Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

The combination of the frequency band and the authentication method can be appropriately set.SOLUTION: The communication device 102 controls a notifying unit that notifies the user so that the combination of the selection of the predetermined frequency band as the frequency band used when the wireless communication based on the IEEE802. 11 series standard is executed and the selection of the predetermined authenticating method as the authenticating method used when the wireless communication based on the IEEE802. 11 series standard is executed is restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to wireless communication settings. [Background Art]

[0002] When performing wireless communication, it is necessary to set settings for executing wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as communication parameters). An AP (Access Point) having the role of constructing a wireless network constructs a wireless network using a frequency channel, an encryption method, and an authentication method set as communication parameters. A user can set communication parameters for the AP by displaying a setting screen for setting the communication parameters of the AP.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication device that controls whether to display an internal authentication selection screen depending on whether an authentication method selected as a communication parameter is an authentication method for which internal authentication is performed. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-199458 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] The IEEE 802.11ax standard, a wireless communication standard being considered by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), is exploring the use of the 6GHz band in addition to the conventional 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Since the encryption and authentication methods supported for communication in the conventional 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands were the same, users did not need to consider the frequency band when setting communication parameters. However, for communication in the 6GHz band, only a limited number of authentication methods are being considered. In such a case, it would be cumbersome for users to be aware of the available authentication methods and appropriately configure them when setting communication parameters for 6GHz band communication.

[0006] The present invention aims to enable the appropriate setting of combinations between frequency bands and authentication methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above, the present invention A method for configuring a wireless network constructed by a communication device includes a display control step of displaying a configuration screen for accepting configuration of the wireless network constructed by the communication device on a display unit, and a reception step of accepting user operations on a first display item for accepting configuration of authentication methods in a 6GHz band network, which is displayed on the display unit, so as not to accept the selection of one or more authentication methods that are not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to appropriately set the combination of frequency band and authentication method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the network in which the communication device 102 participates. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the communication device 102. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the communication device 102. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the process that the communication device 102 performs when setting communication parameters. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using the first display method. [Figure 6] This figure shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the first display method communication device 102. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using the second display method. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using the second display method. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using a third display method. [Figure 10] This figure shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using a third display method. [Figure 11] This figure shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using a third display method. [Figure 12] This figure shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using a third display method. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using the fourth display method. [Figure 14] This figure shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using the fourth display method. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using the fifth display method. [Figure 16] This figure shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using the fifth display method. [Figure 17] This figure shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using the fifth display method. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 using the sixth display method. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a graphical user interface displayed by the communication apparatus 102 according to the sixth display method. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a network in which a communication apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment participates. The communication apparatus 102 is an access point (AP) that plays a role of constructing a network 101. The network 101 is a wireless network. A communication apparatus 103 is a station (STA) that plays a role of participating in the network 101. Each communication apparatus complies with the IEEE 802.11ax standard, and can perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11ax standard via the network 101. IEEE is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Each communication apparatus can perform communication in frequency bands of 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band. The frequency band used by each communication apparatus is not limited thereto, and a different frequency band such as a 60 GHz band may be used, for example.

[0012] Communication parameters are set in the communication apparatus 102, and the communication apparatus 102 constructs a network according to the set communication parameters. The communication parameters set in the communication apparatus 102 may be preset or may be set by a user. A user can set communication parameters of the communication apparatus 102 via a setting screen displayed on a display unit (notification unit, output unit 305) of the communication apparatus 102 or a display unit of a communication apparatus (not shown) that communicates with the communication apparatus 102 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0013] Specifically, the communication parameter set in the communication device 102 is the authentication method. In addition, at least one of the following may be set as a communication parameter: SSID, encryption method, encryption key, frequency band, frequency channel, bandwidth, whether or not wireless functions are used, and network name. Furthermore, at least one of the various parameters set in the communication parameter setting screen shown in Figures 5 to 19 described later may also be set as a communication parameter.

[0014] SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, and it is an identifier used to identify the AP (communication device 102). The encryption method is the method used to encrypt communication between the AP (communication device 102) and the STA (communication device 103). The encryption key is the key used to encrypt communication between the AP (communication device 102) and the STA (communication device 103), and only an STA that knows the encryption key set on the AP can communicate with that AP. The frequency band is the frequency band used when the AP (communication device 102) and the STA (communication device 103) communicate, and in the IEEE 802.11ax standard, it can be selected from the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, or 6GHz band. The frequency channel is the frequency channel used when the AP (communication device 102) and the STA (communication device 103) communicate, and it is possible to select a frequency channel belonging to the selected frequency band. For example, if the 2.4GHz band is selected as the frequency band, one of the frequency channels from 1ch to 13ch can be selected. Bandwidth refers to the bandwidth used when the AP (communication device 102) and STA (communication device 103) communicate, and can be selected from 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, or 160MHz. A wider bandwidth than 160MHz may also be selected. The "Use of Wireless Function" parameter indicates whether or not the wireless function of the AP (communication device 102) is used. The "Use of Wireless Function" setting can be configured for each frequency band, or it may be set for all wireless communications of the communication device 102. If the "Use of Wireless Function" setting is disabled, the communication device 102 will not build a network, or it will not communicate via the network it has built. The "Network Name" is the name of the network built by the communication device 102, and can be set using any string of characters. The network name and SSID may be the same, in which case only one of the settings may be set as a communication parameter.

[0015] Specifically, the authentication methods include Open, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), WPA2, and WPA3. Open is an authentication method defined as Open System Authentication in the IEEE 802.11 series standards. In this authentication method, the AP, upon receiving an authentication request from the STA, always sends a successful authentication message. Since authentication is always successful in this method, no actual authentication is performed. WPA is an authentication method standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WPA2 is the successor to WPA and improves security compared to WPA by supporting new encryption methods that were not supported by WPA. WPA3 is the successor to WPA2 and is a standard with further improved security. In WPA2, a pre-shared key was used as the key for encrypting communication. In this embodiment, when WPA2 is selected as the authentication method, the encryption key corresponds to the pre-shared key. The pre-shared key was usually manually entered by the user into the AP and STA. However, WPA3 does not encrypt using a pre-shared key. Instead, it generates a key on both the AP and STA by performing calculations using elliptic curve cryptography on the passwords entered by both parties, and then encrypts the communication using that key. This key sharing method is called SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals). Because WPA3 generates a new key each time authentication is performed, it offers improved security compared to WPA2, which reuses a pre-shared key. In this embodiment, when WPA3 is selected as the authentication method, the encryption key corresponds to the password.

[0016] In this embodiment, the communication devices 102 and 103 support different authentication methods depending on the frequency band they use. Specifically, they support Open, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while they support only WPA3 in the 6GHz band.

[0017] Furthermore, communication devices 102 and 103 may support Open, which uses OWE (Opportunistic Wireless Encryption) as a key sharing method in addition to or instead of WPA3 as an authentication method. In conventional Open, communication was not encrypted, but with Open using the OWE method, communication can be encrypted. OWE is a key sharing method that uses elliptic curve cryptography, similar to SAE, but it differs in that it does not require prior sharing of a password.

[0018] Specifically, encryption methods include TKIP and AES. TKIP stands for Temporal Key Integrity Protocol. AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard. AES is a stronger encryption method than TKIP, offering higher encryption strength.

[0019] In this embodiment, the encryption methods supported by communication devices 102 and 103 differ depending on the frequency band used. Specifically, both TKIP and AES are supported in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while only AES is supported in the 6GHz band. Therefore, when a user communicates between communication devices 102 and 103 in the 6GHz band, they must select WPA3 as the authentication method and AES as the encryption method.

[0020] In this case, even if the user selects the 6GHz band as the frequency band on the communication parameter settings screen, if, for example, WPA2 is displayed or selectable as the authentication method, the user may not be able to correctly set the communication parameters. Therefore, when the 6GHz band is selected, the display of the settings screen will be switched from when the 2.4GHz band or 5GHz band is selected, so that the user can easily set the correct communication parameters. Specifically, only WPA3 will be displayed or selectable as the authentication method, and only AES will be displayed or selectable as the encryption method.

[0021] In this embodiment, communication devices 102 and 103 are assumed to perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11ax standard, but this is not limited to this. Communication devices 102 and 103 may also perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11be standard, which is the successor standard to the IEEE 802.11ax standard. The IEEE 802.11be standard allows communication in the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands, similar to the IEEE 802.11ax standard. In this case, similar to communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11ax standard, the authentication and encryption methods supported may differ depending on the frequency band.

