Communication device and communication method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a communication device and a communication method with which it is possible to confirm NAV configuration in another channel when secondary channel access is performed. [Solution] A communication device according to the present disclosure comprises a control unit that controls a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit, the first wireless communication unit performing first communication with another communication device that is a communication partner on a first link, and the second wireless communication unit performing first communication with the other communication device on a second link. The control unit controls the second wireless communication unit so as to transmit a second signal including information on an exclusive communication period in a predetermined channel of the first link of the other communication device.

Description

Communication device and communication method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a communication method.

[0002] To achieve high-speed wireless communications, it is common to use wide bandwidths. For example, IEEE 802.11 allows the use of contiguous 160 MHz and 320 MHz bandwidths. However, if other communications are detected in a specific 20 MHz band (primary channel) within these bandwidths, communications across the entire bandwidth, including other bands (secondary channels), must be suppressed. This reduces frequency utilization efficiency. For this reason, a method called secondary channel access, in which communications are conducted on secondary channels where no communications are detected, is being considered. One technology related to such a method is described in the IEEE 802.11 Public Contribution (23 / 00034r1).

[0003] IEEE802.11-23 / 00034r1

[0004] When performing secondary channel access, it is necessary for communication devices to have a common understanding of channel information for secondary channel access, and also to avoid interfering with communications of terminals of other BSSs (Basic Service Sets) on that channel.When a communication device of a certain BSS performs secondary channel access, if it detects that a signal is being transmitted from a terminal of another BSS and can detect the power of the transmitted signal, it can suppress transmission of the signal on the secondary channel (Physical Busy).

[0005] However, in the technology described in the IEEE802.11 Public Contribution (23 / 00034r1), if a communication device cannot detect signals or power from terminals in other BSSs, it cannot confirm the presence or absence of terminals in other BSSs. As a result, even when the communication device should set a Network Allocation Vector (NAV) (Virtual Busy) for terminals in other BSSs when acquiring a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP), it cannot set the NAV appropriately, which disrupts communication for terminals in other BSSs.

[0006] In view of these problems, the present disclosure provides a communication device and a communication method that are capable of checking the NAV settings of other channels when performing secondary channel access.

[0007] The communication device of the present disclosure includes a control unit that controls a first wireless communication unit that performs first communication with another communication device that is the communication partner over a first link, and a second wireless communication unit that performs first communication with the other communication device over a second link, and the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to transmit a second signal that includes information about an exclusive communication period on a specified channel of the first link of the other communication device.

[0008] 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a wireless communication system in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication device including a communication unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart when AP MLD1 acquires a transmission right in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an example of a frame format of a first signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an example of a frame format of a second signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is another example of a frame format of the first signal and the second signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is yet another example of a frame format of the first signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is yet another example of a frame format of the second signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 in a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes a series of processes according to the first or second embodiment by a program. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a smartphone to which the first or second embodiment is applied. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device to which the first or second embodiment is applied. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP to which the first or second embodiment is applied.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The drawings are simplified, and components necessary for implementation other than those shown in the drawings are also included as appropriate. Furthermore, when terms such as "first" and "second" are used in this specification or claims, unless otherwise specified, they do not represent any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another.

[0010] First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment.

[0011] The wireless communication system in Fig. 1 includes AP MLDs (Multi Link Devices) 1, 2, and 3 and a Non-AP MLD 200. In addition to the operations described in this embodiment, the AP MLDs 1, 2, and 3 and the Non-AP MLD 200 may also operate as a wireless LAN base station and terminal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn. For example, the AP MLDs 1, 2, and 3 and the Non-AP MLD 200 may operate based on CSMA / CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Carrier Avoidance) as an access method, and the AP MLDs 1, 2, and 3 may transmit beacon signals at regular time intervals (periodically).

[0012] AP MLD1 is connected to AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 via wireless links. Non-AP MLD200 is connected to AP MLD1 via wireless links. "Wirelessly connected" refers to a state in which parameters required for communication have been exchanged in advance through an association process or the like. AP MLD1 is connected to AP MLD2 via link 1, which is the first link, and link 2, which is the second link. AP MLD1 is also connected to AP MLD3 via link 1, which is the first link, and link 2, which is the second link. AP MLD1 is also connected to non-AP MLD200 via link 1, which is the first link, and link 2, which is the second link. A link is a wireless transmission path that allows data to be transmitted between two communication devices, and may also be referred to as a wireless link.

[0013] Note that link 1 between AP MLD1 and AP MLD2, link 1 between AP MLD1 and AP MLD3, and link 1 between AP MLD1 and Non-AP MLD 200 have the same frequency or frequency band. Link 2 between AP MLD1 and AP MLD2, link 2 between AP MLD100 and AP MLD3, and link 2 between AP MLD1 and Non-AP MLD 200 have the same frequency or frequency band.

[0014] Although the frequencies or frequency bands of Link 1 and Link 2 are different from each other, the same frequency or frequency band is not excluded. Also, the number of links connected between AP MLD1 and AP MLD2, between AP MLD1 and AP MLD3, and between AP MLD1 and Non-AP MLD 200 is two, but three or more links are also possible.

[0015] [Configuration Example of AP MLD 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication device including a communication unit in the first embodiment.

[0016] A communication device (here, AP MLD1 will be taken up) 100 mainly comprises a communication unit 110, a control unit 130, and a storage unit 140. The communication unit 110 comprises a communication control unit 111, a communication storage unit 112, a common data processing unit 113, AP1, and AP2. The communication unit 110 can be realized by one or more LSIs.

[0017] In the following description of this embodiment, AP MLD and Non-AP MLD are exemplified as communication devices, but a chip implemented by one or more LSIs and including the communication unit 110 may also be called a communication device.

[0018] AP1 and AP2 each include an individual data processing unit 121, a signal processing unit 122, a wireless interface unit 123, one or more amplifier units 124, and one or more antennas 150. In other words, each AP is configured with a set of the individual data processing unit 121, the signal processing unit 122, the wireless interface unit 123, the amplifier unit 124, and the antenna 150, and two or more APs are components of the communication device 100.

[0019] AP1 performs processing related to link 1 within AP MLD1, and AP2 performs processing related to link 2 within AP MLD1. In particular, the set of the individual data processing unit 121 and the signal processing unit 122 in each AP is also referred to as an AP entity. Each AP performs communication on its respective link.

[0020] AP1 or the AP entity of AP1 corresponds to a first wireless communication unit that communicates with the communication partner regarding link 1 (first communication), and AP2 or the AP entity of AP2 corresponds to a second wireless communication unit that communicates with the communication partner regarding link 2 (second communication).

[0021] The communication control unit 111 controls the operation of each unit and the transmission of information between each unit. The communication control unit 111 also controls the transfer of control information and management information to be notified to other communication devices 100 to the common data processing unit 113, AP1, and AP2. The communication control unit 111 is also called an MLD management entity.

