JP2006148342A - Channel control method in wireless communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To continue communication at all times even when a high speed downlink channel is not available although high speed downloading can be attained. <P>SOLUTION: In a wireless LAN in which high speed downloading is attained by using a radio wave or an infrared ray with a frequency higher in an uplink direction than that in a downlink direction in a wireless communication system, an access point apparatus and a station apparatus mutually recognize their apparatuses in order to check whether or not optical wireless communication is available. The station apparatus detects an optical signal and transmits a control signal to the access point apparatus. When the access point apparatus receives the control signal and can confirm optical wireless link-up, optical wireless communication is carried out through a downlink channel. When the link is interrupted between the optical wireless communication apparatuses, the downlink is switched into radio wave wireless communication at high speed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a line control method in a wireless communication system, and in particular, provides a high-speed downlink, performs data communication using radio waves and light, or uses millimeter waves instead of light. The present invention relates to a line control method in a wireless communication system that can be used in a wireless local area network (LAN) that performs data communication.

  There are various local area networks (LANs) as communication means for a communication terminal such as a personal computer to access the Internet or an in-house backbone network. For example, as a LAN (wired LAN) using a wired cable, Ethernet (registered trademark) is well known and widely used from a corporate LAN to a home LAN.

  In recent years, wireless LAN has attracted attention as a communication means replacing wired LAN. In a wireless LAN, it is not necessary to squeeze a cable for data transmission / reception, and this is advantageous in terms of the installation location and handling of a personal computer compared to a wired LAN. On the other hand, the data transfer speed is inferior to a wired LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  When a communication terminal accesses the Internet, the amount of data (traffic) is generally higher in downlink than in uplink. That is, the communication terminal downloads data more frequently than the upload. Therefore, in these LAN technologies, it is desirable that the downlink has a larger capacity than the uplink.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, a wireless communication system that enables high-speed download by using a radio wave having a higher frequency than that of the uplink has been proposed for the downlink (for example, Patent Documents). 1). In this wireless communication system, not only high-frequency radio waves but also infrared rays are used for download lines.
Japanese Patent No. 3280830

  However, high-frequency radio waves or infrared rays are capable of high-speed data transmission, but have high directivity, and there is a problem that communication is interrupted if the terminal moves to a place outside the line-of-sight of the base station. .

  Also, in the case of weather conditions such as rain or heavy fog, there is a problem that communication is similarly cut off.

  Further, in the conventional communication system, there is no means for switching to a bypass route or a backup route when a high-speed downlink is interrupted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. In a wireless communication system capable of high-speed data download and capable of always continuing communication even when a high-speed downlink line becomes unavailable. An object is to provide a line control method.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the principle of the present invention.

The present invention (Claim 1) is a line control method in a wireless communication system in which a host wired network and one or more communication terminals are connected using radio waves and light to perform data communication. ,
Wireless communication system
An access point device side radio communication means for transmitting and receiving data using radio waves as carrier waves;
Optical wireless transmission means for transmitting data using light as a carrier;
An upper-point wired network, an access point apparatus-side radio wave communication means and an optical wireless transmission means connected to the access point apparatus-side radio link control means;
An access point device having:
A radio wave communication means on the station side for transmitting and receiving data using radio waves as carrier waves;
Optical wireless receiving means for receiving data using light as a carrier;
A station device side radio link control means connected to the communication terminal, the station device side radio wave communication means and the optical radio reception means;
A station device comprising:
With
When at least one of the access point device and the station device can transmit and receive data by radio waves via the access point device side radio wave communication means and the station device side radio wave communication means,
Data transmitted / received between a higher-level wired network and a communication terminal connected to the station device is transmitted to the access point device side radio link control unit, the access point device side radio wave communication unit, the station device side radio wave communication unit, and the station device side. Via radio link control means,
At least one of the access point device and the station device can transmit and receive data by radio waves via the access point device-side radio wave communication means and the station device-side radio wave communication means, and the optical radio of the station device When the receiving means detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmitting means of the access point device can be received,
The optical wireless receiving means transmits a first optical detection signal to the station apparatus side wireless link control means,
The station apparatus side radio link control means that has received the first light detection signal communicates with the access point apparatus side radio link control means via the station apparatus side radio radio communication means and the access point apparatus side radio radio communication means. By transmitting and receiving the first control signal,
Data transmitted from the higher-level wired network to the communication terminal connected to the station device is transmitted to the access point device side wireless link control means, the optical wireless transmission means, the optical wireless reception means, and the station device side wireless link control means, To send through.

