Communication control device, communication control method, and communication control program

Abstract

According to the present invention: data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel is performed by a first transmission / reception device and a second transmission / reception device; monitoring of reception of a radio wave signal other than a radio wave signal used for data communication on the first communication channel is performed by the first transmission / reception device; monitoring of reception of the other radio wave signal on a second communication channel is performed by the second transmission / reception device; when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel, the data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel is switched to data communication, on the second communication channel, between the communication device and the first and second transmission / reception devices; and monitoring of reception of the other radio wave signal in a third communication channel is performed by the second transmission / reception device.

Description

COMMUNICATION CONTROL DEVICE, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION CONTROL PROGRAM

[0001] [Description of Related Applications] The present invention is based on priority claim of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-077408 (filed May 10, 2024), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to a communication control device, a communication control method, and a communication control program.

[0002] Currently, communication devices and computers that communicate data via Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity; registered trademark) communication compliant with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard are widely used. Among the radio wave signals for data communication used in Wi-Fi communication, communication channels (52ch to 64ch, 100ch to 144ch; "ch" means "channel") included in the 5 GHz W53 and W56 bands may be affected by specific priority radio waves, such as radar, as radio wave signals other than those for data communication. Therefore, for data communication using such communication frequency bands, a dynamic frequency selection (DFS) function is required, and various regulations have been established.

[0003] These rules include matters such as NOP (Non-Occupancy Period), CAC (Channel Availability Check), ISM (In-Service Monitoring), and CMT (Channel Move Time). NOP prohibits the use of a communication channel on which a radar signal has been received for 30 minutes or more. CAC requires that no radar signal be detected for 60 seconds or more before starting data communication using the communication channel. ISM requires constant monitoring of whether a radar signal is received during data communication on the communication channel. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for switching data communication on a communication channel included in the 5 GHz W52 band to data communication on communication channels included in the W53 and W56 bands.

[0004] Patent Application No. 2022-159672

[0005] The disclosures of the above prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference.The following analysis was made by the inventor.

[0006] For example, when data communication and ISM are being performed on the 5 GHz W53 and W56 band communication channels, radar signals other than the radio signals for data communication may be received as radio signals on the communication channel in use. Even in such a case, there is a demand for quickly changing the communication channel used for data communication and shortening the period during which data communication is connected.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to contribute to shortening the period during which data communication is interrupted when data communication is being carried out in a communication frequency band in which signals for other uses may be received.

[0008] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication control device having one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors perform data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel using a first transceiver and a second transceiver different from the first transceiver, monitor reception of radio signals other than radio signals used for data communication on the first communication channel using the first transceiver, monitor reception of the other radio signals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel using the second transceiver, when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio signals are received on the second communication channel, transition data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the second communication channel, and monitor reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel using the second transceiver.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication control method including the steps of: performing data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel by a first transceiver and a second transceiver different from the first transceiver; monitoring, by the first transceiver, for reception of radio signals other than the radio signals used for data communication on the first communication channel; monitoring, by the second transceiver, for reception of the other radio signals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio signals are received on the second communication channel, transitioning data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the second communication channel; and monitoring, by the second transceiver, for reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication control program for causing a communication control device having one or more processors to execute the following processes: a process for performing data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel by a first transceiver and a second transceiver different from the first transceiver; a process for monitoring, by the first transceiver, reception of radio signals other than radio signals used for data communication on the first communication channel; a process for monitoring, by the second transceiver, reception of the other radio signals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; a process for transitioning data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the second communication channel when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio signals are received on the second communication channel; and a process for monitoring, by the second transceiver, reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, etc. The present invention can be embodied as a computer program product.

[0011] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless access point device comprising a first transceiver, a second transceiver, and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors perform data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel by the first transceiver and a second transceiver different from the first transceiver, monitor reception of radio signals other than radio signals used for data communication on the first communication channel by the first transceiver, monitor reception of the other radio signals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel by the second transceiver, and when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio signals are received on the second communication channel, transition data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the second communication channel, and monitor reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel by the second transceiver.

[0012] Each aspect of the present invention can contribute to shortening the period during which data communication is interrupted when data communication is being performed in a communication frequency band in which signals for other uses may be received.

[0013] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication system to which communication control according to the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating, as an embodiment, the basic configuration of a communication control device shown in a first aspect. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 band used for Wi-Fi connection. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating usage patterns of communication channels in the 5 GHz W52 and W53 bands. FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating usage patterns of communication channels in the 5 GHz W56 band. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating communication control between a wireless access point shown in FIG. 1A and a communication device in a first embodiment according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating communication control processing (S10) between a wireless access point and a communication device performed by the communication control device shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 4B is a communication sequence diagram illustrating communication control processing between a wireless access point and a communication device performed by the communication control device shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of CAC and ISM timing for communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 band. FIG. 6A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication control process (S20) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating communication channels used by the communication control process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first modified example of the communication control process (S24) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating communication channels used by the first modified example of the communication control process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second modified example of the communication control process (S26) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating communication channels used by the second modified example of the communication control process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a timing chart illustrating a third modified example of communication control according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, in each drawing, identical or corresponding elements and processes are appropriately designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the number of components, the length of time required for each process, and the relationship and ratio of the communication bandwidth used for communication may differ from reality. Furthermore, the relationship and ratio of the time length and communication bandwidth may differ between drawings. In the following description, communication control for a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection is used as a specific example. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to 5 GHz Wi-Fi connections compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and may be applied to communication control of frequency bands in which signals for uses other than communication can currently be received, or to communication control of various frequency bands in which signals for uses other than communication can be received in the future.

[0015] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 4B. FIG. 1A illustrates a configuration example of a communication system 1 to which communication control according to the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 1B illustrates a basic configuration of a communication control device shown in a first perspective as an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication system 1 includes a wireless access point 12 connected to a network 10 and one or more communication devices 18 that perform data communication with the wireless access point 12 via a Wi-Fi connection. Note that the basic configuration of the communication control device in the first perspective is as shown in FIG. 1B. The communication device 18 is referred to as STA (STAtion) in the drawings. While the number of networks 10, wireless access points 12, and communication devices 18 in the communication system 1 can be any number greater than or equal to one, FIG. 1A illustrates a case in which the communication system 1 includes one network 10, one wireless access point 12, and one communication device 18.