[0022] The communication storage unit 112 stores information used by the communication control unit 111. The communication storage unit 112 also stores data to be transmitted to the AP MLD 2, the AP MLD 3, and the non-AP MLD 200, and data received from the AP MLD 2, the AP MLD 3, and the non-AP MLD 200.

[0023] During transmission, the common data processing unit 113 performs sequence management of the data stored in the communication storage unit 112 and the control information and management information received from the communication control unit 111, performs encryption processing, etc., and allocates the processed data to each individual data processing unit 121. During reception, the common data processing unit 113 performs data decryption processing and reordering processing. The common data processing unit 113 is also referred to as an AP MLD entity.

[0024] During transmission, each individual data processing unit 121 performs channel access operations based on carrier sense, adds a Media Access Control (MAC) header to the data to be transmitted, adds an error detection code to generate a data unit, and performs concatenation processing of multiple data units. During reception, each individual data processing unit 121 performs concatenation processing of the MAC header of the received data unit, analysis and error detection, and retransmission request operations.

[0025] The operations of the common data processing unit 113 and each individual data processing unit 121 are not limited to those described above, and for example, one may perform the operation of the other. The common data processing unit 113 is also called an Upper MAC, Higher MAC, or MLD entity, and the individual data processing unit 121 is also called a Lower MAC.

[0026] During transmission, each signal processing unit 122 performs encoding, interleaving, modulation, etc. on the data unit, adds a physical header, and generates a symbol stream. At this time, each signal processing unit 122 may perform spatial separation processing for MIMO (Multi-Input Multi-Output). However, each signal processing unit 122 may not perform spatial separation processing, but may instead apply an arbitrary delay amount (hereinafter referred to as CSD: Cyclic Shift Delay) to each antenna 150. During reception, each signal processing unit 122 analyzes the physical header and performs demodulation, deinterleaving, decoding, etc. on the symbol stream to generate a data unit. Furthermore, each signal processing unit 122 estimates complex channel characteristics and performs spatial separation processing as necessary.

[0027] During transmission, each wireless interface unit 123 performs digital-to-analog signal conversion, filtering, up-conversion, and phase control on the symbol stream to generate a transmission signal. During reception, each wireless interface unit 123 performs down-conversion, filtering, and analog-to-digital signal conversion on the received signal to generate a symbol stream.

[0028] The amplifier unit 124 of each AP amplifies a signal input from the wireless interface unit 123 or the antenna 150. A part of the amplifier unit 124 may be a component outside the communication unit 110. Alternatively, a part of the amplifier unit 124 may be included in the wireless interface unit 123.

[0029] The control unit 130 controls the communication unit 110 and the communication control unit 111. The control unit 130 may also perform some of the operations of the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 and the control unit 130 may be configured as a single block. As an example, the control unit according to the present disclosure corresponds to the communication control unit 111. As an example, if the communication control unit 111 and the control unit 130 are configured as a single block, the control unit corresponds to this block.

[0030] The storage unit 140 holds information used by the control unit 130 and the communication unit 110. The storage unit 140 may also perform part of the operations of the communication storage unit 112. The storage unit 140 and the communication storage unit 112 may be configured as a single block.

[0031] Each AP may also include a storage unit. In this embodiment, the frequencies (or frequency bands) of the links used by each AP are different, but the same frequency band may also be used.

[0032] The individual data processing unit 121 and the signal processing unit 122 may be configured as one set, and multiple sets may be connected to one wireless interface unit 123. In other words, one wireless interface unit 123 may be shared by multiple APs.

[0033] Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a wireless interface unit 123, an amplifier unit 124, and an antenna 150 are grouped together, and multiple groups are connected to one signal processing unit 122. In other words, the signal processing unit 122 may be shared by multiple APs. In this case, there may be one or more individual data processing units 121.

[0034] The block diagrams of the Non-AP MLD 200, AP MLD 2 and AP MLD 3 have the same configuration as the AP MLD 1, so their explanations will be omitted.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 in the first embodiment.

[0036] This sequence diagram illustrates an example in which AP MLD1 requests TXOP / NAV information for the secondary channel from AP MLD3, which cooperates with AP MLD1 on link 2, when performing secondary channel access with Non-AP MLD200 using Ch2, a secondary channel, on link 1. This example illustrates a case in which Ch1, the primary channel for AP MLD1 on link 1, is physically busy by AP MLD2, and TXOP2 is set for Ch2 as an exclusive communication period by AP MLD3. In response to the TXOP / NAV information request, AP MLD3 notifies AP MLD1 of the TXOP / NAV information for Ch2 using link 2. As a result, AP MLD1 updates the TXOP / NAV information for Ch2. AP MLD1 then acquires the right to transmit on Ch2.

[0037] The secondary channel set in the requesting AP MLD is an example of a predetermined channel, and the primary channel set in the requesting AP MLD is an example of a channel different from the predetermined channel. The predetermined channel and the channel different from the predetermined channel may, for example, be reversed, and may not be the secondary channel and the primary channel, respectively, and various channels may be employed.

[0038] The sequences for link 1 of AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 are shown as @Link1, respectively, and are plotted along the solid time axis. Similarly, the sequences for link 2 of AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 are shown as @Link2, and are plotted along the dashed time axis. An appropriate frame interval may be provided between frames transmitted and received between AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard. Types of frame intervals include SIFS (short interframe space), DIFS (distributed coordination function interframe space), AIFS (arbitration interframe space), PIFS (point coordination function interframe space), EIFS (extended interframe space), and RIFS (reduced interframe space).

[0039] Before starting this sequence, AP MLD1 and Non-AP MLD 200 may perform a capability check to confirm whether they support the functions of this embodiment. Furthermore, AP MLD1 and AP MLD2, and AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 may each perform a capability check to indicate whether they support coordinated operation. During this capability check, each AP MLD 1 to 3 may exchange information regarding the primary channel and secondary channel of the active link. Furthermore, each AP MLD 1 to 3 may determine a priority list of channels for secondary channel access based on the exchanged information. This priority list may be, for example, a list of channels for secondary channel access arranged in order of priority, and may be stored in the communication storage unit 112 or the storage unit 140.

[0040] First, in step S400, AP MLD1 initiates a procedure to acquire a transmission right in order to transmit using link 1. The procedure for acquiring the transmission right may be, for example, a back-off procedure. In the back-off procedure, AP MLD1 waits for a random time and, after confirming that no communications are occurring via AP MLD2 and AP MLD3, can acquire the transmission right on the channel for which the back-off procedure was performed. The back-off procedure is performed by the first wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111. In this example, after waiting for a random time, if AP MLD1 confirms that no communications are occurring via AP MLD2 and AP MLD3, it can acquire the transmission right on the primary channel set for link 1 (in this example, Ch1 is set as the primary channel).