[0022] Although communication devices 102 and 103 are stated to be compatible with the IEEE 802.11ax standard, they may also be compatible with at least one of the legacy standards that precede the IEEE 802.11ax standard. Legacy standards refer to the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac standards. In addition to or instead of the legacy standards, they may also be compatible with the successor standards to the IEEE 802.11ax standard. Specifically, the successor standard refers to the IEEE 802.11be standard. Alternatively, they may be compatible with successor standards later than IEEE 802.11be. In this embodiment, at least one of the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards is referred to as the IEEE 802.11 series standard. Communication devices 102 and 103 may also be compatible with other communication standards such as Bluetooth®, NFC, UWB, Zigbee, and MBOA in addition to the IEEE 802.11 series standards. UWB stands for Ultra Wide Band, MBOA stands for Multi Band OFDM Alliance, OFDM stands for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, and NFC stands for Near Field Communication. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, and Winet. It may also support wired communication standards such as wired LAN.

[0023] When compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard, communication devices 102 and 103 can utilize at least one of the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands. Furthermore, communication devices 102 and 103 can perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard via frequency channels included in the available frequency bands. In this case, the bandwidth of each frequency channel is defined as 20MHz in the IEEE 802.11 series standard. Note that communication devices 102 and 103 can also utilize a bandwidth of 40MHz or more for a single frequency channel by bonding adjacent frequency channels. Additionally, when compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard, communication devices 102 and 103 can communicate data using a mechanism called DCF. DCF stands for Distributed Coordination Function. In DCF, to avoid data collisions with other communication devices, the data transmitting device waits for a random period called backoff before transmitting data. The data transmission device transmits data only after a random time (backoff) has elapsed and it has checked whether the frequency channel used for data transmission is being used by another device. Note that communication devices 102 and 103 may also perform communication control using EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) instead of DCF, or in addition to DCF. EDCA classifies the transmitted data by priority, and sets different backoffs for each priority. Specifically, higher-priority data is assigned a shorter backoff than lower-priority data.

[0024] Furthermore, communication devices 102 and 103, which comply with the IEEE 802.11 series standard, may support a method in which the AP centrally manages data communication by STA, in addition to or instead of DCF. For example, communication devices 102 and 103 may support a data communication method using PCF (Point Coordination Function). In PCF, one device (AP) sends polling signals to multiple other devices in sequence, and only devices that receive a polling signal from the AP can transmit data. Since only the device that the AP has sent a polling signal to can transmit data until the next polling signal is sent, data collisions do not occur. Alternatively, communication devices 102 and 103 may perform communication control using HCCA (Hybrid Coordination Function Controlled Channel Access). HCCA is a communication method that, in addition to controlling data communication by polling by the AP like PCF, allows for negotiation of communication quality between the AP and other devices. In addition, HCCA allows for scheduling that takes data priority into consideration. Furthermore, the method of preventing data collisions between STAs by having the AP centrally manage data communication is not limited to using PCF or HCCA.

[0025] Alternatively, communication devices 102 and 103 compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard may support, for example, a data communication method using RTS / CTS. RTS stands for Request To Send, and CTS stands for Clear To Send. In this method, if an STA has data to send, it first sends an RTS to the AP. Upon receiving the RTS, the AP responds by sending a CTS to the STA. Upon receiving the CTS, the STA sends the data to the AP. In this case, the RTS, CTS, and data each include a Network Allocation Vector (NAV) indicating the time they will occupy the channel used for transmission. Other terminals that detect the RTS, CTS, and data will not transmit signals during the period indicated by the NAV, thus avoiding data collisions.

[0026] Specific examples of communication device 102 include, but are not limited to, wireless LAN routers and PCs. Communication device 102 can be any communication device capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard with other communication devices. Similarly, specific examples of communication device 103 include, but are not limited to, cameras, tablets, smartphones, PCs, mobile phones, and video cameras. Communication device 103 can be any communication device capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard with other communication devices. Furthermore, although the network in Figure 1 consists of one AP and one STA, the number of APs and STAs is not limited to this.

[0027] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the communication device 102 according to this embodiment. The communication device 102 includes a storage unit 301, a control unit 302, a function unit 303, an input unit 304, an output unit 305, a communication unit 306, and an antenna 307.

[0028] The storage unit 301 is composed of one or more memories such as ROM and RAM, and stores various information such as computer programs for performing various operations described later, and communication parameters for wireless communication. ROM stands for Read Only Memory, and RAM stands for Random Access Memory. In addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, the storage unit 301 may also use storage media such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and DVDs. Furthermore, the storage unit 301 may have multiple memories.

[0029] The control unit 302 is composed of one or more processors, such as a CPU and an MPU, and controls the entire communication device 102 by executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 301. Alternatively, the control unit 302 may control the entire communication device 102 in cooperation with the computer program stored in the memory unit 301 and the OS (Operating System). The control unit 302 also generates data and signals (wireless frames) to be transmitted in communication with other communication devices. Note that CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit. Furthermore, the control unit 302 may be equipped with multiple processors, such as a multi-core processor, and the entire communication device 102 may be controlled by these multiple processors.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 302 controls the functional unit 303 to perform predetermined processes such as wireless communication, imaging, printing, and projection. The functional unit 303 is the hardware that enables the communication device 102 to perform predetermined processes.

[0031] The input unit 304 receives various operations from the user. The output unit 305 outputs various information to the user via a monitor screen or speaker. The output unit 305 may also function as a display unit that displays information on a screen or as a notification unit that provides various notifications to the user. Here, the output from the output unit 305 may be a display on a monitor screen, audio output from a speaker, vibration output, etc. The input unit 304 and the output unit 305 may be implemented in a single module, such as a touch panel. The input unit 304 and the output unit 305 may be integrated with the communication device 102, or they may be separate devices, or they may be devices connected to the communication device 102 by wireless or wired connection. Alternatively, the output unit 305 may function as a display control unit that causes the display unit of another communication device that communicates with the communication device 102 by wireless or wired communication to perform screen display. Alternatively, the output unit 305 may function as an output control unit that causes the output unit of the other communication device, such as a speaker, to perform audio output in addition to, or instead of, a screen. Furthermore, the input unit 304 may be configured to accept input from the user via another communication device that communicates with the communication device 102 via wireless or wired communication.

[0032] The communication unit 306 controls wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11ax standard. In addition to the IEEE 802.11ax standard, the communication unit 306 may also control wireless communication compliant with other IEEE 802.11 series standards, as well as wired communication such as wired LAN. The communication unit 306 controls the antenna 307 to transmit and receive signals for wireless communication generated by the control unit 302. If the communication device 102 supports the NFC standard, Bluetooth standard, etc., in addition to the IEEE 802.11ax standard, it may also control wireless communication compliant with these communication standards. Furthermore, if the communication device 102 can perform wireless communication compliant with multiple communication standards, it may be configured to have separate communication units and antennas corresponding to each communication standard. The communication device 102 communicates data such as image data, document data, and video data with the communication device 103 via the communication unit 306. The antenna 307 may be configured separately from the communication unit 306, or it may be configured as a single module together with the communication unit 306.

[0033] Antenna 307 is an antenna capable of communication in the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. In this embodiment, it is sufficient that the antenna 307 of the communication device 102 can perform communication in at least the 6GHz band. In this embodiment, the communication device 102 is assumed to have one antenna, but it may have different antennas for each frequency band. Furthermore, if the communication device 102 has multiple antennas, it may have a communication unit 306 corresponding to each antenna.

[0034] Furthermore, communication device 103 has the same hardware configuration as communication device 102.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of the communication device 102. The communication device 102 includes a wireless communication control unit 201, a display screen generation unit 202, a user input analysis unit 203, a UI control unit 204, and a memory control unit 205.

[0036] The wireless communication control unit 201 comprises a circuit for transmitting and receiving wireless signals with other communication devices, and a program for controlling the circuit. The wireless communication control unit 201 performs wireless communication control in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard. The wireless communication control unit 201 controls the transmission and reception of wireless signals with other communication devices in the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. In this embodiment, the communication device 102 has one wireless communication control unit, but it is not limited to this and may have wireless communication control units corresponding to each supported frequency band.

[0037] The display screen generation unit 202 generates content to be displayed on the UI (user interface) from the information obtained from the user input analysis unit 203 (described later) and the information stored in the storage unit 301, and sends it to the UI control unit 204 (described later). For example, if the user input analysis unit 203 (described later) detects that the user has instructed the display of the communication parameter setting screen, the display screen generation unit 202 generates the communication parameter setting screen and sends it to the UI control unit 204. Note that the screen generated by the display screen generation unit 202 may change depending on user input and the passage of time.

[0038] The user input analysis unit 203 acquires information obtained by the UI control unit 204 (described later) and analyzes the content of the user's instructions. For example, it analyzes the content to be controlled by the wireless communication control unit 201 in response to the user's input, and extracts information for display by the display screen generation unit 202. The user input analysis unit 203 sends the extracted content to the display screen generation unit 202.

