It also includes a high-frequency usage area storage unit 214a that stores information for identifying high-frequency usage areas, which will be described later.

[0034] The position estimation unit 211a estimates the current position, which is the current location of the wireless terminal 310a connected to the wireless access point 210a or the mesh agent 220a.

[0035] If the estimated current location of the wireless terminal 310a is included in a high-frequency usage area, the communication traffic measurement unit 212a measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal 310a for each configurable communication path within the mesh network 100a and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. The communication traffic is measured by, for example, sending packets for each configurable communication path.

[0036] The high-frequency usage area is measured in advance and stored in the high-frequency usage area storage unit 214a. The communication traffic measurement unit 212a uses the high-frequency usage area information stored in the high-frequency usage area storage unit 214a to determine whether the wireless terminal 310a is within the high-frequency usage area.

[0037] The route change unit 213a changes the configured communication path to the best communication path if the communication path configured on the wireless terminal 310a is different from the best communication path.

[0038] [Communication path configuration process] The communication path setting process of this embodiment will now be described. Figure 2 shows the processing flow of the communication path setting process of this embodiment. This process is initiated when the wireless terminal 310a connects to any wireless repeater within the mesh network 100a.

[0039] Furthermore, when a wireless terminal 310a connects to any wireless repeater, the wireless access point 210a sets the default communication path as the configured communication path according to predetermined rules. The wireless access point 210a is also assumed to be aware of the connection configuration of each wireless repeater in the mesh network 100a and to be aware of all configurable communication paths.

[0040] The position estimation unit 211a estimates the current location of the wireless terminal 310a (step S1101).

[0041] The communication traffic measurement unit 212a determines whether the estimated current location is included in the high-frequency usage area of ​​the wireless terminal 310a (step S1102). If it is outside the high-frequency usage area, the process returns to step S1101 and is repeated. In this embodiment, the location estimation unit 211a estimates the current location of the wireless terminal 310a at predetermined time intervals.

[0042] If included in a high-frequency usage area, the communication traffic measurement unit 212a measures the communication traffic up to the wireless terminal 310a for all configurable communication paths (step S1103). Then, based on the measured communication traffic, it identifies the best communication path (step S1104).

[0043] The route change unit 213a determines whether the configured communication path is the best communication path identified by the communication traffic measurement unit 212a (step S1105). If they are different, the configured communication path is changed to the best communication path (step S1106), and the process ends. If they are the same, the process ends as is.

[0044] From this point forward, the wireless terminal 310a will communicate within the mesh network 100a using the best available communication path.

[0045] As described above, in this embodiment, a high-frequency usage area is identified in advance for each wireless terminal 310a. When a wireless terminal 310a is used within the high-frequency usage area, the best communication path is identified through actual measurement. The communication path set by default for the wireless terminal 310a is then changed to the identified best communication path.

[0046] As a result, according to this embodiment, in the connection environment of the mesh network 100a, the wireless terminal 310a, which is a wireless LAN client, can communicate using the best communication path. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, such a communication path is selected automatically, so it does not require any action from the user.

[0047] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when a wireless terminal 310a is present in a high-frequency usage area, the best communication path is determined by the measured communication traffic. For example, when calculating the best route using route metrics, etc., the communication speed calculated for each communication path does not necessarily match the actual communication speed, as these are merely parameter values. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the decision is made using measured values, a decision that is more in line with reality can be made.

[0048] Furthermore, within the wireless mesh network 100a, the positional relationship (distance) between the wireless terminal 310a and each wireless repeater is also an important factor in determining communication traffic. In this embodiment, since measurements are taken on the actual communication path, the best communication path that takes these factors into consideration can be obtained. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the optimal communication path can be provided in the actual usage environment, so that users of the wireless terminal 310a can communicate in the optimal communication environment.

[0049] In other words, according to this embodiment, a mesh network can provide an optimal communication environment tailored to the usage environment.

[0050] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. This embodiment is a more detailed and specific embodiment of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, components with the same names as in the first embodiment basically have the same function as in the first embodiment. The following description of this embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0051] The mesh network 100 of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the first embodiment shown in Figure 1(a). That is, as shown in Figure 3, it comprises a wireless access point 210 and mesh agents 220 (221, 222) as wireless repeaters. The wireless terminal 310 connects to the broadband line 101 via the wireless repeaters by connecting to any of them. Similar to the first embodiment, each wireless repeater is backhauled.

[0052] Figure 4(a) is a functional block diagram of the wireless access point 210 of this embodiment. Figure 4(b) is a functional block diagram of the mesh agent 220 of this embodiment. Here, only the functions relevant to this embodiment are shown in both figures.

[0053] As shown in this figure, the wireless access point 210 includes a communication unit 215, a position estimation unit 211, a communication traffic measurement unit 212, a route change unit 213, and a radio wave strength acquisition unit 218. It also includes a high-frequency usage area storage unit 214 that stores information identifying high-frequency usage areas, which will be described later.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in this figure, the mesh agent 220 includes a communication unit 225 and a radio wave intensity acquisition unit 228.

[0055] The communication unit 215 is responsible for communication with other wireless repeaters (mesh agents 220), wireless terminals 310 and ONU 102. The communication unit 225 is responsible for communication with other wireless repeaters. In this embodiment, the system includes 2.4G wireless communication units 216 and 226, and 5G wireless communication units 217 and 227, respectively.