[0041] In step S400, if AP MLD1 detects that communication using Ch1 has been performed by AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 during the random time standby, it determines to temporarily suspend the random time standby and perform secondary channel access. In addition, in order to perform secondary channel access, AP MLD1 determines to check whether communication is possible on the secondary channel set in link 1 (in this example, Ch2 is set as the secondary channel).

[0042] In this example, AP MLD1 detects communication on Ch1 by detecting the signal or power of Data (Tx) by AP MLD2, and determines whether secondary channel access is possible on Ch2. Furthermore, when AP MLD1 detects communication by AP MLD2, it may acquire information on TXOP1, which is the exclusive communication period set for Ch1 by AP MLD2. Note that detection may be performed by checking whether the signal or power exceeds a threshold for signal detection or a threshold for power detection.

[0043] In step S401, the AP MLD1 determines to check whether communication is possible on the secondary channel, and then checks with the cooperating AP MLD whether an exclusive communication period for the secondary channel has been set.

[0044] In this example, AP MLD1 checks with its cooperating AP MLD3 whether TXOP2, an exclusive communication period for Ch2, has been set. This check is achieved by AP MLD1 requesting TXOP / NAV information for the secondary channel using link 2. The request for TXOP / NAV information is made by the second wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111. In this example, the request for TXOP / NAV information is referred to as an AP Assisted Secondary Medium Synchronization Recovery (AASR) Request. For ease of explanation, the AASR Request is also referred to as the first signal below. In this way, the first signal is transmitted from a second link that is different from the first link that includes the secondary channel. Note that this example illustrates an example in which different frequency bands are used for the second link and the first link, and AP MLD1 may transmit the first signal using any channel without considering interference with the channel of the first link.

[0045] The first signal includes data indicating a request for information on the exclusive communication period of a specific channel, data on the link where the specific channel for which information on the exclusive communication period is requested is located, etc. The format of these data will be described later.

[0046] In step S402, the AP MLD 3 receives the first signal over link 2. In response, the AP MLD 3 notifies the AP MLD 1 whether TXOP2 is set for Ch2 of link 1 of the AP MLD 1. In this example, the response to the AASR Request is called the AASR Response. For ease of explanation, the AASR Response is also referred to as the second signal below. The AP MLD 3 also notifies the second signal using link 2. The reception of the first signal and the transmission of the second signal are performed by the second wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111. In this way, the AP MLD that received the first signal notifies the requesting AP MLD whether an exclusive communication period has been set for the secondary channel of the requesting AP MLD. Note that this example illustrates an example in which different frequency bands are used for the second link and the first link, and the AP MLD 3 may transmit the second signal using any channel without considering interference with the channel of the first link.

[0047] The second signal includes data indicating notification of information about the exclusive communication period of the predetermined channel, data about the exclusive communication period, etc. The format of these data will be described later.

[0048] In step S403, AP MLD1 receives a second signal using link 2 and determines to perform communication on Ch2. The second signal is received by the second wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111. In this example, because TXOP2 is set for link 1 of AP MLD3, AP MLD1 acquires the transmission right for Ch2 after this period ends and performs Secondary Channel Access. Furthermore, if TXOP2 is not set for Ch2, AP MLD1 acquires the transmission right after receiving the second signal, regardless of TXOP2. For example, if TXOP2 is not set, AP MLD1 may immediately perform the procedure to acquire the transmission right. The transmission right is acquired, for example, by a back-off procedure. The procedure to acquire the transmission right is performed by the first wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111.

[0049] Furthermore, if the period until the end of TXOP2 is shorter than the end of TXOP1, that is, if the exclusive communication period set for Ch2 is shorter than the exclusive communication period set for Ch1, AP MLD1 performs a procedure to acquire the transmission right on Ch2 after the end of TXOP2. Furthermore, if the period until the end of TXOP2 is longer than the end of TXOP1, that is, if the exclusive communication period set for Ch2 is longer than the exclusive communication period set for Ch1, AP MLD1 may wait for the end of TXOP1 without performing Secondary Channel Access on Ch2 and perform a procedure to acquire the transmission right on Ch1.

[0050] FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart when AP MLD1 acquires the transmission right in the first embodiment.

[0051] In this example, the flow up to when AP MLD1 acquires the transmission right in the sequence of Fig. 3 will be explained. In this example, the primary channel Ch1 of AP MLD1 is physically busy, and TXOP2 is set for the secondary channel Ch2.

[0052] In step S100, AP MLD1 first starts the procedure for acquiring the transmission right on Ch1. At this time, the communication control unit 111 performs a back-off procedure using the first wireless communication unit. In step S101, the communication control unit 111 waits for a random time using the first wireless communication unit and confirms that no communication is occurring using AP MLD2 and AP MLD3. Specifically, the communication control unit 111 confirms that no communication is occurring by not detecting communication using AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 using the first wireless communication unit.

[0053] If no communication is occurring using AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 in step S101, the communication control unit 111 acquires the transmission right on Ch1 in step S102 and ends the process. If communication using Ch1 is detected from AP MLD2 and AP MLD3, for example, AP MLD2 in the example of Fig. 3, in step S101, the communication control unit 111 determines in step S103 to check whether Secondary Channel Access is possible on Ch2.

[0054] In step S104, the communication control unit 111 transmits a first signal to the AP MLD of the cooperation destination, for example, AP MLD3 in the example of FIG. 3 . The communication control unit 111 transmits the first signal to AP MLD3 over the second link using the second wireless communication unit. In step S105, the second wireless communication unit of AP MLD1 receives the second signal. Although not shown in the flowchart, this second signal is transmitted by the communication control unit 111 of AP MLD3 using the second wireless communication unit.

[0055] In step S106, the communication control unit 111 of AP MLD1 starts the procedure to acquire the transmission right on Ch2. The communication control unit 111 performs the back-off procedure using the first wireless communication unit. In step S107, the communication control unit 111 acquires the transmission right on Ch2 and ends the process.

[0056] FIG. 5 shows an example of a frame format of the first signal in the first embodiment.

[0057] The frame in FIG. 5 includes a number of fields: Frame Control, Duration, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control, HT Control, Frame Body, and FCS.

[0058] Frame Control includes information about the settings of this frame, Duration includes information about the length of this frame, Address 1 to 3 include information about the source or destination address, Sequence Control includes information about the frame sequence number, Frame Body includes the data body, and FCS includes information about error detection. In this embodiment, the Frame Body may be empty (QoS Null). HT Control includes A-Control, which is a pair of Control ID and Control Information. Furthermore, A-Control may include multiple pairs of Control ID and Control Information.