[0039] The UI control unit 204 consists of a program that controls the user interface hardware (input unit 304), such as a touch panel or buttons, for receiving user operations on the communication device 102. The program of the UI control unit 204 sends the user input content obtained from the input unit 304 shown in Figure 2 to the user input analysis unit 203. It also sends the image generated by the display screen generation unit 202 to the output unit 305 shown in Figure 2. The UI control unit 204 also has a function to present information to the user via the output unit 305, such as audio output.

[0040] The memory control unit 205 controls the writing and reading of data to and from the memory unit 301, which stores programs and data that operate in the communication device 102.

[0041] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process that is executed when the communication device 102 reads a computer program stored in the memory unit 301 and executes it in the control unit 302 when setting communication parameters.

[0042] The communication device 102 starts processing this flowchart when the user instructs it to display the communication parameter setting screen. The user instruction may be given directly to the input unit 304 of the communication device 102, or from another communication device connected to the communication device 102 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The other communication device connected to the communication device 102 via a wired or wireless connection may instruct the display of the setting screen by entering the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the communication device 102 in the address bar of a browser. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may start processing this flowchart based on the fact that it has been connected to another communication device via a wired or wireless connection for the first time since being shipped from the factory. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may start processing this flowchart based on the fact that it has been powered on for the first time since being shipped from the factory.

[0043] First, the communication device 102 displays a setting screen for communication parameters (S401). The setting screen may be displayed on the display unit (notification unit) of the communication device 102, or on the display unit of another communication device (communication device 102) that communicates with the communication device 102 by wire or wireless. The setting screen displayed in this step will be explained later with reference to Figures 5 to 19.

[0044] Next, the communication device 102 determines whether the 6GHz band has been selected for the frequency band setting item included in the displayed settings screen (S402). If the 6GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, the determination in this step is Yes; if a different frequency band (2.4GHz band or 5GHz band) is selected, the determination in this step is No. Note that the frequency channel may be used for the determination in this step. Specifically, the communication device 102 may determine whether a frequency channel belonging to the 6GHz band has been selected for the frequency channel setting item included in the displayed settings screen. In this case, if the frequency channel selected as the frequency channel to be used is a frequency channel belonging to the 6GHz band, the determination in this step is Yes. On the other hand, if the frequency channel selected as the frequency channel to be used is a frequency channel belonging to another frequency band (2.4GHz band or 5GHz band), the determination in this step is No. If the determination in this step is No, the determination in this step is repeated. In this case, the display of each item on the settings screen does not switch to a display corresponding to the 6GHz band. If the determination in this step is Yes, the communication device 102 performs the process in S403.

[0045] Next, the communication device 102 checks if there is an STA currently connected in the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band (S403). If there is no STA connected in at least one of the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band, the communication device 102 determines No in this step and proceeds to S407. On the other hand, if there is an STA connected in at least one of the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band, the communication device 102 determines Yes in this step and proceeds to S404.

[0046] The communication device 102 determines whether it is connected to an STA connected in at least one of the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands using an authentication method that is not supported in the 6GHz band (S404). The authentication method not supported in the 6GHz band in this embodiment refers to an authentication method prior to WPA2, specifically, an Open method that does not use WPA2, WPA, or OWE. If the AP is communicating with the STA using any of these authentication methods, there is a risk that the STA does not support WPA3, and if the frequency band is changed to the 6GHz band, communication with the STA may become impossible. The AP notifies the authentication methods it supports via Beacon or Probe Response, but the STA does not make such notification. It simply requests the authentication method to be used for connection when sending an Association Request to the AP. Therefore, the AP cannot know whether the STA supports an authentication method different from the one requested by the STA in the Association Request. In other words, since the AP cannot know whether the STA supports WPA3, it cannot determine whether it can communicate with the STA if the frequency band is changed to the 6GHz band. If the communication device 102 is connected via STA and WPA3, it determines No in this step and performs the process in S407. On the other hand, if the communication device 102 is connected via STA and an authentication method earlier than WPA2, it determines Yes in this step and displays S405. In addition, in this step, if the communication device 102 is connected via STA and the OWE Open method, it may also determine Yes.

[0047] Furthermore, if the communication device 102 determines No in S404, it may check whether the encryption method used for the connection with the STA is an encryption method not supported in the 6GHz band before performing the processing in S407. Specifically, the communication device 102 may check whether the encryption method used for the connection with the STA has a lower encryption strength than AES. If the encryption method used for the connection with the STA is one with a lower encryption strength than AES, such as TKIP, the communication device 102 performs the processing in S405. On the other hand, if the encryption method used for the connection with the STA has an encryption strength of AES or higher, the communication device 102 performs the processing in S407.

[0048] Note that if the communication device 102 can maintain networks in multiple frequency bands simultaneously, S404 may be omitted. In this case, the communication device 102 can establish a new 6GHz band network while continuing its connection with the STA.

[0049] The communication device 102 displays a warning to the user (S405). The warning displayed here indicates that if the frequency band is changed to the 6GHz band, there is a risk that the connection with the currently connected STA will be disconnected and will not be able to be reconnected. Along with displaying the warning, the communication device 102 may also perform actions such as outputting a beep sound or lighting up a lamp. By displaying this, the user will be able to recognize that there is a risk that the connection with the currently connected STA will remain disconnected due to the frequency band switch. This will allow the user to cancel the frequency band switch operation. In addition to the warning, the communication device 102 also displays a selection screen that allows the user to choose whether or not to continue the frequency band switch process.

[0050] The communication device 102 determines whether to continue the frequency band switching process (S406). Specifically, it determines whether the user has selected to continue the frequency band switching process on the selection screen displayed in S405. If the user has selected to continue the switching process, the communication device 102 determines Yes in this step and proceeds to process S407. On the other hand, if the user has selected to interrupt or terminate the switching process, the communication device 102 determines No in this step and proceeds to process S402 again. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may display the selection screen in S405 and determine No in this step based on the elapsed time.

[0051] The communication device 102 switches the display of the settings screen to one compatible with the 6GHz band (S407). Specifically, it switches the display so that only WPA3 is displayed as the authentication method, or it switches the display so that only WPA3 can be selected as the authentication method. In addition to WPA3, the Open method of the OWE method may also be displayed or made selectable. Furthermore, the display for encryption methods is switched so that only AES is displayed, or only AES can be selected. In this case, authentication methods other than WPA3 (Open, WPA, and WPA2, which are not OWE methods) are either hidden or grayed out or shaded so that they cannot be selected. Graying out means that the corresponding option cannot be selected, and generally the option is displayed in light gray. Furthermore, encryption methods other than AES (TKIP) are either hidden or grayed out or shaded so that they cannot be selected. Furthermore, the communication device 102 may be configured to notify the user that, when the display of the settings screen is switched to one compatible with the 6GHz band, at least one of the following is not available: that WPA and WPA2 cannot be used as authentication methods, and that TKIP cannot be used as an encryption method.

[0052] Next, the communication device 102 determines whether the already configured authentication information can be used as a communication parameter in the 6GHz band (S408). Specifically, for example, it determines whether the WPA2 pre-shared key can be used as the WPA3 password. If the use of the pre-shared key as a password is permitted, the communication device 102 determines Yes in this step and proceeds to S409. On the other hand, if the use of the pre-shared key as a password is not permitted, the communication device 102 determines No in this step and proceeds to S410. Note that whether or not the WPA and WPA2 pre-shared keys can be used as the WPA3 password is set by the user in the communication device 102. Alternatively, it may be pre-set in the communication device 102. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may make the determination in this step based on whether the number of characters in the string set as the WPA and WPA2 pre-shared key is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of characters required for the WPA3 password. The communication device 102 determines "Yes" in this step if the number of characters in the pre-shared key is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of characters, and "No" in this step if the number of characters is less than the predetermined number of characters.

[0053] If the communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S408, it sets the already configured authentication method as a communication parameter for 6GHz band communication (S409). Specifically, it sets the WPA or WPA2 pre-shared key as the WPA3 password. The WPA or WPA2 pre-shared key may be automatically entered into the WPA3 password input field on the settings screen. Even after the process in S409 has been performed, the device may still accept a password change by the user.

[0054] Alternatively, if the communication device 102 determines "No" in S408, it displays a screen prompting the user to set the 6GHz band communication parameters (S410). Specifically, the communication device 102 displays a dialog box or comment prompting the user to enter the WPA3 password. Note that if the input fields for the WPA / WPA2 pre-shared key and the WPA3 password are the same on the settings screen, these input fields will be left blank in this step.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, by switching the communication parameter settings screen based on the selected frequency band and the authentication method with the currently connected STA, users can easily select the correct communication parameters. In addition, errors that may occur when switching to the 6GHz band can be notified to the user.