[0056] The 2.4G wireless communication units 216 and 226 perform wireless communication in the 2.4GHz band. The 5G wireless communication units 217 and 227 perform wireless communication in the 5GHz band. The communication units 215 and 225 may also include communication units that perform wireless communication in other frequency bands, such as the 6GHz band, or wired communication units.

[0057] Each wireless repeater in this embodiment (wireless access point 210 and mesh agent 220) constitutes a Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi (wireless LAN) compatible with high-speed Wi-Fi standards such as IEEE 802.11ac. Wi-Fi radio waves have two frequency bands, "2.4GHz" and "5GHz," and the wireless repeaters in this embodiment support both frequency bands. To accommodate this, as described above, the communication units 215 and 225 are equipped with 2.4G wireless communication units 216 and 226 and 5G wireless communication units 217 and 227.

[0058] The 2.4GHz band is strong against obstacles such as walls and floors, allowing radio waves to reach adjacent rooms and rooms on upper floors. However, because this frequency band is also used by other devices such as Bluetooth® and home appliances, radio interference is likely to occur, potentially weakening the Wi-Fi (wireless LAN) signal. On the other hand, the 5GHz band is basically a radio wave dedicated to Wi-Fi, so indoors it does not interfere with radio waves emitted by other home appliances, allowing for stable communication. However, it is more susceptible to weakening in the presence of obstacles such as walls.

[0059] In this embodiment as well, the Wi-Fi network is configured by a backhaul connection, which forms a communication channel called a backhaul 103 between wireless repeaters and performs communication therein.

[0060] The position estimation unit 211 of this embodiment estimates the current position of the wireless terminal 310 connected to the wireless repeater, similar to the configuration of the same name in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the estimated current position is also used to identify a high-frequency usage area for each wireless terminal 310, which is an area used frequently. The identified high-frequency usage area is registered in the high-frequency usage area storage unit 214 in association with information that identifies the wireless terminal 310.

[0061] Generally, wireless repeaters such as wireless access points 210 and mesh agents 220 can monitor radio wave strength, such as RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) values ​​or values ​​expressed in dBm, when a wireless terminal 310 is wirelessly connected. These are numerical values ​​that indicate the strength of the received signal. When the radio wave strength is strong, wireless communication is stable and high-speed communication is possible. On the other hand, when the radio wave strength is weak, the communication speed decreases and stable communication is not possible.

[0062] The radio wave strength acquisition units 218 and 228 acquire the radio wave strength of the wireless terminal 310. The radio wave strength acquired by the radio wave strength acquisition unit 228 of the mesh agent 220 is transmitted to the wireless access point 210 via the communication unit 225.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the wireless terminal 310 connects to any wireless repeater within the mesh network 100, the position estimation unit 211 has the radio wave strength acquisition units 218 and 228 acquire and collect the radio wave strength of the wireless terminal 310, and estimates the current position by combining the radio wave strengths of each wireless repeater. The estimated current position is then notified to the communication traffic measurement unit 212.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position estimation unit 211 identifies high-frequency usage areas as described above. For example, at predetermined time intervals, the radio wave strength acquisition units 218 and 228 of each wireless repeater measure the radio wave strength of the wireless terminal 310 a predetermined number of times, and accumulate these values. Then, the high-frequency usage areas are identified from the accumulated results. Note that communication traffic may also be taken into consideration when identifying high-frequency usage areas.

[0065] The communication traffic measurement unit 212 in this embodiment, similar to the configuration of the same name in the first embodiment, determines whether the estimated current location is included in the high-frequency usage area of ​​the wireless terminal 310. If it is included in the high-frequency usage area, when the wireless terminal 310 is disconnected, it measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal 310a for each communication path that can be set within the mesh network 100, and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. The identified best communication path is notified to the route change unit 213.

[0066] Similar to the first embodiment, the route changing unit 213 changes the communication path set on the wireless terminal 310 to the best communication path if the set communication path differs from the best communication path.

[0067] In this embodiment, the route changing unit 213 first checks the connection status of the wireless terminal 310. Specifically, it determines whether the wireless terminal 310 is in a non-communication state. For example, it may determine whether it has been disconnected from the communication line. Alternatively, a time threshold may be set for the non-communication state. That is, it may determine whether it has been in a non-communication state for a predetermined period of time or longer. Whether the wireless terminal 310 is in a non-communication state (or disconnected state) is determined using existing functions provided by the wireless access point 210 and the mesh agent 220. For example, it is determined by referring to the connected terminal list in the driver of the wireless chip used by these devices.

[0068] The route change unit 213 then changes the communication route when there is no communication. After resuming communication, the wireless terminal 310 can communicate using the best communication route.

[0069] [Changes in communication speed] Here, we will explain the change in communication speed in the mesh network 100. As mentioned above, each wireless repeater is connected via backhaul. The backhaul 103 is generally connected using a wired LAN or a dedicated channel. However, inexpensive wireless repeaters for home use often do not have a dedicated channel for the backhaul 103. In this case, the channel used by the wireless terminal 310 is shared.

[0070] Furthermore, in order to use a wired LAN for the backhaul 103, each device needs to be connected via its Ethernet port, and such connections may be difficult depending on the installation environment. In the following, this embodiment will explain the case where a backhaul connection is made wirelessly as an example.

[0071] Each wireless repeater uses either the 2.4G wireless communication unit 216, 226 or the 5G wireless communication unit 217, 227 to connect to the backhaul 103. Generally, 5GHz wireless is often used for the backhaul 103 because it has a large frequency band of usable channels and each channel is not congested.