According to the present invention, in the line control method in the wireless communication system according to claim 1, at least one of the access point device and the station device includes an access point device-side radio wave communication unit, a station device-side radio wave communication unit, It is impossible to transmit and receive data by radio waves via the radio, and the optical wireless receiver of the station device can receive the optical wireless signal transmitted from the optical wireless transmitter of the access point device. When it is detected that
The optical wireless reception means transmits a second optical detection signal to the station apparatus side wireless link control means,
The station apparatus side radio link control means that has received the second photodetection signal is connected between the access point apparatus side radio link control means via the station apparatus side radio radio communication means and the access point apparatus side radio radio communication means. By sending and receiving 2 control signals,
Data transmitted and received between the host wired network and the communication terminal device connected to the station device is transmitted to the access point device side radio link control unit, the access point device side radio wave communication unit, the station device side radio wave communication unit, and the station. It transmits via the apparatus side radio link control means.

Further, according to the present invention (Claim 3), in the line control method in the wireless communication system according to Claim 1 or 2, a unique identifier is assigned to each of the access point apparatus and the station apparatus,
When at least one of the access point device and the station device can transmit and receive data by radio waves via the access point side radio wave communication means and the station device side radio wave communication means,
The access point device side wireless link control means and the station device side wireless link control means include a third identifier including an identifier assigned to each of the access point device and the station device via the radio wave wireless communication means connected thereto. And sending and receiving the fourth control signal,
The access point device recognizes the identifier of the station device, and the station device recognizes the identifier of the access point device.

According to the present invention (Claim 4), in the line control method in the radio communication system according to Claim 3, the access point apparatus side radio link control means and the station apparatus side radio link control means include the third and fourth aspects. When recognizing each other's identifier by sending and receiving control signals,
The access point apparatus side radio link control means generates a third control signal including an identifier assigned to the access point apparatus, and the station apparatus side radio wave communication by radio wave via the access point apparatus side radio wave communication means. To the means,
The station device side radio link control means that has received the third control signal via the station device side radio wave communication means recognizes the identifier of the access point device by decoding the third control signal, A first response signal including an identifier assigned to the station device is generated, and transmitted to the access point device side radio wave communication unit by radio wave via the station device side radio wave communication unit,
The access point device-side wireless link control means that has received the first response signal via the access point device-side radio wave communication means recognizes the identifier of the station device by decoding the first response signal.

According to the present invention (Claim 5), in the channel control method in the radio communication system according to Claim 3, the access point apparatus side radio link control means and the station apparatus side radio link control means include the third and fourth aspects. When recognizing each other's identifier by sending and receiving control signals,
The station apparatus-side radio link control means generates a fourth control signal including an identifier assigned to the station apparatus, and transmits to the access point apparatus-side radio radio communication means by radio wave via the station apparatus-side radio radio communication means. Send
The access point device side radio link control means that has received the fourth control signal via the access point device side radio wave communication means recognizes the identifier of the station device by decoding the fourth control signal, A second response signal including an identifier assigned to the access point device is generated and transmitted to the station device side radio wave communication unit by radio wave via the access point device radio wave communication unit;
The station-side wireless link control means that has received the second response signal via the station-device-side radio wave communication means recognizes the identifier of the access point device by decoding the second response signal.

