Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

[Problem] To improve frequency utilization efficiency when communication is performed using a plurality of frequency channels. [Solution] A wireless communication device according to the present disclosure is capable of communicating with a plurality of communication devices by simultaneously using a plurality of frequency channels. The wireless communication device comprises a control unit that performs control for determining frequency channels to be allocated to the plurality of communication devices from among the plurality of frequency channels on the basis of priority ranks for use of the plurality of frequency channels and quality information pertaining to the plurality of frequency channels in the plurality of communication devices, and generating an A-PPDU by aggregating PPDUs addressed to the plurality of communication devices in a frequency region on the basis of the frequency channels allocated to the plurality of communication devices. The control unit performs control for transmitting the A-PPDU.

Description

Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

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

[0002] Currently, the IEEE802.11 standardization organization is working on the IEEE802.11be standardization, and is considering technology for bundling and using multiple frequency channels.

[0003] The conventional IEEE802.11ax standard uses technology that bundles four frequency channels standardized with a bandwidth of 20 MHz together to manage them with a bandwidth of 80 MHz, and technology that bundles eight channels together to manage them with a bandwidth of 160 MHz.

[0004] The IEEE802.11ax standard also adopts a technology called OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which allocates resource units (RUs) for each predetermined number of subcarriers to further subdivide and utilize frequency channels.

[0005] The latest IEEE802.11be standardization work is also considering technology to further aggregate frequency bands and use 320 MHz in one area, and a method of aggregating PHY Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) to form data frames has also been proposed.

[0006] Furthermore, by using OFDMA technology, it is possible to use technology that simultaneously transmits data frames from multiple communication devices to an access point, for example.

[0007] In order to achieve high-speed, high-capacity communications with high reliability in the next-generation IEEE802.11be standard, the Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Study Group is currently studying technologies that will enable communications using even wider bandwidths.

[0008] In the next-generation standardization work, in addition to the conventional methods, the definition of Aggregate PPDU (A-PPDU), which aggregates PPDUs for multiple destinations, is being considered as an evolution of this frequency multiplexing technology.

[0009] Furthermore, as the next generation standard will expand the available frequency band, technology is being considered to expand the frequency band up to 640 MHz.

[0010] Special Table No. 2023-504872 Publication Special Table No. 2023-508405

[0011] Conventionally, to use multiple frequency channels to create a wideband PPDU, all frequency channels must be available in order to construct a frame as a wideband PPDU. If even one frequency channel is subject to interference from another adjacent network (OBSS: Overlapping Basic Service Set), the wideband PPDU cannot be transmitted.

[0012] For example, when using 320MHz bands by aggregating frequency bands, it is considered reasonable to use four 80MHz bands, taking into consideration compatibility with the existing technology of aggregating 80MHz bands. However, even if a continuous 320MHz bandwidth is secured, if the same frequency is used in some of the surrounding networks, there is a problem that communications will interfere with each other and satisfactory communications cannot be achieved.

[0013] Therefore, it was necessary to improve the efficiency of these operations by coordinating and managing the frequencies used by surrounding access points. In this case, while it was easy to coordinate among surrounding access points managed by the same owner, there was the issue that it was difficult to coordinate among access points with different owners or managers.

[0014] One approach is for access points to have a learning function and adjust their own frequencies to avoid those used by surrounding access points. However, this method is difficult when access points cannot communicate directly with each other. Even with this method, it is still impossible to avoid interference between communication devices (STAs) that make up the own network (BSS) from communication devices (STAs) in surrounding overlapping networks (OBSS).

[0015] The present disclosure provides a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method that improve frequency utilization efficiency when communicating using multiple frequency channels.

[0016] The wireless communication device of the present disclosure is a wireless communication device capable of communicating with a plurality of communication devices using a plurality of frequency channels simultaneously, and includes a control unit that determines frequency channels to be allocated to the plurality of communication devices from the plurality of frequency channels based on the priority of use of the plurality of frequency channels and quality information of the plurality of frequency channels in the plurality of communication devices, and generates and controls A-PPDUs (Aggregate PPDUs) by aggregating PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) addressed to the plurality of communication devices in the frequency domain based on the frequency channels allocated to the plurality of communication devices, and the control unit controls the transmission of the A-PPDUs.

[0017] The wireless communication device of the present disclosure is a wireless communication device that communicates with an access point, and includes a control unit that acquires information about frequency channels assigned by the wireless communication device based on the priority of use of multiple frequency channels at the access point and quality information about the multiple frequency channels at the wireless communication device, wherein the control unit controls reception of an A-PPDU (Aggregate PPDU), in which multiple PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) transmitted from the access point on the multiple frequency channels are aggregated in the frequency domain, and the control unit controls extraction of a PPDU addressed to the wireless communication device from the A-PPDU based on the information about the assigned frequency channel.

[0018] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the wireless module of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the frequency configuration of the 6 GHz band applied to a wireless LAN system. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of dividing a wideband frequency width into four bandwidths (frequency channels). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of managing priorities for four frequency channels (Ch). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of configuring an A-PPDU according to priorities. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a communication sequence for managing priorities according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of performing downlink communication based on priorities according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of performing uplink communication based on priorities according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a priority setup operation according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a priority change operation according to the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a Channel Priority Setup Announce frame according to the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a Channel Priority Response frame according to the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a Channel Priority Change Request frame according to the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a Channel Priority Change Announce frame according to the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a trigger frame. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an A-MPDU frame included in one of multiple PPDUs that make up an A-PPDU. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an A-PPDU. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of setting information indicating that an A-MPDU is to be transmitted as an A-PPDU in a delimiter. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a Block ACK frame in the present disclosure. A flowchart showing channel priority management by an access point. A flowchart showing channel priority management in a communication device (STA). A flowchart showing the flow of downlink communication using A-PPDU. A flowchart showing the flow of uplink communication using A-PPDU. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of hardware of a computer that executes a series of processes in the present disclosure by a program. A block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a smartphone to which the technology of the present disclosure is applied. A block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device to which the technology of the present disclosure is applied.1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP to which the technology of the present disclosure is applied.

[0019] (Summary of the Disclosure) The disclosure provides a method for efficiently operating multiple frequency channels when multiple frequency channels are bundled and used in a Basic Service Set (BSS) constituting a wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), by prioritizing and managing the frequency channels to be used and coordinating the frequency channels to be used with those of a surrounding Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS). The disclosure also provides a method for aggregating PPDUs to be simultaneously transmitted to multiple communication device destinations into an Aggregate PPDU (A-PPDU) by managing available frequency channels for each communication device (STA) in consideration of the priority of frequency channels that can be stably used.

[0020] For example, when multiple 80MHz bands are bundled together to be used as a 320MHz bandwidth, the communication device (terminal or STA) is notified in advance of which 80MHz band to use and the bands are managed by prioritizing them.The multiple 80MHz bands are defined as the highest priority primary 80MHz channel, the next highest priority secondary 80MHz channel, the third highest priority tertiary 80MHz channel, and the lowest priority quaternary 80MHz channel, and the communication device (STA) is notified of each of them to determine the priority of use.

[0021] For convenience, the above description has been given with four frequency channels each having a priority level. However, when managing a larger number of 80 MHz bands, for example, when using a bandwidth of 640 MHz, it is also possible to configure the system so that more than four frequency channels are managed with priorities assigned.

[0022] When multiple 80MHz bands are bundled together into a 320MHz bandwidth, the system prioritizes and manages usage in 80MHz increments, and determines whether or not to use each 80MHz bandwidth, including detecting 80MHz bands used by other surrounding networks. Based on the results of this evaluation, the system adjusts the priority of each bandwidth in the 320MHz bandwidth used with surrounding networks. Furthermore, when a communication device (terminal) belonging to the network detects a signal (interfering signal) from another surrounding network in the 320MHz bandwidth, it notifies the access point of measurement information based on the detected signal as channel quality information, thereby adjusting the bandwidth used for communication with the communication device (terminal) within its own network at 320MHz.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) according to the present disclosure. Access point 10, communication device 1, and communication device 2 are indicated by white circles. The set of access point 10, communication device 1, and communication device 2 constitutes a single basic service set (BSS). The communication ranges (coverage) of access point 10, communication device 1, and communication device 2 are indicated by dashed ellipses with their respective white circles at their centers. Black circles indicate OBSS device 5 and OBSS device 6, which are communication devices that constitute an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) around this network. The communication ranges of OBSS device 5 and OBSS device 6 are indicated by dashed ellipses with their respective black circles at their centers. Access point 10 forms a first network, and the OBSS forms a second network whose coverage partially overlaps with that of the first network.

[0025] As indicated by the gray arrows, uplink data transmission from communication device 1 to access point 10 and downlink data transmission from access point 10 to communication device 2 are shown. In this case, the state in which communication devices 5 and 6 are subjected to interference from OBSS devices 5 and 6 that constitute the OBSS is indicated by thin solid lines with arrows. Because access point 10 cannot detect signals from OBSS devices 5 and 6, it cannot directly detect that an OBSS is in operation. In such a situation, the present disclosure achieves efficient communication using multiple frequency channels obtained by dividing (segmenting) a predetermined frequency band into multiple sections.

[0026] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure, which shows a configuration common to an access point 10 and a communication device (STA) as a wireless communication device.

[0027] The wireless communication device includes a network module 11, an input module 12, a control module 13, an output module 14, and a wireless module 15. The access point 10 and the communication device (STA) may include all of these modules, or unnecessary parts may be simplified or not incorporated.

[0028] The network module 11 is equipped with functions such as a communication modem for connecting to the Internet when operating as the access point 10. The network module 11 is configured to connect to the Internet via a public communication line and an Internet service provider.