[0072] When the 5GHz wireless communication units 217 and 227 are used for backhaul 103, the mesh agent 220 performs communication with the wireless access point 210 and the wireless terminal 310 in a time-division manner. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5(a), the communication speed (amount of communication per unit time) of fronthaul 104 communication with the wireless terminal 310 connected to this mesh agent 220 is about half, or 50%, of the communication speed (initial communication speed) when the wireless access point 210 and the wireless terminal 310 communicate directly.

[0073] Furthermore, in connection configurations that use (or pass through) multiple mesh agents 220, the communication speed may decrease further depending on the communication path from the wireless access point 210 to the wireless terminal 310.

[0074] For example, we will explain using the case where two mesh agents 220 (mesh agent 221 and mesh agent 222) are used, as shown in Figure 5(b). Note that the percentages shown in this figure are values ​​relative to the initial communication speed.

[0075] The first mesh agent 221 is connected to the wireless access point 210 via 5GHz wireless backhaul 103, and is connected to the second mesh agent 222 via 5GHz wireless.

[0076] Generally, the wireless terminal 310 connects to the wireless repeater with the strongest signal strength, that is, to the nearest wireless repeater. For example, if mesh agent 222 is the nearest wireless repeater to the wireless terminal 310, it connects to mesh agent 222. However, as mentioned earlier, mesh agent 221 and mesh agent 222 communicate using time-division multiplexing. Therefore, in wireless communication from the wireless access point 210 via the communication path (path 1) through mesh agent 221 and mesh agent 222, the communication speed at the wireless terminal 310 decreases to about 25% of the initial communication speed.

[0077] On the other hand, as shown in this figure, in wireless communication from the wireless access point 210 via a communication path (path 2) that goes only through the mesh agent 221, the communication speed at the wireless terminal 310 is reduced to about 50% of the initial communication speed. Therefore, for example, if the signal strength of the mesh agent 221 is not that low for the wireless terminal 310, path 2 may result in less reduction in communication speed. However, the communication speed is greatly affected by the operating environment, such as the presence or absence of obstacles and the distance between the mesh agent 221 and the wireless terminal 310.

[0078] Figure 5(c) shows an example connection (communication path) using 2.4GHz wireless for the backhaul connection between mesh agent 221 and mesh agent 222. For example, if the 2.4GHz wireless is not congested in the radio wave conditions where the equipment is used, using a communication path that uses a 2.4GHz wireless channel for backhaul 103 may result in improved communication speed.

[0079] Thus, the communication speed is greatly affected by factors such as the distance between each device depending on the installation location of the mesh agent 220, and / or the frequency band selected for the backhaul 103 depending on the surrounding radio wave conditions in which the device is used. In other words, if the communication path is not appropriately selected within the mesh network 100, the communication speed of the backhaul 103 cannot be sufficiently secured, and the communication speed of the wireless terminal 310 decreases.

[0080] [High-frequency usage area] In this embodiment, as described above, areas where the wireless terminal 310 is frequently used are identified in advance as high-frequency usage areas. If the wireless terminal 310 is located within the high-frequency usage area, the best communication path is measured. If the default communication path differs from the best communication path, it is changed to the best communication path.

[0081] Here, we will describe the method for identifying high-frequency usage areas using the position estimation unit 211 and the radio wave strength acquisition units 218 and 228. In this embodiment, the usage location of the wireless terminal 310 is identified by the radio wave strength measured by each wireless repeater.

[0082] Specifically, consider a scenario where, for example, the wireless access point 210, mesh agent 221, and mesh agent 222 are arranged as shown in Figure 6, and the wireless terminal 310 is used at the location shown in this figure.

[0083] The position estimation unit 211 causes the radio wave strength acquisition units 218 and 228 of each wireless repeater, including the wireless access point 210 in which it is built, to acquire (monitor) the radio wave strength of the wireless terminal 310 at predetermined time intervals, and collects this data. For example, suppose that at a certain time, the radio wave strength acquired by mesh agent 222 is -40 dBm, the radio wave strength acquired by mesh agent 221 is -60 dBm, and the radio wave strength acquired by wireless access point 210 is -80 dBm.

[0084] The position estimation unit 211 stores these numerical values ​​(data), for example, in association with the acquisition timing. This process is repeated, and once a predetermined number of values ​​have been accumulated, the stored data is analyzed to identify high-frequency usage areas.

[0085] For example, as shown in Figure 7(a), the X, Y, and Z axes represent the signal strength acquired by each wireless repeater, and the data for each acquisition timing is plotted. Then, using various data analysis methods, the data such as signal strength (RSSI value) is clustered (grouped), and each cluster is designated as a high-frequency usage area. In the example in Figure 7(a), for example, clusters 601, 602, and 603, enclosed by dashed lines, are high-frequency usage areas.

[0086] Furthermore, as mentioned above, data from communication traffic (or communication volume) measured by the communication traffic measurement unit 212 may also be taken into consideration. That is, data from radio wave strength and communication traffic are clustered to identify high-frequency usage areas. For example, if the wireless terminal 310 is a smartphone, if the smartphone is taken to a bedroom or similar place and left there without being used (e.g., while sleeping), this does not necessarily constitute high-frequency usage. By taking communication traffic into consideration, such situations can be excluded, and high-frequency usage areas can be identified in a way that more accurately reflects the actual situation than if judged solely by radio wave strength (location information).

[0087] Furthermore, communication traffic may be treated as new dimensional information, or, for example, a threshold may be set, and only the radio wave strength of wireless terminals 310 showing communication traffic above that threshold may be clustered.