According to the present invention (Claim 6), in the channel control method in the radio communication system according to Claims 3 to 5, the access point apparatus side radio link control means and the station apparatus side radio link control means transmit data by radio waves. In the period when you can send and receive
The third and fourth control signals are transmitted and received periodically.

According to the present invention (Claim 7), in the channel control method in the wireless communication system according to Claims 1 to 6, a unique identifier is assigned to each of the access point apparatus and the station apparatus,
When the optical wireless reception means of the station device detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device can be received.

The optical wireless reception means transmits a first optical detection signal to the station apparatus side wireless link control means,
The station device-side radio link control means that has received the first photodetection signal generates a first control signal including an identifier assigned to the station device, and the radio signal is transmitted via the station device-side radio wave communication means. To the access point device side radio wave communication means,
The access point device-side wireless link control means that has received the first control signal via the access point device-side radio wave wireless communication means receives the data addressed to the communication terminal connected to the station device input from the higher-level wired network. By transmitting to the optical wireless transmission means, data transmitted from the higher-level wired network to the communication terminal connected to the station apparatus is transmitted to the access point apparatus side wireless link control means and the optical wireless transmission. The data is transmitted via the means, the optical wireless reception means, and the station apparatus side wireless link control means.

Further, according to the present invention (Claim 8), in the line control method in the wireless communication system according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, the optical wireless receiver of the station apparatus transmits the light transmitted by the optical wireless transmitter of the access point apparatus. When light is received at a light level that exceeds its own reception sensitivity,
The optical wireless reception means of the station device detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted from the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device can be received.

  Further, according to the present invention (Claim 9), in the line control method in the wireless communication system according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, the light transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device is transmitted to Receives an optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device when it receives light at an optical level that exceeds its own reception sensitivity and extracts the clock from the received optical signal and makes it possible to identify the data. Detect that it is possible.

According to the present invention (Claim 10), in the channel control method in the wireless communication system according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, a unique identifier is assigned to each of the access point apparatus and the station apparatus,
When the optical wireless reception means of the station device detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device can be received but has become impossible,
The optical wireless reception means transmits a second optical detection signal to the station apparatus side wireless link control means,
The station device-side radio link control means that has received the second photodetection signal generates a second control signal including an identifier assigned to the station device, and performs radio wave wireless communication via the station device-side radio wave communication means. Sent to the wireless radio communication means on the access point device side,
The access point device-side wireless link control means that has received the second control signal via the access point device-side radio wave communication means receives data input from the higher-level wired network and addressed to the communication terminal connected to the station device. Is transmitted to the wireless radio communication means on the access point device side,
Data transmitted / received between a higher-level wired network and a communication terminal connected to the station device is transmitted to the access point device side radio link control unit, the access point device side radio wave communication unit, the station device side radio wave communication unit, and the station device side. It transmits via a radio link control means.

According to the present invention (claim 11), in the line control method in the wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the optical level of the optical wireless signal received by the optical wireless receiving means of the station device is the optical wireless. When the receiving sensitivity of the receiving means falls below, or when the optical wireless signal received by the optical wireless receiving means disappears,
The optical wireless reception means in the station apparatus detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted from the optical wireless transmission means in the access point apparatus can be received but has become impossible.

  According to the present invention (Claim 12), in the line control method in the wireless communication system according to Claims 1 to 11, the light transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means is infrared light, and the optical wireless reception means Receivable light is infrared light.

  According to the present invention (Claim 13), in the channel control method in the wireless communication system according to Claims 3 to 7, 10, the identifier assigned to each of the access point device and the station device is an identifier in the data link layer. It is a certain MAC address.

  According to the present invention (Claim 14), in the channel control method in the wireless communication system according to Claims 3 to 7, the identifier given to each of the access point device and the station device is an identifier in the network layer. IP address.

  According to the present invention (Claim 15), in the line control method in the wireless communication system according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, data communication is performed using millimeter waves or microwaves as carrier waves in the optical wireless transmission means and the optical wireless reception means. Further, the light of the carrier wave is a millimeter wave or a microwave, the light detection signal is a millimeter wave detection signal or a microwave detection signal, and the optical level is a millimeter wave level or a microwave level. Means.