[0029] The input module 12 is a part for inputting information conveying instructions from the user, and may be configured, for example, with push buttons, a keyboard, or a touch panel.

[0030] The control module 13, also called the device control unit, is an essential part of the wireless communication device of the present disclosure, and corresponds to the part that performs control when operating as the access point 10 or communication device (STA) of the present disclosure.

[0031] The output module 14 is a part that displays the operating status of the wireless communication device and information obtained via the Internet, and is configured to display or notify the user of necessary information. For example, the output module 14 may be composed of a display element such as an LED display, a liquid crystal panel, or an organic EL display, or a speaker that outputs voice or music.

[0032] The wireless module 15 is also an essential part of the wireless communication device, and is a part for processing wireless communication with the access point 10 or a communication device (STA).

[0033] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless module 15 in Fig. 2. The interface 101 is connected to the other modules in Fig. 2 and exchanges various information and data. The transmission buffer 102 is a buffer that stores data to be transmitted.

[0034] The data frame construction unit 103 reads data from the transmission buffer 102 and constructs a data frame to be transmitted. The control frame setting unit 104 generates control frames such as a Block ACK frame and a trigger frame. The Block ACK frame is an example of an acknowledgment frame that indicates whether the received frame or data was successfully received.

[0035] The A-PPDU control unit 105 controls the generation of the A-PPDU and OFDMA according to the present disclosure. The frequency band management unit 106 prioritizes and manages frequencies or frequency bands that can be used for the A-PPDU and OFDMA.

[0036] The A-PPDU control unit 105, the frequency band management unit 106, the control frame setting unit 104, etc. correspond to the control unit of the present disclosure, as examples. The control unit of the present disclosure may control each block in FIG. 3 as a whole. The control unit may further include some or all of the functions of the control module 13 of FIG. 2. Furthermore, the control unit of the present disclosure may include some or all of the functions of the access control unit 108.

[0037] The transmission signal processing unit 107 performs encoding and modulation processes on the data to be transmitted to generate a radio signal.

[0038] The access control unit 108 performs access control necessary for transmitting frames.

[0039] The antenna unit 109 emits radio waves into space based on the radio signal from the transmission signal processing unit 107 , and also receives radio waves from space and outputs the radio signal to the reception signal processing unit 110 .

[0040] The received signal processing unit 110 performs demodulation processing and the like on the wireless signal received from the antenna unit 109 to extract information or frames. Types of frames that can be extracted include control frames, data frames, and management frames. The received signal processing unit 110 includes an extraction unit that extracts information or frames through demodulation processing.

[0041] A set of the transmission signal processing unit 107, the access control unit 108, the antenna unit 109, and the reception signal processing unit 110 is surrounded by a dashed line in the figure and constitutes a wireless communication unit. If the wireless communication device has a multi-link configuration, a wireless communication unit may be provided for each link of the multi-link. Alternatively, a set of these may be provided for each 80 MHz bandwidth according to the present technology.

[0042] The control frame determination unit 111 extracts information contained in the control frame extracted by the received signal processing unit 110, for example, information contained in a trigger frame or a Block ACK frame. The control frame determination unit 111 includes an extraction unit that extracts information from the frame.

[0043] The data frame analysis unit 112 extracts data, such as data of a real-time application, from the data frame extracted by the received signal processing unit 110. The data frame analysis unit 112 may include an extraction unit that extracts data from the data frame.

[0044] The receiving buffer 113 temporarily stores the extracted data.

[0045] Figure 4 shows the frequency configuration of the 6 GHz band applied to wireless LAN systems. This 6 GHz band is composed of UNII-5, UNII-6, UNII-7, and UNII-8 bands, and each band is configured to operate in coexistence with other existing primary systems.

[0046] The UNII-5 band consists of a frequency range from 5925 MHz to 6425 MHz, and this band can be used by applying Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) technology to coexist with existing primary systems.

[0047] The UNII-6 band consists of the frequency range from 6425 MHz to 6525 MHz, which is exempt from regulations regarding usage restrictions.

[0048] The UNII-7 band consists of a frequency band between 6525 MHz and 6875 MHz, and this band can be used by applying Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) technology to coexist with existing primary systems.

[0049] The UNII-8 band consists of the frequency range from 6875 MHz to 7125 MHz, which is exempt from the regulations regarding usage restrictions.

[0050] In other words, the latest wireless LAN devices are configured to use these frequency bands for ultra-high speed data communications, in addition to the previously available 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

[0051] Figure 4 also shows the channel configurations using this frequency band. That is, the channel configurations are shown by dividing the 6 GHz frequency band into multiple bands (frequency channels). The first row shows a frequency channel configuration using a 20 MHz bandwidth. 59 channel configurations are possible in this 6 GHz band. The second row shows a frequency channel configuration using a 40 MHz bandwidth. 29 channel configurations are possible in this 6 GHz band. The third row shows a frequency channel configuration using an 80 MHz bandwidth. 14 channel configurations are possible in this 6 GHz band. The fourth row shows a frequency channel configuration using a 160 MHz bandwidth. 7 channel configurations are possible in this 6 GHz band. The fifth row shows a frequency channel configuration using a 320 MHz bandwidth. 3 channel configurations are possible in this 6 GHz band. The bottom row shows a frequency channel configuration using, for example, a 640 MHz bandwidth. As shown in the second to bottom rows, when multiple 20 MHz bandwidths are used together (for example, when using a 320 MHz bandwidth), there is a problem that the frequencies used by each network will interfere with each other in part or in whole unless coordination is made with the surrounding networks (OBSS).

[0052] FIG. 5 shows an example in which a 320 MHz bandwidth is used as the wideband frequency width and is divided into four bandwidths.

[0053] In this example, a 320 MHz bandwidth is divided into four bandwidths (frequency channels) of 80 MHz each. Starting from the lowest frequency, they are configured as Ch. #1, Ch. #2, Ch. #3, and Ch. #4. In this disclosure, a priority is set for each frequency channel using a process described below (it is possible for the same priority to be set for two or more frequency channels). The wideband bandwidth, the divided bandwidth, and the number of priorities are not limited to specific ones. The wideband bandwidth and the divided bandwidth may be arbitrary, and the number of priorities may also be arbitrary.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of setting and managing priorities for four frequency channels (Ch) based on the channel configuration of Fig. 5. Here, initially, the access point 10 sets Ch. #1 as the highest priority primary channel (Primary 80), Ch. #2 as the next highest priority secondary channel (Secondary 80), Ch. #3 as the third highest priority tertiary channel (Tertiary 80), and Ch. #4 as the fourth highest priority quaternary channel (Quaternary 80).

[0055] With these priorities set, communication device 1 (STA1) detects a signal (interfering signal) from the OBSS on Channel #1 and determines from the measurement information of this signal that it cannot use Channel #1. Communication device 1 (STA1) then transmits a notification to access point 10 requesting a change in priority.

[0056] Upon receiving the notification, the access point 10 changes the priority of the frequency channels, for example, setting Ch.#2 as the highest priority primary channel (Primary 80), Ch.#3 as the next secondary channel (Secondary 80), Ch.#4 as the third tertiary channel (Tertiary 80), and Ch.#1 as the fourth quaternary channel (Quaternary 80).

[0057] After that, communication device 2 (STA2) detects a signal from the OBSS on Channel #2 and determines from the measurement information of this signal that it cannot use Channel #2. Communication device 2 (STA2) then transmits a notification to access point 10 requesting a change in priority.

[0058] Upon receiving the notification, the access point 10 changes the priority of the frequency channels by, for example, setting Ch.#4 as the highest priority primary channel (Primary 80), Ch.#3 as the next secondary channel (Secondary 80), Ch.#2 as the third tertiary channel (Tertiary 80), and Ch.#1 as the fourth quaternary channel (Quaternary 80).

[0059] In this way, the higher the priority, the more 80 MHz bandwidth is contiguous in the frequency domain, and the contiguous frequency channels in the frequency domain are managed to be used preferentially. This enables efficient frequency utilization. However, prioritization and management may also be performed based on other criteria.

[0060] FIG. 7 shows an example of configuring an A-PPDU in accordance with the priorities of four frequency channels based on the channel configuration of FIG. 6 described above.

[0061] In this example, an A-PPDU is constructed and transmitted from access point 10 to communication device 2 (STA2) using the primary channel (Primary 80) of Ch. #4, and from access point 10 to communication device 1 (STA1) using a combination of the secondary channel (Secondary 80) of Ch. #3 and the tertiary channel (Tertiary 80) of Ch. #2.

[0062] Furthermore, communication device 1 and communication device 2 demodulate the signal of their own frequency channel from the A-PPDU received from access point 10 to obtain a data frame and return a Block ACK frame. For example, communication device 2 (STA2) returns a Block ACK frame to access point 10 using the primary channel (Primary 80) of Ch. #4. At the same time, communication device 1 (STA1) returns a Block ACK frame to access point 10 using the secondary channel (Secondary 80) of Ch. #3, the tertiary channel (Tertiary 80) of Ch. #2, or both. In this example, Block ACK frames are transmitted simultaneously by Uplink Multiuser, but they may also be transmitted by single users at separate times. Also, a configuration is possible in which the Block ACK frame is not returned. For example, this may not be performed depending on the type of frame received in the A-PPDU or prior arrangements.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a communication sequence for managing priority according to the present disclosure.

[0064] In a network consisting of an access point 10, communication device 1 (STA1), and communication device 2 (STA2), first, the access point 10 sets provisional priorities for multiple frequency channels (Ch.#1 to Ch.#4) and notifies communication device 1 (STA1) and communication device 2 (STA2) of the set priority information.