[0016] The network 10 may be, for example, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless data communication network such as 4G (4th Generation), 4G LTE (4th Generation Long Term Evolution), or 5G (5th Generation), or the Internet, or a combination of two or more of these. The wireless access point 12, commonly referred to as a Wi-Fi router, can simultaneously communicate data with one or more communication devices 18 via Wi-Fi connections via multiple wireless communication lines. When the communication device 18 is connected to the wireless access point 12 so that it can communicate data, it can also communicate data with various information communication devices and information processing devices (not shown), such as computers, connected to the network 10.

[0017] The wireless access point 12 includes a communication control device 14 and transceivers 16-0 to 16-3. Each of the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 is connected to the communication control device 14, has an antenna, and is used for wireless data communication with the communication device 18 via a Wi-Fi connection. When there is no need to distinguish between the "transceivers 16-0 to 16-3," the subscripts "-0," "-1," "-2," and "-3" may be omitted and the "transceivers 16" may simply be referred to as the "transceivers 16." The number of transceivers 16 (four) shown in FIG. 1A is merely an example, and the wireless access point 12 may include multiple transceivers 16. In the following description, the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 are also referred to as chains 0 to 3, respectively.

[0018] The communication control device 14 includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units; processors) 140, a network interface (network IF) 142, and a main memory device 144, all connected via buses, cables, or the like to enable data input and output between them. The communication control device 14 may further include an auxiliary memory device 146, as necessary. The buses, printed patterns, electrical wires, or cables connecting these components of the communication control device 14 are further connected to the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 (chain 0-3). The communication control device 14 and the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 may be integrated into the same housing, or the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 may be configured in separate housings outside the communication control device 14 and connected to the communication control device 14 via cables. Note that the hardware configuration example of the communication control device 14 shown in FIG. 1A is merely an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the communication function of the wireless access point 12 and does not limit the hardware configuration of the wireless access point 12. The wireless access point 12 may include additional components not shown in FIG. 1A.

[0019] The CPU 140 executes instructions contained in a communication control program (not shown) that controls the operation of the transmission / reception devices 16-0 to 16-3 and realizes the communication control functions according to the present disclosure. The main memory device 144 includes memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The main memory device 144 stores the communication control program so that the CPU 140 can execute it, and also stores data necessary for executing the communication control program. The network interface 142 connects the main memory device 144 to the network 10, enabling data input and output between them.

[0020] The auxiliary storage device 146 includes a nonvolatile storage device and a nonvolatile storage element, such as a solid-state drive (SSD) and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 146 may further include an interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, to which an external cable and a nonvolatile storage element can be connected. The communication control program executed by the CPU 140 may be supplied to the communication control device 14 from a computer connected to the network 10 via the network interface 142, from a computer (not shown) via a cable connected to such an interface, or stored in a nonvolatile storage element and supplied to the communication control device 14. Note that if some or all of the communication control by the communication control device 14 is not performed by software using the communication control program, the communication control device 14 may include dedicated hardware that realizes some or all of the functions of the communication control program.

[0021] The communication device 18 is a smartphone, a game machine, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a computer, or the like that can perform data communication with the wireless access point 12 via a Wi-Fi connection. The communication device 18 includes a communication control device 180 having a configuration and functions similar to those of the communication control device 14, and a transceiver 182 that has an antenna and a configuration and functions similar to those of the transceiver 16.

[0022] Here, for convenience of explanation of communication control by communication system 1, the configuration of communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 band and the usage patterns of the communication channels will be explained. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing communication channels (52ch to 56ch, 100ch to 144ch; second communication channels) included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 band used for Wi-Fi connection. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing usage patterns of communication channels (36ch to 48ch, 52ch to 64ch) in the 5 GHz W52 and W53 bands. FIG. 2C is a diagram showing usage patterns of communication channels (100ch to 144ch) in the 5 GHz W56 band.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2A , the 5 GHz W53 band includes four communication channels, 52ch to 64ch, and the 5 GHz W56 band includes 12 communication channels, 100ch to 144ch. Each of the communication channels, 52ch to 64ch and 100ch to 144ch, includes four communication channels (not shown) with a communication bandwidth of 5 MHz. The 5 GHz W52 band, which is adjacent to the 5 GHz W53 band, is used for Wi-Fi communication. In communication system 1, both the 5 GHz W53 band and the W56 band do not need to be used; at least one of them needs to be used, except in cases where communication control is performed that requires both bands.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2B , communication channels 52ch to 64ch included in the 5 GHz W53 band can be used as four communication channels (HE20) with a communication bandwidth of 20 MHz. Furthermore, communication channels 52ch to 64ch included in the 5 GHz W53 band can be bundled in groups of two to be used as two communication channels (HE40) with a communication bandwidth of 40 MHz, or can be bundled in groups of four to be used as one communication channel (HE80) with a communication bandwidth of 80 MHz. Furthermore, communication channels 36ch to 48ch included in the 5 GHz W52 band and communication channels 52ch to 64ch included in the W53 band can be used as one communication channel (HE160) with a communication bandwidth of 160 MHz. In other words, communication control by communication control device 14 controls data communication in at least the communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and the W56 band, and in some cases, further controls data communication using communication channels included in the 5 GHz W52 band.

[0025] In the IEEE 802.11ax standard, the communication bandwidth of a communication channel is expressed as HE20 / HE40 / HE80 / HE160, while in the IEEE 802.11n standard, the communication bandwidth of a communication channel is expressed as HT20 / HT40. Furthermore, in the IEEE 802.11ac standard, the communication bandwidth of a communication channel is expressed as VHT20 / VHT40 / VHT80 / VHT160. In the IEEE 802.11be standard, the communication bandwidth of a communication channel is expressed as EHT20 / EHT40 / EHT80 / EHT160 / EHT320. In other words, the communication bandwidths of the communication channels in the IEEE 802.11ax standard, HE20 / HE40 / HE80 / HE160, are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to these communication bandwidths.