[0088] The location estimation unit 211 associates the identified high-frequency usage area data with information that identifies the wireless terminal 310 and registers it in the high-frequency usage area storage unit 214. An example of the high-frequency usage area table 690 stored in the high-frequency usage area storage unit 214 is shown in Figure 7(b).

[0089] As shown in this figure, the high-frequency usage area table 690 registers identified high-frequency usage areas 692 associated with the wireless terminal ID 691, such as the MAC address (Media Access Control address) that identifies the wireless terminal 310. As described above, each high-frequency usage area is identified by the radio wave strength value measured by each wireless repeater. For example, if there are k wireless repeaters, the high-frequency usage area is identified as a k-dimensional space. Furthermore, the number of identified high-frequency usage areas for each wireless terminal 310 is arbitrary.

[0090] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the wireless access point 210 is a device that controls the entire mesh network 100 and is aware of the connection configuration of each mesh agent 220. Therefore, it has prior knowledge of all possible communication path combinations.

[0091] [Communication Traffic Measurement] Next, we will explain the communication traffic measurement performed by the communication traffic measurement unit 212. First, we will explain the configurable communication paths.

[0092] For example, the mesh network 100 is composed of a wireless access point 210 and two mesh agents 220 (221, 222), as shown in Figure 8(a). Each wireless repeater is equipped with a 5GHz communication unit and a 2.4GHz communication unit, enabling communication in either frequency band.

[0093] In this case, as shown in Figure 8(b), there are five possible communication paths that can be configured for the wireless terminal 310. Note that even if the physical paths are the same, paths using different frequency bands for backhaul 103 are considered different paths.

[0094] Route 1 is a communication path connecting the wireless access point (AP210) to the wireless terminal 310 via mesh agents (MA221) and (MA222). All backhaul 103 are connected in the 5GHz frequency band.

[0095] Route 2 is also a communication path that connects to the wireless terminal 310 via AP210, MA221, and MA222. However, the backhaul 103 between AP210 and MA221 is connected in the 5GHz frequency band, and the one between MA221 and MA222 is connected in the 2.4GHz frequency band.

[0096] Route 3 is a communication path that also connects to the wireless terminal 310 via AP210, MA221, and MA222. However, all backhaul 103 connections are made in the 2.4GHz frequency band.

[0097] Route 4 is a communication path that connects AP210 to the wireless terminal 310 via MA221. The backhaul 103 between AP210 and MA221 is connected in the 5GHz frequency band.

[0098] Route 5, like Route 4, is a communication path that connects AP210 to the wireless terminal 310 via MA221. The backhaul 103 between AP210 and MA221 is connected in the 2.4GHz frequency band.

[0099] The communication traffic measurement unit 212 measures the communication traffic for each path when the current location of a wireless terminal 310 connected to one of the wireless repeaters is included in one of the high-frequency usage areas and when there is no communication.

[0100] In this embodiment, the communication traffic measurement unit 212, for example, sends a Ping command (packet) destined for the wireless terminal 310 and calculates the communication traffic from the response time. For example, the communication traffic CT (Mbps) is obtained from the transmitted packet size Psize (bytes) and the response time RT (Mbytes / s) using the following formula (1). CT = P size × 2 ÷ RT ... (1)

[0101] For example, suppose that when a wireless access point 210 sends data with a packet size (Psize) of 60,000 bytes to a wireless terminal 310 using the Ping command, and the response time RT is 3 ms, then the communication traffic CT is calculated to be 40 Mbps.

[0102] In this embodiment, the communication traffic measurement unit 212 calculates the communication traffic CT for each configurable communication path in each high-frequency usage area, and designates the communication path with the largest communication traffic CT value as the best communication path. The determined best communication path is then notified to the route change unit 213.

[0103] [Communication path configuration process] The communication path setting process of this embodiment will now be described. Figure 9 shows the processing flow of the communication path setting process of this embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, it is started when the wireless terminal 310 connects to any wireless repeater within the mesh network 100.

[0104] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, when a wireless terminal 310 connects to one of the wireless repeaters, the wireless access point 210 sets the default communication path as the configured communication path according to predetermined rules. In addition, the wireless access point 210 is assumed to be aware of the connection configuration of each wireless repeater within the mesh network 100 and to be aware of all configurable communication paths.

[0105] The following description will focus on the differences between the communication path setting process of this embodiment and that of the first embodiment.

[0106] In this embodiment, first, the position estimation unit 211 identifies the wireless terminal 310 (step S2101). Here, the wireless terminal 310 is identified by reading, for example, the wireless terminal ID 691 of the wireless terminal 310.

[0107] Then, the position estimation unit 211 determines whether the high-frequency usage area 692 is registered in the high-frequency usage area table 690 in association with the wireless terminal ID 691 (step S2102).

[0108] If the area is already registered, the process proceeds to step S2104. If the area is not already registered, the position estimation unit 211 performs the high-frequency usage area registration process (step S2103), and then proceeds to step S2104. The flow of the high-frequency usage area registration process will be described later.

[0109] In step S2104, similar to the first embodiment, the position estimation unit 211 estimates the current position of the wireless terminal 310. That is, using the method described above, the radio wave strength acquisition units 218 and 228 acquire the radio wave strength, and the set of radio wave strengths from each wireless repeater is used as the current position. The estimated current position is then notified to the communication traffic measurement unit 212.