[0065] In this example, the priority is set in the order of Ch.#1 to Ch.#4. If there is no problem with this setting (in this example, if no interference from OBSS is detected on the highest priority Ch), STA1 and STA2 agree with the priority setting and do not take any special action.

[0066] Here, if STA1 detects a signal from the OBSS on Ch.#1, STA1 will notify the access point 10 of a request to change the priority since it has detected interference on the highest priority frequency channel.

[0067] This request to change the priority may be notified as needed, and if use of a frequency channel with a low priority is detected, information on the frequency channel indicating whether communication to the device itself is possible may be notified instead of a request to change the priority.

[0068] On the other hand, upon receiving the priority change request, access point 10, upon receiving the notification from STA1, understands that Ch.#1 is being used in the OBSS and operates to change the priority. In this example, it raises the priorities of Ch.#2, Ch.#3, and Ch.#4 by one, changing Ch.#1 to the lowest priority, and notifies STA1 and STA2 of the change in priority.

[0069] After this, suppose that STA2 further detects a signal from the OBSS on Ch.#2. Having detected the use of the highest priority frequency channel, STA2 notifies the access point 10 of a priority change request.

[0070] Upon receiving the priority change request, the access point 10 recognizes from STA2 that Ch.#2 is being used in the OBSS and operates to change the priority. Here, the access point 10 operates to change the priority based on the fact that STA1 has an OBSS using Ch.#1 and STA2 has an OBSS using Ch.#2. That is, since Ch.#1 and Ch.#2 are being used in the OBSS, the access point 10 changes the priority to prioritize Ch.#4 toward Ch.#1, and notifies STA1 and STA2 of information indicating the changed priority (Ch.#4, Ch.#3, Ch.#2, Ch.#1).

[0071] Although it is possible to set the priority order as Ch#4, Ch#3, Ch#1, Ch#2, setting it as Ch#4, Ch#3, Ch#2, Ch#1 allows the priority to be higher in the order of bands that are close in frequency domain. This can enable efficient hardware usage depending on the hardware configuration of the access point. For example, if it is necessary to use the three highest-ranked Chs, using Chs in consecutive frequency bands can make band adjustment filtering easier.

[0072] In this way, by assigning priorities to the frequency channels to be used and managing them, it becomes possible to preferentially use frequencies in frequency channels that are not affected by OBSS.

[0073] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of implementing priority-based downlink communications in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0074] In a network consisting of an access point 10, a communication device 1 (STA1), and a communication device 2 (STA2), the access point 10 transmits a trigger frame specifying the frequency channels to be used to the communication devices STA1 and STA2 according to the priority of the multiple frequency channels prior to downlink data communication. This trigger frame corresponds to a second trigger frame that specifies the frequency channels to be used for downlink communication to STA1 and STA2.

[0075] In this example, Ch.#2 and Ch.#3 are designated for STA1, and Ch.#4 is designated for STA2. The access point 10 may also designate, in the trigger frame, the frequency channels to be used when STA1 and STA2 return Block ACK frames after downlink data communication.

[0076] After transmitting the trigger frame, the access point 10 generates PPDUs including data to be transmitted to STA1 and STA2, aggregates these PPDUs in the frequency domain based on the frequency channels assigned to each STA, and transmits the A-PPDU. STA1 and STA2 can extract and demodulate the signal of their own PPDU portion in the A-PPDU based on the frequency channels assigned to them.

[0077] Furthermore, each STA transmits a Block ACK frame in response to the received data. The Block ACK frame may be transmitted on a frequency channel notified to each communication device by a trigger frame or the like.

[0078] In this sequence, a trigger frame is used to notify each STA of the frequency channel to be used, etc., prior to the communication of downlink data, but the trigger frame is not necessarily required. The access point 10 may also be configured to directly construct an A-PPDU and transmit the A-PPDU as a PPDU frame to each communication device (STA1, STA2). If each STA does not know its own frequency channel in advance, it may attempt demodulation in order of priority, for example, to identify the PPDU addressed to that STA. Attempting demodulation in order of priority can increase the probability of detecting the PPDU addressed to that STA early.

[0079] Furthermore, each of STA1 and STA2 may simultaneously transmit a Block ACK frame (e.g., in Uplink Multiuser) using the same frequency channel on which it received the PPDU. STA1, which uses multiple frequency channels to receive PPDUs, may transmit a Block ACK frame on the frequency channel with the highest priority among the multiple frequency channels.

[0080] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of implementing priority-based uplink communications in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0081] In a network consisting of an access point 10, a communication device 1 (STA1), and a communication device 2 (STA2), the access point 10 obtains information indicating the demand for uplink communication from STA1 and STA2 in advance via a Buffer Status Report prior to uplink data communication.

[0082] Then, based on the acquired information indicating demand and the priorities of the multiple frequency channels, the access point 10 assigns frequency channels to be used by STA1 and STA2. Then, it transmits trigger frames specifying the assigned frequency channels to STA1 and STA2. This trigger frame corresponds to a first trigger frame that specifies the frequency channels to be used for uplink communication to STA1 and STA2.

[0083] In this example, Ch. #2 and Ch. #3 are designated for STA 1, and Ch. #4 is designated for STA 2. The access point 10 may also designate, in the trigger frame, information indicating the frequency channel to be used when returning a Block ACK frame after uplink data communication.

[0084] Upon receiving the trigger frame, communication device STA1 constructs (generates) a PPDU using Ch.#2 and Ch.#3, and communication device STA2, similarly, constructs (generates) a PPDU using Ch.#4. STA1 and STA2 then simultaneously transmit PPDUs to access point 10, and these PPDUs are received by access point 10 as A-PPDUs aggregated in the frequency domain. The A-PPDUs are transmitted, for example, at a timing specified in the trigger frame or after a predetermined time has elapsed since completion of reception of the trigger frame.

[0085] The access point 10 receives uplink data from multiple communication devices (STAs) simultaneously by receiving an A-PPDU, which is an aggregate of PPDUs from STA1 and STA2, using the frequency channel specified in the trigger frame.

[0086] Thereafter, the access point 10 may simultaneously transmit Block ACK frames for the data received from each STA on the frequency channels set for each STA (for example, by Downlink Multi-User transmission). The transmission of the Block ACK frames may be performed in a time-division manner. Alternatively, a single frame including all of the Block ACK frames for these STAs may be generated and transmitted to these STAs in common. Alternatively, when the access point 10 receives data from a STA using multiple frequency channels in uplink data communication, the access point 10 may transmit the Block ACK frame to the STA on the frequency channel with the highest priority among these multiple frequency channels. The Block ACK frame may also be transmitted to each STA by other methods.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a priority setup operation according to the present disclosure.

[0088] Here, an example is shown in which information setting the priority order of frequency channels is notified from the access point 10 (AP) to the communication device (STA).

[0089] Specifically, when it is determined to use broadband data communication during association processing, the access point 10 transmits a Channel Priority Setup Announce frame indicating the priority of the frequency channel to the communication device at any timing. The Channel Priority Setup Announce frame may be transmitted by broadcast or multicast.

[0090] The communication device (STA) that receives this Channel Priority Setup Announce frame does not need to return any special message if the set priority is acceptable. However, the STA may return a Channel Priority Response to indicate that it has confirmed the priority setting.

[0091] Here, if there is a frequency channel that is expected to become unavailable for communication addressed to itself, such as when the STA has a history of detecting a signal from the OBSS in the past (for example, within a certain period of time in the past), the STA may notify the Channel Priority Response by including information indicating that the frequency channel is unavailable for communication addressed to itself.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a priority change operation according to the present disclosure.

[0093] If a communication device (STA) determines that it needs to change its priority, such as when it detects a signal from a surrounding communication device that makes up an OBSS on a frequency channel with a high priority (for example, the highest frequency channel), it sends a Channel Priority Change Request requesting a change in priority.

[0094] Then, the access point 10 (AP) that has received the Channel Priority Change Request appropriately changes the priority of the frequency channel based on the information included in the Channel Priority Change Request, and transmits a Channel Priority Change Announce frame indicating the changed priority. The Channel Priority Change Announce may be transmitted by broadcast or multicast.

[0095] A communication device (STA) that receives the Channel Priority Change Announce frame understands the change in priority. In this case, the STA may return a Channel Priority Response as necessary.

[0096] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Channel Priority Setup Announce frame according to the present disclosure.

[0097] This frame has a PHY Preamble, which is a predetermined preamble, added, and also has MAC header information. A frame check sequence (FCS) for error detection is added to the end of the frame. The Channel Priority Setup Announce frame with the PHY Preamble added corresponds to an example of a PPDU. In reality, a PHY header including the PHY Preamble is added before the MAC header, and the PHY header may contain various PHY information in addition to the PHY Preamble. However, here, only the PHY Preamble is added to show the frame structure in a simplified manner (same below).

[0098] This frame is configured to specify the information to be notified by parameters configured as, for example, a Channel Priority Setup Information Element. This Channel Priority Setup Information Element includes a predetermined Element ID that identifies this Element, a Length that indicates the information length of this Element, and a Channel Priority Setup Parameter.