[0056] In the flow chart of Figure 4, after the 6GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, the communication device 102 determines whether there are already STAs connected on the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band, but this is not limited to this. The communication device 102 may skip the processing of S403 to S406 and proceed to the processing of S407 if the user selects the 6GHz band as the frequency band to be used (if S402 is determined to be Yes). Alternatively, the communication device 102 may be configured by the user to determine whether there are already STAs connected on the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band, or to switch the display of the settings screen, when S402 is determined to be Yes. In other words, the communication device 102 may be configured by the user to determine whether to perform the processing of S404 or the processing of S407 when S402 is determined to be Yes.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 102 switches at least one of the authentication method and encryption method displayed according to the selected frequency band, but it is not limited to this, and the frequency band displayed may be switched according to the selected authentication method. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may switch the frequency band displayed according to the selected encryption method. For example, if WPA2 is selected as the authentication method by the user, the 6GHz band may not be displayed or may not be selectable as an option in the frequency band setting item. In other words, if an authentication method or encryption method that is not supported in the 6GHz band is selected, the communication device 102 may switch the display of the frequency band setting item. In this case, the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band will be displayed or made selectable.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 102 switches at least one of the authentication method and encryption method displayed according to the selected frequency band, thereby preventing the user from selecting an authentication method or encryption method that is not supported in the selected frequency band. However, the communication device 102 is not limited to this, and may also notify the user that the selected authentication method or encryption method is not supported when the user attempts to set an authentication method or encryption method that is not supported in the selected frequency band. For example, if the user selects the 6GHz band as the frequency band to be used and further selects WPA2 as the authentication method to be used, the communication device 102 may display an error on the communication parameter setting screen indicating that communication cannot be performed. The communication device 102 may also notify the user when they select an authentication method or encryption method setting item, or when the user instructs the user to complete the setting of the communication parameters.

[0059] Figures 5 and onward show examples of the communication parameter setting screen displayed by the communication device 102 of this embodiment. Six display methods, from the first to the sixth, are described.

[0060] Figures 5 and 6 show examples of the graphical user interface (GUI) displayed by the communication device 102 as a settings screen in the first display method. In the first display method, the settings screen displays items for setting the frequency band and items for setting the authentication method and encryption method on the same screen. Figure 5 shows an example of the settings screen display when the 2.4GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used. Figure 6 shows an example of the settings screen display when the 6GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the settings screen displays the network name of the network established by the communication device 102, the wireless operation mode, and whether or not to use auto-channel as configurable communication parameters. In addition to these items, the encryption method, encryption strength, and encryption key are also displayed as configurable communication parameters.

[0062] The network name is the item used to set the SSID. The SSID is primarily an identifier used to identify the communication device 102, but in the cases of Figures 5 and 6, it is also used as the network name of the network established by the communication device 102.

[0063] The wireless operating mode is an item that sets the frequency band of the network constructed by the communication device 102. In the first display method, the 2.4GHz band is represented as 802.11n+g+b, and the 5GHz band as 802.11ac+n+g+a. The 6GHz band is represented as 802.11ax, but this is not the only way to represent it. For example, symbols such as " / ", "·", " " or spaces may be used instead of "+". Alternatively, they may simply be represented as 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, and 6GHz band, respectively. Alternatively, the 2.4GHz band may be represented as Wi-Fi 4, the 5GHz band as Wi-Fi 5+4, and the 6GHz band as Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 is the name of the certification program for the interoperability of communication devices compliant with the IEEE 802.11ax standard by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 are the names of the certification programs for the IEEE 802.11n and IEEE 802.11ac standards, respectively. In this embodiment, the settings screen has an item for setting the frequency band, but instead, there may be an item for setting the frequency channel. In this case, the user selects the frequency channel to set from the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency channels.

[0064] In the determination at S402 in Figure 4, the communication device 102 makes a determination based on the settings in the wireless setting mode. If the settings corresponding to the 6GHz band are selected in the wireless setting mode, the communication device 102 determines Yes at S402.

[0065] The "Use Auto Channel" setting determines whether the communication device 102 automatically selects the frequency channel to be used within the set frequency band. If "Do not use auto channel" is selected in this setting, a setting item for setting the frequency channel may be displayed instead or in addition to this item.

[0066] Encryption refers to the setting item for configuring the encryption method and authentication method. In the first display method, the encryption method and authentication method are set together in a single setting item. In this embodiment, the options for the encryption method and authentication method are Open, OWE (AES), WPA2-PSK (TKIP / AES), WPA2-PSK (AES), and WPA / WPA2-PSK (TKIP / AES). In addition to these options, WPA / WPA2-PSK (TKIP / AES), WPA / WPA2-PSK (AES), WPA2-EAP (AES), and WPA2-PSK / WPA3-SAE (AES) are also available options. Furthermore, in addition to these options, WPA3-SAE (AES), WPA3-EAP (AES), and WPA2 / WPA3-EAP (AES) are also available options. Note that OWE refers to Open using OWE as the key sharing method. For this option, Open(AES) may be written instead of OWE(AES). Also, TKIP / AES indicates that either TKIP or AES may be used as the encryption method. Similarly, WPA / WPA2-PSK indicates that either WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK may be used as the authentication method. Similarly, WPA2-PSK / WPA3-SAE indicates that either WPA-PSK or WPA3-SAE may be used as the authentication method. Thus, encryption and authentication methods listed together with a slash indicate that either can be used. PSK stands for Pre-Shared Key, and refers to an authentication method that uses a key sharing method with a pre-shared key. EAP stands for Extensible Authentication Protocol, and is an authentication method that uses an authentication server compliant with the IEEE 802.1X standard. Enterprise may be written instead of EAP. PSK does not require such an authentication server. Also, Personal may be written instead of SAE.

[0067] Furthermore, in cases where either WPA or WPA2 can be used as the authentication method, such as WPA / WPA2-PSK, it may be written as MIX or WPA2 MIX. Similarly, in cases where either WPA2 or WPA3 can be used as the authentication method, it may be written as MIX or WPA3 MIX.

[0068] The encryption strength setting determines the key length used for encryption. The key length can be selected from 128 bits, 192 bits, or 256 bits. A higher key length provides greater security. Note that if the key length is already set to the default value, this setting may not be displayed on the settings screen.

[0069] The encryption key is an item for setting the pre-shared key when WPA or WPA2 is selected as the authentication method. If WPA3 is selected as the authentication method, it also becomes an item for setting the WPA3 password. Users can enter any string of characters or a combination of letters and numbers. When WPA or WPA2 is set as the authentication method, communication device 103, which is an STA, cannot join the network built by communication device 102 unless it knows the pre-shared key set on communication device 102. Similarly, when WPA3 is set as the authentication method, communication device 103 cannot join the network built by communication device 102 unless it knows the WPA3 password set on communication device 102. The pre-shared key or WPA3 password may be shared between communication device 102 and 103 by manual input by the user to communication device 103, or they may be shared via wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth.

[0070] Since the communication device 102 supports both authentication and encryption methods for communication in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, all combinations of encryption and authentication methods are displayed as options in this item, as shown in Figure 5. On the other hand, since the communication device 102 supports only some authentication and encryption methods for communication in the 6GHz band, only some combinations of encryption and authentication methods are displayed as options in this item, as shown in Figure 6. Specifically, only options showing combinations of WPA3 and OWE Open, which are supported as authentication methods in the 6GHz band, and AES, which is supported as an encryption method in the 6GHz band, are displayed. At S407 in Figure 4, the communication device 102 switches from the display shown in Figure 5 to the display shown in Figure 6.

[0071] Figure 6 shows an example of the communication parameter setting screen when the 6GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used in the first display method. The communication device 102 supports WPA3 as the authentication method and Open, which uses OWE as the key sharing method, and supports AES as the encryption method, so combinations of these are displayed as encryption options. Specifically, only OWE(AES), WPA3-SAE(AES), and WPA3-EAP(AES) are displayed. Note that when switching from the screen in Figure 5 to the screen in Figure 6, if the value set for the encryption key is not used as the WPA3 password (if No is determined in S408 in Figure 4), this item will be left blank.

[0072] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, by switching the displayed authentication method (and encryption method) according to the frequency band selected by the user, the user can easily recognize the authentication methods available in the selected frequency band. Furthermore, by displaying only the authentication methods supported for communication in the selected frequency band, it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly selecting an unsupported authentication method, which would result in communication failure. This makes it easy for the user to select an authentication method supported in the selected frequency band.

[0073] In the first display method, the authentication method and encryption method are combined into a single setting item, but this is not limited to this; they may also be displayed as separate setting items. Furthermore, in the first display method, "encryption" is used as the name of the setting item that combines the authentication method and encryption method, but this is not limited to this; other names such as authentication method, security method, encryption mode, etc., may also be used.