[0059] The Control ID includes information about the type of the Control field to be stored. The Control Information includes an Assisting AP Link ID Bitmap, a Secondary Channel Media Recovery Request, and a Request ID. The Control Information may also include a Secondary Channel.

[0060] The Assisting AP Link ID Bitmap contains data on the link of the Secondary Channel requesting TXOP / NAV information. The Secondary Channel Media Recovery Request contains data indicating a request for TXOP / NAV information on the Secondary Channel. The Request ID is data for linking the first signal with the second signal and contains an identifier indicating that it is the first signal.

[0061] The Secondary Channel includes information about the band of the Secondary Channel used for communication, such as a predetermined identifier, center frequency, bandwidth, and also any of the Operating Class, Channel Set, or Channel Center Frequency Index defined in the Global operating classes of IEEE 802.11. In addition to the method in which AP MLDs exchange information about the Primary Channel and Secondary Channel using Capability Check, when an AP MLD transmits an AASR Request, the AP MLD may transmit information about the required Secondary Channel in this field.

[0062] These fields may be implemented based on the AAR Control defined in IEEE 802.11, and in particular may be implemented by allocating a Secondary Channel Media Recovery Request, Request ID, and Secondary Channel to the Reserve of the AAR Control.

[0063] FIG. 6 shows an example of a frame format of the second signal in the first embodiment.

[0064] The frame in Fig. 6 includes Frame Control, Duration, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control, HT Control, Frame Body, and FCS, similar to the frame shown in Fig. 5. Therefore, in the example of Fig. 5, only the HT Control, which is different from Fig. 5, will be described.

[0065] HT Control includes A-Control, which is a pair of Control ID and Control Information. A-Control may also include multiple pairs of Control ID and Control Information.

[0066] The Control ID contains information about the type of the Control field to be stored. The Control Information includes TXOP / NAV Duration, No TXOP / NAV, Reserve, Secondary Channel Media Recovery Response, and Request ID.

[0067] TXOP / NAV Duration includes data on the duration of the TXOP / NAV set on the Secondary Channel. Information on the TXOP / NAV duration may be the remaining period calculated from the arrival timing of the beginning or end of this frame relative to the end timing of the set TXOP / NAV. No TXOP / NAV, Reserve includes information indicating that TXOP / NAV is not set on the Secondary Channel. Secondary Channel Media Recovery Response includes data indicating that TXOP / NAV information on the Secondary Channel is being notified. Request ID is data for linking the first signal with the second signal and includes an identifier indicating that it is the second signal.

[0068] Furthermore, each AP MLD may periodically transmit the second signal to other AP MLDs instead of transmitting the second signal as a response to the first signal, thereby making it possible to notify information on the Secondary Channel even if there is no request for a second signal from the other AP MLDs.

[0069] The first and second signals may be transmitted together with normal data communication. For example, when various data are stored in the Frame Body and transmitted, the first or second signal may be transmitted in the HT Control field.

[0070] FIG. 7 shows another example of the frame format of the first signal and the second signal in the first embodiment.

[0071] In Fig. 7, the first signal and the second signal have a common field structure. Even when they have such a common field structure, the AP MLD can determine whether the signal it is holding is the first signal or the second signal by referring to the value of the Secondary Channel Media Recovery Request / Response.

[0072] FIG. 8 shows yet another example of the frame format of the first signal in the first embodiment.

[0073] In the above example, the fields of the first signal are implemented based on the AAR Control defined in IEEE 802.11. In this example, the first signal is implemented using a different frame format.

[0074] The frame in FIG. 8 includes multiple fields: Frame Control, Duration, RA, TA, Assisting AP Link ID Bitmap, Secondary Channel Media Recovery Request, Secondary Channel, Request ID, and FCS.

[0075] The RA includes information about the destination address, the TA includes information about the source address, and the Frame Control, Duration, Assisting AP Link ID Bitmap, Secondary Channel Media Recovery Request, Secondary Channel, Request ID, and FCS are the same as those in Figure 5, so their explanations are omitted.

[0076] FIG. 9 shows yet another example of the frame format of the second signal in the first embodiment.

[0077] In the above example, each field of the second signal is implemented based on the AAR Control defined in IEEE 802.11. In this example, the second signal is implemented using a different frame format.

[0078] The frame in FIG. 9 includes multiple fields: Frame Control, Duration, RA, TA, TXOP / NAV Duration, No TXOP / NAV, Secondary Channel Media Recovery Response, Request ID, and FCS.

[0079] RA includes information about the destination address, TA includes information about the source address, and Frame Control, Duration, TXOP / NAV Duration, No TXOP / NAV, Secondary Channel Media Recovery Response, Request ID, and FCS are the same as those in FIG. 6, so their explanations are omitted.

[0080] According to this embodiment, when performing Secondary Channel Access, AP MLD makes it possible to acquire information about the TXOP / NAV period in a Secondary Channel set in another BSS, etc. Also, by acquiring the TXOP / NAV period in the Secondary Channel, AP MLD can prevent communication of terminals in other BSSs from being hindered when performing Secondary Channel Access.

[0081] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when transmitting and receiving the first signal and the second signal, the AP MLD transmits and receives the first signal and the second signal using a link different from the link including the channel for performing Secondary Channel Access. This allows the AP MLD performing Secondary Channel Access to quickly acquire the TXOP / NAV period without waiting for the end of other communications.

[0082] Second Embodiment FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 in the second embodiment.

[0083] The overall configuration of the wireless communication system is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] This sequence diagram illustrates an example in which, when AP MLD1 performs secondary channel access with Non-AP MLD 200 using Channel 2 on Link 1, AP MLD1 requests TXOP / NAV information for the secondary channel from AP MLD 3, which it collaborates with on Link 2. This example illustrates an example in which Channel 1 is physically busy due to AP MLD 2, and TXOP2 is set on Channel 2. In response to the TXOP / NAV information request, AP MLD 3 transmits a Multi-User RTS (MU-RTS) defined by IEEE 802.11 on Link 1 to notify AP MLD 1 of the TXOP / NAV information for Channel 2. This example differs from the first embodiment in that the collaborating AP MLD 3 transmits a Multi-User RTS (MU-RTS) on the first link when notifying the AP MLD 1 of the exclusive communication period in response to the first signal.

[0085] Before starting this sequence, the AP MLD1 and the non-AP MLD 200 may perform a capability check to confirm whether they support the functions of this embodiment. Furthermore, the AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 and the AP MLD1 and AP MLD3 may perform a capability check to indicate whether they support coordinated operation. During this capability check, the AP MLDs 1 to 3 may exchange information regarding the primary channel and secondary channel of the active link. Furthermore, the AP MLDs 1 to 3 may use the exchanged information to determine a priority list of channels to be used when performing secondary channel access. This priority list may be, for example, a list of channels to be used when performing secondary channel access, arranged in order of priority, and may be stored in the communication storage unit 112 or the like.

