Communication control device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a communication control device that performs control for continuing roaming UMAC function even when AP MLD switching is performed. [Solution] This communication control device is for a first communication device, said communication control device comprising a first common data processing unit, a first individual data processing unit, and a control unit that controls management of the first individual data processing unit and a second individual data processing unit of a second communication device by the first common data processing unit, wherein: the control unit determines whether to use first management in which the first common data processing unit manages the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit or second management in which a second common data processing unit of the second communication device manages the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit.

Description

communication control device

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a communication control device.

[0002] Wireless communication using multiple links (also called MLO (Multi-link Operation)) is being considered as a method to meet the high transmission speed requirements of 8K transmission and XR (cross reality).

[0003] When performing multi-link operation, each link is selected from multiple independent wireless transmission paths divided, for example, in the frequency domain. For example, a channel selected from multiple channels included in one of the frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band, or 920 MHz band, is used.

[0004] A device that supports MLO is called an MLD (Multi-link Device), and an MLD is a logical entity that contains one or more STAs (Stations) and has only one SAP (Service Access Point) to a higher layer. An MLD in which each STA contained in the MLD is an AP (Access Point), and an MLD in which each STA is a non-AP STA is called a non-AP MLD. To clarify that each entity within an MLD is an entity within the MLD, each entity is represented as an AP belonging to an AP MLD (AP affiliated with AP MLD) or a non-AP STA belonging to a non-AP MLD (non-AP STA affiliated with non-AP MLD).

[0005] In use cases where multiple APs are installed, such as in homes and factories, low-latency, high-quality communications are required even when terminals move. To achieve this, IEEE 802.11bn envisions expanding the definition of MLD, which manages multiple APs within the same device, to define and standardize an entity that manages APs belonging to different devices (referred to in this document as roaming UMAC, r-UMAC, or roaming Upper MAC; roaming UMAC and Lower MAC constitute the MAC (Media Access Control) Layer). In this concept, the operation of switching the connection destination of a non-AP MLD is called seamless roaming. The roaming UMAC function can be performed by either one of the AP MLDs or by a device other than the AP MLD. In this document, the function of the roaming UMAC of an AP MLD that manages its own LMAC (Lower MAC) and the LMAC of other devices is referred to as the roaming UMAC function, and using the roaming UMAC function is referred to as performing roaming UMAC and implementing roaming UMAC.

[0006] When a non-AP MLD switches its connection to another AP MLD, it is desirable to migrate the device implementing roaming UMAC from the original AP MLD to the destination AP MLD so that the destination AP MLD can manage connections for the non-AP MLD, etc. However, there are cases where the device implementing roaming UMAC cannot be migrated, such as when the destination AP MLD is temporarily unable to use the roaming UMAC function or does not have the roaming UMAC function.

[0007] Duncan Ho et al., “Seamless Roaming for UHR,” IEEE 802.11-23 / 1416r0, September 11, 2023.

[0008] In the configuration shown in the previous contribution, multiple AP MLDs are managed by an SMD (Single Mobility Domain) AP MLD, and a non-AP MLD is connected to only one of the AP MLDs. In this configuration, it is only assumed that the specific implementation device of the SMD AP MLD is one of the APs or another device, and there is no mention of cases where the device implementing the roaming UMAC function is changed or the issues that arise in that case.

[0009] In view of these problems, the present disclosure provides a communication control device that performs control to continue the roaming UMAC function even when AP MLD is switched.

[0010] The communication control device of the present disclosure is a communication control device in a first communication device, and includes a first common data processing unit, a first individual data processing unit, and a control unit that controls the first common data processing unit to manage the first individual data processing unit and a second individual data processing unit of a second communication device, and the control unit determines whether the first common data processing unit will use a first management method to manage the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit, or whether the second common data processing unit of the second communication device will use a second management method to manage the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit.

[0011] 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a wireless communication system in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of backhaul in the wireless communication system in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an r-UMAC associated with seamless roaming. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another operation of an r-UMAC associated with seamless roaming. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication device equipped with a communication control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart when an AP MLD in the first embodiment transfers the function of an r-UMAC. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a case where an AP MLD control unit determines not to change a device implementing roaming UMAC in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an example of a format of a Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frame in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart when an AP MLD in the second embodiment transfers the function of an r-UMAC. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a case where an AP MLD control unit determines not to change a device implementing roaming UMAC in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes a series of processes according to the first and second embodiments by a program. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone to which the first to second embodiments are applied. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device to which the first to second embodiments are applied. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP to which the first and second embodiments are applied.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The drawings are simplified, and components necessary for implementation other than those shown in the drawings are also included as appropriate. Furthermore, when terms such as "first" and "second" are used in this specification or claims, unless otherwise specified, they do not represent any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another.

[0013] Furthermore, in this disclosure, there are places where the terms "greater than" and "less than" are used, but these can be read as "greater than" and "less than" respectively.

[0014] First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment.

[0015] The wireless communication system in Fig. 1 includes AP MLD1, AP MLD2, and non-AP MLD 100. The wireless communication system of this embodiment takes an example in which AP MLDs 1 and 2 are used to communicate with a non-AP MLD. Hereinafter, AP MLD and non-AP MLD will be collectively referred to as "communication devices." AP MLD 1 is an example of a first communication device, AP MLD 2 and AP MLD 3 are examples of a second communication device, and non-AP MLD 100 is an example of a third communication device.

[0016] In the following description of the wireless communication system, the APs included in AP MLD1 are AP1-1 and AP1-2, the APs included in AP MLD2 are AP2-1 and AP2-2, and the STAs included in non-AP MLD100 are STA1-1 and STA1-2.

[0017] AP MLDs 1 and 2 are communication devices equivalent to MLO-compatible base stations. Non-AP MLD 100 is a communication device equivalent to an MLO-compatible terminal. Non-AP MLD 100 may be connected to AP MLD 1 via both Link 1 and Link 2, to AP MLD 2 via both Link 1 and Link 2, or to different AP MLDs via Link 1 and Link 2. In FIG. 1 , non-AP MLD 100 is connected to AP MLD 1 via Link 1 and to AP MLD 2 via Link 2. In FIG. 1 , the solid line connecting AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 100 and the dashed line connecting AP MLD 2 and non-AP MLD 100 indicate that they are connected via different links. In this example, the link connecting AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 100 (corresponding to the solid line in FIG. 1 ) is called Link 1, and the link connecting AP MLD 2 and non-AP MLD 100 (corresponding to the dashed line in FIG. 1 ) is called Link 2.

[0018] A link refers to a physical path over which MAC service data units (MSDUs) can be transmitted between STAs. Links formed between different STAs are treated as different links. As described above, in the example of FIG. 1, link 1 and link 2 are different links. This figure shows that non-AP MLD 100 is connected to AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 via link 1 and link 2, respectively. Note that the connection between non-AP MLD and AP MLD is not limited to this case; non-AP MLD 100 may be connected to AP MLD 1 via both link 1 and link 2, or non-AP MLD 100 may be connected to AP MLD 2 via both link 1 and link 2.

[0019] The two links used in the wireless communication system of Fig. 1 may be two channels selected from the same frequency band, or may be two channels selected from different frequency bands. Furthermore, the number of links used between AP-MLD 1 or 2 and non-AP MLD 100 is not limited to two, and communication may be performed using three or more links. Furthermore, the number of AP MLDs to which non-AP MLD 100 connects is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0020] Furthermore, AP-MLD1 and AP-MLD2 are connected to the router 5 via a backhaul (corresponding to the dashed line portion in FIG. 1) and are connected to a WAN such as the Internet. Furthermore, AP-MLD1 and AP-MLD2 may communicate via a backhaul.