[0026] 2C, communication channels 100ch to 144ch included in the 5 GHz W56 band can be used as 12 communication channels with a communication bandwidth of 20 MHz. Furthermore, communication channels 100ch to 144ch included in the 5 GHz W56 band can be bundled in groups of two to be used as six communication channels with a communication bandwidth of 40 MHz, or bundled in groups of four to be used as three communication channels with a communication bandwidth of 80 MHz. Furthermore, eight communication channels 100ch to 128ch included in the 5 GHz W56 band can be bundled in groups to be used as one communication channel with a communication bandwidth of 160 MHz.

[0027] The communication control device 14 controls communications in accordance with the rules for the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 band, allowing each of the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 to perform data communications with the communication device 18 using the respective communication channels shown in Figures 2B and 2C. Furthermore, one of the multiple 20 MHz bandwidth communication channels included in the communication channels HE40, HE80, and HE160 (first communication channel) is used for both communication control and data communications between the transceiver 16 and the communication device 18, and is referred to as a primary channel (PC). Furthermore, one or more communication channels other than the primary channel among the multiple 20 MHz bandwidth communication channels included in the communication channels HE40, HE80, and HE160 are referred to as secondary channels (SC).

[0028] When there are multiple different communication channels HE20, HE40, HE80, and HE160, these communication channels can be distinguished by assigning symbols such as G1, G2, and G3. In the following description, a specific example of communication control is provided in which communication channel HE80 is used for communication between the wireless access point 12 and the communication device 18. However, with appropriate modifications, such communication control can also be applied to cases in which one or more communication channels HE20, HE40, and HE160 are used for data communication between the wireless access point 12 and the communication device 18. Furthermore, such communication control can also be applied to cases in which a mixture of communication channels HE20, HE80, HE40, and HE160 is used for data communication between the wireless access point 12 and the communication device 18.

[0029] In the communication system 1, data communication is performed using, for example, MIMO (Multi-Input Multi-Output). In such data communication, a single data communication is performed by transmitting different data streams at the same time and at the same frequency using multiple transceivers (e.g., transceivers 16-0 to 16-3). Furthermore, in order to perform DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) in the communication system 1, radar signal monitoring using at least one transceiver 16 is required. In the communication system 1, the communication control device 14 of the wireless access point 12 needs to change the communication channel used for data communication in response to receiving a radar signal using ISM, set the channel to an NOP state, or perform puncturing.

[0030] Puncturing refers to the wireless access point 12 performing data communication without transmitting radio signals for data communication in one or more specific 20 MHz-wide communication channels included in the communication channel HE80 used for data communication, and performing data communication with transmission of radio signals for data communication in the other one or more 20 MHz-wide communication channels. Puncturing is used to prohibit data communication by the wireless access point 12 in one or more specific communication channels in which a radar signal is detected. Note that puncturing is not performed on one or more 20 MHz-wide channels included in HE80 that are not used for data communication. Note that "puncturing (PUNC)" is an abbreviation for "preamble puncturing."

[0031] For example, if the wireless access point 12 has four transceivers 16-0 to 16-3, the DFS performs data communication using three of them, e.g., transceivers 16-0 to 16-2, and monitors radar signals using the remaining one, e.g., transceiver 16-3. There are two types of radar signal monitoring: CAC, which cannot be performed in parallel with data communication, and ISM, which can be performed in parallel with data communication. Transition to ISM is not possible until CAC has been performed for a certain period of time. In the communication system 1, during a period in which ISM can be performed, for example, one data communication is performed using a first communication channel by four transceivers 16-0 to 16-3, and ISM on the first communication channel is performed by three transceivers 16-0 to 16-2 in parallel with data communication. Meanwhile, the remaining one transceiver 16-3 performs ISM on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel.

[0032] When a radar signal is detected in the first communication channel, transmission of the radio signal for data communication in the first communication channel is prohibited. Therefore, data communication in the first communication channel is performed by four transceivers 16-0 to 16-3, and ISM in the second communication channel is performed in parallel with the data communication by three transceivers 16-0 to 16-2. Meanwhile, CAC in a third communication channel, which is different from the first and second communication channels, is initiated by the remaining one transceiver 16-3.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating communication control between the wireless access point 12 shown in FIG. 1A and the communication device 18 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that periods A, B, C, etc. are not necessarily common to each figure. As shown in FIG. 3, during period A, CAC for the primary and secondary channels of the first communication channel HE80 (communication channel G1) is performed by the transceiver devices 16-0 to 16-2 (chain 0-2) under the control of the communication control device 14. Furthermore, CAC for the primary and secondary channels of the second communication channel HE80 (communication channel G2) is performed by the transceiver device 16-3. Note that, hereinafter, for brevity, terms such as "primary channel and secondary channel" will be omitted as appropriate.

[0034] During period B, when the CAC during period A ends, the communication control device 14 causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 to perform data communication (TRx) on communication channel G1. Furthermore, the communication control device 14 causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-2 to perform ISM at all times, as long as the data communication throughput is not reduced. Furthermore, the communication control device 14 causes the transceiver 16-3 to perform ISM on communication channel G2. As a result, data communication on communication channel G2 can be started at any time unless a radar signal is received.

[0035] Here, at the boundary between periods B and C, a radar signal is received on one or more of the primary and secondary channels of communication channel G1. At this time, communication control device 14 switches, during period C, the data communication and ISM performed by transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 on communication channel G1 to the data communication and ISM performed by transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 on communication channel G2. As described above, communication control for switching from the data communication and ISM on communication channel G1 to the data communication and ISM on communication channel G2 is performed while transceiver 16-3 is immediately ready to perform data communication. Therefore, this communication control can be completed within a short time, for example, about 10 seconds.

[0036] During period D, the communication control device 14 causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-2 to perform data communication and ISM on communication channel G2, and also causes the transceiver 16-3 to perform CAC on the third communication channel HE80 (communication channel G3). During period E, the communication control device 14 causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 to continue data communication on communication channel G2, causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-2 to perform ISM on communication channel G2, and also causes the transceiver 16-3 to perform ISM on communication channel G3. As a result, data communication on communication channel G3 can be started at any time unless a radar signal is received. Note that the communication control by the communication control device 14 during periods A to E described above can be repeated until all communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 and W56 bands are exhausted.