[0099] The Channel Priority Setup Parameters include Version, Primary 20 Channel, Secondary 20 Channel, and Secondary 40 Channel, which indicate version information, as parameters (fields) for using the conventional 80 MHz band. Furthermore, Primary 80 Channel, Secondary 80 Channel, Tertiary 80 Channel, and Quaternary 80 Channel are provided as parameters (fields) for managing frequency channels according to the priority order according to the present disclosure. The set of Primary 20 Channel, Secondary 20 Channel, and Secondary 40 Channel may be omitted because they are included in Primary 80 Channel. Some or all of the Primary 80 Channel, Secondary 80 Channel, Tertiary 80 Channel, and Quaternary 80 Channel may be identified by, for example, an index or ID that identifies the corresponding frequency band, or by other formats, such as values ​​indicating the upper and lower limits of a frequency range. As for the Secondary 80 Channel, it may be used since it is defined to utilize the 160 MHz band.

[0100] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Channel Priority Response frame according to the present disclosure.

[0101] This frame includes a preamble (PHY Preamble) and MAC header information. A frame check sequence (FCS) is added to the end of the frame for error detection.

[0102] This frame is configured to specify the information to be notified by parameters configured as, for example, a Channel Priority Response Information Element. This Channel Priority Response Information Element includes a Channel Priority Response Parameter in addition to a predetermined Element ID that identifies this Element and a Length that indicates the information length of the Element.

[0103] The Channel Priority Response Parameter includes a Version indicating version information, and parameters for managing frequency channels according to the priority order of the present disclosure include a Primary 80 Channel, a Secondary 80 Channel, a Tertiary 80 Channel, and a Quaternary 80 Channel. The parameters also include an Allowable Channel Bitmap indicating a bitmap of available frequency channels and a Disallowable Channel Bitmap indicating a bitmap of unavailable frequency channels. For example, if the Primary 80 Channel, the Secondary 80 Channel, the Tertiary 80 Channel, and the Quaternary 80 Channel are available, available, available, and unavailable, respectively, the Allowable Channel Bitmap is "1110" (1 is available, 0 is unavailable), and the Disallowable Channel Bitmap is "0001" (0 is available, 1 is unavailable). Only one of the Allowable Channel Bitmap and the Disallowable Channel Bitmap may be included. Alternatively, neither of these bitmaps may be included. Each bit in these bitmaps can be considered an example of quality information for the corresponding frequency channel.

[0104] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Channel Priority Change Request frame according to the present disclosure.

[0105] This frame includes a preamble (PHY Preamble) and MAC header information. A frame check sequence (FCS) is added to the end of the frame for error detection.

[0106] This frame is configured to specify the information to be notified by a parameter configured as, for example, a Channel Priority Change Request Information Element.

[0107] This Channel Priority Change Request Information Element includes a Channel Priority Change Request Parameter in addition to a predetermined Element ID that identifies this Element and Length that indicates the information length of the Element.

[0108] Channel Priority Change Request Parameters include parameters such as Station Type, Detect Channel, Detect Bandwidth, Detect Level, Detect Duration, Detect Interval, Signal Type, Detect Time, and Multi-Link Available. These parameters are examples of quality information for frequency channels detected as interfering. ・Station Type indicates the type of communication device. For example, if the communication device is IEEE802.11ax compliant, it is "HE" (High Efficiency), and if it is IEEE802.11be compliant, it is "EHT" (Extreme High Throughput). ・Detect Channel indicates the frequency channel detected as interfering with the signal from the OBSS. ・Detect Bandwidth indicates the bandwidth of the detected frequency channel. ・Detect Level indicates the signal strength of the detected frequency channel. ・Detect Duration indicates the time the frequency channel was detected. ・Detect Interval indicates the period at which the frequency channel is detected. ・Signal Type indicates the signal type of the detected frequency channel. ・Detect Time indicates the time the frequency channel was detected. - Multi-Link Available indicates whether notification is possible in multi-link operation.

[0109] Furthermore, this element may include Primary 80 Channel, Secondary 80 Channel, Tertiary 80 Channel, and Quaternary 80 Channel as parameters for implementing management according to the priority of frequency channels according to the present disclosure.

[0110] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Channel Priority Change Announce frame according to the present disclosure.

[0111] This frame includes a preamble (PHY Preamble) and MAC header information. A frame check sequence (FCS) is added to the end of the frame for error detection.

[0112] This frame is configured to specify the information to be notified by a parameter configured as, for example, a Channel Priority Change Announce Information Element.

[0113] This Channel Priority Change Announce Information Element includes a predetermined Element ID for identifying this Element, a Length indicating the information length of the Element, and a Priority Change Announce Parameter.

[0114] The Channel Priority Change Announce Parameters include Version, Primary 20 Channel, Secondary 20 Channel, and Secondary 40 Channel, which are parameters for using the conventional 80 MHz band.Furthermore, the parameters for managing frequency channels according to the priority order according to the present disclosure include Primary 80 Channel, Secondary 80 Channel, Tertiary 80 Channel, and Quaternary 80 Channel.

[0115] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a trigger frame.

[0116] The trigger frame contains information for generating and transmitting an A-PPDU in the Common Info field and User Info field, which effectively notifies the STA of the resource configuration for transmitting the A-PPDU.

[0117] This trigger frame includes a PHY Preamble, a MAC header, padding (if necessary), and a frame check sequence (FCS) for error detection. The MAC header includes Frame Control, which stores the frame format, Duration, RA, which indicates the receiving address information, TA, which indicates the sending address information, Common Info, which indicates common information for the trigger frame, and a User Info List, which indicates individual information for each user (STA) in the trigger frame.

[0118] This Common Info includes Trigger Type, which indicates the trigger frame format, UL Length, which indicates the uplink length, More TF, which indicates the training field, CS Required, UL BW, which indicates the uplink bandwidth, GI and HE-LTF Type, MU-MIMO HE-LTF mode, Num of HE-LTF Symbols and Midamble Periodicity, which indicate the number of HE-LTF symbols, UL STBC, EDCA Extra Symbol Segment, AP Tx Power, Pre-FEC Padding Factor, PE Disambiguity, UL Spatial Reuse, Doppler, UL HE-SIG-A2 Reserved, and Reserved, which indicates a reserved area for future expansion.

[0119] In this example, a value indicating that this frame is a trigger frame for A-PPDU (shown as "A-PPDU" in the figure) is specified in this Reserved field.

[0120] The User Info List includes User Info, which stores information to be notified for each user. User Info includes AID12, which identifies the target communication device (STA), RU Allocation, which specifies the resource units to be used for communication, UL FEC Coding Type, which indicates the coding format for uplink communication, UL HE-MCS or UL-DCM, which indicate the coding scheme for uplink communication, SS Allocation / RA-RU Info, which indicates the spatial multiplexing allocation and random access resource units, UL Target Receive Power, which indicates the received power of the uplink target, and Reserved, which indicates a reserved area for future expansion. Furthermore, Trigger Depend User Info is added as necessary as trigger-dependent user information. RU Allocation stores information indicating the frequency channel assigned to the STA. In this case, the information indicating the frequency channel may specify the resource unit if the frequency channel matches the bandwidth of the resource unit, or may specify two or more resource units if the frequency channel is identified by a set of two or more resource units.

[0121] In this example, a value indicating that the resource is allocated for A-PPDU (shown as "A-PPDU Allocation" in the figure) is specified in this Reserved field. This value may also be specified in Trigger Depend User Info.

[0122] Although FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of a trigger frame for uplink transmission, the configuration of a trigger frame for downlink transmission may also be defined in accordance with the configuration of FIG.

[0123] FIG. 18A is a diagram showing an example of an A-MPDU frame included in one of a plurality of PPDUs that make up an A-PPDU (also referred to as an A-PPDU data frame).

[0124] When multiple communication devices transmit A-PPDUs to an access point via uplink, each communication device transmits a PPDU containing an A-MPDU. These PPDUs are aggregated in the frequency domain and received by the access point as an A-PPDU. When an access point transmits A-PPDUs to each communication device via downlink, the PPDUs containing A-MPDUs for each communication device are aggregated in the frequency domain and transmitted as an A-PPDU. Each communication device receives the entire A-PPDU signal, but may demodulate a frequency channel available to the device and receive only the PPDU addressed to the device itself. However, this does not preclude each communication device from receiving a PPDU on a frequency channel used by another device and measuring the status of that frequency channel. Furthermore, if the frequency channel used by the device itself is unknown, it is not precluded from performing processing such as attempting demodulation on frequency channels with the highest priority.

[0125] A PPDU is constructed by adding a PHY preamble indicating a predetermined preamble to the A-MPDU. PPDUs in the illustrated format are transmitted in the uplink from multiple communication devices or from an access point, and then aggregated in the frequency axis direction to construct an A-PPDU.

[0126] An A-MPDU is composed of multiple MPDUs consecutively concatenated with each MPDU separated by a delimiter (D). Specifically, an A-PPDU Allocation flag is set in the QoS Control section of the MAC header contained in the subframe (MPDU) that makes up the A-MPDU. When this flag is set (for example, when the bit set in the flag is "1"), it indicates that PPDUs intended for other communication devices are aggregated and sent. An FCS is added to the end of the MPDU to determine whether there is an error in the MPDU.

[0127] FIG. 18B shows an example of aggregating multiple PPDUs in the frequency domain to form an A-PPDU. Here, six assumed channel allocation examples are shown. For example, in the example at the bottom left, STA1's PPDU is assigned to the P80 (Primary) Channel and the S80 (Secondary) Channel, respectively, and STA2's PPDU is assigned to the T80 (Tertiary) Channel and the Q80 (Quaternary) Channel, respectively, resulting in an A-PPDU in which four PPDUs are aggregated. In this case, the PPDU format for each frequency channel may be different or the same. It is also not necessary to use all four frequency channels. For example, if the T80 (Tertiary) Channel and the Q80 (Quaternary) Channel are unavailable to both STA1 and STA2, the A-PPDU is generated by assigning the STA1 PPDU to the P80 (Primary) Channel and the STA2 PPDU to the S80 (Secondary) Channel without using the T80 (Tertiary) Channel and the Q80 (Quaternary) Channel. Similarly, for other channel allocations, the A-PPDU is generated by assigning the PPDU to the corresponding frequency channel.