[0021] In addition to the operations described in this embodiment, the AP MLDs 1 and 2 and the non-AP MLD 100 may also operate as a wireless LAN base station and terminal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn or their successor standards. For example, the AP MLDs 1 and 2 and the non-AP MLD 100 may operate based on CSMA / CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) as the access method, and the AP MLDs 1 and 2 may transmit beacon signals at regular time intervals (periodically).

[0022] AP MLDs 1 and 2 and non-AP MLD 100 have insufficient isolation within the device, resulting in inter-link interference, in which signals between link 1 and link 2 interfere with each other within the device. For this reason, AP MLDs 1 and 2 and non-AP MLD 100 cannot simultaneously transmit on link 1 and receive on link 2, or simultaneously receive on link 1 and transmit on link 2. This type of MLD is called an NSTR (Non-Simultaneous TxRx) MLD. In this embodiment, AP MLDs 1 and 2 and non-AP MLD 100 are NSTR MLDs.

[0023] Typically, the fact that AP MLDs 1 and 2 and non-AP MLD 100 are NSTR MLDs is known in advance, for example, during device design or manufacturing, and AP MLDs 1 and 2 and non-AP MLD 100 may operate to suppress a decrease in communication efficiency on the assumption that their own devices are NSTR MLDs. For example, AP MLDs 1 and 2 and non-AP MLD 100 may be configured so that when receiving on one link, they do not start transmitting on the other link. However, such a configuration is not necessary to realize this embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a backhaul of the wireless communication system in the first embodiment.

[0025] In this example, the router 5 and each AP (here, AP1 and AP2) are connected by a wired backhaul. In other words, data to be transmitted to a terminal is transmitted from the router 5 to the AP connected to the terminal via a wired cable, and then wirelessly transmitted to the terminal. The wired communication in the backhaul may be Ethernet communication, or alternatively, for example, power line communications or optical communication using optical fiber. The backhaul is not limited to wired communication. For example, it may be wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.11 standard (using a band separate from the link) or cellular wireless communication such as 4G or 5G, as with a mobile router. Furthermore, in this example, if AP3 is not directly connected to the router 5 via a wired connection but receives data wirelessly via AP2, which is wired to the router 5, this wireless communication section is also referred to as the backhaul. The backhaul may also consist of multiple wired communications, multiple wireless communications, or a combination of these. If the backhaul has multiple possible means, one or more communication means may be selected based on the communication speeds of these means. For example, the communication means that can achieve the fastest communication speed may be selected.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the r-UMAC 8 in the seamless roaming mode.

[0027] 3, similar to FIG. 1, illustrates seamless roaming using a wireless communication system including an AP MLD 1, an AP MLD 2, and a non-AP MLD 100. The non-AP MLD 100 has, as its functions, an LMAC (Lower MAC) 7 that performs functions for each link, and a UMAC (Upper MAC) 6 that manages the links within the non-AP MLD 100 and performs functions common to all links. In addition to the conventional LMAC 7 and UMAC 6 functions, AP MLDs 1 and 2 also have a r-UMAC (roaming UMAC) 8 function that can manage the LMAC 7 of AP MLDs 100 outside their own devices. The r-UMAC 8 may be divided into two functions: an r-UUMAC (roaming upper UMAC) that manages functions common to all AP MLDs (in this example, AP MLDs 1 and 2), and an r-LUMAC (roaming lower UMAC) that manages functions not common within the AP MLDs.

[0028] In this example, AP MLD1 manages the LMAC 7 of AP MLD2 in r-UMAC 8. The r-UMAC 8 in AP MLD1 manages information on two LMAC 7s in its own device as well as information on the LMAC 7 in AP MLD 2. When non-AP MLD 100 switches the AP from AP MLD 1 to AP MLD 2, after the AP is switched, the r-UMAC 8 in AP MLD 2, which is the destination, manages the information on each LMAC 7 and the connection with non-AP MLD 100.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another operation of the r-UMAC 8 accompanying seamless roaming.

[0030] As described above, when the non-AP MLD 100 switches APs, normally, AP MLD 1 transfers the r-UMAC8 functionality to the destination AP MLD 2. However, when switching from AP MLD 1 to AP MLD 2, the r-UMAC8 of AP MLD 2 may be temporarily unavailable for some reason. Also, when the non-AP MLD 100 switches from AP MLD 1 to AP MLD 3, as shown in AP MLD 3, AP MLD 3 may not have the r-UMAC8 functionality.

[0031] In this embodiment, when the function of r-UMAC8 cannot be used in the AP-MLD of the migration destination, control is performed so that another AP MLD continues the function of r-UMAC8. Below, taking AP-MLD1 and AP MLD2 as examples, a control is described in which AP MLD1, which is the migration source, continues the function of r-UMAC8 even when AP MLD2, which is the migration destination of non-AP MLD100, cannot use the function of r-UMAC8.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a communication device including a communication control device in the first embodiment. Note that the operation of AP MLD1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5, but for non-AP MLD 100, AP can be read as STA, APx as STAx, and AP entity as STA entity, and differences from AP MLD1 will also be described.

[0033] The communication device is mainly composed of a communication unit 110 (communication control unit 111, communication memory unit 112, data processing unit (individual data processing unit 121, common data processing unit 113), signal processing unit 122, wireless interface unit 123, amplifier unit 124, control unit 130, memory unit 140, and antenna 150. This communication device also has a plurality of APs internally, and these plurality of APs are indicated as APx. In addition, in this figure, one AP out of the plurality of APs is illustrated and explained. Furthermore, the individual data processing unit 121 included in the first communication device is also referred to as a first individual data processing unit, and the individual data processing unit 121 included in the second communication device is also referred to as a second individual data processing unit. Similarly, the common data processing unit 113 included in the first communication device is also referred to as a first common data processing unit, and the individual data processing unit 121 included in the second communication device is also referred to as a second common data processing unit.

[0034] Of APx, AP1 or its AP entity corresponds to a first wireless communication unit that performs communication regarding link 1 (first communication), and AP2 or its AP entity corresponds to a second wireless communication unit that performs communication regarding link 2 (second communication). Similarly, APX or its AP entity corresponds to an Xth wireless communication unit that performs communication regarding link X (X is an integer of 1 or more) (Xth communication). Furthermore, the first to Xth wireless communication units are each examples of a wireless communication unit.

[0035] The communication control unit 111 controls the operation of each unit and the transmission of information between each unit. It also controls the transfer of control information and management information to be notified to other communication devices to each data processing unit. In particular, in this embodiment, it controls each unit so that information related to the roaming UMAC implementation device is notified, acquired, or exchanged with other AP MLDs.

[0036] The communication storage unit 112 stores information used by the communication control unit 111. The communication storage unit 112 also stores data to be transmitted and data received.

[0037] During transmission, the data processing unit performs sequence management of the data stored in the communication storage unit 112 and the control and management information received from the communication control unit 111, performs encryption processing and other processes to generate data units, performs channel access operations based on carrier sense, adds a Media Access Control (MAC) header and an error detection code to the data to be transmitted, and concatenates multiple data units. During reception, the data processing unit performs MAC header deconcatenation processing for received data units, analysis and error detection, retransmission request processing, and data unit decryption and reordering processing. The data processing unit may be composed of an individual data processing unit 121 that performs operations necessary for communication in a single frequency band and a common data processing unit 113 that is connected to multiple individual data processing units 121 and performs operations common to communication in multiple frequency bands. In this embodiment, the individual data processing unit 121 has the functions of an LMAC 7, and the common data processing unit 113 has the functions of a UMAC 6. In addition to the UMAC 6 dedicated to this communication device, the common data processing unit 113 also has the functions of an r-UMAC 8, a common block capable of communicating with other communication devices. Furthermore, the AP MLD 1 may not have the common data processing unit 113, in which case processing is performed in the common data processing unit 113 of another communication device. Even if the AP MLD 1 has the common data processing unit 113, processing may be performed in the common data processing unit 113 of another communication device rather than in the common data processing unit 113 of its own device. The determination of whether the device implementing roaming UMAC is changed may be made based on information related to the common data processing unit of another communication device to which the non-AP STA is to be transferred. Furthermore, the non-AP MLD 1 does not have to have the functionality of r-UMAC 8.