[0037] 4A is a flowchart illustrating a communication control process (S10) between the wireless access point 12 and the communication device 18 by the communication control device 14 shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 4B is a communication sequence diagram illustrating a communication control process between the wireless access point 12 and the communication device 18 by the communication control device 14 shown in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the communication control device 14 causes the transceiver devices 16-0 to 16-2 to perform CAC in communication channel G1, and causes the transceiver device 16-3 to perform CAC in communication channel G2 (S100, S140-1, S140-2; FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0038] The communication control device 14 establishes data communication between the communication device 18 and the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 using the primary channel of communication channel G1 (S142 to S146; FIG. 4B). More specifically, the communication control device 14 causes the transceiver 16-0 to send a beacon to the communication device 18 over the primary channel of communication channel G1 (S142). When the transceiver 16-0 receives a connection request from the communication device 18 that received the beacon (S144), a Wi-Fi connection is established between the transceiver 16-0 and the communication device 18 (S146). The communication control device 14 determines whether data communication has been established between the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 and the communication device 18 over the primary and secondary channels of communication channel G1 (S102; FIG. 4A). If data communication is established (Y in the process of S102), the communication control device 14 proceeds to the process of S104, and if data communication is not established (N in the process of S102), the communication control device 14 remains in the process of S102.

[0039] The communication control device 14 causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 (chain 0-3) to perform data communication with the communication device 18 on communication channel G1, causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-2 to perform ISM on communication channel G1, and causes the transceiver 16-3 (chain 3) to perform ISM on communication channel G2 (S104, S148; FIGS. 4A and 4B). The communication control device 14 determines whether data communication between the transceivers 16-1 to 16-3 and the communication device 18 has ended (S106; FIG. 4A). If the data communication has ended (Y in S106), the communication control device 14 ends the process. If the data communication has not ended (N in S106), the communication control device 14 proceeds to S108.

[0040] The communication control device 14 determines whether at least one of the transceivers 16-0 to 16-2 has received a radar signal through the communication channel G1 using the ISM for the communication channel G1 (S108, S150; FIGS. 4A and 4B). If at least one of the transceivers 16-0 to 16-2 has received a radar signal through the communication channel G1 (Y in S108), the communication control device 14 proceeds to S110 (FIG. 4A). If not, the communication control device 14 returns to S104 (FIG. 4A).

[0041] The communication control device 14 places communication channel G1 in a NOP state (S110, S152; FIGS. 4A and 4B). Furthermore, the communication control device 14 establishes data communication between the communication device 18 and the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 using the primary channel of communication channel G2. To establish data communication between the communication device 18 and the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 over communication channel G2, the processes of S142 to S146 (FIG. 4B; not shown) are performed for communication channel G2 (S112, S154; FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0042] The communication control device 14 causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-2 to perform data communication and ISM with the communication device 18 on communication channel G2, and causes the transceiver 16-3 to perform CAC on communication channel G3 (S114, S156A, S156B; FIGS. 4A and 4B). The communication control device 14 determines whether or not to terminate CAC by the transceiver 16-3 on communication channel G3 (S116). If the communication control device 14 determines to terminate CAC by the transceiver 16-3 on communication channel G3 (Y in S116), the process proceeds to S118, and if the communication control device 14 determines not to terminate CAC (N in S116), the process returns to S114.

[0043] The communication control device 14 causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 to perform data communication with the communication device 18 over communication channel G2, causes the transceivers 16-0 to 16-2 to perform ISM over communication channel G2, and causes the transceiver 16-3 to perform ISM over communication channel G3 (S118, S158; FIGS. 4A and 4B). The communication control device 14 determines whether data communication between the transceivers 16-1 to 16-3 and the communication device 18 has ended (S120; FIG. 4A). If the data communication has ended (Y in S120), the communication control device 14 ends the process. If the data communication has not ended (N in S120), the communication control device 14 returns to S118.

[0044] According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure described above, immediately after the communication channel is changed in response to the detection of a radar signal, for example, data communication and ISM are performed by the transceiver devices 16-0 to 16-2 (3), and CAC is performed by the transceiver device 16-3 (1). Therefore, the throughput of data communication between the communication device 18 and the wireless access point 12 immediately after the change of the communication channel may decrease somewhat. However, after the change of the communication channel and the subsequent CAC are completed, data communication and ISM can be performed by the transceiver devices 16-0 to 16-3 (4). Therefore, the throughput of data communication between the communication device 18 and the wireless access point 12 quickly returns to the level before the change of the communication channel. In other words, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication channel can be changed in response to the detection of a radar signal with almost no impact on the throughput of data communication between the communication device 18 and the wireless access point 12.

[0045] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 6B. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of CAC and ISM for communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56. As shown in Figure 5, in communication control according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, CAC is performed simultaneously in parallel on all communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 before data communication between the transceiver device 16 and the communication device 18 is initiated. Furthermore, ISM is always performed simultaneously in parallel on all communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 and used for data communication between the transceiver device 16 and the communication device 18 while data communication between the transceiver device 16 and the communication device 18 is being performed.

[0046] Therefore, when a radar signal is received on one of the communication channels in which data communication is being performed, the data communication can be quickly shifted to another communication channel. Furthermore, the communication channel in which the radar signal is received can be quickly placed in a NOP state, and further, puncturing can be quickly performed to prevent the channel from being used for data communication. Thus, according to the communication control according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a radar signal is received on a communication channel in which data communication is being performed, the time during which data communication is interrupted can be minimized.

[0047] Fig. 6A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication control process (S20) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6B is a diagram illustrating communication channels used by the communication control process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the communication control according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is also executed in the communication system 1 shown in Fig. 1A. Also, Figs. 6A, 7A, and 8A illustrate an overview of the communication control process, and do not show detailed branching conditions and branching processes.