[0128] FIG. 18C is a diagram showing an example in which information indicating that an A-MPDU (or PPDU) is being transmitted as an A-PPDU is set in the delimiter (D) of an A-MPDU (A-PPDU data frame).

[0129] Here, a specific bit in the A-MPDU delimiter (D) is used to indicate that an A-MPDU (or PPDU) is being transmitted as an A-PPDU. This notification using the specific bit in the A-MPDU delimiter (D) may be made instead of setting the A-PPDU Allocation flag in the MAC header described above, or may be made in addition to setting the A-PPDU Allocation flag. Note that the specific bit in the A-MPDU delimiter (D) may be called an A-PPDU Allocation flag, similar to the A-PPDU Allocation flag included in QoS Control.

[0130] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Block ACK frame in the present disclosure.

[0131] When Block ACK frames are simultaneously transmitted from multiple communication devices as A-PPDUs, or when Block ACK frames are simultaneously transmitted from an access point to multiple communication devices as A-PPDUs, the configuration shown in the figure can be used as an example of the configuration of each Block ACK frame. That is, each PPDU simultaneously transmitted from multiple communication devices as A-PPDUs contains a Block ACK frame of the configuration example shown, and the PPDUs containing the Block ACK frames are aggregated and received as an A-PPDU at the access point. Also, each PPDU simultaneously transmitted from the access point to multiple communication devices contains a Block ACK frame, and the PPDUs containing the Block ACK frames are aggregated and received by each communication device. An FCS is added to the end of the Block ACK frame to determine whether an error exists in the Block ACK frame. A PHY Preamble is added before the Block ACK frame.

[0132] The A-PPDU Allocation flag is set in the BA Control included in the Block ACK frame, and when this flag is set (for example, when the value of the bit set in the flag is "1"), it indicates that PPDUs (PPDUs including the Block ACK frame) intended for other communication devices will be aggregated and sent. The BA Control included in the Block ACK frame also includes an option for a Change Priority Request that sets information indicating a request for a change in priority. The Change Priority Request can be set by the communication device (STA).

[0133] Note that a frame format used by a conventional method may be used instead of the Block ACK frame configuration shown in Fig. 19. In other words, an A-PPDU may be configured by multiplexing PPDUs including Block ACK frames, which have been used conventionally, in the frequency domain.

[0134] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing channel priority management by the access point 10.

[0135] The access point 10 first reads from memory the parameters of the maximum channel bandwidth that can be used in its own network (its own BSS) (S101). The access point 10 then estimates the maximum transmission data volume expected to be used by devices (here, application devices) connected to each communication device (STA) belonging to its own BSS (S102). The application device may be, for example, an application running on a game device when the communication device is installed in the game device. For example, the communication device may be a head-mounted display (HMD) and the application may be a VR app. The maximum transmission data volume may be estimated by communicating with the communication device to obtain necessary information, or by reading detailed information about the application device (e.g., the maximum communication speed required by the application device) from memory if the detailed information is stored in advance.

[0136] The access point 10 calculates the bandwidth required for its own BSS based on the estimated maximum transmission information volume, with the maximum channel bandwidth that can be operated in its own BSS as a constraint (S103). Here, as an example, it is assumed that a continuous bandwidth of 320 MHz is calculated as the wideband frequency channel. Other bandwidth sizes, such as a bandwidth of 640 MHz, may also be calculated.

[0137] In the case of a 320 MHz bandwidth, the allocation of frequency channels for a primary 80 MHz bandwidth is set (S104). As mentioned above, this primary 80 MHz (Primary 80) channel refers to a combination of a primary 20 MHz (Primary 20) channel, a secondary 20 MHz (Secondary 20) channel, and a secondary 40 MHz (Secondary 40) channel in order to maintain compatibility with the conventional 20 MHz bandwidth.

[0138] Here, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to set priorities for the wideband frequency channels according to the present disclosure (S105). For example, if there are other access points or communication devices operating in the same frequency band (6 GHz band) around the access point 10, or if there is a high possibility that they will exist, it may be determined that it is necessary to set priorities.

[0139] The access point 10 acquires the conditions for setting the priority order. For example, the access point 10 acquires parameters necessary for setting the priority order, such as dividing the 320 MHz band into four priority orders in 80 MHz increments (S106). The number of priority orders does not have to be four; for example, the 320 MHz band can be divided into eight priority orders in 40 MHz increments. Furthermore, the bandwidth calculated in step S103 does not have to be 320 MHz, and can be 640 MHz or less. The conditions for determining the overall bandwidth and how to divide the bandwidth may be statically determined in advance in the access point 10, or they may be dynamically determined by the access point 10 based on the number of communication devices belonging to its own BSS or the amount of data communication, or may be determined by other methods.

[0140] Based on the conditions acquired in step S106, a priority is set for each band (frequency channel) divided (S107). In this example, the frequency channel set with the primary 80 MHz (Primary 80) set above has the highest priority, and thereafter, a priority is set for each frequency channel in turn until the lowest priority is set. In this example, for example, if a 320 MHz band is divided into 80 MHz units, the frequency channel with the second highest priority, the secondary 80 MHz (Secondary 80), the frequency channel with the third highest priority, the tertiary 80 MHz (Tertiary 80), and the frequency channel with the fourth highest priority, are set. For example, if the bandwidth calculated in step S103 is divided into four, resulting in Ch#1, Ch#2, Ch#3, and Ch#4, each having an 80 MHz bandwidth, and one of these is set as the primary 80 MHz (Primary 80), the remaining three are set as the secondary 80 MHz (Secondary 80), tertiary 80 MHz (Tertiary 80), and quaternary 80 MHz (Quaternary 80), respectively. Setting the frequency channel to Primary 80 MHz (Primary 80) corresponds to assigning the first priority, setting the frequency channel to Secondary 80 MHz (Secondary 80) corresponds to assigning the second priority, setting the frequency channel to Tertiary 80 MHz (Tertiary 80) corresponds to assigning the third priority, and setting the frequency channel to Quaternary 80 MHz (Quaternary 80) corresponds to assigning the fourth priority. The current assignment (or setting) of priorities may be performed based on the conditions acquired in step S106. This condition may be, for example, assigning a priority to each frequency channel in ascending or descending order of frequency in the frequency domain, or assigning a priority to each frequency channel in a random manner, or measuring the communication quality of each frequency channel and assigning a priority to each frequency channel according to the measurement result.

[0141] When priorities are set for a plurality of frequency channels in the wideband frequency channel, the access point 10 transmits a Change Priority Setup Announce frame (see FIG. 13) (S109).

[0142] After that, when the access point 10 receives a Channel Priority Change Request frame from the communication device (STA) (S110), it obtains the Channel Priority Change Request parameters from the frame (S111) and obtains the current Change Priority setting parameter information from memory (S112).

[0143] The access point 10 determines whether a change in the priority of each frequency channel (Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, and Ch. 4 in this example) is necessary (S113). If necessary, the access point 10 changes the priority (S114) and transmits a Channel Priority Change Announce frame (see FIG. 16) including the changed priority (S115). The priority change may be performed to have little or no impact on other communication devices belonging to its own BSS, including the communication device that sent the Channel Priority Change Request (referred to as the requesting communication device). For example, if there is an available frequency channel other than the frequency channel where the interference is detected by the other communication device, the priority may be changed to lower the priority of the detected frequency channel. If there is no available frequency channel other than the frequency channel where the interference is detected by the other communication device, it may be determined that a change in priority is unnecessary. If the frequency channel where the interference is detected currently has the lowest priority, it may be determined that a change in priority is unnecessary.

[0144] Note that if there is a frequency channel that basically needs to be monitored by all communication devices, such as a frequency channel used for broadcast transmission to all communication devices belonging to the own BSS, that frequency channel may be set as the frequency channel with the highest priority (Primary 80 channel in this example), and a frequency channel on which no interference is detected by all communication devices may be assigned to the Primary 80 channel. Furthermore, if interference is detected on all frequency channels by some communication devices, the frequency channel on which the fewest communication devices experience interference or the lowest level of interference may be set to the Primary 80 channel. Furthermore, to ensure a continuous band, if there are multiple frequency channels on which no interference is detected other than the frequency channel assigned to the Primary 80 channel, the more consecutive the frequency channels are in the frequency domain, the higher the priority may be set to the Primary 80 channel.

[0145] Furthermore, when the access point 10 receives a Channel Priority Response frame (see FIG. 14) from a communication device in response to the Channel Priority Change Announce frame (S116), the access point 10 acquires a Channel Priority Response parameter stored in the received frame (S117), and detects and sets a group of frequency channels available for communication with the communication device from the Allowable Channel Bitmap, etc., included in the Channel Priority Response parameter (S118).

[0146] Returning to step S110, the above-described series of priority change processes are repeated, thereby ensuring that the priority of each frequency channel and the information on frequency channels available to each communication device are always updated to the latest state.

[0147] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing channel priority management in a communication device (STA).

[0148] When a communication device (STA) that constitutes a network receives a Channel Priority Setup Announce frame (see FIG. 13) from the access point 10 to which it is connected (S201), it acquires the Channel Priority Setup parameters stored in the frame (S202).

[0149] On the other hand, when the communication device receives a Channel Priority Change Announce frame (see FIG. 16) from the access point 10 (S203), the communication device also acquires the Priority Change Announce parameters stored in the frame (S204).