[0038] The signal processing unit 122 includes a transmission signal processing unit and a reception signal processing unit. The transmission signal processing unit performs encoding, interleaving, modulation, etc. on the data unit, adds a physical header, and generates a symbol stream. The reception signal processing unit analyzes the physical header, and performs demodulation, deinterleaving, decoding, etc. on the symbol stream to generate a data unit. It also estimates complex channel characteristics and performs spatial separation processing as needed. In this embodiment, the signal processing unit 122 is also called a PHY unit.

[0039] The radio interface unit 123 includes a transmitting radio interface unit and a receiving radio interface unit. The transmitting radio interface unit performs digital-to-analog signal conversion, filtering, up-conversion, and phase control on the symbol stream to generate a transmission signal. The receiving radio interface unit performs down-conversion, filtering, and analog-to-digital signal conversion on the received signal to generate a symbol stream.

[0040] The amplifier unit 124 includes a transmission amplifier unit and a reception amplifier unit. The transmission amplifier unit amplifies a signal input from the transmission wireless interface unit. The reception amplifier unit amplifies a signal input from the antenna. A part of the amplifier unit may be a component outside the communication unit. Also, a part of the amplifier unit may be included in the wireless interface unit. In this embodiment, the wireless interface unit and amplifier unit 124 are collectively referred to as an RF unit.

[0041] The control unit 130 controls the communication unit 110, the communication control unit 111, and the backhaul communication unit 160. The control unit 130 may also perform part of the operation of the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 and the control unit 130 may be configured as a single block. The communication control device according to the present disclosure is, for example, a chip realized by one or more LSIs. The control unit of the communication control device according to the present disclosure corresponds to the communication control unit 111, for example, or corresponds to at least one of the communication unit 110 and the communication control unit 111. The communication control device according to the present disclosure includes the communication control unit 111, for example, and may also include other components, for example, at least one of APx.

[0042] The storage unit 140 holds information used by the control unit 130 and the communication unit 110. It may also perform part of the operations of the communication storage unit 112. The storage unit 140 and the communication storage unit 112 may be configured as a single block.

[0043] The wireless interface unit 123, the amplifier unit 124, and the antenna 150 may be grouped together, and two or more groups may be components of a communication device. The data processing unit and the signal processing unit may be grouped together, and two or more groups may be connected to one wireless interface unit 123.

[0044] Backhaul communication unit 160 decodes the packets acquired from the backhaul and passes them to communication unit 110 via control unit 130. Note that non-AP MLD does not necessarily have to have the function of backhaul communication unit 160.

[0045] The communication unit 110 can be realized by one or more LSIs. Note that the configuration of the communication unit 110 is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the communication unit 110 can be configured with three or more blocks. Furthermore, when the communication unit 110 is configured with three or more blocks, some of the blocks can share the same antenna via an antenna switch.

[0046] FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart when the AP MLD 1 transfers the function of the r-UMAC 8 in the first embodiment.

[0047] In this flowchart, an example will be described in which AP MLD1 negotiates with AP MLD2 and determines whether or not to transfer the function of the r-UMAC8 from AP MLD1 to AP MLD2.

[0048] In step S1, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD 1 controls the communication unit 110 to acquire communication environment information. The control unit 130 of the AP MLD 1 controls the acquisition of communication environment information, such as information about the backhaul connecting the AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 and information about the non-AP MLD 100. For example, this information is acquired through communication with a router in the backhaul or communication with the non-AP MLD 100. Examples of backhaul information include information about the line type (wired or wireless), information about the communication status (such as whether communication is possible, communication speed, delay amount, degree of interference, and error rate). The information about the non-AP MLD 100 is, for example, information about the movement of the non-AP MLD 100, such as information about the movement speed or movement range of the non-AP MLD 100. The information about the non-AP MLD 100 may also be information about the number of non-AP MLDs 100 present in the wireless communication system or information about capabilities. Furthermore, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 may control the communication unit 110 to acquire information about the status of the AP MLD as communication environment information. The information about the status of the AP MLD may be, for example, information indicating whether the roaming UMAC function is available. The AP MLD1 communicates with the AP MLD2, which then acquires this information. Furthermore, the communication environment information may be acquired using a backhaul, or may be acquired using a link between the AP MLD1 and the AP MLD2.

[0049] In step S2, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 controls the communication unit 110 to exchange information about roaming UMAC with the AP MLD2. The AP MLD1 may exchange, as the information about roaming UMAC, information about the presence or absence of a WAN connection, information about the time required for information exchange over the backhaul, information about the occupancy rate per unit time of the channels included in each link, and information about whether each AP MLD in the wireless communication system is within a wireless communication range. Other information about roaming UMAC may include information about whether communication is possible, information about the amount of delay, information about the degree of interference, or information about the error rate. The control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 may also control the communication unit 110 to exchange, as the information about roaming UMAC, information about the status of the AP MLD. The information about the status of the AP MLD may be, for example, information about whether the roaming UMAC function is available. This information may be acquired using the backhaul or the link between the AP MLD1 and the AP MLD2. Furthermore, when a wireless communication system includes a plurality of AP MLDs, the AP MLD 1 exchanges information related to roaming UMAC with these plurality of AP MLDs. The information related to roaming UMAC is an example of information related to the common data processing unit.

[0050] In step S3, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 controls the common data processing unit 113 to determine a device that will implement roaming UMAC based on the information collected in steps S1 and S2. If the AP to which the STA included in the non-AP MLD 100 is connected is capable of implementing roaming UMAC, the connected AP MLD will implement roaming UMAC. If the connected AP is not capable of implementing roaming UMAC, for example, another AP MLD that is capable of implementing roaming UMAC will implement roaming UMAC. The AP MLD that implements roaming UMAC may be the AP MLD1 or another AP MLD.

[0051] In step S4, the AP MLD determined in step S3 performs roaming UMAC. In this example, since the AP MLD 1 is the device that performs roaming UMAC, it performs roaming UMAC until it receives a roaming request, which is a request to switch APs, from the non-AP MLD 100. The frame used in the roaming request may be, for example, a conventional BSS Transition Management query frame.

[0052] In step S5, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD 1 controls the communication unit 110 to check, at regular intervals or predetermined intervals, whether a roaming request has been received from the non-AP MLD 1. If a roaming request has not been received (No in step S5), the process returns to step S4 and continues to perform roaming UMAC.

[0053] If a roaming request is received (Yes in step S5), in step S6, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 controls the common data processing unit 113 based on the information collected in steps S1 and S2 to determine whether a change in the roaming UMAC implementation device is necessary. The control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 determines that a change in the roaming UMAC implementation device is unnecessary if the connection is switched to an AP outside the wireless communication range of the AP MLD present in the wireless communication system. Furthermore, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 determines that a change in the roaming UMAC implementation device is unnecessary if the connection is switched to an AP MLD in which a non-AP STA cannot implement roaming UMAC. Furthermore, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 determines that a change in the roaming UMAC implementation device is unnecessary if the non-AP STA is expected to connect or reconnect to an AP MLD present outside the communication range of the target AP MLD. For example, when implementing r-UMAC, in cases where it is difficult to transfer information related to communication with STAs, which is information for managing non-AP STAs, or when non-AP STAs are expected to move frequently, it is possible to prevent pressure on the link or backhaul bandwidth that accompanies the transfer of this information. The control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 determines that a change in roaming UMAC is necessary in cases other than those described above.