[0086] First, in step S500, AP MLD1 initiates a procedure to acquire a transmission right in order to transmit using link 1. The procedure for acquiring the transmission right may be, for example, a back-off procedure. For example, AP MLD1 may wait a random amount of time on the primary channel set for link 1 (in this example, Ch1 is set as the primary channel) and acquire the transmission right after confirming that no communication is occurring via AP MLD2 and AP MLD3. After waiting a random amount of time, AP MLD1 can acquire the transmission right via the primary channel of link 1 if it confirms that no communication is occurring via AP MLD2 and AP MLD3.

[0087] In step S500, if AP MLD1 detects that communication using Ch1 has been performed by AP MLD2 and AP MLD3 during the random time standby, it determines to temporarily suspend the random time standby and perform secondary channel access. In addition, in order to perform secondary channel access, AP MLD1 determines to check whether communication is possible on the secondary channel set in link 1 (in this example, Ch2 is set as the secondary channel).

[0088] In this example, AP MLD1 detects communication on Ch1 by detecting the signal or power of Data (Tx) by AP MLD2, and determines whether secondary channel access is possible on Ch2. Furthermore, when AP MLD1 detects communication by AP MLD2, it may acquire information on TXOP1, which is the exclusive communication period of AP MLD2. The detection may be performed by checking whether the signal or power exceeds a threshold for signal detection or a threshold for power detection.

[0089] In step S501, the AP MLD1 determines to check whether communication is possible on the secondary channel, and then checks with the cooperating AP MLD whether an exclusive communication period for the secondary channel has been set.

[0090] In this example, AP MLD1 transmits a first signal for the secondary channel to its cooperating AP MLD3 via link 2, and checks whether TXOP2, an exclusive communication period, is set for Ch2, the secondary channel. The transmission of the first signal is performed by the second wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111. The data format used to transmit the first signal may be, for example, the data format shown in FIG. 5, 7, or 8.

[0091] In step S502, AP MLD3 receives a first signal over link 2. In response, AP MLD3 notifies AP MLD1 whether TXOP2 is set for Ch2 of link 1 of AP MLD1. In this example, AP MLD3 transmits MU-RTS as a second signal to AP MLD1 via link 1. Reception of the first signal is performed by the second wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111. Transmission of MU-RTS is performed by the first wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111. An RTS (Request To Send) may be transmitted instead of MU-RTS. Note that MU-RTS and RTS may be transmitted to terminals other than AP MLD1 or to broadcasts.

[0092] Also, for Ch2, if TXOP2 is not set, AP MLD 3 may not transmit the second signal. AP MLD 1 may determine that TXOP2 is not set, for example, if it does not receive the second signal before a timeout.

[0093] In step S503, AP MLD1 receives the MU-RTS. AP MLD1 receives the second signal using link 1 and decides to perform communication on Ch2. The second signal is received by the first wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111. In this example, because TXOP2 is set for link 1 of AP MLD3, AP MLD1 acquires the transmission right for Ch2 after this period ends and performs Secondary Channel Access. Furthermore, if TXOP2 is not set for Ch2, AP MLD1 performs the procedure to acquire the transmission right after receiving the second signal, regardless of the TXOP2 period. For example, if TXOP2 is not set, AP MLD1 may immediately perform the procedure to acquire the transmission right. The transmission right is acquired, for example, by a back-off procedure. The procedure to acquire the transmission right is performed by the first wireless communication unit under the control of the communication control unit 111.

[0094] Furthermore, if the period until the end of TXOP2 is shorter than the end of TXOP1, that is, if the exclusive communication period set for Ch2 is shorter than the exclusive communication period set for Ch1, AP MLD1 may perform a procedure to acquire the transmission right on Ch2 after the end of TXOP2. If the period until the end of TXOP2 is longer than the end of TXOP1, that is, if the exclusive communication period set for Ch2 is longer than the exclusive communication period set for Ch1, AP MLD1 may wait for the end of TXOP1 without performing Secondary Channel Access on Ch2, and then perform a procedure to acquire the transmission right on Ch1.

[0095] According to this embodiment, the AP MLD transmits an MU-RTS or an RTS in response to the first signal. As a result, the AP MLD that transmitted the first signal can acquire information about the TXOP / NAV period set in other BSSs, etc., when performing Secondary Channel Access by receiving the MU-RTS or RTS. Furthermore, by acquiring the TXOP / NAV period, the AP MLD can prevent communication of terminals in other BSSs from being disrupted when performing Secondary Channel Access.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, AP MLD uses MU-RTS or RTS as the second signal, which makes it possible to reuse assets of existing protocols defined in IEEE 802.11, thereby minimizing changes to existing specifications and preventing adverse effects on communications between communication devices 100.

[0097] <Example of Computer Configuration> The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from a program recording medium into a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware, or into a general-purpose personal computer, etc.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes by a program.

[0099] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802 , and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803 are interconnected by a bus 804 .

[0100] An input / output interface 805 is also connected to the bus 804. An input unit 806 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and an output unit 807 including a display, a speaker, etc. are connected to the input / output interface 805. In addition, a storage unit 808 including a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, etc., a communication unit 809 including a network interface, etc., and a drive 810 that drives removable media 811 are also connected to the input / output interface 805.

[0101] In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 801 performs the above-described series of processes by, for example, loading a program stored in the storage unit 808 into the RAM 803 via the input / output interface 805 and the bus 804 and executing it.

[0102] The program executed by the CPU 801 is provided, for example, by being recorded on a removable medium 811 or via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting, and is installed in the storage unit 808.

[0103] The program executed by the computer may be a program that processes in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be a program that processes in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0104] <Application Examples> The present technology can be applied to various products. For example, the communication device 100 in FIG. 2 may be realized as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a portable game terminal, or a digital camera; a fixed terminal such as a television receiver, a projector, a printer, a digital scanner, or a network storage; or an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation system. Furthermore, the communication device 100 may be realized as an M2M (Machine-to-Machine Communication) terminal such as a smart meter, a vending machine, a remote monitoring device, or a POS (Point-of-Sale) terminal. Furthermore, the communication device 100 may be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module configured on a single die) mounted on such a terminal.

[0105] On the other hand, for example, the communication device 100 may be realized as a wireless LAN AP (wireless base station) with or without a router function. The communication device 100 may also be realized as a mobile wireless LAN router. Furthermore, the communication device 100 may be a wireless communication module (for example, an integrated circuit module configured on a single die) mounted on these devices.

[0106] <Configuration Example of Smartphone> FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a smartphone to which the present technology is applied.

[0107] The smartphone 900 includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a storage 903, an external connection interface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone 908, an input device 909, and a display device 910. The smartphone 900 also includes a speaker 911, a wireless communication interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an antenna 915, a bus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller 919.