[0150] The communication device acquires, for example, information on the highest Primary 80 channels from the parameters acquired in step S202 or S204 (S205).

[0151] Then, the highest Primary 80 channel is checked for signal interference with the OBSS (S206). If an interfering signal is detected (S207), measurement information of the signal where interference was detected is acquired (S208), and the acquired information is converted into numerical information for reporting, thereby setting a Channel Priority Change Request parameter (see FIG. 15) (S209). Then, a Channel Priority Change Request frame including the Channel Priority Change Request parameter is transmitted (S210).

[0152] On the other hand, if no signal is detected in the highest frequency channel, the signal interference situation with the OBSS in the next lower frequency channel is checked (S211), and if an interfering signal is detected (S212), that frequency channel is set as an unavailable or difficult frequency channel (S213), and if no interfering signal is detected, that frequency channel is set as an available channel (S214).

[0153] The signal detection level here is configured to be detected when a predetermined reception field strength is exceeded, but the detection threshold may be different for each frequency channel.

[0154] This process is repeated until the lowest frequency channel is checked (S215).

[0155] Then, availability information is set for all the frequency channels of the priority order (S216), and the availability information is included in a Channel Priority Response frame and transmitted to the access point 10 (S217).

[0156] Returning to step S201, this series of priority change processing and response processing is repeated, and the communication device continues to operate so that the availability information is updated to the latest state.

[0157] 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of downlink communication using A-PPDU. Here, an example is shown in which the access point 10 multiplexes (aggregates) data (PPDUs) to multiple communication devices (STAs) on the downlink and transmits the multiplexed PPDUs as A-PPDUs.

[0158] The access point 10 determines whether a certain amount of data or more exists for each communication device in the transmission buffer 102 (S301), and if so, acquires all address information of the communication devices that will receive the data (S302), and selects one communication device (S303). The communication device to be selected may be, for example, the communication device with the largest amount of information among the communication devices whose address information has been acquired.

[0159] The access point 10 acquires current priority setting information (Channel Priority setting information) (S304), and also acquires information on available frequency channels in the selected communication device (quality information on each frequency channel in the communication device) (S305).Based on the Channel Priority, the access point 10 determines the bandwidth to be used for transmission to the selected communication device (S306).

[0160] If there is an available frequency channel in that bandwidth (S307), that frequency channel is set as the frequency channel to be used for the A-PPDU (S308), and a PPDU addressed to that communication device is constructed (S309).

[0161] On the other hand, if there is no available frequency channel of that bandwidth, and there is a frequency channel of part of that bandwidth that is available (S310), the frequency channel of that part of the bandwidth is set as the frequency channel to be used for the A-PPDU (S311), and a PPDU addressed to that communication device is constructed (S312).

[0162] In this way, the access point 10 determines the bandwidth or frequency channel to be allocated to the communication device from these frequency channels based on the priority of use of each frequency channel and the quality information of each frequency channel in the communication device, and constructs a PPDU addressed to that communication device.

[0163] A check is made to see if a certain amount of data or more is still present in the transmission buffer 102 for all unselected communication devices (S301), and as long as data destined for an unselected communication device is present in the transmission buffer, the operation of selecting a communication device from the unselected communication devices and constructing a PPDU destined for the selected communication device is repeated.

[0164] If there are no unselected communication devices with a certain amount of data or more in the transmission buffer 102, all PPDUs constructed in steps S309 and S312 are obtained (S313), and these PPDUs are multiplexed in the frequency axis direction to generate an A-PPDU (S314).

[0165] If it is necessary for the communication devices to return an ACK in response to the A-PPDU (S315), the access point 10 sets a frequency channel (frequency resource) for returning the ACK individually for each communication device (S316).

[0166] Furthermore, if it is necessary to transmit a trigger frame prior to downlink transmission (S317), the access point 10 generates a trigger frame (second trigger frame) including resource information (information on the frequency channels used by each communication device, etc.) required to configure an A-PPDU (S318). At this time, if information on frequency resources for returning ACKs has been set in step S316, the information on these frequency resources for returning ACKs is included in the trigger frame.

[0167] After this, if the access point has generated a trigger frame, it transmits the trigger frame prior to downlink data communication, and after a certain time has elapsed since the transmission of the trigger frame, it transmits the A-PPDU generated in step S314. If the access point has not generated a trigger frame, it can transmit the A-PPDU immediately.

[0168] 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of uplink communication using A-PPDU. Here, an example is shown in which the access point 10 receives data (PPDU) from multiple communication devices (STAs) as A-PPDU on the uplink.

[0169] First, the access point 10 collects buffer status reports from each communication device (STA) (S401) and determines whether there is a demand for uplink transmission. For example, if there are a predetermined number or more communication devices that have data to transmit on the uplink, or if there are a predetermined number or more communication devices that have a certain amount of data to transmit on the uplink, it is determined that there is a demand. The predetermined number may be 1, 2, or more. If the access point 10 determines that there is a demand for uplink transmission (S402), it acquires address information of the communication devices (STA) that have a demand for uplink transmission (S403), and selects the communication device with the greatest demand from among the communication devices that have a demand for uplink transmission (S404).

[0170] The access point 10 acquires information on the current priority order of frequency channels (S405) and also acquires information on available frequency channels for the selected communication device (S406).The access point 10 determines the bandwidth to be used by the A-PPDU addressed to the selected communication device (S407).

[0171] If there is an available frequency channel in that bandwidth (S408), that frequency channel is set as the frequency channel to be used for A-PPDU (S409).

[0172] On the other hand, if there is no available frequency channel in that bandwidth, and if there is an available frequency channel that is part of that bandwidth (S410), that frequency channel is set as the frequency channel to be used by A-PPDU (S411).

[0173] It is checked whether there are any communication devices among the unselected communication devices that have a demand for uplink data transmission (S402), and if there are any, a communication device is selected from the unselected communication devices and a utilization channel for the selected communication device is set up, and this process is repeated.

[0174] If no such communication device exists, it is determined whether a usage channel for uplink data transmission has been set for at least one communication device (S412).If a communication device for which a usage channel has been set exists, the setting information of the uplink frequency channel for each communication device is obtained (S413), and uplink data resources are allocated based on the obtained information (S414).

[0175] If the access point 10 is able to generate a trigger frame (S415), it generates a trigger frame (first trigger frame) for uplink data transmission (S416). For example, if the frequency channel used for transmission is busy (or the like) and the A-PPDU frame cannot be transmitted, the access point 10 suspends generation of the A-PPDU trigger frame and generates a trigger frame when it becomes available. Alternatively, if the frequency channel is unavailable for a long period of time or if the connection with one of the communication devices targeted for uplink transmission is suddenly disconnected, the access point 10 may cancel the processing up to that point and start again from step S401.

[0176] Furthermore, if it is necessary for the access point 10 to return a Block ACK in response to uplink data from the communication device (S417), the access point 10 sets parameters for a multi-user Block ACK frame (S418).

[0177] After this, the access point 10 transmits a trigger frame to each communication device to instruct these communication devices to perform uplink transmission. After transmitting the trigger frame, the access point 10 receives PPDUs transmitted in the uplink from these communication devices at a predetermined timing as A-PPDUs. If a Block ACK return is required, the access point 10 transmits a multi-user Block ACK frame based on the parameters set in step S418.

[0178] (Effects of the Present Disclosure) As described above, according to the present embodiment, by assigning priorities to and managing the frequency channels to be used, the access point assigns higher priority to frequency channels that can be used stably in the frequency band to be used, thereby enabling the access point to operate its own network more stably.

[0179] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when transmitting from a communication device to an access point or from an access point to a communication device, a frequency channel in which interference from an OBSS is detected at the communication device is used, thereby enabling stable communication using a wide bandwidth.

[0180] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication device notifies the access point of measurement information on interference signals from the OBSS, which allows the access point to easily determine the priority of frequency channels that enable stable operation. Furthermore, the communication device notifies the access point of information on unavailable frequency channels based on the measurement results of interference signals, thereby limiting the frequency channels that the access point operates between the communication device and the access point to frequency channels with good communication quality, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0181] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, communication is not carried out using only frequency channels that can be used by all destination communication devices, but rather wideband A-PPDUs are transmitted simultaneously to multiple destinations using frequency channels that can be used by each communication device, thereby improving channel utilization efficiency.

[0182] <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.

[0183] FIG. 24 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.

[0184] 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 .

[0185] An input / output interface 805 is further 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. Information related to the present technology, for example, information about the channels that make up the A-PPDU, may be output from the output unit 807. In addition, a storage unit 808 including a hard disk or nonvolatile memory, a communication unit 809 including a network interface, etc., and a drive 810 that drives removable media 811 are connected to the input / output interface 805.

[0186] In the computer configured as 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 the program. For example, the CPU 801 may execute a processing program corresponding to the flowcharts of Figures 20 to 23 of the present technology.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] <Application Examples> The present technology can be applied to various products. For example, the access point 10 and the communication device (STA) 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 printer, a digital scanner, or a network storage; or an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation system. The access point 10 and the communication device (STA) may also be realized as a machine-to-machine communication (M2M) terminal such as a smart meter, a vending machine, a remote monitoring device, or a point-of-sale (POS) terminal. Furthermore, the access point 10 and the communication device (STA) may be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module configured on a single die) mounted on these terminals.

[0190] On the other hand, for example, the access point 10 or the communication device (STA) may be realized as a wireless LAN AP (wireless base station) with or without router functionality. The access point 10 or the communication device (STA) may also be realized as a mobile wireless LAN router. Furthermore, the access point 10 or the communication device (STA) may be a wireless communication module (for example, an integrated circuit module configured on a single die) mounted on these devices.