[0054] The control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 may estimate whether reconnection is expected based on information about the movement speed or movement range of the non-AP STA. The control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 may also determine whether a change in the roaming UMAC implementation device is necessary by comparing the movement speed with a predetermined first threshold. For example, if the movement speed is greater than the first threshold, frequent movement of the non-AP MLD 100 may result in multiple AP switching, and the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 may determine not to change the roaming UMAC implementation device. The control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 may also determine whether a change in the roaming UMAC implementation device is necessary by comparing the movement range with a predetermined second threshold. For example, if the movement range is greater than the second threshold, wide-area movement of the non-AP MLD 100 may result in multiple AP switching, and the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 may determine not to change the roaming UMAC implementation device.

[0055] If the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 determines that a change in the roaming UMAC implementation device is necessary (YES in step S6), in step S7, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 controls the communication unit 110 to change the roaming UMAC implementation device. The control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 controls the communication unit 110 to transmit information related to communication with the STA to the AP MLD to which roaming UMAC is to be migrated. At this time, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 controls the transmission of information related to communication with the STA, such as information related to the packet number (PN) and information related to the sequence number (SN). From this information, the destination AP MLD can confirm the next packet number and sequence number to be assigned. Furthermore, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 controls the transmission of security information to the AP MLD to which roaming UMAC is to be migrated. The information related to security is, for example, information related to a PMK (Pairwise Master Key), information related to a GTK (Group Transient Key) or GTK generation, and information related to a PTK (Pairwise Transient Key) or PTK generation. Furthermore, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD 1 controls the transmission of information related to Block Ack Session and information related to QoS control to the AP MLD to which the roaming UMAC is to be transferred. The information related to Block Ack Session is information for determining a method for transmitting a Block Ack (BA), and is determined for each traffic ID (TID), for example. The information related to QoS control is information for performing QoS control, and is, for example, information related to TID-to-link mapping used for allocating traffic IDs, information related to Link IDs used for allocating link IDs, information related to AIDs used for allocating station IDs, or information related to channel access used for implementing channel access.The information about channel access may be, for example, information about the waiting time for channel access, information about the length of the TXOP, or information included in the EDCA parameters. After completing the transmission of this information, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 ends the process.

[0056] If the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 determines that changing the roaming UMAC is not necessary (No in step S6), the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 does not change the device implementing roaming UMAC and does not control the transmission of information related to communication with the STA. Instead, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 controls the communication unit 110 to transmit the encrypted packet to AP MLD2, and then ends the process.

[0057] Furthermore, after the processing of step S7, when the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 receives information regarding the switching of the STA's connection destination from the roaming UMAC implementation device AP MLD2, which includes information for the switched AP MLD to manage non-AP STAs, the control unit 130 may control the communication storage unit 112 to delete at least some of the information regarding communication with the STA from the device itself. For example, after transmitting information regarding communication with the STA, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 may control the communication storage unit 112 to delete the information after a predetermined time (also referred to here as the first time) has elapsed. Furthermore, after transmitting information regarding communication with the STA, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 may control the communication storage unit 112 to delete the information after receiving information regarding the switching of the STA's connection destination from the changed roaming UMAC implementation device.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a sequence diagram in the first embodiment when the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 determines not to change the device implementing roaming UMAC.

[0059] This example shows a sequence diagram of when AP MLD1, an implementation device of r-UMAC, determines whether to change the implementation device of roaming UMAC after AP MLD1 receives a roaming request from non-AP MLD 100. This sequence diagram also explains the state in which the above-mentioned communication environment information is acquired after initial communication is established between non-AP STA1-1, an STA included in non-AP MLD 100, and AP MLD1, but before AP MLD1 receives a roaming request.

[0060] In order to notify, acquire, or exchange information related to roaming UMAC with AP MLD2, control unit 130 of AP MLD1 controls communication unit 110 to transmit a Roaming UMAC information request, an r-UMAC request, to AP MLD2. After AP MLD2 receives the r-UMAC request from AP MLD1, control unit 130 of AP MLD2 controls communication unit 110 to transmit a Roaming UMAC information response, an r-UMAC response, to AP MLD1.

[0061] Furthermore, after receiving the r-UMAC response, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 controls the communication unit 110 to transmit a Roaming UMAC information confirmation, r-UMAC confirm, to AP MLD2 to notify it of the r-UMAC implementation device. In this example, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 determines that its own device is an r-UMAC implementation device, and controls the communication unit 110 to transmit an r-UMAC confirm. As a result, the common data processing unit 113 of AP MLD1, which is an r-UMAC implementation device, manages the individual data processing unit 121 of AP MLD2 until it receives a roaming request from the Non-AP MLD 100. When AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 are connected via a wired line, such as a backhaul, the above-mentioned r-UMAC request, r-UMAC response, and r-UMAC confirm (the frames used in transmitting these frames will hereinafter also be referred to as Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frames) may be transmitted via communication via a wired line, such as a backhaul. Furthermore, the r-UMAC request, r-UMAC response, and r-UMAC confirm may be transmitted not only after the STA, non-AP STA1-1, and AP MLD1 initially establish communication, but also before switching of the STA. Hereinafter, the management of the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit by the first common data processing unit is referred to as first management, and the management of the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit by the second common data processing unit of the second communication device is also referred to as second management.

[0062] After the AP-MLD1 receives a roaming request from the non-AP STA1-1, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the device implementing the roaming UMAC, based on the information about the roaming UMAC. The control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 may also determine the timing and execute the change of the connection destination of STA1-1.

[0063] In this example, since AP MLD2 is not within the range where it can communicate wirelessly with AP MLD1, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 determines that it is not necessary to change the implementation device of r-UMAC, for example, based on information regarding whether each wireless communication device is within the range where it can communicate wirelessly. In other words, the control unit 130 determines to use the first management out of the first management and the second management.

[0064] Also, in this example, after receiving a roaming request, AP MLD1 continues to send data from AP1-1 to non-AP STA1-1 until non-AP STA1-1 completes transition to AP2-2, an AP in AP MLD2. This figure shows an example in which Data1 is transmitted from AP1-1 to non-AP STA1-1 after receiving the roaming request and until transition is complete. After transition is complete, Data2, which is data destined for non-AP STA1-1 and held in AP MLD1, is first transmitted to AP MLD2 and then transmitted from AP2-1 to non-AP STA1-1. At this time, AP MLD1 may transmit Data2 using a link other than the link established between non-AP STA1-1 and AP2-1. For example, Data2 is transmitted using the link between AP1-2 and AP2-2.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows an example of the format of a Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frame in the first embodiment.

[0066] The Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frame is stored, for example, in the Frame body of the MAC frame. For example, Address 1 stores the MAC address of the AP MLD that is the destination of the Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frame as the Receiver Address, and Address 2 stores the MAC address of the AP MLD that is the source of the Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frame as the Transmitter Address. This frame configuration is an example, and MAC frames used in IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and their successor standards may also be used. Alternatively, the frame may be configured as an independent frame separate from the Action frame.

[0067] Category contains information indicating that this frame is a frame that contains information about roaming UMAC. Roaming UMAC Info Action contains information indicating whether each frame is a Roaming UMAC Info Request, Response, or Confirm. Dialog Token contains information indicating the relationship between Request, Response, and Confirm, and the same information is contained in a series of Request, Response, and Confirm frames. In other words, the Dialog Token contains information to distinguish it from other Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frames.