[0108] The processor 901 may be, for example, a CPU or a SoC (System on Chip), and limits the functions of the application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900.

[0109] The memory 902 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data executed by the processor 901 .

[0110] The storage 903 includes a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk.

[0111] The external connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting an external device such as a memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device to the smartphone 900 .

[0112] The camera 906 has an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and generates a captured image.

[0113] The sensor 907 includes a group of sensors such as a positioning sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor.

[0114] The microphone 908 converts the sound input to the smartphone 900 into an audio signal.

[0115] The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 910, a keypad, a keyboard, a button, or a switch, and accepts operations or information input from the user.

[0116] The display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and displays an output image from the smartphone 900. The display device 910 may also be configured as a projector that projects the output image onto a screen. The speaker 911 converts an audio signal output from the smartphone 900 into audio. The processor 901 also controls the display on the display device 910 based on information received via the first link or the second link and the user's operation of the input device 909.

[0117] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, and 11be, and performs wireless communication.

[0118] The wireless communication interface 913 communicates with other devices via a wireless LAN AP in infrastructure mode, and directly with other devices in ad hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct.

[0119] Unlike ad hoc mode, in Wi-Fi Direct, one of the two terminals acts as an AP, but communication is carried out directly between the terminals.

[0120] The wireless communication interface 913 typically includes a baseband processor, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a power amplifier, etc. The wireless communication interface 913 may be a one-chip module that integrates a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and related circuits.

[0121] The wireless communication interface 913 may support other types of wireless communication methods, such as a short-range wireless communication method, a proximity wireless communication method, or a cellular communication method, in addition to a wireless LAN method.

[0122] The antenna switch 914 switches the connection destination of the antenna 915 between multiple circuits (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods) included in the wireless communication interface 913 .

[0123] The antenna 915 has a single or multiple antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements constituting a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals via the wireless communication interface 913. For example, when the antenna 915 has multiple antenna elements, it has a first antenna element and a second antenna element to constitute a MIMO antenna. Furthermore, multiple antennas 915 may be provided, and when the multiple antennas 915 include a first antenna and a second antenna, they may communicate via a first link and a second link, respectively.

[0124] 12, the smartphone 900 may include multiple antennas (for example, an antenna for wireless LAN and an antenna for a close-proximity wireless communication system). In this case, the antenna switch 914 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0125] The bus 917 connects the processor 901, memory 902, storage 903, external connection interface 904, camera 906, sensor 907, microphone 908, input device 909, display device 910, speaker 911, wireless communication interface 913, and auxiliary controller 919 to each other.

[0126] The battery 918 supplies power to each block of the smartphone 900 shown in Fig. 12 via a power supply line partially indicated by a dashed line in the figure. The auxiliary controller 919 operates the minimum necessary functions of the smartphone 900, for example, in sleep mode.

[0127] 12, for example, the communication control unit 111 and the control unit 130 in FIG. 2 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919.

[0128] The smartphone 900 may operate as a wireless AP (software AP) by the processor 901 executing an AP function at the application level. The wireless communication interface 913 may also have a wireless AP function.

[0129] Furthermore, the smartphone 900 may be provided with a biometric authentication unit (fingerprint authentication, palm shape authentication, voice authentication, blood vessel authentication, face authentication, iris authentication, retina authentication). In this case, the wireless communication interface 913 in which the communication control unit 111 and the control unit 130 in Fig. 2 are implemented is configured to receive power from the same battery 918 as the display device 910, the speaker 911, and at least one of the biometric authentication unit.

[0130] Furthermore, in the smartphone 900, information is displayed on at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911 based on communication with an external device via the wireless communication interface 913. At this time, information relating to the present technology may be output from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911.

[0131] <Configuration Example of In-Vehicle Device> FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device 920 to which the present technology is applied.

[0132] The in-vehicle device 920 is configured to include a processor 921, a memory 922, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, a content player 927, and a storage medium interface 928. The in-vehicle device 920 is also configured to include an input device 929, a display device 930, a speaker 931, a wireless communication interface 933, an antenna switch 934, an antenna 935, and a battery 938.

[0133] The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or an SoC, and controls the navigation function and other functions of the in-vehicle device 920. The processor 921 can also control the vehicle's driving system, such as the brake, accelerator, or steering, based on information obtained through communication based on the present technology.

[0134] The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data executed by the processor 921 .

[0135] The GNSS module 924 measures the position (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the in-vehicle device 920 using GNSS signals received from GNSS satellites.

[0136] The sensor 925 includes a group of sensors such as a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an air pressure sensor.

[0137] The data interface 926 is connected to an in-vehicle network 941 via a terminal (not shown), for example, and acquires data generated on the vehicle side, such as in-vehicle data.

[0138] The content player 927 plays content stored on a storage medium (e.g., a CD or DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface 928. The storage medium interface 928 is an example of an external connection interface, and the storage medium is an example of an external storage medium.

[0139] The input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 930, a button, or a switch, and accepts operations or information input from the user.

[0140] The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD or OLED display, and displays information such as navigation functions or images of content being played, etc. The processor 921 also controls the display of the display device 930 based on information received via the first link or the second link and the user's operation of the input device 929.

[0141] The speaker 931 outputs the audio of the navigation function or the content being played.

[0142] Note that the navigation function and the function of the content player 927 are optional in the in-vehicle device 920. The navigation function and the content player 927 may be removed from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0143] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, and 11be, and performs wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 933 communicates with other devices via a wireless LAN AP in infrastructure mode. The wireless communication interface 933 also communicates directly with other devices in ad hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct.

[0144] The wireless communication interface 933 typically includes a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, etc. The wireless communication interface 933 may be a one-chip module that integrates a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and related circuits. In addition to the wireless LAN system, the wireless communication interface 933 may support other types of wireless communication systems, such as a short-range wireless communication system, a proximity wireless communication system, or a cellular communication system.

[0145] The antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of the antenna 935 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933 .

[0146] The antenna 935 has a single or multiple antenna elements and is used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals via the wireless communication interface 933. For example, when the antenna 935 has multiple antenna elements, it may have a second antenna element in addition to a first antenna element to form a MIMO antenna.

[0147] 13, the in-vehicle device 920 may include a plurality of antennas 935. In that case, the antenna switch 934 may be omitted from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0148] In the in-vehicle device 920 shown in FIG. 13 , the battery 938 is connected via a power supply line partially indicated by a dashed line in the figure. For example, the communication control unit 111 and the control unit 130 shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 921. The battery 938 is an example of a power sharing unit. The power sharing unit supplies power to the control unit 130, the processor 921, the input device 929, the display device 930, and the first and second antenna elements.