[0191] <Configuration Example of Smartphone> FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a smartphone to which the present technology is applied.

[0192] 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.

[0193] The processor 901 may be, for example, a CPU or a SoC (System on Chip), and controls the functions of the application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900.

[0194] The memory 902 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data executed by the processor 901 .

[0195] The storage 903 includes a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk.

[0196] 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 .

[0197] 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.

[0198] The sensor 907 includes a group of sensors such as a positioning sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor.

[0199] The microphone 908 converts the sound input to the smartphone 900 into an audio signal.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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 of the smartphone 900. The speaker 911 converts an audio signal output from the smartphone 900 into audio.

[0202] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, and 11bn, and performs wireless communication.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] In addition to the wireless LAN system, the wireless communication interface 913 may support other types of wireless communication systems, such as short-range wireless communication systems such as Bluetooth, proximity wireless communication systems such as NFC, or 3GPP cellular communication systems such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G.

[0207] 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 .

[0208] The antenna 915 has a single or multiple antenna elements (for example, 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.

[0209] 25 , 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] The battery 918 supplies power to each block of the smartphone 900 shown in Fig. 25 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.

[0212] 25, for example, the units in FIG. 2 or the units in FIG. 3 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. For example, processing programs corresponding to the flowcharts in FIG. 20 to FIG. 23 may be executed 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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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 on which each unit in Fig. 2 or each unit in Fig. 3 is implemented is configured to receive power from the same battery 918 as at least one of the display device 910, speaker 911, and biometric authentication unit.

[0215] 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, for example, information relating to channels constituting the A-PPDU, may be output from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911.

[0216] <Configuration Example of In-Vehicle Device> FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device 920 to which the present technology is applied.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data executed by the processor 921 .

[0220] 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.

[0221] The sensor 925 includes a group of sensors such as a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an air pressure sensor.

[0222] 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.

[0223] The content player 927 plays content stored on a storage medium (e.g., a CD or DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface 928 or content received via the wireless communication interface 933 .

[0224] 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.

[0225] The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD or OLED display, and displays images of the navigation function or the content being played, as well as information related to the present technology, such as information related to the channels that make up the A-PPDU.

[0226] The speaker 931 outputs the audio of the navigation function or the content being played.

[0227] 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.

[0228] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, and 11bn, 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.

[0229] 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, or related circuits. In addition to the WLAN system, the wireless communication interface 933 may support other types of wireless communication systems, such as a short-range wireless communication system such as Bluetooth, a proximity wireless communication system such as NFC, or a 3GPP cellular communication system such as 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G.

[0230] The antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of the antenna 935 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933 .

[0231] The antenna 935 has a single or multiple antenna elements and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 933 .

[0232] 26, 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.

[0233] The battery 938 supplies power to each block of the in-vehicle device 920 shown in Fig. 26 via a power supply line partially indicated by a dashed line in the figure. The battery 938 also stores power supplied from the vehicle side.

[0234] 26, for example, the units in FIG. 2 or the units in FIG. 3 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. For example, processing programs corresponding to the flowcharts in FIG. 20 to FIG. 23 may be executed in the wireless communication interface 933. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 921.

[0235] The wireless communication interface 933 may also operate as the above-mentioned access point 10 or communication device (STA) and provide wireless connection to a terminal owned by a user in the vehicle.

[0236] 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.

[0237] <Configuration Example of Wireless AP> FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP 950 to which the present technology is applied.

[0238] 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 .

[0239] 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).

[0240] 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).

[0241] The input device 954 includes, for example, buttons and switches, and receives operations from the user.

[0242] The display device 955 includes an LED lamp or the like and displays the operation status of the wireless AP 950. The display device 955 may display information related to the present technology, for example, information related to the channels that constitute the A-PPDU.

[0243] 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).

[0244] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, and 11bn, and provides wireless connection to nearby terminals as an AP.

[0245] The wireless communication interface 963 typically includes a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, and the like.

[0246] 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.

[0247] The antenna switch 964 switches the connection of the antenna 965 between multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 963. The antenna 965 has a single or multiple antenna elements and is used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals via the wireless communication interface 963.

[0248] 27, for example, the units in FIG. 2 or the units in FIG. 3 may also be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. For example, processing programs corresponding to the flowcharts in FIG. 20 to FIG. 23 may be executed in the wireless communication interface 963. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the controller 951.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] 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.

[0258] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the components can be modified and embodied in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be created by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0259] Furthermore, the effects of the present disclosure described in this specification are merely examples, and other effects may also be present.

[0260] The present disclosure may also be configured as follows. [Item 1] A wireless communication device capable of communicating with multiple communication devices using multiple frequency channels simultaneously, comprising a control unit that determines frequency channels to be assigned to the multiple communication devices from the multiple frequency channels based on usage priorities of the multiple frequency channels and quality information of the multiple frequency channels for the multiple communication devices, and generates A-PPDUs (Aggregate PPDUs) by aggregating PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) addressed to the multiple communication devices in the frequency domain based on the frequency channels assigned to the multiple communication devices, wherein the control unit controls transmission of the A-PPDUs. [Item 2] The wireless communication device according to Item 1, wherein the multiple frequency channels are channels having individual bandwidths obtained by dividing a wide bandwidth into multiple parts. [Item 3] The wireless communication device according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines frequency channels that can be used by the communication devices based on the quality information of the communication devices, assigns a higher priority to frequency channels that are used by a larger number of communication devices, and preferentially uses the frequency channels with the higher priority to generate the A-PPDUs. [Item 4] The wireless communication device according to Item 3, wherein the control unit sets the priority order so that the higher the priority order, the greater the number of consecutive frequency channels in the frequency domain. [Item 5] The wireless communication device according to Item 3 or 4, wherein the control unit determines a bandwidth required for the communication device based on an amount of information that needs to be transmitted to the communication device, and determines a frequency channel to be assigned to the communication device based on the determined bandwidth. [Item 6] The wireless communication device according to Item 5, wherein, if a frequency channel having the determined bandwidth does not exist, the control unit selects a frequency channel having a bandwidth corresponding to a portion of the bandwidth, and assigns the selected frequency channel to the communication device.[Item 7] The wireless communication device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the control unit generates a first trigger frame including information instructing the plurality of communication devices to simultaneously transmit PPDUs using the frequency channels assigned to the plurality of communication devices, the control unit controls transmission of the first trigger frame, and the control unit controls reception of the PPDUs transmitted from the plurality of communication devices in response to the first trigger frame as A-PPDUs in which the PPDUs are aggregated in the frequency domain. [Item 8] The wireless communication device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of communication devices belong to a first network formed by the wireless communication device, and the control unit acquires, as the quality information, interference signals for the plurality of frequency channels measured by the communication devices based on signals received from a second network formed by another wireless communication device different from the wireless communication device, and determines priorities of the plurality of frequency channels based on the acquired quality information. [Item 9] The wireless communication device according to item 8, wherein the control unit determines unavailable frequency channels and available frequency channels for use with the communication device according to the quality information, and assigns a lower priority to the unavailable frequency channels than to the available frequency channels. [Item 10] The wireless communication device according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the PPDU in the A-PPDU includes information indicating that the PPDU is being transmitted simultaneously with other PPDUs in the A-PPDU.[Item 11] The wireless communication device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the control unit controls transmission of a second trigger frame including instruction information instructing the plurality of communication devices to receive PPDUs transmitted from the wireless communication device using frequency channels allocated to the communication device and other communication devices, and information indicating a frequency channel to be used for transmitting to the wireless communication device an acknowledgement frame indicating whether reception of the frame included in the PPDU was successful, and controls transmission of the A-PPDU after the second trigger frame; and the control unit controls reception of the plurality of PPDUs including the acknowledgement frame transmitted from the communication device and the other communication devices as A-PPDUs in which the plurality of PPDUs are aggregated in the frequency domain. [Item 12] A wireless communication method capable of communicating with a plurality of communication devices using a plurality of frequency channels simultaneously, comprising: determining frequency channels to be allocated to the plurality of communication devices from the plurality of frequency channels based on a priority order for use of the plurality of frequency channels and quality information of the plurality of frequency channels in the plurality of communication devices; generating A-PPDUs (Aggregate PPDUs) by aggregating PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) addressed to the plurality of communication devices in the frequency domain based on the frequency channels allocated to the plurality of communication devices; and transmitting the A-PPDUs to the plurality of communication devices.[Item 13] A wireless communication device that communicates with an access point, comprising: a control unit that acquires information about frequency channels allocated by the wireless communication device in accordance with a priority order for use of multiple frequency channels at the access point and quality information about the multiple frequency channels at the wireless communication device, wherein the control unit controls reception of an A-PPDU (Aggregate PPDU), in which multiple PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) transmitted from the access point on the multiple frequency channels are aggregated in the frequency domain, and the control unit controls extraction of a PPDU addressed to the wireless communication device from the A-PPDU based on the information about the allocated frequency channels. [Item 14] The wireless communication device according to Item 13, wherein the multiple frequency channels are channels having individual bandwidths obtained by dividing a wide bandwidth into multiple parts. [Item 15] The wireless communication device according to item 13 or 14, wherein the control unit controls reception of a first trigger frame including instruction information instructing the wireless communication device and the other wireless communication devices to simultaneously transmit PPDUs using frequency channels assigned by the access point to the wireless communication device and the other wireless communication devices, the control unit controls transmission of the PPDUs in accordance with the instruction information included in the first trigger frame, and the transmitted PPDUs are aggregated in the frequency domain with the PPDUs transmitted from the other wireless communication devices and received by the access point as A-PPDUs. [Item 16] The wireless communication device according to any one of items 13 to 15, wherein the wireless communication device belongs to a first network formed by the access point, the control unit acquires quality information of the multiple frequency channels by measuring interference signals received from a second network formed by another access point different from the access point, and the control unit controls transmission of a request to change the priority of the multiple frequency channels based on the quality information.[Item 17] The wireless communication device according to Item 16, wherein the control unit identifies frequency channels that are available for use by the wireless communication device and frequency channels that are unavailable for use based on the quality information, and the control unit controls to transmit information that identifies at least one of the available frequency channels and the unavailable frequency channels. [Item 18] The wireless communication device according to Item 16 or 17, wherein the control unit controls to transmit the change request when a frequency channel with the highest priority becomes unavailable based on the quality information. Item 19. The wireless communication device according to any one of Items 13 to 18, wherein the control unit controls to receive a second trigger frame including instruction information instructing the wireless communication device and the other wireless communication device to receive PPDUs using frequency channels assigned by the access point to the wireless communication device and the other wireless communication device, and information indicating a frequency channel to be used for transmitting to the access point an acknowledgement frame indicating whether or not the reception of the frame included in the PPDU was successful, and controls to receive the A-PPDU transmitted from the access point after the second trigger frame; the control unit controls to extract the PPDU by demodulating a signal on the frequency channel indicated by the instruction information included in the second trigger frame; and the control unit controls to transmit to the access point a PPDU including the acknowledgement frame indicating whether or not the reception of the frame included in the extracted PPDU was successful, and the PPDU including the acknowledgement frame is aggregated in the frequency domain with PPDUs including the acknowledgement frame transmitted from the other wireless communication device, and received by the access point as an A-PPDU.[Item 20] A wireless communication method executed in a wireless communication device that communicates with an access point, comprising: acquiring information on frequency channels allocated by the wireless communication device according to a priority order for use of multiple frequency channels at the access point and quality information on the multiple frequency channels at the wireless communication device; receiving an A-PPDU (Aggregate PPDU) in which multiple PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) transmitted from the access point on the multiple frequency channels are aggregated in the frequency domain; and extracting a PPDU addressed to the wireless communication device from the A-PPDU based on the information on the allocated frequency channels.