[0068] The Status Code contains information about the status of roaming UMAC implementation. For example, if the AP MLD 2 is unable to implement roaming UMAC as a result of the Request, details of this are contained in the Response or Confirm frame. The AP MLD Capability contains information about the capability of the STA transmitting this frame. The Supported Non-AP Coverage contains information about the movement of the non-AP MLD 100. The AP MLD Reachability contains information about whether each AP MLD in the wireless communication system is within a wireless communication range. The Backhaul Status contains information about the backhaul communication of the AP MLD, such as information about the presence or absence of a WAN connection, information about the time required for backhaul information exchange, and information about the occupancy rate per unit time of the channels included in each link. The Roaming UMAC Type contains information indicating the operation type when roaming UMAC is implemented. For example, when a certain AP MLD substitutes for some functions in place of another AP MLD that implements roaming UMAC, information about which functions will be substituted is contained. The substituted functions may be selected, for example, from the functions of the r-UUMAC described above.

[0069] According to this embodiment, even if the r-UMAC8 function is temporarily unavailable or is not equipped with an r-UMAC8 in another communication device to which the STA is migrated, the communication device equipped with the r-UMAC8 function can continue to use the r-UMAC function and can correctly manage the STA.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication device determines whether or not it is necessary to change the r-UMAC implementation device based on information about the STA's moving speed or moving range. This eliminates the need for the communication device to frequently exchange information about roaming UMAC even when the STA moves frequently, thereby preventing congestion of the backhaul or link bandwidth.

[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication device may delete information about communication with the STA after transferring the function of the r-UMAC 8 to another communication device. This makes it possible to delete information about communication devices connected to the communication system, and to prevent information leakage, such as communication records of the communication devices.

[0072] Second Embodiment FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart when the AP MLD 1 transfers the function of the r-UMAC 8 in the second embodiment.

[0073] In this example, after receiving a roaming request from non-AP MLD 100, AP MLD1 exchanges Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frames with AP MLD 2 and determines whether a change in roaming UMAC implementation device is necessary. Also in this example, when non-AP STA 1-1 first establishes communication with AP MLD 1, AP MLD 1 acquires communication environment information and exchanges Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frames with AP MLD 2 to determine the roaming UMAC implementation device. Note that this description is based on the assumption that AP MLD 1 is the roaming UMAC implementation device when communication is established.

[0074] Steps S21 to S23 are operations performed when communication is established between non-AP STA1-1 and AP MLD1, and are similar to steps S1 to S3, so a description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 130 of AP MLD1 controls the common data processing unit 113 and determines the device that will perform roaming UMAC based on the information collected in steps S21 and S22. As described above, when communication is established, AP MLD1 performs roaming UMAC. In step S24, AP MLD1 performs roaming UMAC until it receives a roaming request from Non-AP MLD 100.

[0075] In step S25, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD 1 controls the communication unit 110 to check, at regular intervals or predetermined intervals, whether or not a roaming request has been received from the non-AP MLD 1. If a roaming request has not been received (NO in step S25), the process returns to step S24 and continues to perform roaming UMAC.

[0076] When the AP MLD 1 receives a roaming request from the non-AP MLD 100 (Yes in step S25), in step S26, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD 1 controls the communication unit 110 to again exchange information related to roaming UMAC with the AP MLD 2. This information exchange is performed, for example, by transmitting an r-UMAC request and receiving an r-UMAC response.

[0077] In step S27, based on the information collected in steps S21 and S26, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 controls the common data processing unit 113 to determine whether or not a change in the roaming UMAC implementation device is necessary. In this step, the same determination as in step S6 is made. If the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 determines that a change in the roaming UMAC implementation device is necessary (YES in step S27), in step S28, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 changes the roaming UMAC implementation device. The control unit 130 of AP MLD1 controls the communication unit 110 to send information regarding communication with the STA to the AP MLD to which roaming UMAC is to be transferred.

[0078] If the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 determines that a change in roaming UMAC is not necessary (No in step S27), the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 does not change the device implementing roaming UMAC and does not control the transmission of information related to STA communication. Instead, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 controls the communication unit 110 to transmit the encrypted packet to AP MLD2, and then ends the processing. For example, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 may control the communication unit 110 to transmit an r-UMAC confirm to AP MLD2 to notify it of the device implementing roaming UMAC.

[0079] 10 shows a sequence diagram in the second embodiment when the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 determines not to change the device implementing roaming UMAC. That is, the control unit 130 determines to use the first management out of the first management and the second management.

[0080] In this example, similar to the above-described flowchart, after AP MLD1 receives a roaming request from non-AP MLD 100, it exchanges Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frames with AP MLD2 and determines whether the roaming UMAC implementation device has changed. Furthermore, the description of the exchange of Roaming UMAC Info Action (Request / Response / Confirm) frames when establishing communication will be omitted, and the description will be given assuming that the roaming UMAC implementation device determined at this time is AP MLD1.

[0081] When a roaming request is received from non-AP STA1-1, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 controls the communication unit 110 to notify, acquire, or exchange information related to roaming UMAC with AP MLD2, and transmits an r-UMAC request to AP MLD2. After AP MLD2 receives the r-UMAC request from AP MLD1, the control unit 130 of AP MLD2 controls the communication unit 110 to transmit an r-UMAC response to AP MLD1.

[0082] After receiving the r-UMAC response, the control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the device implementing roaming UMAC based on the information about the roaming UMAC. The control unit 130 of the AP MLD1 may also determine the timing and execute the change of the connection destination of STA1-1.

[0083] Also, in this example, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 determines that it is not necessary to change the implementation device of roaming UMAC, and controls the communication unit 110 to notify the implementation device of r-UMAC, and transmits r-UMAC confirm to AP MLD 2. In this example, the control unit 130 of AP MLD1 performs control to notify that its own device is the implementation device of r-UMAC.

[0084] Also, in this example, after receiving a roaming request, AP MLD1 continues to send data from AP1-1 to non-AP STA1-1 until non-AP STA1-1 completes its transition to AP2-2, an AP in AP MLD2. This figure shows an example in which Data1 is transmitted from AP1-1 to non-AP STA1-1 after receiving the roaming request and before the transition is complete. After the transition is complete, Data2, which is data held by AP MLD1 and addressed to non-AP STA1-1, is first transmitted to AP MLD2 and then transmitted from AP2-1 to non-AP STA1-1. At this time, AP MLD1 may transmit Data2 using a link other than the link established between non-AP STA1-1 and AP2-1. For example, Data2 is transmitted using the link between AP1-2 and AP2-2.

[0085] According to this embodiment, even if the r-UMAC8 function is temporarily unavailable or is not equipped with an r-UMAC8 in another communication device to which a non-AP STA is migrated, a communication device equipped with the r-UMAC8 function can continue to use the r-UMAC function and correctly manage the non-AP STA.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication device determines whether or not the r-UMAC implementation device needs to be changed based on information about the STA's movement speed or movement range. This eliminates the need for the communication device to frequently exchange information about roaming UMAC even when non-AP STAs move frequently, thereby preventing congestion of the backhaul and link bandwidth.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication device may delete information about communication with non-AP STAs after transferring the function of the r-UMAC 8 to another communication device. This makes it possible to delete information about communication devices connected to the communication system, and to prevent information leaks, such as communication records of the communication devices.

[0088] <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.

[0089] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes by a program.

[0090] 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 .

[0091] 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 related to the common data processing unit 113 that manages the individual data processing unit 121, i.e., information related to roaming UMAC, may be output or displayed from the output unit 807. Information related to the present technology, for example, information related to roaming UMAC, may be input from the input unit 806, and confirmation or response to the information output or displayed on the output unit 807 may be input. 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.