[0110] The communication traffic measurement unit 212 determines whether the estimated current location is included in the high-frequency usage area of ​​the wireless terminal 310 and whether it is in a non-communication state (step S2105). If it is outside the high-frequency usage area or is not in a non-communication state, the process returns to step S2104 and is repeated. In this embodiment as well, the location estimation unit 211 estimates the current location of the wireless terminal 310 at predetermined time intervals.

[0111] If the area is included in the high-frequency usage area and is not in a communication state, the communication traffic measurement unit 212 measures the communication traffic up to the wireless terminal 310 for all configurable communication paths (step S2106). Here, as described above, the measurement is performed by sending packets to the wireless terminal 310 using the Ping command.

[0112] Then, based on the measured communication traffic, the best communication path is identified (step S2107).

[0113] The route change unit 213 determines whether the configured communication path is the best communication path identified by the communication traffic measurement unit 212 (step S2108). If both are the same, the process ends.

[0114] On the other hand, if the two are different, the route change unit 213 first determines whether the wireless terminal 310 is in a non-communication state (step S2109). If it is in a non-communication state, it changes the configured communication path to the best communication path (step S2110) and terminates the process. On the other hand, if it is not in a non-communication state, it returns to step S2104 and repeats the process.

[0115] Once the best communication path is selected, the wireless terminal 310 will then communicate within the mesh network 100 using the best communication path.

[0116] [High-frequency usage area setting process] Next, the high-frequency usage area registration process in step S2103 described above will be explained. Figure 10 shows the processing flow of the high-frequency usage area setting process by the position estimation unit 211 of this embodiment. Here, for example, the radio wave intensity is measured N times (where N is an integer of 1 or more) to identify the high-frequency usage area.

[0117] First, the position estimation unit 211 initializes the counter n (step S2301).

[0118] Then, the position estimation unit 211 instructs the radio wave strength acquisition units 218 and 228 of each wireless repeater to measure the radio wave strength of the wireless terminal 310 (step S2302) and collects the data. The collected measurement results are stored in association with information that identifies the measured wireless repeater (such as the wireless repeater ID) (step S2303).

[0119] The position estimation unit 211 repeats the process in steps S2302 and 2303 N times (steps S2304 and S2305).

[0120] Subsequently, the position estimation unit 211 clusters the saved radio wave intensity (step S2306) and identifies each cluster as a high-frequency usage area. The identified high-frequency usage areas are registered in the high-frequency usage area table 690 (step S2307), and the process ends. If communication traffic is also to be considered, the communication traffic is measured in step S2302 and saved together with the measured radio wave intensity in step S2303. When clustering in step S2306, the saved radio wave intensity and communication traffic data are clustered.

[0121] As described above, this embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment. Therefore, it achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0122] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication path is changed when the wireless terminal 310 is not connected to the wireless repeater or is not in a communication state. Therefore, the impact of communication interruption due to the change in the communication path can be minimized.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, high-frequency usage areas are identified using location information based on measured radio wave intensity. Therefore, actual high-frequency usage areas can be identified with high accuracy. If communication traffic is also taken into consideration, identification can be achieved with even higher accuracy.

[0124] According to this embodiment, a mesh network can provide an optimal communication environment tailored to the usage environment.

[0125] <<Third Embodiment>> A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In this embodiment, the best communication path is selected on the wireless terminal 310b side. The following description of this embodiment will focus on the differences from the second embodiment.

[0126] In this embodiment, the wireless terminal 310b has the same functions as the wireless access point 210 in the second embodiment. These functions are provided, for example, in advance as a dedicated program (hereinafter referred to as the route selection application), and are realized by installing the route selection application.

[0127] Figure 11(a) is an overall configuration diagram of the mesh network 100 used by the wireless terminal 310b of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the mesh network 100 of this embodiment is basically the same as the mesh network 100 of the second embodiment, and each comprises a wireless access point 210 which is a wireless repeater and a mesh agent 220.

[0128] Figure 11(b) shows a block diagram of the functions of the wireless terminal 310b of this embodiment that are realized by the route selection application described above. The wireless terminal 310 of this embodiment includes a location estimation unit 311, a communication traffic measurement unit 312, a route change unit 313, and a communication unit 315.

[0129] The communication unit 315 transmits and receives data with wireless repeaters within the mesh network 100.

[0130] The position estimation unit 311 estimates the current position of the wireless terminal 310. In this embodiment, the estimation is performed using sensors and other devices provided by the wireless terminal 310. Specifically, the position of the device is estimated using a positioning satellite signal receiving device such as a GPS receiver. For example, when estimating the position of the device using a GPS receiver, the current position is determined by values ​​such as latitude and longitude.

[0131] Furthermore, the current location information may be determined by the radio wave strength from each wireless repeater, similar to the second embodiment. In this case, the radio wave strength of the wireless terminal 310 is measured by the wireless access point 210 and each mesh agent 220, and the location estimation unit 311 receives the results.

[0132] The communication traffic measurement unit 312 measures the communication traffic for each selectable communication path within the mesh network 100 and identifies the best communication path at the current location. The identified best communication path is stored in the best communication path storage unit 314, associated with the current location.

[0133] Therefore, the communication traffic measurement unit 312 communicates with the wireless access point 210 or mesh agent 220 via the communication unit 315 to understand the current connection configuration. It also communicates with the wireless access point 210 to obtain the selectable communication paths within the mesh network 100.