[0074] Figures 7 and 8 show examples of graphical user interfaces displayed by the communication device 102 as setting screens in the second display mode. In the second display mode, different setting screens are displayed for each frequency band. Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the communication parameter setting screen in the 2.4GHz band. Figure 8 shows an example of the display of the communication parameter setting screen in the 6GHz band. Figures 7 and 8 are displayed when the user selects "Wireless Advanced Settings (2.4GHz)" or "Wireless Advanced Settings (6GHz)" respectively from the menu on the left side of the figure. The communication device 102 determines "Yes" at S402 in Figure 4, depending on whether "Wireless Advanced Settings (6GHz)" is selected and the wireless function is set to be used. In addition, at S407 in Figure 4, the communication device 102 switches the display from the setting screen shown in Figure 7 to the setting screen shown in Figure 8. If "Wireless Advanced Settings (5GHz)" is selected, the communication device 102 may display a setting screen similar to that in Figure 7, as in the case of "Wireless Advanced Settings (2.4GHz)" being selected.

[0075] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the settings screen displays the following as configurable communication parameters: whether or not to use the wireless function of the communication device 102, the network name of the network to be constructed, and whether or not to use auto-channel. In addition to these items, the encryption mode, encryption strength, and encryption key are also displayed as configurable communication parameters.

[0076] The "Use of Wireless Function" setting determines whether or not to use the wireless function in the selected frequency band. For example, if the user selects the 2.4GHz band in the left-hand menu and sets the wireless function to be used in the displayed settings screen, then the 2.4GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used by the communication device 102. In the settings screen where the 6GHz band is selected in the left-hand menu, the communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 in response to the user setting to use the wireless function. The communication device 102 may also automatically set the wireless function to be disabled in other frequency bands in response to the user setting to use the wireless function in a particular frequency band.

[0077] The network name and whether or not auto-channels are used are the same as in Figures 5 and 6.

[0078] The encryption mode is a setting item that allows you to configure both the authentication method and the encryption method together, and is similar to the "Encryption" setting item shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 7, when "Wireless Advanced Settings (2.4GHz)" is selected, the communication device 102 displays all supported authentication method and encryption method combinations, similar to Figure 5. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when "Wireless Advanced Settings (6GHz)" is selected, the communication device 102 displays only the authentication method and encryption method combinations supported for 6GHz band communication, similar to Figure 6.

[0079] The encryption strength and encryption key are the same as in Figures 5 and 6.

[0080] Furthermore, in the second display method, when displaying the settings screen of Figure 8, the content of the corresponding setting item on the settings screen of Figure 8 may be determined according to the content set in the setting item on the settings screen of Figure 7. For example, if WPA2-PSK is selected as the encryption mode in Figure 7, the communication device 102 may display WPA3-SAE as the default value for the encryption mode when switching to the settings screen of Figure 8. Alternatively, if WPA2-EAP is selected as the encryption mode in Figure 7, the communication device 102 may display WPA3-EAP as the default value for the encryption mode when switching to the settings screen of Figure 8.

[0081] Alternatively, when the communication device 102 displays the settings screen in Figure 8, it may display WPA3-EAP as the default value for the encryption mode, regardless of the settings in Figure 7.

[0082] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the communication device 102 switches the available authentication and encryption methods depending on which frequency band the user sets the communication parameters for. This allows the user to easily select the authentication and encryption methods supported in the frequency band they are setting.

[0083] In the second display method, the display of either the settings screen in Figure 7 or the settings screen in Figure 8 is switched depending on whether the user selects the frequency band for setting the communication parameters, but this is not limited to this. The communication device 102 may provide setting screens for each frequency band as tabs, or it may provide a separate screen that is displayed when a link corresponding to the frequency band is selected. Alternatively, a free-form input field may be provided on the setting screen for the user to freely enter information, and the screen in Figure 8 may be displayed when the user enters "6GHz" in the free-form input field.

[0084] Figures 9 to 12 show examples of the graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 as a setting screen in the third display mode. In the third display mode, different setting screens are displayed for each frequency band, and the authentication method and encryption method are displayed as separate setting items. Figures 9 and 10 show examples of the display of the communication parameter setting screen in the 2.4GHz band, with Figure 9 showing an example of the display of the authentication method selection and Figure 10 showing an example of the display of the encryption method selection. Figures 11 and 12 show examples of the display of the communication parameter setting screen in the 6GHz band, with Figure 11 showing an example of the display of the authentication method selection and Figure 12 showing an example of the display of the encryption method selection. Figures 9 and 10 are displayed when "Basic (2.4GHz)" is selected by the user from the tab menu in the figure. Figures 11 and 12 are displayed when "Basic (6GHz)" is selected by the user from the tab menu in the figure. The communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 of Figure 4, depending on whether "Basic (6GHz)" is selected and the wireless function is set to be used. Furthermore, in step S407 of Figure 4, the communication device 102 switches the display from the setting screen shown in Figures 9 and 10 to the setting screen shown in Figures 11 and 12. Note that if "Basic (5GHz)" is selected, the communication device 102 may display the setting screen shown in Figures 9 and 10, similar to when "Basic (2.4GHz)" is selected.

[0085] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the settings screen displays the following items as configurable communication parameters: whether or not to use the wireless function of the communication device 102, the wireless channel, the bandwidth for double-speed mode, the SSID, wireless authentication, wireless encryption, and the encryption key.

[0086] The use of wireless functionality is the same as in Figures 7 and 8.

[0087] The wireless channel setting is used to configure the frequency channel to be used for communication in the selected frequency band. If "Automatic" is selected for this setting, the communication device 102 will select a relatively uncongested frequency channel as the frequency channel to be used, based on the number of Probe Requests received. The user can also specify a particular frequency channel. This setting displays the frequency channels corresponding to the selected frequency band as selectable options.

[0088] The "Double Speed ​​Mode" setting determines the bandwidth used for communication within the selected frequency band. Users can choose from 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz as the bandwidth. Alternatively, an option indicating that double speed mode should not be used may be included instead of 20MHz.

[0089] The SSID is a setting item similar to the network name shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0090] Wireless authentication is an item that sets the authentication method for the network constructed by the communication device 102. Wireless encryption is an item that sets the encryption method for the network constructed by the communication device 102. In the first and second display methods, the authentication method and encryption method are set together in a single setting item, but in the third display method, they are set in separate setting items. As shown in Figure 9, when setting the communication parameters for the 2.4GHz band, the communication device 102 displays all supported authentication methods as options. Specifically, the authentication method options displayed are Open, OWE, WPA2-PSK, WPA / WPA2-PSK, WPA2-EAP, WPA2-PSK / WPA3-SAE, WPA3-SAE, WPA3-EAP, and WPA2 / WPA3-EAP. Furthermore, when setting the communication parameters for the 2.4GHz band, the communication device 102 displays all supported encryption methods as options, as shown in Figure 10. Specifically, the encryption method options displayed are TKIP, AES, and TKIP / AES. Note that TKIP / AES may also be represented as MIX.

[0091] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, when setting communication parameters for the 6GHz band, the communication device 102 displays only the authentication methods supported for 6GHz band communication. Specifically, it displays OWE, WPA3-SAE, and WPA3-EAP as options for authentication methods. Similarly, when setting communication parameters for the 6GHz band, the communication device 102 displays only the encryption methods supported for 6GHz band communication, as shown in Figure 12. Specifically, it displays AES as an option for encryption methods. In this embodiment, since the communication device 102 only supports AES as the encryption method for the 6GHz band, the setting item for the 6GHz band encryption method may be fixed to AES.

[0092] The encryption key is the same as in Figures 5 and 6.

[0093] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, even when the authentication method and encryption method are set individually, the communication device 102 switches the display of each according to the selected frequency band, allowing the user to easily select the appropriate authentication method and encryption method.

[0094] Figures 13 and 14 show examples of graphical user interfaces displayed by the communication device 102 as setting screens in the fourth display mode. In the fourth display mode, the frequency band to be used and the authentication and encryption methods to be used are set using different setting screens. Figure 13 shows an example of the display of the setting screen for setting the frequency band to be used. Figure 14 shows an example of the display of the setting screen for setting the authentication and encryption methods to be used. Figure 13 is displayed when the user selects "WIRELESS" from the menu at the top of the figure. Figure 14 is displayed when the user selects "SECURITY" from the menu at the top of the figure. In the display screen where "WIRELESS" is selected, the communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 of Figure 4, in response to the selection of "802.11ax (6GHz)" from the menu on the left side of the figure and the selection of "Use" for its wireless function. In S407 of Figure 4, the communication device 102 switches the setting screen displayed when "SECURITY" is selected by the user to the setting screen shown in Figure 14.