[0092] 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 Figs. 6 and 9 of the present technology.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] <Application Examples> The present technology can be applied to various products. For example, the communication device 1 in FIG. 5 may be realized as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, a portable game console, or a digital camera; a fixed terminal such as a television receiver, a projector, a printer, a digital scanner, or a network storage; or an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation system or a drive recorder. The communication device 1 may also be realized as an M2M (Machine-to-Machine Communication) terminal such as a smart meter, a vending machine, a remote monitoring device, or a POS (Point of Sale) terminal, or an IoT (Internet of Things) terminal. The communication device 1 may also be realized as a terminal requiring low latency and high reliability, such as an XR (Extended Reality / Cross Reality) device. Furthermore, the communication device 1 may be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module configured on a single die) mounted on such a terminal.

[0096] On the other hand, for example, the communication device 1 may be realized as a wireless LAN AP (wireless base station) with or without a router function. The communication device 1 may also be realized as a mobile wireless LAN router. The communication device 1 may also be realized as a cellular communication base station or femtocell. Furthermore, the communication device 1 may be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module configured on a single die) mounted on these devices.

[0097] <Configuration example of smartphone> Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a smartphone 900 to which the present technology is applied. Fig. 12 is described as a configuration example of the smartphone 900, but the present technology is not limited to this, and may be a configuration example of the various devices and functions described above.

[0098] 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. The smartphone 900 may include all or some of the above.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The memory 902 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data executed by the processor 901 .

[0101] The storage 903 includes a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk.

[0102] 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 .

[0103] 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.

[0104] The sensor 907 includes a group of sensors such as a positioning sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor.

[0105] The microphone 908 converts the sound input to the smartphone 900 into an audio signal.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or a quantum dot (QD) display, and displays the output image of the smartphone 900.

[0108] The speaker 911 converts the audio signal output from the smartphone 900 into sound.

[0109] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and successor standards thereof, and performs wireless communication.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] The wireless communication interface 913 may support other types of wireless communication methods in addition to the wireless LAN method, such as a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth, a proximity wireless communication method such as NFC, or a 3GPP cellular communication method such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 913 may be a one-chip module that supports multiple wireless communication methods, or may be a combination of modules that support some of the wireless communication methods.

[0114] The antenna switch 914 switches the connection destination of the antenna 915 between multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 913 (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods, or transmission system circuits and reception system circuits).

[0115] The antenna 915 has a single or multiple antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements constituting a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna, or multiple antenna elements constituting an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 913.

[0116] 12, the smartphone 900 may include multiple antennas (for example, an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for a close-proximity wireless communication system, and an antenna for a cellular communication system). In this case, the antenna switch 914 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The battery 918 supplies power to each block of the smartphone 900 shown in FIG. 12 via a power supply line partially indicated by a dashed line in the figure. The auxiliary controller 919 operates the minimum necessary functions of the smartphone 900, for example, in sleep mode. The battery 918 may also be charged via the external connection interface 904. The battery 918 may also have a function that allows it to read information regarding the remaining amount of power, the cumulative power-on time, or the cumulative amount of power supply, and the processor 901, the wireless communication interface 913, or the auxiliary controller 919 may control any of the functions of the above-described embodiments based on the information read from the battery 918.

[0119] 12 , for example, the control unit 130 and the communication control unit 111 in FIG. 5 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. For example, processing programs corresponding to the flowcharts in FIGS. 6 and 9 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.

[0120] 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 have a wireless AP function. The processor 901 or the wireless communication interface 913 may have a tethering function that uses a wireless LAN system and a cellular communication system, and may transmit payload data received via the cellular communication system via the wireless LAN system, or may transmit payload data received via the wireless LAN system via the cellular communication system. The smartphone 900 may have a tethering function enabled by user input.

[0121] Furthermore, the smartphone 900 may be provided with a biometric authentication unit (fingerprint authentication, palm shape authentication, voice authentication, blood vessel authentication, face authentication, iris authentication, retina authentication). In this case, the wireless communication interface 913 in which the control unit 130 and the communication control unit 111 in Fig. 5 are implemented is configured to receive power supply from the same battery 918 as the display device 910, the speaker 911, and at least one of the biometric authentication unit.

[0122] 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 related to the present technology, for example, information related to the common data processing unit 113 that manages the individual data processing unit 121, i.e., information related to roaming UMAC, may be output from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911. Furthermore, the input device 909 may be configured to input a confirmation or response to the information output from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911.

[0123] <Configuration example of in-vehicle device> Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device 920 to which the present technology is applied. Fig. 13 is described as an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920, but the configuration is not limited to this and may be an example of the configuration of the various devices and functions described above.

[0124] 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. The in-vehicle device 920 may be configured to include all or some of the above.

[0125] 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.

[0126] The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data executed by the processor 921 .

[0127] 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.

[0128] The sensor 925 includes a group of sensors such as a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a millimeter wave radar, a camera (an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS), and a barometric pressure sensor.

[0129] 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 vehicle-side data.

[0130] 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 .

[0131] The input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor, a button, or a switch that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 930, and accepts operations or information input from the user. For example, the input device 929 may be configured to input a confirmation or response to information output from at least one of the display device 930 and the speaker 931.

[0132] The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD, OLED display, or QD display, and displays images of navigation functions or content being played, as well as information related to the present technology, such as information related to the common data processing unit 113 that manages the individual data processing unit 121, i.e., roaming UMAC.

[0133] The speaker 931 outputs navigation functions, audio of the content being played, or information related to the present technology, for example, information related to roaming UMAC.

[0134] 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.

[0135] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and successor standards thereof, and performs wireless communication.

[0136] The wireless communication interface 933 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] The wireless communication interface 933 may support other types of wireless communication methods in addition to the WLAN method, such as a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth, a proximity wireless communication method such as NFC, or a 3GPP cellular communication method such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 933 may be a one-chip module that supports multiple wireless communication methods, or may be a combination of modules that support some of the wireless communication methods.

[0140] The antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of the antenna 935 between multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933 (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods, or transmission system circuits and reception system circuits).

[0141] The antenna 935 has a single or multiple antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements constituting a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna, or multiple antenna elements constituting an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 933.

[0142] 13, the in-vehicle device 920 may include a plurality of antennas 935 (for example, an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for a close-proximity wireless communication system, and an antenna for a cellular communication system). In this case, the antenna switch 934 may be omitted from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0143] The battery 938 supplies power to each block of the in-vehicle device 920 shown in Fig. 13 via a power supply line partially indicated by a dashed line in the figure. The battery 938 may also store power supplied from the vehicle side. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 920 may not be equipped with a battery and may instead use power supplied from the vehicle side via a voltage regulator or a capacitor.

[0144] 13, for example, the control unit 130 and the communication control unit 111 in FIG. 5 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. For example, processing programs corresponding to the flowcharts in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 may be executed in the wireless communication interface 933. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 921.

[0145] The wireless communication interface 933 may also operate as the communication device 1 described above and provide a wireless connection to a terminal owned by a user in the vehicle. For example, the wireless communication interface 933 may connect the in-vehicle device 920 to other peripheral devices, and the in-vehicle device 920 may use CarPlay (registered trademark) or Android Auto (registered trademark). Note that the wireless communication interface 933 may also connect the in-vehicle device 920 to other peripheral devices using a short-range wireless communication method, infrastructure mode, or a wireless LAN method using Wi-Fi Direct.

[0146] The in-vehicle device 920 may operate as a wireless AP (software AP) by the processor 921 executing an AP function at the application level. The wireless communication interface 933 may have a wireless AP function. The processor 921 or the wireless communication interface 933 may have a tethering function that uses a wireless LAN system and a cellular communication system, and may transmit payload data received via the cellular communication system via the wireless LAN system, or may transmit payload data received via the wireless LAN system via the cellular communication system. The in-vehicle device 920 may have the tethering function enabled by user input.