[0134] The communication traffic is measured by connecting to a pre-prepared dedicated test site 111, for example. The dedicated site 111 may be built on a network such as the Internet, via a broadband line 101 (see Figure 11(a)).

[0135] The route change unit 313, similar to the configuration of the same name in the second embodiment, changes the communication path set on the device to the best communication path if the set communication path differs from the best communication path. In this embodiment, immediately after startup, the current location is obtained from the location estimation unit 311. If the current location is registered in the best communication path storage unit 314, the best communication path registered in association with the current location is obtained. Then, it is compared with the set communication path, and if they differ, for example, it communicates with the wireless access point 210 via the communication unit 315 and requests that the communication path be changed to the best communication path.

[0136] Alternatively, the communication traffic measurement unit 312 may be configured to identify the best communication path and then transmit it to the wireless access point 210 via the communication unit 315. The wireless access point 210 controls the communication path so that it communicates with the source wireless terminal 310 using the transmitted best communication path. In this case, the path changing unit 313 may not be necessary.

[0137] [Communication path configuration process] Next, the flow of the communication path setting process in this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 shows the processing flow of the communication path setting process in this embodiment. This process is started when the wireless terminal 310 connects to one of the wireless repeaters of the mesh network 100. Alternatively, it may be started when the route selection application is launched.

[0138] First, the position estimation unit 311 estimates the current position (step S3101).

[0139] The communication traffic measurement unit 312 determines whether the best communication path is registered in the best communication path storage unit 314, corresponding to the current location (step S3102). If it is registered, the process proceeds to step S3106, which will be described later.

[0140] If not registered, the communication traffic measurement unit 312 acquires all selectable communication paths within the mesh network 100 and measures the communication traffic of each using the method described above (step S3103). Then, it identifies the best communication path (step S3104) and registers it in the best communication path storage unit 314 in association with the current location (step S3105).

[0141] The route change unit 313 determines whether the configured communication path is the best communication path (step S3106). Here, the route change unit 313 accesses the best communication path storage unit 314 and retrieves the best communication path registered in association with the current location estimated in step S1101.

[0142] If they are different, the system changes to the best communication path using the method described above (step S1107). On the other hand, if the configured communication path is the best communication path, the process terminates.

[0143] According to this embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the best communication path is automatically selected within the mesh network 100, and the wireless terminal 310 can communicate using that communication path.

[0144] Furthermore, users of the wireless terminal 310 can use the above-mentioned route selection application in frequently used locations or locations where they want to improve communication speed, thereby enabling stable communication with the best possible communication quality. In addition, this embodiment utilizes a specially created website for speed measurement, allowing for accurate measurement of communication speed.

[0145] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by analyzing the measurement results from a speed measurement website using an application, it is also possible to suggest changes to the arrangement of the mesh agents 220 to the user. For example, if the radio wave strength or communication speed of the backhaul communication between mesh agent 221 and mesh agent 222 is insufficient, it is possible to suggest moving these devices closer together.

[0146] The criteria for determining whether the communication speed is sufficient should be decided in advance, taking into account the basic performance of the equipment. Furthermore, the communication speed and signal strength (RSSI value) of the target equipment should be measured under various conditions beforehand to understand the relationship between the two. Then, during actual use, the RSSI value should be measured, and the communication speed should be estimated based on the prior measurement results.

[0147] <Example 1> In the third embodiment, the high-frequency usage area may be measured in advance, as in the second embodiment.

[0148] The position estimation unit 311 estimates the current position of its own device (wireless terminal 310) a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals and identifies high-frequency usage areas. The identified high-frequency usage areas are stored, for example, in the device's storage device.

[0149] The method for identifying the high-frequency usage area is, for example, the same method as in the second embodiment. For example, when estimating the position of the device using a GPS receiver or the like, the high-frequency usage area is identified by values ​​such as latitude and longitude.

[0150] In this embodiment, the high-frequency usage area may be configured to be registered by the user directly inputting frequently used locations, rather than being obtained by analyzing the accumulated current location data. Also, in the first and second embodiments, the high-frequency usage area may be set by the user.

[0151] Furthermore, in this modified example, the communication traffic measurement unit 312 may be configured, similar to the second embodiment, to measure communication traffic only when the estimated current location is within a high-frequency usage area.

[0152] <Modification 2> Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, if the current location is within a high-frequency usage area, communication traffic is measured for all configurable communication paths each time, but this is not limited to this.

[0153] For example, after identifying high-frequency usage areas, communication traffic is measured in each high-frequency usage area while a wireless terminal 310 is present, and the best communication path is identified. The best communication path identified in association with each high-frequency usage area may then be registered as a correspondence table 680.

[0154] An example of the correspondence table 680 is shown in Figure 13(a). As shown in this figure, in the correspondence table 680, a high-frequency usage area 692 is registered for each wireless terminal ID 691, and the identified best communication path 693 is registered for each high-frequency usage area 692.

[0155] The flow of the communication path setting process in this modified example will be explained using Figure 13(b), focusing only on the differences from the second embodiment.

[0156] When the position estimation unit 211 estimates the current location of the wireless terminal 310 (step S2104), the communication traffic measurement unit 212 determines whether the estimated current location is included in the high-frequency usage area of ​​the wireless terminal 310 and whether it is in a non-communication state (step S2105).

[0157] If the current location is included in a high-frequency usage area and is not in a communication state, the communication traffic measurement unit 212 first identifies the high-frequency usage area to which the current location belongs. Then, it refers to the correspondence table 680 and determines whether the best communication path 693 is registered in association with the high-frequency usage area 692 (step S4101). If it is registered, it extracts the best communication path 693 (step S4102) and proceeds to step S2108 of the second embodiment.