[0048] 6B and other figures, communication channels indicated by solid lines are used as primary channels (PC) or secondary channels (SC) for data communication with the communication device 18. Communication channels indicated by dotted lines are not used for data communication with the communication device 18. Also, diagrams showing the usage states of communication channels, such as FIG. 6B, illustrate a case in which communication control according to the second embodiment is performed on one type of communication channel, communication channel HE80, in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 band communication channels. However, as described above, communication control according to the second embodiment may be performed on data communication between multiple types of communication channels, such as data communication between a communication channel included in communication channel HE80 and a communication channel included in HE160.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6A, for example, when none of the communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 are being used for data communication, the communication control device 14 (FIG. 1A) controls one or more of the transceiver devices 16-0 to 16-3 (for example, all of the transceiver devices 16-0 to 16-3 (chain 0-3)) to perform CAC for 60 seconds or more in parallel on all communication channels (all bands) included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 (S200 and period A; FIGS. 6A and 6B).

[0050] The communication control device 14 determines through the CAC that a radar signal is not being received on any of the communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56. At this time, the communication control device 14 controls the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 to send a beacon for communication control to the communication device 18 on the primary channel (PC; for example, 100ch) of any communication channel HE80 included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 (for example, communication channel HE80 including 100ch to 112ch), thereby establishing a connection between the wireless access point 12 and the communication device 18 (S202 and period B; FIGS. 6A and 6B).

[0051] The communication control device 14 controls the communication device 18 and the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3, and performs data communication between the communication device 18 and the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3, for example, in the HE 80 including communication channels 100ch to 112ch (period C; Figure 6B).

[0052] The communication control device 14 controls the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 to perform ISM on all communication channels (S204; FIG. 6A). The communication control device 14 determines whether one or more of the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 have detected a radar signal on one or more of all communication channels, as indicated by a star in FIG. 6B (and FIGS. 7B and 8B) (S206; FIG. 6A). If one or more of the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 have detected a radar signal on one or more of all communication channels (Y in S206), the communication control device 14 proceeds to S208. If no radar signal has been detected (N in S206), the communication control device 14 returns to S204.

[0053] The communication control device 14 controls the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 to set the communication channel (e.g., 104ch, 116ch, 124ch, 136ch) in which the radar signal was detected to a NOP state (S208; FIG. 6A). The communication control device 14 determines whether a radar signal has been detected in one or more of the communication channels in which data communication is being performed by one or more of the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3, i.e., one or more primary channels (PC) or secondary channels (SC) (S210; FIG. 6A). If a radar signal has been detected in a communication channel in which data communication is being performed (Y in S210), the communication control device 14 proceeds to S212. If a radar signal has not been detected (N in S210), the communication control device 14 returns to S204.

[0054] The communication control device 14 determines whether or not a radar signal has been detected on a secondary channel (SC; for example, 104ch) of a communication channel (100ch to 112ch) through which data communication is being performed (S212; FIG. 6A). If a radar signal has been detected on the secondary channel (SC) of the communication channel through which data communication is being performed (Y in S212), the communication control device 14 proceeds to S214, and if a radar signal has not been detected (N in S212), the communication control device 14 proceeds to S216.

[0055] The communication control device 14 controls the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 to puncture the communication channel (104ch) in which a radar signal has been detected and which is in the NOP state among the secondary channels (SC) of the communication channels (100ch to 112ch) in which data communication is being carried out (S214, period D; Figures 6A and 6B).

[0056] The communication control device 14 determines that a radar signal has been detected on the primary channel (PC) of the communication channel HE80 (ch100-ch112) through which data communication is being performed, and moves the communication channel (period E; FIG. 6B). The communication control device 14 then changes the communication channel (HE80 including communication channels 100-ch112) to another communication channel (communication channel HE80 including channels 52-64 or communication channel HE80 including channels 132-144) and performs data communication (S216, periods F and F'; FIGS. 6A and 6B). When changing the communication channel in this way, the communication control device 14 selects, as the destination communication channel, a communication channel HE80 that includes the fewest or no NOP-state channels or punctured communication channels, in order to maximize the throughput of data communication.

[0057] The communication control device 14 determines whether all data communications between the wireless access point 12 and the communication device 18 have been completed (S218; FIG. 6A). The communication control device 14 terminates the process when all data communications have been completed (Y in the process of S218), and returns to the process of S204 when all data communications have not been completed (N in the process of S218). Note that the communication control device 14 may also return to the process of S200 when all data communications have been completed (Y in the process of S218).

[0058] The second embodiment of the present disclosure described above can be applied to data communication between a wireless access point 12 including a plurality of transceiver devices 16 and a communication device 18. In other words, the use of the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to data communication using MIMO.

[0059] [Modifications] Next, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B . In the first modification, when a radar signal is detected in the primary channel (PC) of a communication channel HE80 used for data communication, the primary channel of the communication channel HE80 is shifted to another communication channel included in the same communication channel HE80. FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first modification (S24) of the communication control process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating communication channels used by the first modification of the communication control process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in the process shown in FIG. 7A , the process of S216 shown in FIG. 6A is replaced with the process of S240. Furthermore, periods A to E in FIG. 7B are the same as periods A to E shown in FIG. 6B , but period F in FIG. 7B is different from period F in FIG. 6 , and period F′ is not included in FIG.

[0060] The communication control device 14 determines that a radar signal has been detected in the primary channel (PC) of the communication channel (100ch to 112ch) through which data communication is being performed, and punctures the primary channel (PC) (period E; FIG. 7B). The communication control device 14 further changes the primary channel (PC) of the communication channel through which data communication is being performed to one of the secondary channels (SC) (e.g., 108ch) that is included in the same communication channel HE80 as the primary channel (PC), is not in the NOP state, and is not punctured (S240, period F; FIGS. 7A and 7B).

[0061] In this way, when a radar signal is received on the primary channel (PC), data communication can be continued by changing the primary channel (PC) to another communication channel included in the same communication channel HE80. For example, when data communication is being performed using one communication channel as the primary channel (PC) in a certain communication channel HE80 and the other three communication channels are being punctured, a new radar signal may be detected on the primary channel (PC). In such a case, the communication control device 14 may perform the processing shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B instead of the processing shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In other words, the communication control described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B and the communication control described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B may be combined as appropriate.