[0149] The wireless communication interface 933 may also operate as the communication device described above and provide wireless connection to a terminal carried by a user in the vehicle.

[0150] Moreover, the present technology may be realized as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or more blocks of the above-described in-vehicle device 920, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 generates vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed, engine rotation speed, or failure information, and outputs the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941.

[0151] <Configuration Example of Wireless AP> FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP 950 to which the present technology is applied.

[0152] The wireless AP 950 includes a controller 951 , a memory 952 , an input device 954 , a display device 955 , a network interface 957 , a wireless communication interface 963 , an antenna switch 964 , and an antenna 965 .

[0153] The controller 951 may be, for example, a CPU or a DSP (Digital Signal processor) and operates various functions of the IP (Internet Protocol) layer and higher layers of the wireless AP 950 (e.g., access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall, and log management).

[0154] The memory 952 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs executed by the controller 951 and various control information (for example, a terminal list, a routing table, an encryption key, security settings, and logs).

[0155] The input device 954 includes, for example, buttons and switches, and receives operations from the user.

[0156] The display device 955 includes an LED lamp or the like and displays information such as the operating status of the wireless AP 950. The display device 955 may also be configured as a projector that projects an output image onto a screen. A processor (not shown) controls the display on the display device 955 based on information received via the first link or the second link and a user's operation of the input device 954. The processor may also be implemented within the controller 951.

[0157] The network interface 957 is a wired communication interface for connecting the wireless AP 950 to a wired communication network 958. The network interface 957 may have multiple connection terminals. The wired communication network 958 may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0158] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, and 11be, and provides wireless connection to nearby terminals as an AP.

[0159] The wireless communication interface 963 typically includes a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, and the like.

[0160] The wireless communication interface 963 may be a one-chip module that integrates a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and related circuits.

[0161] The antenna switch 964 switches the connection destination of the antenna 965 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 963. The antenna 965 has a single antenna element or multiple antenna elements and is used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals via the wireless communication interface 963. For example, when the antenna 965 has multiple antenna elements, it has a second antenna element in addition to a first antenna element.

[0162] 14, for example, the communication control unit 111 and the control unit 130 in FIG. 2 may also be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the controller 951.

[0163] The above-described embodiment shows an example for realizing the present technology, and the matters in the embodiment correspond to the matters specifying the invention in the claims. Similarly, the matters specifying the invention in the claims correspond to the matters in the embodiment of the present technology having the same title. However, the present technology is not limited to the embodiment, and can be realized by applying various modifications to the embodiment without departing from the gist of the present technology.

[0164] Furthermore, the processing procedures described in the above embodiments may be regarded as a method having a series of these procedures, or as a program for causing this computer to execute these procedures or a recording medium for storing the program.

[0165] Examples of the recording medium that can be used include a CD (Compact Disc), an MD (MiniDisc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a memory card, and a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc.

[0166] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all of the components are contained in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0167] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0168] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present technology.

[0169] For example, the present technology can be configured as a cloud computing system in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0170] Furthermore, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by a plurality of devices.

[0171] Furthermore, when one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that one step can be executed by one device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0172] This embodiment may also have the following configuration. [Notes] [Item 1] A communication device including a control unit that controls a first wireless communication unit that performs a first communication with another communication device that is a communication partner via a first link, and a second wireless communication unit that performs a first communication with the other communication device via a second link, wherein the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to transmit a second signal including information about an exclusive communication period on a predetermined channel of the first link of the other communication device. [Item 2] The communication device according to item 1, wherein the predetermined channel is a secondary channel. [Item 3] The communication device according to any one of items 1 and 2, wherein the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to respond to a first signal that is transmitted from the other communication device and is a request for information about an exclusive communication period on the predetermined channel of the first link. [Item 4] The communication device according to item 1, wherein the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to transmit a first signal to the other communication device, the first signal being a request for information about an exclusive communication period on the predetermined channel of the first link, in response to detection of communication on a channel different from the predetermined channel of the first link of the communication device. [Item 5] The communication device according to Item 4, wherein the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the specified channel of the first link in response to the second signal received from the other communication device, and when the exclusive communication period is set on the specified channel of the first link, controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the specified channel of the first link after the exclusive communication period ends.[Item 6] The communication device according to item 4, wherein the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the predetermined channel of the first link or a channel different from the predetermined channel in response to the second signal received from the other communication device, controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the predetermined channel of the first link after the exclusive communication period on the predetermined channel of the first link ends if the exclusive communication period on the predetermined channel of the first link is shorter than the exclusive communication period on the channel different from the predetermined channel, and controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the channel different from the predetermined channel after the exclusive communication period on the channel different from the predetermined channel of the first link ends if the exclusive communication period on the predetermined channel of the first link is longer than the exclusive communication period on the channel different from the predetermined channel. [Item 7] The communication device according to any one of items 5 to 6, wherein the predetermined channel is a secondary channel, and the channel different from the predetermined channel is a primary channel. [Item 8] The communication device according to any one of items 4 to 6, wherein the first signal includes data indicating a request for information on the exclusive communication period of the specified channel. [Item 9] The communication device according to item 8, wherein the first signal further includes data on a link on which the specified channel for which information on the exclusive communication period is requested is located. [Item 10] The communication device according to item 9, wherein the first signal further includes data for linking the first signal with the second signal. [Item 11] The communication device according to item 3, wherein the second signal includes data indicating notification of information on the exclusive communication period of the specified channel. [Item 12] The communication device according to item 11, wherein the second signal further includes data on the exclusive communication period. [Item 13] The communication device according to item 11, wherein the second signal further includes data for linking the first signal with the second signal.[Item 14] A communication device comprising: a control unit that controls a first wireless communication unit that performs a first communication with another communication device over a first link; and a second wireless communication unit that performs a second communication with the other communication device over a second link, wherein the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to transmit a second signal including information about an exclusive communication period on a predetermined channel of the first link of the other communication device. [Item 15] The communication device according to item 14, wherein the second signal is an RTS (Request To Send) or an MU-RTS (Multi-User RTS). [Item 16] The communication device according to item 14, wherein the predetermined channel is a secondary channel. [Item 17] The communication device according to any one of items 14 to 16, wherein the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to respond to a first signal that is a request for information about an exclusive communication period on the predetermined channel of the first link, transmitted from the other communication device. [Item 18] The communication device according to Item 14, wherein the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to transmit a first signal to the other communication device, the first signal being a request for information on an exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link, in response to detection of communication on a channel different from the specified channel of the first link of the communication device.[Item 19] The communication device according to Item 18, wherein the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the specified channel of the first link or a channel different from the specified channel in accordance with the second signal received from the other communication device; controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the specified channel of the first link after the exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link ends if the exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link is shorter than the exclusive communication period on the channel different from the specified channel; and controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the channel different from the specified channel in the first link after the exclusive communication period on the channel different from the specified channel of the first link ends if the exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link is longer than the exclusive communication period on the channel different from the specified channel. [Item 20] The communication device of item 1 further includes: a processor; an input device that accepts operations from a user; a display device; and a first antenna element, wherein the processor controls the display of the display device based on information received via the first link or the second link and the operation. [Item 21] The communication device of item 20 further includes: a speaker; an external connection interface for connecting to a memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device; a second antenna element that forms a MIMO antenna together with the first antenna element; and the power sharing unit that supplies power to the control unit, the processor, the input device, the display device, the second antenna element, and the external connection interface. [Item 22] The communication device of item 20 further includes: a content player that plays content stored on an external storage medium connected via the external connection interface. [Item 23] The communication device of item 20, wherein the display device is an LED lamp that displays the operating status of the communication device.[Item 24] A vehicle comprising a control unit that controls a first wireless communication unit that performs a first communication with another communication device that is a communication partner via a first link, and a second wireless communication unit that performs a second communication with the other communication device via a second link, wherein the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to transmit a second signal that includes information about an exclusive communication period on a predetermined channel of the first link of the other communication device. [Item 25] A communication method that controls a first wireless communication unit that performs a first communication with another communication device that is a communication partner via a first link, and a second wireless communication unit that performs a second communication with the other communication device via a second link, and controls the second wireless communication unit to transmit a second signal that includes information about an exclusive communication period on the predetermined channel of the first link of the other communication device. [Item 26] A communications program that causes a computer to execute a communications method, comprising: controlling a first wireless communications unit that performs a first communication with another communications device that is a communications partner via a first link, and a second wireless communications unit that performs a second communication with the other communications device via a second link, and controlling the second wireless communications unit to transmit a second signal that includes information about an exclusive communications period on a predetermined channel of the first link of the other communications device. [Item 27] ​​A non-transitory removable medium that records a communications program that causes a computer to execute a communications method, comprising: controlling a first wireless communications unit that performs a first communication with another communications device that is a communications partner via a first link, and a second wireless communications unit that performs a second communication with the other communications device via a second link, and controlling the second wireless communications unit to transmit a second signal that includes information about an exclusive communications period on a predetermined channel of the first link of the other communications device.