[0158] On the other hand, if not registered, the communication traffic is measured (step S2106), the best communication path is identified (step S2107), and the process proceeds to step S2108, similar to the second embodiment.

[0159] For example, if the placement of wireless repeaters within the mesh network 100 is fixed (unchanged), there is no need to measure communication traffic each time, thus reducing the processing load.

[0160] <Variation 3> Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the registration process for frequently used areas is performed when the wireless terminal 310 is connected to a wireless repeater in the mesh network 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, the registration process for frequently used areas may be performed in response to instructions from the user.

[0161] Similarly, the measurement of communication traffic may also be performed at the user's instruction.

[0162] <Modification 4> Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, the best communication path is selected from among the configurable communication paths based on the measured results of communication traffic, but this is not limited to this. For example, a threshold may be set in advance, and the system may be configured to select the communication path to be used from among those whose measured communication traffic is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0163] <Modification 5> Identifying high-frequency usage areas is not limited to the methods described above. For example, various known techniques may be used. For instance, a method involving preparing a dedicated active tag and detecting its location using a wireless LAN access point, or a method using trilateration to accurately determine the location of the wireless terminal 310.

[0164] [Hardware configuration] The aforementioned wireless access points 210a, 210 and mesh agents 220a, 220 are composed of, for example, a dedicated SoC (System on Chip), a dedicated wireless chip, and an L2 switch. The SoC may also include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a network processor. The SoC, with these components, performs packet routing.

[0165] The above devices may be implemented, for example, by a general-purpose information processing device. A general-purpose information processing device, for example, as shown in Figure 14, comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 191, a main memory (memory) 192, an auxiliary storage device 193, a communication interface 194, and an expansion interface 195, all interconnected by an internal bus.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] Furthermore, programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 193 can be provided as program products recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium. The auxiliary storage device 193 can be used to store various programs recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium for medium to long term.

[0170] The communication interface 194 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals and data via wired or wireless means. For example, in the second embodiment, it functions as communication units 215 and 225.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] The high-frequency usage area storage units 214a and 214 are, for example, constructed in the auxiliary storage device 193. Various information necessary for processing is also stored in the auxiliary storage device 193.

[0174] 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), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), system-on-a-chip (SOC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0175] Similarly, the wireless terminal 310 also includes a CPU, main memory, auxiliary memory, communication interface, expansion interface, etc. The route selection application is acquired, for example, via the communication interface and stored in the auxiliary memory. The CPU implements each of the above functions by loading the route selection application stored in the auxiliary memory into the main memory and executing it. For example, the best communication route storage unit 314 is built in the auxiliary memory.

[0176] 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-transitive medium 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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 configuration and the configuration of each element 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.

[0179] 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) The wireless access point in a mesh network, which includes a wireless access point and a mesh agent, A position estimation unit that estimates the current location of a wireless terminal connected to the wireless access point or the mesh agent, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic measurement unit measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. The system includes a route changing unit that changes the configured communication path to the best communication path if the communication path configured on the wireless terminal differs from the best communication path. (Note 2) In the wireless access point described in Appendix 1, It is preferable that the position estimation unit estimates the position based on the radio wave intensity of the wireless terminal measured by the wireless access point and the mesh agent within the mesh network. (Note 3) In the wireless access point described in Appendix 1 or 2, Prior to estimating the current location, the position estimation unit preferably estimates the position of the wireless terminal a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals, and uses the estimation results to calculate the high-frequency usage area. (Note 4) In a wireless access point described in any of the appendices 1 to 3 and 13, It is desirable that the communication traffic measurement unit, when the wireless terminal is not communicating, send a packet addressed to the wireless terminal using a Ping command and measure the communication traffic. (Note 5) In a wireless access point described in any of the appendices 1 to 4 and 13, It is desirable that the route changing unit changes the communication route when the wireless terminal is not communicating. (Note 6) In a wireless access point described in any of the appendices 1 to 5 and 13, It is desirable that the communication traffic measurement unit generates a correspondence table that associates the identified best communication path with each of the high-frequency usage areas of the wireless terminal. (Note 7) Wireless devices that connect to wireless access points or mesh agents within a mesh network are: A position estimation unit that estimates the current position of the device, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic measurement unit measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. The device includes a communication path changing unit that changes the configured communication path to the best communication path if the configured communication path differs from the best communication path. (Note 8) A mesh network system including wireless access points and mesh agents is The aforementioned wireless access point A position estimation unit that estimates the current location of a wireless terminal connected to the wireless access point or the mesh agent, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic measurement unit measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. The system includes a route changing unit that changes the configured communication path to the best communication path if the communication path configured on the wireless terminal differs from the best communication path. (Note 9) The communication path configuration method is a mesh network system including a wireless access point and a mesh agent, wherein the wireless access point is The current location, which is the current location of the wireless terminal connected to the wireless access point or the mesh agent, is estimated. If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic of the wireless terminal is measured for each possible communication path within the mesh network, and the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic, is identified. If the communication path set on the wireless terminal is different from the best communication path, the set communication path is changed to the best communication path. (Note 10) The program is for the computer, A procedure for estimating the current location of a wireless terminal connected to a wireless access point or mesh agent within a mesh network, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the procedure involves measuring the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifying the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. If the communication path set on the wireless terminal is different from the best communication path, the system will perform a procedure to change the set communication path to the best communication path. (Note 11) In the mesh network system described in Appendix 8, The aforementioned wireless access point further includes a first radio wave intensity acquisition unit, The mesh agent includes a second radio wave intensity acquisition unit, It is preferable that the position estimation unit estimates the position based on the radio wave strength of the wireless terminal acquired by the first radio wave strength acquisition unit and the second radio wave strength acquisition unit, respectively. (Note 12) The program is for the computer, A procedure for estimating the current location of a wireless terminal connected to a wireless access point or mesh agent within a mesh network, A procedure for measuring the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network at the estimated current location, and identifying the best communication path where the communication traffic is best, If the communication path set on the wireless terminal is different from the best communication path, the system will perform a procedure to change the set communication path to the best communication path. (Note 13) In the wireless access point described in Appendix 3, When calculating the high-frequency usage area, the position estimation unit preferably uses the communication traffic of the wireless terminal in addition to the position of the wireless terminal. Furthermore, the forms described in Appendix 7-10 can be expanded into the forms described in Appendix 2-6 and 13, similar to Appendix 1.