[0095] Figure 13 shows an example of the settings screen displayed when "WIRELESS" is selected in the top menu. On the left side of the settings screen, a menu is displayed for navigating to the settings screen corresponding to each frequency band. Each frequency band is displayed as "802.11a / n / ac (5GHz)", "802.11b / g / n (2.4GHz)", and "802.11ax (6GHz)", respectively. Alternatively, they may simply be displayed as 5GHz, 2.4GHz, and 6GHz. When any of these menus is selected, a settings screen is displayed, as shown in Figure 13, for setting communication parameters such as whether to use wireless functionality, the network name, and whether to use auto-channel. In this case, for example, if the 2.4GHz band is selected from the left-hand menu and the displayed settings screen is shown, you can set whether to use wireless functionality for the 2.4GHz band, etc.

[0096] The setting for using wireless functionality determines whether or not to use wireless functionality in the selected frequency band. For example, if the setting screen displayed after selecting the 2.4GHz band in the left-hand menu is set to use wireless functionality, then the 2.4GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used by the communication device 102. In response to the setting screen displayed after selecting the 6GHz band in the left-hand menu being set to use wireless functionality, the communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may automatically set wireless functionality to be disabled for other frequency bands when the user has set wireless functionality to be used for a particular frequency band.

[0097] The network name and whether or not auto-channels are used are the same as in Figures 5 and 6.

[0098] Figure 14 shows an example of the settings screen that appears when "SECURITY" is selected in the top menu. As shown in Figure 14, the settings screen displays the encryption of the communication device 102, the encryption strength, and the encryption key as items that can be set as communication parameters.

[0099] Encryption, as in Figures 5 and 6, is an item for setting the authentication method and encryption method used by the communication device 102 for communication. In this embodiment, since the 6GHz band is set as the frequency band to be used in the setting screen shown in Figure 13, only the combinations of authentication and encryption methods supported in the 6GHz band are displayed in the setting screen shown in Figure 14. If the 2.4GHz band or 5GHz band is set as the frequency band to be used, all supported combinations of authentication and encryption methods will be displayed as options in the encryption setting item, as in Figure 5. In S407 of Figure 4, the setting screen shown in Figure 14 is displayed.

[0100] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, even when the frequency band and authentication method are set on different settings screens, the user can easily set the appropriate authentication method by switching the display of the settings screen for setting the authentication method according to the set frequency band. Similarly, the user can easily set the appropriate encryption method by switching the display for the encryption method according to the set frequency band.

[0101] In the fourth display method, the combination of authentication and encryption methods is set using a common settings screen for all frequency bands, but this is not limited to this. The communication device 102 may set the respective authentication and encryption methods using different settings screens for each frequency band. Specifically, the communication device 102 may display separate settings screens for the authentication and encryption methods for the 2.4GHz band, the 5GHz band, and the 6GHz band.

[0102] Furthermore, while the fourth display method specifies that the frequency band and authentication method are configured in separate settings screens, it is not limited to this. The settings for the authentication method and encryption method may be displayed on the frequency band settings screen, following each item displayed on that screen. In this case, the items shown in Figure 14 may be displayed in the form of a collapsible menu that expands when a link is selected. For example, a link labeled "Advanced Settings" may be displayed following the settings items shown in Figure 13. When the user selects the "Advanced Settings" link, the items shown in Figure 14 expand and are displayed.

[0103] Alternatively, a link to the settings screen shown in Figure 14 may be placed at the bottom of the settings items shown in Figure 13. By including links to the authentication method and encryption method settings screens on the frequency band settings screen, users can easily transition to the authentication method and encryption method settings screens after setting the frequency band.

[0104] Figures 15 and 16 show examples of graphical user interfaces displayed by the communication device 102 as setting screens in the fifth display method. In the fifth display method, the authentication method and encryption method are set by a setting screen different from the frequency band setting screen. Furthermore, the authentication method and encryption method are set by separate setting items. Figure 15 shows an example of the display of the setting screen for setting the frequency band to be used. Figure 16 shows an example of the display of the setting screen for setting the authentication method and encryption method when the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used. Figure 17 shows an example of the display of the setting screen for setting the authentication method and encryption method when the 6GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used. When the user instructs the communication device 102 to display a setting screen for setting the frequency band or frequency channel, it displays the setting screen shown in Figure 15. Furthermore, when the user instructs the communication device 102 to display a setting screen for setting at least one of the authentication method or the encryption method, it displays the setting screen shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17. Furthermore, if the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band is set as the frequency band to be used, the communication device 102 displays the setting screen shown in Figure 16, and if the 6GHz band is set as the frequency band to be used, it displays the setting screen shown in Figure 17. In addition, in the setting screen shown in Figure 15, the communication device 102 determines "Yes" at S402 in Figure 4, depending on whether the 6GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used. Furthermore, at S407 in Figure 4, the communication device 102 switches the setting method and encryption method setting screen from the setting screen shown in Figure 16 to the setting screen shown in Figure 17.

[0105] Figure 15 shows an example of a settings screen that appears when the user requests to display a settings screen for setting a frequency band or frequency channel. As shown in Figure 15, the settings screen displays the band and frequency used by the communication device 102 as items that can be set as communication parameters.

[0106] A "band" is a setting item for configuring the frequency band used by the communication device 102. Specifically, the options for this setting item are: 2.4GHz band only, 5GHz band only, 6GHz band only, 2.4GHz band priority, 5GHz band priority, and 6GHz band priority. In addition, Dual-band (2.4GHz band, 5GHz band), Dual-band (5GHz band, 6GHz band), and Dual-band (2.4GHz band, 6GHz band) are displayed as options. Furthermore, Triple-band (2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, 6GHz band) is displayed as an option. In addition to these, 2.4GHz band priority (excluding 5GHz band), 2.4GHz band priority (excluding 6GHz band), 5GHz band priority (excluding 2.4GHz band), and 5GHz band priority (excluding 6GHz band) are displayed as options. In addition, 6GHz band priority (excluding 2.4GHz band) and 6GHz band priority (excluding 5GHz band) are displayed as options.

[0107] The options for 2.4GHz band only, 5GHz band only, and 6GHz band only indicate the use of only the specified frequency band, and if these options are selected, other frequency bands will not be used. The options for 2.4GHz band priority, 5GHz band priority, and 6GHz band priority prioritize the use of the specified frequency band, but if the specified frequency band is unsuitable for use due to congestion or other reasons, other frequency bands can be used. Note that if 2.4GHz band priority or 5GHz band priority is selected, and the configured authentication method and encryption method are not supported for 6GHz band communication, the 6GHz band will not be used. Alternatively, if 2.4GHz band priority or 5GHz band priority is selected, the communication device 102 may display only those supported for the 6GHz band as options for authentication method and encryption method. In this case, the communication device 102 may use the 6GHz band even if 2.4GHz band priority or 5GHz band priority is selected. Dual-band and Triple-band are options that allow a network to be established and maintained in parallel in each of the specified frequency bands. For example, if Dual-band (2.4GHz band, 5GHz band) is selected, the communication device 102 establishes networks in both the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band. In this case, the communication device 102 maintains two different networks in the frequency bands simultaneously. If Triple-band is selected, the communication device 102 maintains three different networks in the frequency bands simultaneously. The option to prioritize a specific frequency band and exclude another, such as 2.4GHz band priority (excluding 5GHz band), prioritizes the use of the specific frequency band but avoids using the excluded frequency band. In this case, the communication device 102 will not use the excluded frequency band, regardless of the configured authentication or encryption method.

[0108] In this step, if an option including the 6GHz band is specified as the frequency band to be used, the system determines "Yes" in S403 of Figure 4. Note that if Dual-band including the 6GHz band is selected in this step, the communication device 102 can maintain communication in at least one of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands in parallel with 6GHz band communication, and therefore may skip processing S404 to S406. Similarly, if Triple-band is selected in this step, the communication device 102 may also skip processing S404 to S406.

[0109] The "Frequency to Use" setting is used to specify the frequency channel or type to be used within the designated frequency band. The "Type" is a general term for multiple frequency channels, and in the 5GHz band, there are three types to choose from: W52 (36ch~48ch), W53 (52ch~62ch), and W56 (100ch~140ch). In this setting, the user can select one or more frequency channels or types. Furthermore, when selecting a frequency band, if multiple frequency bands are available, the user can specify the frequency channel or type to be used for each frequency band.

[0110] When the user presses the OK button on the settings screen shown in Figure 15 to indicate completion of the settings, the frequency band and frequency channel used by the communication device 102 for communication are set.

[0111] Next, we will explain the settings screen that is displayed when the user requests to set at least one of the authentication method or encryption method, using Figures 16 and 17.