[0147] Furthermore, 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 may generate vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed information, engine rotation speed information, information about the vehicle-side battery, or malfunction information, and output the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941, and the processor 921 or the wireless communication interface 933 may control any of the functions of the above-described embodiments based on the vehicle-side data acquired via the in-vehicle network 941.

[0148] <Configuration example of wireless AP> Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP 950 to which the present technology is applied. Fig. 14 is described as an example of the configuration of the wireless AP 950, but is not limited to this, and may be an example of the configuration of the various devices and functions described above.

[0149] 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. The wireless AP 950 may include all or some of the above.

[0150] 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).

[0151] 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).

[0152] The input device 954 includes, for example, buttons and switches, and receives operations from the user. For example, the input device 954 may be configured to input a confirmation or response to information output from the display device 955. Furthermore, the input device 954 may be configured to input, by user operation, switching the wireless function on / off and switching between the router function and the access point function.

[0153] 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 common data processing unit 113 that manages the individual data processing unit 121, i.e., information related to roaming UMAC.

[0154] 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 network interface 957 may output payload data included in a wireless signal input from the wireless communication interface 963 as a wired signal, or may receive payload data output as a wireless signal from the wireless communication interface 963 as a wired signal. The network interface 957 may input and output wired signals in parallel with or independently of the wireless communication interface 963 inputting and outputting wireless signals. The wired communication network 958 may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0155] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and their successor standards, and provides wireless connection to nearby terminals as an AP. When the wireless AP 950 is installed in a cellular communication base station or a femtocell, the wireless communication interface 963 may support other types of wireless communication systems, such as 3GPP cellular communication systems such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G, in addition to the wireless LAN system. The wireless communication interface 963 may be a one-chip module that supports multiple wireless communication systems, or a combination of modules that support some of the wireless communication systems.

[0156] The wireless communication interface 963 typically includes a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, and the like.

[0157] 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, or related circuits.

[0158] The antenna switch 964 switches the connection destination of the antenna 965 between multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 963 (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods, or transmission system circuits and reception system circuits).

[0159] The antenna 965 has a single or multiple antenna elements (for example, multiple antenna elements constituting a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna, or multiple antenna elements constituting an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 963.

[0160] 14, for example, the control unit 130 and the communication control unit 111 in FIG. 5 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. For example, processing programs corresponding to the flowcharts in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 may be executed in the wireless communication interface 963. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the controller 951.

[0161] 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.

[0162] Furthermore, part or all of the communication devices described in the above embodiments may be realized, for example, as a semiconductor chip (IC (Integrated Circuit)) having a wireless communication control function. Also, they may be realized by a single semiconductor chip equipped with multiple functions, such as a SoC (System on Chip), or by combining multiple semiconductor chips each having a single function, such as a processor. Furthermore, they may be realized by combining multiple SoCs, or by combining a semiconductor chip with a single function and a SoC. They may also be realized by a semiconductor chip such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) dedicated to implementing each unit, or by a combination of a general-purpose processor with software or firmware, or by a semiconductor chip such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] This embodiment may also have the following configuration. [Notes] [Item 1] A communication control device in a first communication device, comprising: a first common data processing unit; a first individual data processing unit; and a control unit that controls the first common data processing unit to manage the first individual data processing unit and a second individual data processing unit of a second communication device, wherein the control unit determines whether the first common data processing unit uses first management that manages the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit, or whether the second common data processing unit of the second communication device uses second management that manages the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit. [Item 2] The communication control device according to item 1, wherein the control unit determines whether to use the first management or the second management based on information related to the second common data processing unit of the second communication device. [Item 3] The communication control device according to any one of items 1 and 2, wherein the information related to the second common data processing unit includes at least one of information related to the presence or absence of a WAN connection and information related to a time required for information exchange over a backhaul. [Item 4] The communication control device according to item 2, wherein the information related to the second common data processing unit includes at least one of information related to an occupation rate per unit time of a channel included in each link and information related to whether each communication device is within a range where wireless communication is possible. [Item 5] The communication control device according to item 2 or 4, wherein the control unit determines whether to use the first management or the second management by further using information related to whether the second common data processing unit is available for use. [Item 6] The communication control device according to any one of items 2, 4, or 5, wherein the control unit determines whether to use the first management or the second management by further using at least one of information related to a moving speed and information related to a moving range of a third communication device. [Item 7] The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the control unit determines whether to change the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units after controlling to receive a communication device switching request from a third communication device.[Item 8] The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the control unit transmits an information request frame to the second communication device, and then controls to receive an information response frame and acquire information about the second common data processing unit. [Item 9] The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the control unit transmits an information confirmation frame to the second communication device and controls to notify the second communication device of the common data processing unit that manages an individual data processing unit. [Item 10] The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the control unit controls to receive a communication device switching request from a third communication device, and then controls to acquire information about the second common data processing unit from the second communication device, and determines whether or not the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units needs to be changed based on the information about the second common data processing unit acquired from the second communication device. [Item 11] The communication control device according to item 7, wherein, when it determines that the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units needs to be changed, the control unit controls to transmit information about communication with the third communication device to the second communication device that includes the second common data processing unit to which the change is made. [Item 12] The communication control device according to item 11, wherein the information relating to communication with the third communication device includes at least one of a Packet Number and a Sequence Number. [Item 13] The communication control device according to any one of items 11 to 12, wherein the information relating to communication with the third communication device includes at least one of information relating to a PMK (Pairwise Master Key), information relating to generation of a GTK (Group Transient Key) or a GTK, and information relating to generation of a PTK (Pairwise Transient Key) or a PTK. [Item 14] The communication control device according to any one of items 11 to 12, wherein the information relating to communication with the third communication device includes information relating to a Block Ack Session that is information for determining a method for transmitting a Block Ack.[Item 15] The communication control device according to any one of items 11 to 12, wherein the information regarding communication with the third communication device includes at least one of information regarding TID-to-link mapping used to assign traffic IDs, information regarding Link IDs used to assign link IDs, information regarding AIDs used to assign station IDs, and information regarding channel access used to perform channel access. [Item 16] The communication control device according to any one of items 11 to 12, wherein the control unit, when controlling to receive information regarding switching of the connection destination of the third communication device from the second communication device including the second common data processing unit to be changed, controls to delete at least part of the information regarding communication with the third communication device. [Item 17] The communication control device according to item 10, wherein, when determining that it is necessary to change the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units, the control unit controls to transmit information regarding communication with the third communication device to the second communication device including the second common data processing unit to be changed. [Item 18] The communication control device according to Item 17, wherein the control unit, when controlling to receive information related to switching of the connection destination of the third communication device from the second communication device including the second common data processing unit to be changed, controls to delete at least a portion of information related to communication with the third communication device. [Item 19] The communication control device according to Item 6, wherein the control unit controls to determine a communication device that manages the first and second individual data processing units, from the first communication device including the first common data processing unit and the second communication device including the second common data processing unit, by comparing a movement speed of the third communication device with a predetermined first threshold. [Item 20] The communication control device according to Item 6, wherein the control unit controls to determine a communication device that manages the first and second individual data processing units, from the first communication device including the first common data processing unit and the second communication device including the second common data processing unit, by comparing a movement range of the third communication device with a predetermined second threshold.[Item 21] The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 9, further comprising: a processor; an input device that accepts operations from a user; a display device; and a first antenna element, wherein the processor controls a plurality of the wireless communication units included in the first communication device to control a display on the display device based on information received and the operation. [Item 22] The communication device according to item 21, further comprising: a speaker; an external connection interface for connecting to a memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device; a second antenna element that forms a MIMO antenna together with the first antenna element; and the power sharing unit that supplies power to the control unit, the processor, the input device, the display device, the second antenna element, and the external connection interface. [Item 23] The communication device according to item 21, further comprising: a content player that plays content stored on an external storage medium connected via the external connection interface. [Item 24] The communication device according to item 21, wherein the display device is an LED lamp that displays an operating status of the communication device. [Item 25] A vehicle, comprising: a communication control device in a first communication device, the communication control device including: a first common data processing unit; a first individual data processing unit; and a control unit that controls the first common data processing unit to manage the first individual data processing unit and a second individual data processing unit of a second communication device, wherein the control unit determines whether the first common data processing unit uses a first management method that manages the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit, or whether the second common data processing unit of the second communication device uses a second management method that manages the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit.[Item 26] A communication control method in a first communication device, comprising: a first common data processing unit controlling management of a first individual data processing unit and a second individual data processing unit of a second communication device, wherein the control determines whether the first common data processing unit uses a first management method for managing the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit, or whether the second common data processing unit of the second communication device uses a second management method for managing the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit. [Item 27] ​​A communication control method in a first communication device, comprising: a first common data processing unit controlling management of a first individual data processing unit and a second individual data processing unit of a second communication device, wherein the control determines whether the first common data processing unit uses the first management method for managing the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit, or whether the second common data processing unit of the second communication device uses the second management method for managing the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit. [Item 28] A communication control method in a first communication device, wherein a first common data processing unit controls management of a first individual data processing unit and a second individual data processing unit of a second communication device, and the control determines whether the first common data processing unit uses a first management method for managing the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit, or whether the second common data processing unit of the second communication device uses a second management method for managing the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit. A non-transitory readable medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the communication control method.[Item 29] A wireless communication system comprising a plurality of communication devices including a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device comprises: a first common data processing unit; a first individual data processing unit; and a control unit that controls the first common data processing unit to manage the first individual data processing unit and a second individual data processing unit of a second communication device, wherein the control unit is configured to perform control to determine whether the first common data processing unit uses a first management method that manages the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit, or whether the second common data processing unit of the second communication device uses a second management method that manages the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit. [Item 30] The communication system according to Item 29, wherein the wireless communication system further includes a third communication device, and the control unit controls to receive a communication device switching request from the third communication device, and then determines whether the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units needs to be changed. [Item 31] The wireless communication system further includes a third communication device, and the control unit controls to receive a communication device switching request from the third communication device, and then controls to acquire information about the second common data processing unit from the second communication device, and determines whether or not it is necessary to change the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units based on the information about the second common data processing unit acquired from the second communication device. This is the communication system described in Item 29.