[0180] 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]

[0181] 100: Mesh network, 100a: Mesh network, 101: Broadband line, 102: ONU, 103: Backhaul, 104: Fronthaul, 111: Dedicated site, 191: CPU, 192: Main memory, 193: Auxiliary memory, 194: Communication I / F, 195: Expansion I / F 210: Wireless access point, 210a: Wireless access point, 211: Position estimation unit, 211a: Position estimation unit, 212: Communication traffic measurement unit, 212a: Communication traffic measurement unit, 213: Route change unit, 213a: Route change unit, 214: High frequency usage area storage unit, 214a: High frequency usage area storage unit, 215: Communication unit, 216: 2.4G wireless communication unit, 217: 5G wireless communication unit, 218: Signal strength acquisition unit, 220: Mesh agent, 220a: Mesh agent, 221: Mesh agent, 221a: Mesh agent, 222: Mesh agent, 222a: Mesh agent, 225: Communication unit, 226: 2.4G wireless communication unit, 227: 5G wireless communication unit, 228: Signal strength acquisition unit, 310: Wireless terminal, 310a: Wireless terminal, 310b: Wireless terminal, 311: Position estimation unit, 312: Communication traffic measurement unit, 313: Route change unit, 314: Best communication path memory unit, 315: Communication unit, 601: Cluster, 602: Cluster, 603: Cluster, 680: Correspondence Table, 690: High-Frequency Usage Area Table, 691: Wireless Terminal ID, 692: High-Frequency Usage Area, 693: Best Communication Path CT: Communication traffic, Psize: Packet size, RT: Response time

Claims

1. A wireless access point in a mesh network that includes a wireless access point and a mesh agent, A position estimation unit that estimates the current location of a wireless terminal connected to the wireless access point or the mesh agent, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic measurement unit measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. A wireless access point comprising: a route changing unit that changes the configured communication path to the best communication path if the communication path configured on the wireless terminal differs from the best communication path.

2. A wireless access point according to claim 1, The position estimation unit estimates the position of the wireless access point based on the radio wave strength of the wireless terminal measured by the wireless access point and the mesh agent within the mesh network.

3. A wireless access point according to claim 1, The position estimation unit estimates the position of the wireless terminal a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals prior to estimating the current position, and calculates the high-frequency usage area using the estimation results, in a wireless access point.

4. A wireless access point according to claim 1, The aforementioned communication traffic measurement unit is a wireless access point that, when the wireless terminal is not communicating, sends a packet destined for the wireless terminal using a Ping command and measures the communication traffic.

5. A wireless access point according to claim 1, The route changing unit is a wireless access point that changes the communication route when the wireless terminal is in a non-communication state.

6. A wireless access point according to claim 1, The communication traffic measurement unit generates a correspondence table that associates the identified best communication path with each of the high-frequency usage areas of the wireless terminal, and is a wireless access point.

7. A wireless terminal that connects to a wireless access point or mesh agent in a mesh network, A position estimation unit that estimates the current position of the device, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic measurement unit measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. A wireless terminal comprising: a communication path changing unit that changes the communication path set in the device to the best communication path if the set communication path differs from the best communication path.

8. A mesh network system in a mesh network including wireless access points and mesh agents, The aforementioned wireless access point A position estimation unit that estimates the current location of a wireless terminal connected to the wireless access point or the mesh agent, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic measurement unit measures the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifies the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. A mesh network system comprising: a route changing unit that changes the configured communication path to the best communication path if the communication path configured in the wireless terminal differs from the best communication path.

9. In a mesh network including wireless access points and mesh agents, the wireless access point is The current location, which is the current location of the wireless terminal connected to the wireless access point or the mesh agent, is estimated. If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the communication traffic of the wireless terminal is measured for each possible communication path within the mesh network, and the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic, is identified. A communication path setting method that, if the communication path set on the wireless terminal is different from the best communication path, changes the set communication path to the best communication path.

10. On the computer, A procedure for estimating the current location of a wireless terminal connected to a wireless access point or mesh agent within a mesh network, If the estimated current location is included in a high-frequency usage area, which is an area where the wireless terminal is frequently used, the procedure involves measuring the communication traffic of the wireless terminal for each possible communication path within the mesh network and identifying the best communication path, which is the communication path with the best communication traffic. A program for performing a procedure to change the communication path set on the wireless terminal to the best communication path if the set communication path differs from the best communication path.

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