  According to the present invention (Claim 16), in the channel control method in the radio communication system according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, the access point apparatus side radio wave communication means and the station apparatus side radio wave communication means use microwaves as carrier waves. Wireless communication means for performing data communication.

The present invention (Claim 17) is the communication system according to Claims 1 to 16,
One access point device,
One station device,
The access point device and the station device communicate on a one-to-one basis.

  According to the line control method in the wireless communication system of the present invention, high-speed data download is possible, and even when a high-speed downlink line becomes unavailable, switching to a downlink line using radio waves is performed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a wireless communication system capable of always continuing communication.

  In addition, the access point device and the station device recognize each other by transmitting and receiving control signals using radio waves, thereby providing a more secure wireless communication system.

  Also, by detecting the carrier level of an optical wireless receiver or millimeter wave wireless receiver that receives a high-speed downlink line, or a microwave wireless receiver, or by detecting clock extraction, Switching from radio wave communication to optical radio communication, millimeter wave radio communication, or microwave radio communication can be performed at higher speed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The wireless communication system according to the present invention is a system that provides a wireless data link using radio waves or light as a carrier wave between a communication terminal such as a personal computer and a higher-level wired network, and is a system called a wireless local area network (LAN). It is one form.

  In addition to the personal computer, the communication terminal may be, for example, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), an information appliance, or a mobile phone. Moreover, a server may be sufficient.

  The upper wired network may be, for example, a backbone network composed of wired data links such as Ethernet (registered trademark) if applied to an in-house LAN or the like. The communication network is composed of various data links such as ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy), dedicated lines such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber line). May be.

  An application example of the wireless communication system according to the present invention other than the above may be a system that provides a wireless data link using radio waves or light as a carrier wave between wired LANs. That is, you may use for the connection between LANs. In such an application example, the network configuration is a one-to-one or point-to-point configuration.

  Next, the configuration of the wireless communication system will be described.

  FIG. 2 shows the system configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The wireless communication system according to the present invention includes one access point device 100 connected to the upper wired network 10 and a station device 200 connected to the communication terminal 20.

  The access point device 100 and the station device 200 transfer data using either an optical wireless link that uses light as a carrier wave or a wireless radio link that uses radio waves as a carrier wave as a wireless downlink.

  Similarly to a general wireless LAN, a plurality of station devices 200 may be provided in order to connect a plurality of communication terminals 20 to the higher level wired network 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the station apparatus 200 and the communication terminal 20 may be connected one-to-one, and the same number of the station apparatuses 200 and the communication terminals 20 may exist.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the station apparatus 200 and the communication terminal 20 are connected in a one-to-many manner (one-to-two in the example in the figure), and one station apparatus 200 and a plurality of communication terminals are connected. 20 may be connected via the switching hub 30 or the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, a configuration in which the station apparatus 200 and the communication terminal 20 are connected in a one-to-one relationship and a one-to-many connection may be mixed. However, in order to facilitate understanding of the wireless communication system of the present invention, in this embodiment, a configuration in which one access point device 100 and one station device 200 exist (configuration in FIG. 2) will be described.

  The access point device 100 includes a first radio wave communication unit 110, an optical wireless transmission unit 120, and a first radio link control unit 130. The first radio communication unit 110 and the first radio link control unit 130 are connected, and the optical radio transmission unit 120 and the first radio link control unit 130 are connected. In addition, the first wireless link control unit 130 and the upper wired network 10 are connected.

  The station device 200 includes a second radio radio communication unit 210, an optical radio reception unit 220, and a second radio link control unit 230. The second radio wave communication unit 210 and the second radio link control unit 230 are connected, and the optical radio reception apparatus 220 and the second radio link control unit 230 are connected. The second radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200 is connected to the communication terminal 20.

  Data transmission / reception by radio waves is performed between the first radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 and the second radio communication unit 210 of the station device 200.