[0261] 1 Communication device 2 Communication device 5 OBSS device 6 OBSS device 10 Access point 11 Network module 12 Input module 13 Device control unit 13 Control module 14 Output module 15 Wireless module 101 Interface 102 Transmission buffer 103 Data frame construction unit 104 Control frame setting unit 105 A-PPDU control unit 106 Frequency band management unit 107 Transmission signal processing unit 108 Access control unit 109 Antenna unit 110 Received signal processing unit 111 Control frame determination unit 112 Data frame analysis unit 113 Receive buffer 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 interface934 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 wireless communication device capable of communicating with multiple communication devices using multiple frequency channels simultaneously, comprising a control unit that determines frequency channels to be allocated to the multiple communication devices from the multiple frequency channels based on a priority order for use of the multiple frequency channels and quality information of the multiple frequency channels in the multiple communication devices, and generates A-PPDUs (Aggregate PPDUs) by aggregating PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) addressed to the multiple communication devices in the frequency domain based on the frequency channels assigned to the multiple communication devices, wherein the control unit controls the transmission of the A-PPDUs.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of frequency channels are channels having individual bandwidths obtained by dividing a wide bandwidth into a plurality of channels.

3. The wireless communication device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a frequency channel that can be used by the communication device based on the quality information of the communication device, sets a higher priority for a frequency channel that is available to a greater number of communication devices, and generates the A-PPDU by preferentially using the frequency channel with the higher priority.

4. The wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit sets the priority order such that the higher the priority order, the greater the number of consecutive frequency channels in the frequency domain.

5. The wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines a bandwidth required for the communication device based on an amount of information that needs to be transmitted to the communication device, and determines a frequency channel to be assigned to the communication device based on the determined bandwidth.

6. The wireless communication device according to claim 5, wherein, if a frequency channel having the determined bandwidth does not exist, the control unit selects a frequency channel having a bandwidth corresponding to a portion of the determined bandwidth, and assigns the selected frequency channel to the communication device.

7. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the control unit generates a first trigger frame including information instructing the multiple communication devices to simultaneously transmit PPDUs using the frequency channels assigned to each of the multiple communication devices, the control unit controls the transmission of the first trigger frame, and the control unit controls the reception of the PPDUs transmitted from the multiple communication devices in response to the first trigger frame as A-PPDUs in which the PPDUs are aggregated in the frequency domain.

8. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple communication devices belong to a first network formed by the wireless communication device, and the control unit acquires, as the quality information, interference signals for the multiple frequency channels measured by the communication devices based on signals received from a second network formed by another wireless communication device different from the wireless communication device, and determines priorities of the multiple frequency channels based on the acquired quality information.

9. The wireless communication device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit determines which frequency channels cannot be used with the communication device and which frequency channels can be used, depending on the quality information, and gives the priority of the frequency channels that cannot be used lower than that of the frequency channels that can be used.

10. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the PPDU in the A-PPDU includes information indicating that the PPDU is being transmitted simultaneously with other PPDUs in the A-PPDU.

11. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the transmission of a second trigger frame including instruction information instructing the multiple communication devices to receive a PPDU transmitted from the wireless communication device using a frequency channel assigned to the communication device and other communication devices, and information indicating a frequency channel to be used for transmitting to the wireless communication device an acknowledgement frame indicating whether reception of the frame included in the PPDU was successful or not, and controls the transmission of the A-PPDU after the second trigger frame; and the control unit controls the reception of multiple PPDUs including the acknowledgement frame transmitted from the communication device and the other communication devices as an A-PPDU in which the multiple PPDUs are aggregated in the frequency domain.

12. A wireless communication method capable of communicating with a plurality of communication devices using a plurality of frequency channels simultaneously, comprising: determining frequency channels to be allocated to the plurality of communication devices from the plurality of frequency channels based on a priority order for use of the plurality of frequency channels and quality information of the plurality of frequency channels in the plurality of communication devices; generating A-PPDUs (Aggregate PPDUs) by aggregating PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) addressed to the plurality of communication devices in the frequency domain based on the frequency channels allocated to the plurality of communication devices; and transmitting the A-PPDUs to the plurality of communication devices.

13. A wireless communication device that communicates with an access point, comprising a control unit that acquires information of frequency channels allocated by the wireless communication device according to a priority order for use of multiple frequency channels at the access point and quality information of the multiple frequency channels at the wireless communication device, wherein the control unit controls reception of an A-PPDU (Aggregate PPDU) in which multiple PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) transmitted from the access point on the multiple frequency channels are aggregated in the frequency domain, and the control unit controls extraction of a PPDU addressed to the wireless communication device from the A-PPDU based on the information of the allocated frequency channel.

14. The wireless communication device according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of frequency channels are channels having individual bandwidths obtained by dividing a wide bandwidth into a plurality of channels.

15. The wireless communication device described in claim 13, wherein the control unit controls the reception of a first trigger frame including instruction information instructing the wireless communication device and other wireless communication devices to simultaneously transmit PPDUs using frequency channels assigned by the access point to the wireless communication device and other wireless communication devices, the control unit controls the transmission of the PPDU in accordance with the instruction information included in the first trigger frame, and the transmitted PPDU is aggregated in the frequency domain with the PPDU transmitted from the other wireless communication devices and received by the access point as an A-PPDU.

16. The wireless communication device according to claim 13, wherein the wireless communication device belongs to a first network formed by the access point, the control unit acquires quality information of the multiple frequency channels by measuring interference signals received from a second network formed by another access point different from the access point, and the control unit performs control to transmit a request to change the priority of the multiple frequency channels based on the quality information.

17. The wireless communication device described in claim 16, wherein the control unit identifies frequency channels that are available and unavailable for the wireless communication device based on the quality information, and the control unit controls the transmission of information that identifies at least one of the available frequency channels and the unavailable frequency channels.

18. The wireless communication device according to claim 16, wherein the control unit performs control to transmit the change request when the frequency channel with the highest priority becomes unavailable based on the quality information.

19. The wireless communication device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit controls to receive a second trigger frame including instruction information instructing the wireless communication device and the other wireless communication device to receive a PPDU using a frequency channel assigned by the access point to the wireless communication device and the other wireless communication device, and information indicating a frequency channel to be used for transmitting to the access point an acknowledgement frame indicating whether or not reception of the frame included in the PPDU was successful, and controls to receive the A-PPDU transmitted from the access point after the second trigger frame; the control unit controls to extract the PPDU by demodulating a signal of the frequency channel indicated by the instruction information included in the second trigger frame; the control unit controls to transmit to the access point a PPDU including the acknowledgement frame indicating whether or not reception of the frame included in the extracted PPDU was successful, and the PPDU including the acknowledgement frame is aggregated in the frequency domain with a PPDU including an acknowledgement frame transmitted from the other wireless communication device, and received by the access point as an A-PPDU.

20. A wireless communication method executed in a wireless communication device communicating with an access point, comprising: acquiring information of a frequency channel allocated by the wireless communication device according to a priority order for use of a plurality of frequency channels in the access point and quality information of the plurality of frequency channels in the wireless communication device; receiving an A-PPDU (Aggregate PPDU) in which a plurality of PPDUs (PHY Layer Protocol Data Units) transmitted from the access point on the plurality of frequency channels are aggregated in the frequency domain; and extracting a PPDU addressed to the wireless communication device from the A-PPDU based on the information of the allocated frequency channel.

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