[0112] In Figure 15, if an option is selected that does not include the 6GHz band as the frequency band to be used, a settings screen like the one shown in Figure 16 will be displayed as a settings screen for selecting at least one of the authentication method or encryption method. In the settings screen of Figure 16, the settings items for setting the authentication method and encryption method are displayed separately. In the case of Figure 16, the communication device 102 displays all authentication methods supported by the communication device 102 as selectable options for the authentication method. Specifically, it displays the same options as in Figure 9. Also, the communication device 102 displays all encryption methods supported by the communication device 102 as selectable options for the encryption method. Specifically, it displays the same options as in Figure 10.

[0113] On the other hand, in Figure 15, if an option including the 6GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, a settings screen like the one shown in Figure 17 is displayed as a settings screen for selecting at least one of the authentication method or encryption method. In the settings screen of Figure 17, the settings items for setting the authentication method and encryption method are displayed separately. In the case of Figure 17, the communication device 102 displays the authentication methods that the communication device 102 supports for 6GHz band communication as selectable options for the authentication method. Specifically, the same options as in Figure 11 are displayed as selectable options, while other options are grayed out to indicate that they cannot be selected. The communication device 102 also displays the encryption methods that the communication device 102 supports for 6GHz band communication as selectable options for the encryption method. Specifically, the same options as in Figure 10 are displayed as selectable options, while other options are grayed out to indicate that they cannot be selected. Note that in Figure 17, the communication device 102 may choose not to display the unselectable options and only display the selectable options.

[0114] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the authentication and encryption methods displayed for selection are switched depending on whether the selected frequency band includes the 6GHz band, allowing the user to easily select the appropriate authentication and encryption methods.

[0115] Figures 18 and 19 show an example of the graphical user interface displayed by the communication device 102 as a settings screen in the sixth display mode. In the sixth display mode, when used, the display of the authentication method and encryption method is switched according to the selected frequency band. In the sixth display mode, communication parameters can be set for each frequency band. Figure 18 shows an example of the settings screen for setting communication parameters for 6GHz band communication, which is displayed when "Basic (6GHz)" is selected from the tab menu at the top.

[0116] Figure 19 also shows an example of the pop-up menu displayed when setting the authentication method in Figure 18. The communication device 102 determines "Yes" in S402 of Figure 4, depending on whether "Basic (6GHz)" is selected from the tab menu at the top and the wireless function is set to be used.

[0117] Figure 18 shows an example of a settings screen for configuring communication parameters for 6GHz band communication. As shown in Figure 18, the settings screen displays the following items as configurable communication parameters: whether or not to use the wireless function of the communication device 102, the wireless channel, the bandwidth for double-speed mode, the SSID, wireless authentication, wireless encryption, and encryption key.

[0118] Each setting item has an "Edit" link, and when the user selects the link, the corresponding item becomes editable. Specifically, input becomes possible in the item, or options for the item are displayed. In this embodiment, input fields and options are displayed as pop-up menus, but this is not limited to them. Input may be made directly into each item shown in Figure 18, or a pull-down menu may be displayed. Alternatively, instead of a link, editing may become possible in response to voice input from the user instructing them to edit the item.

[0119] The use of wireless functionality is the same as in Figures 7 and 8.

[0120] The wireless channel and double-speed mode are the same as in Figures 9 to 12.

[0121] The SSID is the same as the network name shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0122] Wireless authentication is a setting item for configuring the authentication method used by the communication device 102. If the 6GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, the authentication methods supported by the communication device 102 for 6GHz band communication will be displayed as options, as shown in Figure 19. Specifically, the same options as in Figure 11 will be displayed. If the 2.4GHz band or 5GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, all authentication methods supported by the communication device 102 will be displayed as options, specifically, the same options as in Figure 9 will be displayed.

[0123] Wireless encryption is a setting item for selecting the encryption method to be used by the communication device 102. If the 6GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, the encryption methods supported by the communication device 102 for 6GHz band communication will be displayed as options. Specifically, the same options as in Figure 12 will be displayed. In this embodiment, since the only encryption method supported by the communication device 102 for 6GHz band communication is AES, in this case, AES may be set as a fixed value in this item. On the other hand, if the 2.4GHz band or 5GHz band is selected as the frequency band to be used, all encryption methods supported by the communication device 102 will be displayed as options, specifically, the same options as in Figure 10 will be displayed.

[0124] The encryption key is the same as in Figures 5 and 6.

[0125] In step S407 of Figure 4, the communication device 102 switches the options in the pop-up menu displayed when the user instructs it to edit the authentication method and encryption method to, for example, those shown in Figure 19. This allows the user to select the appropriate authentication method and encryption method according to the frequency band being used.

[0126] As shown in the first to sixth display methods above, by switching the options displayed as authentication methods or making them selectable depending on the frequency band used, users can easily set the appropriate authentication method. In addition to this, or alternatively, by switching the options displayed as encryption methods or making them selectable depending on the frequency band used, users can easily set the appropriate encryption method.

[0127] Furthermore, in the setting screens shown as the first to sixth display methods, items for setting other communication parameters may be added to the setting screen. Alternatively, none of the setting items may be displayed. Also, at least one setting item included in the setting screen of any of the first to sixth display methods may be included in the setting screen of any of the other display methods.

[0128] In this embodiment, the communication device 102 switches the display of at least one of the authentication method and encryption method to only those that are supported, depending on the selected frequency band, when used. However, it is not limited to this. The communication device 102 can be controlled to restrict the combination of a specific frequency band and a specific authentication method or a specific encryption method. Specifically, it can be restricted from selecting an authentication method or encryption method that is not supported in the selected frequency band and setting it as a communication parameter. For example, the communication device 102 may display all options for at least one of the authentication method and encryption method, regardless of which frequency band is selected. In this case, the communication device 102 will notify the user of an error if an authentication method or encryption method that is not supported in the selected frequency band is selected. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user of an error if the user is instructed to complete the settings while an authentication method or encryption method that is not supported in the selected frequency band is selected. Specifically, notifying the user of an error means displaying a screen indicating the error on the display unit (notification unit) of the communication device 102. Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user by playing an error sound indicating an error and outputting it from the speaker (notification unit). In this case, the communication device 102 may notify the user that there is no problem with the settings if at least one of the authentication method or encryption method supported in the selected frequency band is selected. Specifically, the communication device 102 displays a screen indicating that there is no problem with the settings on the display unit (notification unit). Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user by playing a sound indicating that there is no problem with the settings and outputting it from the output unit (notification unit). Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user that the settings are complete when at least one of the authentication method or encryption method supported in the selected frequency band is selected and the user is instructed to complete the settings. Specifically, the communication device 102 displays a screen indicating that the settings are complete on the display unit (notification unit). Alternatively, the communication device 102 may notify the user by playing a sound indicating that the settings are complete and outputting it from the output unit (notification unit).

[0129] Alternatively, the communication device 102 may switch the frequency bands that it displays as selectable, depending on at least one of the selected authentication method or encryption method. Specifically, if WPA3 or OWE Open is selected as the authentication method, the communication device 102 displays the 6GHz band as selectable. In this case, the communication device 102 may also display the 5GHz band and the 2.4GHz band as selectable frequency bands. On the other hand, if WPA, WPA2, or Open (other than OWE) is selected as the authentication method, the communication device 102 displays the 5GHz band and the 2.4GHz band as selectable frequency bands. In this case, the communication device 102 either does not display the 6GHz band, or displays it but grays it out so that it cannot be selected. Similarly, if AES is selected as the encryption method, the communication device 102 displays the 6GHz band as selectable. In this case, the communication device 102 may also display the 5GHz band and the 2.4GHz band as selectable frequency bands. On the other hand, if TKIP is selected as the encryption method, the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands will be displayed as selectable options, while the 6GHz band will either not be displayed, or it will be displayed but grayed out so that it cannot be selected.

[0130] In this embodiment, at least some of the authentication methods available differ depending on whether communication is using the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band or the 6GHz band, but this is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the supported authentication methods or encryption methods may differ for each of the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. In this case, the communication device 102 may display only one of the supported authentication methods and encryption methods for each frequency band on the communication parameter setting screen, depending on which frequency band is selected. Furthermore, if the communication devices 102 and 103 are capable of communication in a different frequency band in addition to, or instead of, the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, they may also display the same screen display. Specifically, depending on whether a different frequency band with different supported authentication methods is selected from the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, the setting screen may display only the authentication methods supported for communication in that other frequency band. Similarly, regarding encryption methods, if the supported encryption methods differ for the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, and 6GHz band, the settings screen may only display the encryption methods supported for communication in the respective frequency band.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 102 is assumed to support all authentication methods: Open, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, for 2.4GHz and 5GHz band communication, but it is not limited to this. The communication device 102 may not support at least one of these authentication methods for 2.4GHz and 5GHz band communication. In this case, in the setting screens shown in the first to sixth display methods, when the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are selected, unsupported authentication methods may not be displayed as selectable options. For example, if the communication device 102 does not support WPA3 as an authentication method for 2.4GHz and 5GHz band communication, the setting screens shown in Figures 5 and 7 may not display options including WPA3, or they may not be displayed as selectable options.