[0062] Next, a second modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B . In the second modified example, when a new radar signal is received on the secondary channel (SC) of the communication channel HE80 used for data communication, the secondary channel (SC) is placed in a NOP state and then punctured. Furthermore, in the second modified example, after 30 minutes or more have elapsed during which the NOP state should continue, the NOP state is released as long as the secondary channel (SC) does not detect a radar signal, and the punctured state is changed to a state where it can be used for data communication. FIG. 8A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second modified example (S26) of the communication control process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating communication channels used by the second modified example of the communication control process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in the process shown in FIG. 8A , after the processes of S200 to S214 shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A , the processes of S260 to S268 are performed, and then the process of S218 is performed. Furthermore, periods A to E in FIG. 8B are the same as periods A to E in FIGS. 6B and 7B.

[0063] 8A, the communication control device 14 determines whether a radar signal has been detected on the primary channel (PC) of the communication channels (100ch to 112ch) over which data communication is being performed (S260). If a radar signal has been detected on the primary channel (PC) (Y in S260), the communication control device 14 proceeds to S262. If a radar signal has not been detected (N in S260), the communication control device 14 proceeds to S264. The communication control device 14 controls the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 to change the communication channel (S216; FIG. 6A) or the primary channel (PC) (S240; FIG. 7A).

[0064] The communication control device 14 determines whether or not there is a secondary channel (SC) that no longer requires puncturing among the communication channels (communication channels HE80 including channels 100 to 112) used for data communication (S264, period F; FIGS. 8A and 8B). A secondary channel (SC) that no longer requires puncturing is a secondary channel for which no radar signal has been detected after a predetermined period (30 minutes) has elapsed since the NOP state was established. If there is a secondary channel (SC) that no longer requires puncturing (Y in S264), the communication control device 14 proceeds to S266. If there is no secondary channel (SC) that no longer requires puncturing (N in S264), the communication control device 14 returns to S204.

[0065] The communication control device 14 controls the transmitting / receiving devices 16-0 to 16-3 to release the NOP state of the communication channel (104ch) that has been set to the NOP state and has been punctured (S266, period G; FIGS. 8A and 8B).

[0066] The communication control device 14 controls the transmitting / receiving devices 16-0 to 16-3 to resume data communication on the communication channel (104ch) included in the communication channel HE80 on which data communication had been carried out up until then (S268, period H; FIGS. 8A and 8B).

[0067] As described above, the communication channel HE80 that was performing data communication with the communication device 18 is set to the NOP state, and the NOP state of the punctured secondary channel is released and the puncturing is terminated, thereby making it possible to resume data communication between the transceiver devices 16-0 to 16-3 and the communication device 18 on the same communication channel HE80. Note that the processing described with reference to Figures 8A and 8B can also be combined with the processing described with reference to Figures 6A to 7B.

[0068] In this way, by performing CAC and ISM, it is possible to always know which of all communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 band is receiving a radar signal. Furthermore, when a radar signal is received on a communication channel used for data communication, the communication channel can be quickly switched to another communication channel, rather than performing CAC and ISM sequentially at different times on each of all communication channels included in the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 band. Furthermore, in such a case, the communication channel on which the radar signal is received can be quickly punctured or restored from the NOP state to a state where data communication is possible.

[0069] Next, a third modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 is a timing chart illustrating a third modified example of communication control according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication control illustrated in FIG. 9 enables data communication on a secondary channel that has been placed in a NOP state in communication channel HE80 used for data communication between one or more of transceiver devices 16-0 to 16-3 and communication device 18 after CAC by one of the selected transceiver devices 16-0 to 16-3. Note that communication channel 104ch and communication channel HE80 including this communication channel 104ch described here are merely examples, and such communication control may be performed on data communication between communication channels included in communication channel HE40 or communication channel HE160. Furthermore, such communication control may be performed on data communication between a communication channel included in communication channel HE40 and a communication channel included in communication channel HE80 or communication channel HE160. Furthermore, such communication control can be performed on data communication between a communication channel included in communication channel HE80 and a communication channel included in communication channel HE40 or communication channel HE160.

[0070] 9, for example, when a radar signal is received on communication channel 104ch of communication channel HE80, which includes communication channels 100ch to 112ch, the communication control device 14 places this communication channel 104ch in an NOP state and then performs puncturing. The communication control device 14 must maintain this NOP state for 30 minutes or more. During the period (30 minutes or more) during which the NOP state must be maintained after the radar signal is received on communication channel 104ch, the communication control device 14 places communication channel 104ch in an NOP state for all of the transceivers 16-0 to 16-3, and performs data communication and ISM on the other communication channels.

[0071] After the period during which the NOP state of communication channel 104ch must continue has elapsed, communication control device 14 controls only transceiver 16-3 to perform CAC on communication channel 104ch for a predetermined period (60 seconds or more). If transceiver 16-3 does not receive a radar signal on communication channel 104ch during the CAC period, communication control device 14 places all transceivers 16-0 to 16-3 in a state where data communication with communication device 18 using communication channel 104ch is possible, and causes data communication and ISM to be performed. Through this communication control, a communication channel that has been in the NOP state due to the reception of a radar signal can be quickly placed in a state where it can be used for data communication after the period during which the NOP state must continue has elapsed, as long as no radar signal is received.