  The optical wireless transmitter 120 of the access point device 100 transmits data to the optical wireless receiver 220 of the station device 200 by optical wireless.

  Next, components of the access point device 100 and the station device 200 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail.

  The first radio wave communication unit 110 (hereinafter simply referred to as radio wave communication unit 110) of the access point device 100 uses radio waves as a carrier wave for data input from the wired interface (I / F) 111. It has a function of converting into radio data and outputting the radio radio data from the radio side interface (I / F) 112, and tunes radio radio data input from the radio side interface 112, and from the wired side I / F 111 Output. A second radio radio communication unit 210 (hereinafter simply referred to as radio radio communication unit 210) of the station apparatus 200 tunes radio radio data input from the radio side interface (I / F) 211, and receives the received data. It has a function of outputting from the wired side interface (I / F) 212, converts the data input from the wired side I / F 212 into radio wave data using radio waves as a carrier wave, and outputs from the radio side I / F 211. It has a function.

  Such a function connects a wired LAN and a wireless LAN, and is also called a wireless bridge function, for example. In addition, the radio | wireless side interfaces 112 and 211 in the radio | wireless radio | wireless communication parts 110 and 210 may be connected to the radio wave antenna for transmitting / receiving a radio wave (not shown in FIG. 2).

  In addition, the radio wave communication units 110 and 210 have an affiliated relationship, and the radio wave communication unit 110 functions as a master unit and the radio wave communication unit 210 functions as a slave unit. Therefore, the radio wave communication units 110 and 210 each have a management function in order to establish a belonging relationship.

  As a wireless LAN using radio waves, IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b standards established by IEEE (American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) are standardized. As the radio wave communication units 110 and 210 in the present invention, for example, the radio wave communication unit 110 may be an IEEE 802.11b access point, and the radio wave communication unit 210 may be an IEEE 802.11b station. In this case, a microwave of frequency 2.4 GHz is used as a carrier wave.

  In addition, as the radio wave communication units 110 and 210, access points and stations in IEEE 802.11a may be used. In this case, a microwave having a frequency of 5.2 GHz is used as a carrier wave.

  The radio wave wireless communication apparatus 210 may also be called a wireless LAN client as a general name. Furthermore, an access point equivalent and station apparatus in a wireless communication system using other radio waves may be used. The present invention is not limited to a method for realizing a radio wave communication apparatus.

  Next, the optical wireless transmission unit 120 of the access point device 100 converts the data input from the wired interface (I / F) 121 into optical wireless data using light as a carrier wave, and the optical wireless data is converted to an interface ( The optical wireless receiver 220 of the station apparatus 200 receives optical wireless data input from the wireless interface 221 and outputs the received data from the wired interface 222. It has the function to do. The optical wireless reception unit 220 has an optical wireless detection function for detecting whether the signal light transmitted from the optical wireless transmission unit 120 can be received. The optical wireless detection function will be described later.

  In the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220, the management function for establishing the belonging relationship is not essential.

  The optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220 use, for example, 100BASE-X or 1000BASE-X, which is an Ethernet (registered trademark) PHY method, as a physical layer (PHY) method, and transmit a space through a transmission path. A device that performs wireless communication may be used. Note that an optical antenna or a lens for transmitting and receiving light may be connected to the wireless I / Fs 122 and 221 in the optical wireless transmitter 120 and optical wireless receiver 220 (not shown in FIG. 2). )

  In addition, when the optical wireless receiver 220 detects that the optical wireless detection function has enabled data reception by light, the optical wireless receiver 220 receives from its own optical detection signal output port (not shown). The first optical detection signal is output to the second radio link control unit 230. Further, when the optical wireless reception unit 220 detects that the optical wireless detection function has made it impossible to receive data due to light, the optical wireless reception unit 220 uses its own optical detection signal output port (not shown), The second optical detection signal is output to the second radio link control unit 230.