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 102 is assumed to support TKIP and AES as encryption methods for 2.4GHz and 5GHz band communication, but it is not limited to this. The communication device 102 does not need to support AES for 2.4GHz and 5GHz band communication. In this case, in the setting screens shown in the first to sixth display methods, when the 2.4GHz band or 5GHz band is selected, unsupported encryption methods may not be displayed as selectable options.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 102 performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard in the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, but it is not limited to this. The communication device 102 may perform communication in accordance with different IEEE 802.11 series standards depending on the frequency band. For example, the communication device 102 may perform communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard for 6GHz band communication and communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11b standard for 2.4GHz band communication. In addition, communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11g standard or the IEEE 802.11n standard may be performed instead of communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11b standard. In this case, the communication device 102 may perform communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11a standard, the IEEE 802.11n standard or the IEEE 802.11ac standard for 5GHz band communication. Furthermore, the communication device 102 may perform communication in any two frequency bands that conforms to the same communication standard.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication parameters of the communication device 102 are set via a settings screen, but the system is not limited to this and may also be set via a system console. Specifically, the parameters may be set via a system console displayed on the display unit of the communication device 102, or on the display unit of another communication device connected via wired or wireless communication. The setting of the communication parameters of the communication device 102 begins when the user inputs a command to the system console instructing it to set wireless settings or communication parameters. The command is a string containing numbers and letters. First, the frequency band to be used is set to 6GHz by inputting a command that specifies the 6GHz band as the frequency band to be used. The command in this case is a string such as "set band ax6". Next, if the user inputs a command that specifies an authentication method that is not supported in 6GHz band communication as the authentication method to be used, the system console returns a response indicating that the setting is not possible. For example, if the user inputs the command "set wpa_key_mgmt WPA-PSK", which specifies WPA-PSK as the authentication method, the system console outputs "NG". On the other hand, if a command is entered specifying an authentication method supported by the 6GHz band, the system console will respond with "OK" indicating that it is configurable. The same applies to encryption methods; if a user enters a command specifying an encryption method not supported by the 6GHz band, the system console will output a response indicating that it is not configurable. Conversely, if a user enters a command specifying an encryption method supported by the 6GHz band, the system console will output a response indicating that it is configurable. Note that the authentication method or encryption method may be specified by the user first, rather than the frequency band being specified first. If an authentication method or encryption method not supported by the 6GHz band is specified by the user, and then a command is entered specifying the 6GHz band as the frequency band to be used, the system console will output a response indicating that it is not configurable.Furthermore, if the user has specified an authentication or encryption method supported in the 6GHz band, and a command is entered to specify the 6GHz band as the frequency band to be used, the system console will output a response indicating that configuration is possible. Alternatively, instead of outputting a response indicating that configuration is not possible, or in addition to doing so, the system may prevent the communication device 102 from starting AP operation if the user enters a command to start AP operation. An example of a command to start AP operation is "AP enable". The system may also notify the user of the reason why the communication device 102 does not operate as an AP.

[0135] Furthermore, at least part or all of the flowchart of the communication device 102 shown in Figure 4 may be implemented in hardware. When implemented in hardware, for example, a dedicated circuit can be generated on an FPGA from a computer program to implement each step by using a predetermined compiler, and this can be used. FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. Alternatively, a Gate Array circuit may be formed in a similar manner to an FPGA and implemented as hardware. Alternatively, it may be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0136] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 101 Network 102, 103 Communication equipment

Claims

1. A method for configuring a wireless network constructed by a communication device, A display control step that causes a setting screen for accepting the settings of the wireless network constructed by the aforementioned communication device to be displayed on the display unit, In order to prevent the selection of one or more authentication methods not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band, the system includes a receiving step for accepting user operations on a first display item for accepting the setting of authentication methods in a 6GHz band network, which is displayed on the display unit, A method characterized by having the following:

2. The receiving step prevents the selection of the one or more authentication methods by not displaying them as selectable options in the first display item. The method according to feature 1.

3. The receiving step prevents the selection of the one or more authentication methods by displaying the one or more authentication methods separately from other authentication methods in the first display item and controlling the system so as not to accept a selection operation corresponding to the one or more authentication methods. The method according to feature 1.

4. The reception step restricts the setting of the one or more authentication methods as authentication methods in the 6GHz band network when a user operation corresponding to the one or more authentication methods is performed. The method according to feature 1.

5. The restriction includes displaying on the settings screen that the one or more authentication methods are not supported in the 6GHz band network, or that communication cannot be performed using the one or more authentication methods. The method according to feature 4.

6. The setting screen includes, separately from the first display item, a second display item for accepting the setting of an authentication method in a 2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band network, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by...

7. The second display item displays the one or more authentication methods that are not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band, and accepts the selection of the authentication method. The method according to feature 6.

8. The one or more authentication methods include at least one of Open, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and WPA2, which do not use the Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) method as the key sharing method. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the features described herein.

9. The authentication method for accepting selections in the first display item is WPA3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by...

10. The authentication method for accepting selection in the first display item is an authentication method that uses the OWE method as the key sharing method. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by...

11. In the display control step, a third display item for accepting the setting of the encryption method is further displayed on the setting screen. In the aforementioned acceptance process, user operations on the third display item are accepted so as not to select an encryption method that is not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 6, characterized by...

12. The only selectable encryption method in the 6GHz band network is AES. The method according to 11, characterized by the features described above.

13. In the 6GHz band network, TKIP is prevented from being set as the encryption method. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the features described herein.

14. The determination of whether or not it is in the 6 GHz band is made based on the selection of a frequency band or a frequency channel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by...

15. The setting screen can be switched between a display corresponding to the 6GHz band and a display corresponding to a band other than the 6GHz band. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by...

16. The communication device further comprises a network construction step in which it constructs the 6GHz band wireless network using network parameters set based on the user operation on the first display item. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by...

17. The network construction step includes the step of transmitting a beacon frame in the 6GHz band based on the set authentication method and encryption method. The method according to 16, characterized by...

18. The further step of changing the network parameters of the already established wireless network based on user operations received on the settings screen, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by...

19. The parameter changing step is a step of changing network parameters including an authentication method. The method according to the present invention, characterized by the present invention.

20. The communication device is a wireless router, and the display unit is provided by another communication device that communicates wirelessly with the wireless router. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by...

21. A method for configuring a wireless network constructed by a communication device, A display control step that causes a setting screen for accepting the settings of the wireless network constructed by the aforementioned communication device to be displayed on the display unit, A reception process that accepts user operations via the aforementioned settings screen to set the frequency band and authentication method used in the wireless network, Even if the reception process receives a user operation to set the frequency band to 6 GHz and a user operation to select an authentication method not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6 GHz band, the control process controls the system so that the unsupported authentication method is not set as an authentication method used in the 6 GHz band wireless network. A method characterized by having the following:

22. The control step involves treating the user operation of selecting the unsupported authentication method as invalid, thereby controlling the system so that the unsupported authentication method is not set as the authentication method used in the 6GHz band wireless network. The method according to feature 21.

23. In the control step, if the user operation to select the unsupported authentication method is received in the reception step, the authentication method that was set before the user operation was received is maintained. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by the features described herein.

24. In the control step, if the user operation to select the unsupported authentication method is received in the reception step, the authentication method supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band is set as the authentication method to be used in the 6GHz band wireless network. The method according to feature 21.

25. In the control step, when the unsupported authentication method is selected, the setting process for the 6GHz band wireless network is not completed. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by the features described herein.

26. In the control step, when the unsupported authentication method is selected, the construction of the 6GHz band wireless network using the unsupported authentication method is not performed. The method according to claim 21 or 25, characterized by the features described herein.

27. ​​If the user operation to select the unsupported authentication method is received in the reception step, the further step includes notifying the user that the unsupported authentication method cannot be set as an authentication method used in the 6GHz band wireless network. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, characterized by...

28. The authentication method in the 6GHz band that is not supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard includes at least one of Open, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and WPA2, which does not use the Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) method as the key sharing method. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 27, characterized by...

29. The authentication method supported by the IEEE 802.11 series standard in the 6GHz band includes at least one of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 3 and Open, which uses the OWE method as the key sharing method. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 28, characterized by...

30. The communication device is a wireless router, In the display control step, the setting screen is displayed on the display unit of another communication device that communicates with the wireless router by wire or wireless connection. In the reception process, information indicating the user operation performed on the settings screen is received from the other communication device. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 29, characterized by...

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