[0072] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes: [Supplementary Note 1] A communication control device including one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to perform data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel using a first transceiver and a second transceiver different from the first transceiver, to monitor, by the first transceiver, reception of a radio wave signal other than a radio wave signal used for data communication on the first communication channel, and to monitor, by the second transceiver, reception of the other radio wave signal on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel, when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio wave signal is received on the second communication channel, to transition data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the second communication channel, and to monitor, by the second transceiver, reception of the other radio wave signal on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel. [Supplementary Note 2] The communication control device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: when the other radio signal is received on the first communication channel, prohibit transmission of a radio signal for data communication on the first communication channel, monitor reception of the other radio signal on the second communication channel by the first transceiver, and monitor reception of the other radio signal on a third communication channel different from the first and second communication channels by the second transceiver. [Supplementary Note 3] The communication control device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: when the other radio signal is received on the second communication channel but not when the other radio signal is received on the third communication channel, transition data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the second communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the third communication channel.[Supplementary Note 4] The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the data communication conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard and utilizes MIMO. [Supplementary Note 5] The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein prohibiting transmission of radio signals for data communication in the first communication channel is NOP. [Supplementary Note 6] The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein monitoring of reception of the other radio signals is CAC and ISM following the CAC. [Supplementary Note 7] A communication control method including the steps of: performing data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel by a first transmission / reception device and a second transmission / reception device different from the first transmission / reception device; monitoring, by the first transmission / reception device, reception of another radio wave signal other than a radio wave signal used for data communication on the first communication channel; monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio wave signal is received on the second communication channel, transitioning data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transmission / reception device and the second transmission / reception device on the second communication channel; and monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel. [Supplementary Note 8] The communication control method according to Supplementary Note 7, further comprising the steps of: prohibiting transmission of radio signals for data communication in the first communication channel when the other radio signals are received in the first communication channel; monitoring, by the first transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio signals in the second communication channel; and monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio signals in a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel.[Supplementary Note 9] A communication control program that causes a communication control device having one or more processors to execute the following processes: a process of performing data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel by a first transmission / reception device and a second transmission / reception device different from the first transmission / reception device; a process of monitoring, by the first transmission / reception device, reception of another radio wave signal other than the radio wave signal used for data communication on the first communication channel; a process of monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; a process of shifting data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transmission / reception device and the second transmission / reception device on the second communication channel when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio wave signal is received on the second communication channel; and a process of monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel. [Supplementary Note 10] The communication control program according to Supplementary Note 9, further causing the one or more processors to execute a process of prohibiting transmission of radio signals for data communication on the first communication channel when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel, a process of monitoring reception of the other radio signals on the second communication channel by the first transmission / reception device, and a process of monitoring reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel by the second transmission / reception device.[Supplementary Note 11] A wireless access point device comprising: a first transceiver, a second transceiver, and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors perform data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel via the first transceiver and a second transceiver different from the first transceiver; monitor, via the first transceiver, reception of a radio wave signal other than a radio wave signal used for data communication on the first communication channel; monitor, via the second transceiver, reception of the other radio wave signal on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio wave signal is received on the second communication channel, transition the data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the second communication channel; and monitor, via the second transceiver, reception of the other radio wave signal on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel. [Supplementary Note 12] A communication control device including one or more processors, which performs communication control of data communication using a plurality of first communication channels capable of receiving radio signals other than radio signals for data communication, and one or more second communication channels included in each of the plurality of first communication channels, wherein the one or more processors are configured to check in parallel in all of the second communication channels before data communication is performed whether the other radio signals are received, monitor in parallel in all of the second communication channels other than the second communication channel that is the target of the check whether the other radio signals are received, and perform communication control for each of the first communication channels and each of the second communication channels based on the results of the check and the monitoring.[Supplementary Note 13] The communication control device according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein, in each of the plurality of first communication channels, the second communication channel includes at least a primary channel used for communication control, and when the other radio wave signal is received on the primary channel through the monitoring, data communication on the first communication channel including the primary channel through which the other radio wave signal is received is shifted to data communication on the other first communication channel. [Supplementary Note 14] The communication control device according to Supplementary Note 12 or 13, wherein the first communication channel that includes the fewest number of the second communication channel being checked and the second communication channel through which the other radio wave signal is received through the monitoring is set to be the other first communication channel. [Supplementary Note 15] The communication control device according to any one of Supplements 12 to 14, wherein, in each of the plurality of first communication channels, the second communication channel includes at least a primary channel used for communication control, and when the monitoring determines that the other radio wave signal is received on the primary channel, communication control for data communication on the first communication channel including the primary channel on which the other radio wave signal is received is performed using the second communication channel other than the primary channel on which the other radio wave signal is received. [Supplementary Note 16] The communication control device according to any one of Supplements 12 to 15, wherein, when the other radio wave signal is received on the second communication channel used for data communication, the confirmation enables data communication using the second communication channel on which the other radio wave signal was received, other than when the other radio wave signal was received on the second communication channel on which the other radio wave signal was received. [Supplementary Note 17] The communication control device according to any one of Supplements 12 to 16, wherein the confirmation and the monitoring are performed by a plurality of communication devices, and the confirmation is performed by one or more of the plurality of communication devices. [Supplementary Note 18] The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 12 to 17, wherein the second communication channel is a communication channel included in at least one of the 5 GHz W53 band and W56 band of the IEEE 802.11 standard. [Supplementary Note 19] The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 12 to 18, wherein the confirmation is performed by a CAC and the monitoring is performed by an ISM.[Supplementary Note 20] A communication control method in a communication control device that performs communication control of data communication using a plurality of first communication channels that can receive radio signals other than radio signals for data communication, and one or more second communication channels included in each of the plurality of first communication channels, the communication control method including: a confirmation step of confirming whether or not the other radio signals are received in parallel in all of the second communication channels before data communication is performed; a monitoring step of monitoring whether or not the other radio signals are received in parallel in all of the second communication channels other than the second communication channel that is the target of the confirmation; and a communication control step of performing communication control for each of the first communication channels and each of the second communication channels based on the results of the confirmation and the monitoring. [Supplementary Note 21] A communication control program having one or more processors and performing communication control of data communication using a plurality of first communication channels capable of receiving radio signals other than radio signals for data communication, and one or more second communication channels included in each of the plurality of first communication channels, the communication control program further causing the one or more processors to execute a confirmation process that confirms in parallel whether the other radio signals are received in all of the second communication channels before data communication is performed, a monitoring process that monitors in parallel whether the other radio signals are received in all of the second communication channels other than the second communication channel that is the target of the confirmation, and a communication control process that performs communication control for each of the first communication channels and each of the second communication channels based on results of the confirmation and the monitoring.[Supplementary Note 22] A communication control device including one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to perform data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel by a first transmission / reception device and a second transmission / reception device different from the first transmission / reception device, monitor reception of radio signals other than radio signals used for data communication on the first communication channel by the first transmission / reception device, monitor reception of the other radio signals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel by the second transmission / reception device, when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio signals are received on the second communication channel, transition data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transmission / reception device and the second transmission / reception device on the second communication channel, and monitor reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel by the second transmission / reception device. [Supplementary Note 23] The communication control device according to Supplementary Note 22, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to, when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel, prohibit transmission of a communication radio wave signal on the first communication channel, monitor reception of the other radio wave signal on the second communication channel by the first transceiver, and monitor reception of the other radio wave signal on a third communication channel different from the first and second communication channels by the second transceiver. [Supplementary Note 24] The communication control device according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the one or more processors are further configured, when the other radio wave signal is received on the second communication channel but not when the other radio wave signal is received on the third communication channel, to transition data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the second communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver and the second transceiver on the third communication channel.[Supplementary Note 25] The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 22 to 24, wherein the data communication conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard and utilizes MIMO. [Supplementary Note 26] The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 22 to 25, wherein prohibiting transmission of radio signals for communication in the first communication channel is NOP. [Supplementary Note 27] The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 22 to 26, wherein monitoring of reception of other radio signals is CAC and ISM following the CAC. [Supplementary Note 28] A communication control method including the steps of: performing data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel by a first transmission / reception device and a second transmission / reception device different from the first transmission / reception device; monitoring, by the first transmission / reception device, reception of another radio wave signal other than a radio wave signal used for data communication on the first communication channel; monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio wave signal is received on the second communication channel, shifting the data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transmission / reception device and the second transmission / reception device on the second communication channel; and monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel. [Supplementary Note 29] The communication control method according to Supplementary Note 28, further comprising the steps of: prohibiting transmission of radio signals for data communication on the first communication channel when the other radio signal is received on the first communication channel; monitoring, by the first transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio signal on the second communication channel; and monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio signal on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel.[Supplementary Note 30] A communication control program that causes a communication control device having one or more processors to execute the following processes: a process of performing data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel by a first transmission / reception device and a second transmission / reception device different from the first transmission / reception device; a process of monitoring, by the first transmission / reception device, reception of another radio wave signal other than a radio wave signal used for data communication on the first communication channel; a process of monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; a process of shifting data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device, the first transmission / reception device, and the second transmission / reception device on the second communication channel when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio wave signal is received on the second communication channel; and a process of monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel. [Supplementary Note 31] The communication control program according to Supplementary Note 30, further causing the one or more processors to execute a process of prohibiting transmission of a radio wave signal for data communication on the first communication channel when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel, a process of monitoring, by the first transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on the second communication channel, and a process of monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio wave signal on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel. It goes without saying that combinations of the various forms according to the supplementary notes of the present disclosure, or arbitrary combinations of the various elements described in each aspect and embodiment (including non-selection of some elements) can be made at any time by those skilled in the art in accordance with the basic concept of the present disclosure.