[0172] 1, 2, 3 AP MLD 5 Router 6 UMAC 7 LMAC 8 r-UMAC 100 Non-AP MLD 110 Communication unit 111 Communication control unit 112 Communication memory unit 113 Common data processing unit 121 Individual data processing unit 122 Signal processing unit 123 Wireless interface unit 124 Amplification unit 130 Control unit 140 Memory unit 150 Antenna 160 Backhaul communication unit 801 CPU 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Bus 805 Input / output interface 806 Input unit 807 Output unit 808 Memory unit 809 Communication unit 810 Drive 811 Removable media 900 Smartphone 901 Processor 902 Memory 903 Storage 904 External connection interface 906 Camera 907 Sensor 908 Microphone 909 Input device 910 Display device 911 Speaker 913 Wireless communication interface 914 Antenna switch 915 Antenna 917 Bus 918 Battery 919 Auxiliary controller 920 In-vehicle device 921 Processor 922 Memory 924 GNSS module 925 Sensor 926 Data interface 927 Content player 928 Storage medium interface 929 Input device 930 Display device 931 Speaker 933 Wireless communication interface 934 Antenna switch 935 Antenna 938 Battery 940 In-vehicle system (or vehicle) 941 In-vehicle network 942 Vehicle-side module 951 Controller 952 Memory 954 Input device 955 Display device 957 Network interface 958 Wired communication network 963 Wireless communication interface 964 Antenna switch 965 Antenna

Claims

1. A communication control device in a first communication device, comprising: a first common data processing unit; a first individual data processing unit; and a control unit that controls the first common data processing unit to manage the first individual data processing unit and a second individual data processing unit of a second communication device, wherein the control unit determines whether the first common data processing unit will use a first management method to manage the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit, or whether the second common data processing unit of the second communication device will use a second management method to manage the first individual data processing unit and the second individual data processing unit.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether to use the first management or the second management based on information relating to the second common data processing unit of the second communication device.

3. A communication control device according to claim 2, wherein the information relating to the second common data processing unit includes at least one of information relating to the presence or absence of a WAN connection and information relating to the time required for information exchange via a backhaul.

4. A communication control device as described in claim 2, wherein the information relating to the second common data processing unit includes at least one of information relating to the occupancy rate per unit time of the channels included in each link and information relating to whether each communication device is within a range where wireless communication is possible.

5. The communication control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit further uses information relating to whether the second common data processing unit is available to determine whether to use the first management or the second management.

6. The communication control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit further uses at least one of information relating to the movement speed and information relating to the movement range of the third communication device to determine whether to use the first management or the second management.

7. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to receive a communication device switching request from a third communication device, and then determines whether or not it is necessary to change the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units.

8. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits an information request frame to the second communication device, and then receives an information response frame to acquire information relating to the second common data processing unit.

9. The communication control device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit transmits an information confirmation frame to the second communication device and performs control to notify the second communication device of the common data processing unit that manages the individual data processing unit.

10. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to receive a communication device switching request from a third communication device, and then controls to acquire information about the second common data processing unit from the second communication device, and determines whether or not it is necessary to change the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units based on the information about the second common data processing unit acquired from the second communication device.

11. A communication control device as described in claim 7, wherein, when the control unit determines that it is necessary to change the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units, it controls the transmission of information regarding communication with the third communication device to the second communication device that includes the second common data processing unit to which the change is to be made.

12. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein the information relating to communication with the third communication device includes at least one of a packet number and a sequence number.

13. The communication control device of claim 11, wherein the information regarding communication with the third communication device includes at least one of information regarding a PMK (Pairwise Master Key), information regarding the generation of a GTK (Group Transient Key) or a GTK, and information regarding the generation of a PTK (Pairwise Transient Key) or a PTK.

14. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein the information relating to communication with the third communication device includes information relating to a Block Ack Session, which is information for determining a method for transmitting a Block Ack.

15. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein the information relating to communication with the third communication device includes at least one of information relating to TID-to-link mapping used to assign a traffic ID, information relating to Link ID used to assign a link ID, information relating to AID used to assign a station ID, or information relating to channel access used to perform channel access.

16. A communication control device as described in claim 11, wherein when the control unit controls to receive information regarding switching of the connection destination of the third communication device from the second communication device including the second common data processing unit to which the change is made, the control unit controls to erase at least some of the information regarding communication with the third communication device.

17. A communication control device as described in claim 10, wherein, when the control unit determines that it is necessary to change the first common data processing unit that manages the first and second individual data processing units, it controls the transmission of information regarding communication with the third communication device to the second communication device that includes the second common data processing unit to which the change is to be made.

18. A communication control device as described in claim 17, wherein when the control unit controls to receive information regarding switching of the connection destination of the third communication device from the second communication device including the second common data processing unit to which the change is made, the control unit controls to erase at least some of the information regarding communication with the third communication device.

19. A communication control device as described in claim 6, wherein the control unit performs control to determine which communication device will manage the first and second individual data processing units, from among the first communication device including the first common data processing unit and the second communication device including the second common data processing unit, by comparing the movement speed of the third communication device with a predetermined first threshold value.

20. A communication control device as described in claim 6, wherein the control unit performs control to determine the communication device that will manage the first and second individual data processing units, from among the first communication device including the first common data processing unit and the second communication device including the second common data processing unit, by comparing the movement range of the third communication device with a predetermined second threshold value.

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