[0173] 1, 2, 3 AP MLD 100 Communication device 110 Communication unit 111 Communication control unit 112 Communication storage unit 113 Common data processing unit 121 Individual data processing unit 122 Signal processing unit 123 Wireless interface unit 124 Amplification unit 130 Control unit 140 Storage unit 150 Antenna 200 Non-AP MLD 801 CPU 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Bus 805 Input / output interface 806 Input unit 807 Output unit 808 Storage unit 809 Communication unit 810 Drive 811 Removable media 900 Smartphone 901 Processor 902 Memory 903 Storage 904 External connection interface 906 Camera 907 Sensor 908 Microphone 909 Input device 910 Display device 911 Speaker 913 Wireless communication interface 914 Antenna switch 915 Antenna 917 Bus 918 Battery 919 Auxiliary controller 920 In-vehicle device 921 Processor 922 Memory 924 GNSS module 925 Sensor 926 Data interface 927 Content player 928 Storage medium interface 929 Input device 930 Display device 931 Speaker 933 Wireless communication interface 934 Antenna switch 935 Antenna 938 Battery 940 In-vehicle system (or vehicle) 941 In-vehicle network 942 Vehicle-side module 951 Controller 952 Memory 954 Input device 955 Display device 957 Network interface 958 Wired communication network 963 Wireless communication interface 964 Antenna switch 965 Antenna

Claims

1. A communication device comprising: a first wireless communication unit that performs a first communication with another communication device that is a communication partner over a first link; and a second wireless communication unit that performs a second communication with the other communication device over a second link, wherein the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to transmit a second signal including information about an exclusive communication period on a specified channel of the first link of the other communication device.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined channel is a secondary channel.

3. The communication device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to respond to a first signal transmitted from the other communication device, the first signal being a request for information on an exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link.

4. The communication device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to transmit a first signal to the other communication device, which is a request for information on an exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link, in response to detection of communication on a channel other than the specified channel of the first link of the communication device.

5. The communication device described in claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the right to transmit on the specified channel of the first link in response to the second signal received from the other communication device, and when the exclusive communication period is set on the specified channel of the first link, controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the right to transmit on the specified channel of the first link after the end of the exclusive communication period.

6. The communication device described in claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the specified channel of the first link or a channel different from the specified channel in response to the second signal received from the other communication device; controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the specified channel of the first link after the exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link ends if the exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link is shorter than the exclusive communication period on the channel different from the specified channel; and controls the first wireless communication unit to acquire the transmission right on the channel different from the specified channel after the exclusive communication period on the channel different from the specified channel of the first link ends if the exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link is longer than the exclusive communication period on the channel different from the specified channel.

7. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined channel is a secondary channel, and the channel different from the predetermined channel is a primary channel.

8. The communications device of claim 4, wherein said first signal includes data indicating a request for information about said exclusive communication period for said predetermined channel.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein said first signal further includes data of a link on which said predetermined channel requests information of said exclusive communication period.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the first signal further includes data for linking the first signal with the second signal.

11. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the second signal includes data indicating notification of information about the exclusive communication period of the specific channel.

12. The communications device of claim 11, wherein said second signal further includes data for said exclusive communication period.

13. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein the second signal further includes data for linking the first signal with the second signal.

14. A communication device comprising: a first wireless communication unit that performs a first communication with another communication device via a first link; and a second wireless communication unit that performs a second communication with the other communication device via a second link; wherein the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to transmit a second signal including information about an exclusive communication period on a specified channel of the first link of the other communication device.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein the second signal is a Request To Send (RTS) or a Multi User RTS (MU-RTS).

16. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined channel is a secondary channel.

17. The communication device described in claim 14, wherein the control unit controls the first wireless communication unit to respond to a first signal transmitted from the other communication device, the first signal being a request for information on an exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link.

18. The communication device described in claim 14, wherein the control unit controls the second wireless communication unit to transmit a first signal to the other communication device, the first signal being a request for information on an exclusive communication period on the specified channel of the first link, in response to detection of communication on a channel other than the specified channel of the first link of the communication device.

19. The communication device of claim 1, further comprising: a processor; an input device that accepts operations from a user; a display device; and a first antenna element, wherein the processor controls the display of the display device based on information received via the first link or the second link and the operation.

20. A communication method comprising: controlling a first wireless communication unit that performs a first communication with another communication device that is a communication partner via a first link; and a second wireless communication unit that performs a second communication with the other communication device via a second link; and controlling the second wireless communication unit to transmit a second signal including information about an exclusive communication period on a specified channel of the first link of the other communication device.