[0073] The disclosures of the above-cited patent documents and other documents are incorporated herein by reference. Modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims), and further based on the basic technical concepts thereof. Furthermore, various combinations and selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosed elements (including each element of each appendix, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally encompasses various modifications and alterations that would be possible by a person skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure and technical concepts, including the claims. In particular, the numerical ranges described herein should be construed as specifically describing any numerical value or subrange within the range, even if not otherwise specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above-cited documents are deemed to be included in the disclosure of this application, in part or in whole, which may be used in combination with the disclosures herein, as part of the disclosure of the present invention, in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, as necessary.

[0074] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 communication system 10 network 12 wireless access point 14 communication control device 140 CPU 142 network interface 144 main memory device 146 auxiliary memory device 16 transmission / reception device 18 communication device 180 communication control device 182 transmission / reception device

Claims

1. A communication control device having one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: perform data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel using a first transmission / reception device and a second transmission / reception device different from the first transmission / reception device; monitor, by the first transmission / reception device, reception of radio signals other than the radio signals used for data communication on the first communication channel; monitor, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio signals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio signals are received on the second communication channel, transition data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transmission / reception device and the second transmission / reception device on the second communication channel; and monitor, by the second transmission / reception device, reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: when the other radio wave signal is received on the first communication channel, prohibit transmission of radio wave signals for communication on the first communication channel; monitor reception of the other radio wave signals on the second communication channel using the first transmission / reception device; and monitor reception of the other radio wave signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel using the second transmission / reception device.

3. The communication control device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transition data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver device and the second transceiver device on the second communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transceiver device and the second transceiver device on the third communication channel when the other radio wave signal is received on the second communication channel but not when the other radio wave signal is received on the third communication channel.

4. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the data communication is performed in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard and using MIMO.

5. A communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein prohibiting transmission of radio wave signals for communication on said first communication channel is NOP.

6. A communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the monitoring of reception of the other radio signals is performed by a CAC and an ISM following the CAC.

7. A communication control method comprising the steps of: conducting data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel by a first transmission / reception device and a second transmission / reception device different from the first transmission / reception device; monitoring, by the first transmission / reception device, the reception of radio signals other than the radio signals used for data communication on the first communication channel; monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, the reception of the other radio signals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; transitioning data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication on the second communication channel between the communication device and the first transmission / reception device and the second transmission / reception device when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio signals are received on the second communication channel; and monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, the reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel.

8. The communication control method according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of: prohibiting the transmission of radio signals for data communication on the first communication channel when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel; monitoring the reception of the other radio signals on the second communication channel by the first transmission / reception device; and monitoring the reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel by the second transmission / reception device.

9. A communication control program that causes a communication control device having one or more processors to execute the following processes: a process for performing data communication with a communication device on a first communication channel using a first transmission / reception device and a second transmission / reception device different from the first transmission / reception device; a process for monitoring, by the first transmission / reception device, the reception of radio signals other than the radio signals used for data communication on the first communication channel; a process for monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, the reception of the other radio signals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel; a process for transitioning data communication with the communication device on the first communication channel to data communication between the communication device and the first transmission / reception device and the second transmission / reception device on the second communication channel when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel but not when the other radio signals are received on the second communication channel; and a process for monitoring, by the second transmission / reception device, the reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel.

10. A communication control program as described in claim 9, which further causes the one or more processors to execute the following processes: a process for prohibiting the transmission of radio signals for data communication on the first communication channel when the other radio signals are received on the first communication channel; a process for monitoring the reception of the other radio signals on the second communication channel by the first transmission / reception device; and a process for monitoring the reception of the other radio signals on a third communication channel different from the first communication channel and the second communication channel by the second transmission / reception device.

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