  The light used as a carrier wave by the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220 may be infrared light. In that case, by using infrared light as a carrier wave, optical wireless communication is possible without adversely affecting the human body and without disturbing human vision.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to a method for realizing an optical wireless communication apparatus.

  A first radio link control unit 130 (hereinafter simply referred to as a radio link control unit 130) of the access point device 100 in FIG. 2 has a radio link control function to be described later, and is input from the wired interface 133. A data transfer function for selectively outputting the data to the radio wave radio side interface 131 or the optical radio side interface 132.

  In FIG. 2, the second radio link control unit 230 (hereinafter simply referred to as the radio link control unit 230) of the station apparatus 200 receives the first and second input signals from an optical detection signal input port (not shown). It has a function of decoding the light detection signal. In addition, it has a wireless link control function, which will be described later, and a data transfer function that outputs data input from the optical wireless side I / F 232 and the radio wave side I / F 231 to the wired side I / F 233.

  The access point device 100 and the station device 200 in FIG. 2 may be provided with different identifiers for identifying the devices. The identifier may be a MAC address or an IP address, for example.

  In the configuration of the wireless communication system in FIG. 2, in the access point device 100, the wireless link control unit 130, the radio wave communication unit 110, and the optical wireless transmission unit 120 are connected by cables. For example, a serial or parallel cable may be used. The cable may be a communication cable such as an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable or an optical fiber. The same applies to the station apparatus 200 of FIG.

  In the configuration of the wireless communication system in FIG. 2, in the access point device 100, the wireless link control unit 130, the radio wave wireless communication unit 110, and the optical wireless transmission device 120 are connected by cables. For example, it may be a wiring pattern on a substrate. Further, for example, internal wiring in the housing may be used. That is, the wireless link control unit 130, the radio wave wireless communication unit 110, and the optical wireless transmission device 120 may be configured to be an access point as a unit in appearance. The same applies to the station apparatus 200 of FIG.

  Hereinafter, a procedure for communication between the access point device 100 and the station device 200 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for communication between the access point device and the station device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, in FIG. 4, a state surrounded by a square and an ellipse represents the state of each device (access point device 100, station device 200), a square state represents a stable state, and an elliptical state represents a transition state. Yes. The transition state indicates a state in which it is confirmed whether or not it is possible to move when moving from one stable state to another stable state. Also, the dotted line arrows in FIG. 4 indicate that the access point device 100 and the station device 200 are negotiating by transmitting and receiving signals. The above negotiation functions are collectively referred to as “radio link control function” in the present invention.

  Step 110) First, after the power is turned on, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 enter a “standby state”.

  In the access point device 100, the radio wave communication unit 110 searches for the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station device 200 that can communicate using radio waves. The search method may be, for example, a method of periodically emitting radio waves including a search signal and waiting for a response signal from the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station device 200. The search signal may be, for example, a so-called beacon frame in IEEE 802.11.

  In the station device 200, the radio wave communication unit 210 searches for the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 that can communicate using radio waves. As a search method, for example, the radio radio communication unit 210 of the station device 200 waits for a search signal emitted by the radio radio communication unit 110 of the access point device 100, and when a search signal arrives, a response signal is output. A method of replying may be used. As another search method, for example, the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station device 200 emits a signal for searching for the radio wave communication unit 110 in the access point device 100 and the radio wave communication of the access point device 100 is performed. A method of waiting for a response signal from the unit 110 may be used. As such a search method, for example, the former may be a method called passive scanning in IEEE 802.11. In the latter case, for example, a method called active scanning in IEEE 802.11 may be used.

  When the radio radio communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 and the radio radio communication unit 210 of the station device 200 recognize each other by the above method, the belonging relationship is subsequently determined by the management function provided in each device. tie. For example, a method called authentication and association in IEEE802.11 may be used as a method for connecting the belonging relationship.

  Step 120) Next, in the “recognize opposite device” state, the radio link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 and the radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200 are connected to the radio wave communication unit 110 connected thereto, respectively. , 210 to negotiate by transmitting and receiving control signals.

  The negotiation method may be, for example, the following method. An operation example of the negotiation method will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the radio link control unit 130 in the access point device 100 detects that the radio wave communication unit 110 connected to the access point device 100 can communicate with the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station device 200 using radio waves (step). 121) The radio link control unit 130 creates a control signal using the identifier of the access point device 100 as a source address, and transmits the control signal to the radio wave communication unit 110 connected to itself. The radio wave communication unit 110 transmits the control signal to the second radio wave communication unit 210 of the station apparatus 200 that can communicate with the control signal using the radio wave. Or it broadcasts to the radio wave communication part of arbitrary station apparatuses (step 122). The second radio wave communication unit 210 of the station apparatus 200 that has received the control signal transmits the control signal to the radio link control unit 230 of the station apparatus 200. The radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200 decodes the received control signal, stores the identifier of the access point device 100 and information included in the control signal in a memory or the like, and uses the access point as a response signal to the control signal. A response signal is created with the identifier of the device 100 as the destination address and the identifier of the station device 200 as the source address. The response signal is transmitted to the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station apparatus 200, is transmitted to the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point apparatus 100 using the radio wave, and is further transmitted to the radio link control unit 130 of the access point apparatus 100. Are received (step 123). The radio link controller 130 of the access point device 100 that has received the response signal further creates an approval signal with the identifier of the station device 200 as the destination address and the identifier of the access point device 100 as the source address, You may transmit to the radio | wireless link control part 230 of the station apparatus 200 by the path | route similar to said control signal (step 124).

  In the above description, the access point apparatus 100 is mainly described. However, the station apparatus 200 performs the same operation.

  Here, the identifier included in the control signal transmitted by the radio link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 or the radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200 may be a MAC address. Alternatively, it may be an IP address.

  The control signal includes information on the device (access point device 100 or station device 200) that transmits the control signal, for example, the device name, the negotiation protocol version, the device firmware version, The result of device hardware diagnosis, other status information, and the like may be included. Further, when authentication is performed between the radio link control units 130 and 230 by negotiation, an ID necessary for authentication may be included. Further, the control signal transmitted by the radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200 may include the MAC address or IP address information of the communication terminal 20 connected to the station device 200. There may be a plurality of MAC addresses or IP addresses of the communication terminal 20.

  In the negotiation method of FIG. 5 described above, the access point apparatus 100 and the station apparatus 200 transmit and receive substantially the same signal almost simultaneously. On the other hand, a method in which either the access point device 100 or the station device 200 preferentially transmits a control signal may be used.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which the access point device 100 preferentially transmits a control signal.

  When the radio link control unit 130 in the access point device 100 detects that the radio wave communication unit 110 connected to the access point device 100 can communicate with the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station device 200 using radio waves (step). 131) The radio link control unit 130 creates a control signal using the identifier of the access point device 100 as a source address, and transmits the control signal to the radio wave communication unit 110 connected to the radio link control unit 130. The radio wave communication unit 110 transmits the control signal to the second radio wave communication unit 210 of the station apparatus 200 that can communicate with the control signal using the radio wave. Or it broadcasts to the radio | wireless radio | wireless communication part of arbitrary station apparatuses (step 132). The radio radio communication unit 210 of the station device 200 that has received the control signal transmits the control signal to the radio link control unit 230. The radio link control unit 230 decodes the received control signal, stores the identifier of the access point device 100 and information included in the control signal in a memory or the like, and uses the identifier of the access point device 100 as a response signal to the control signal. Is generated as a destination address, and a response signal is generated with the identifier of the station device 200 as the source address. The response signal is transmitted to the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station apparatus 200, is transmitted to the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point apparatus 100 using the radio wave, and is further transmitted to the radio link control unit 130 of the access point apparatus 100. Are received (step 133). The radio link controller 130 of the access point device 100 that has received the response signal further creates an approval signal with the identifier of the station device 200 as the destination address and the identifier of the access point device 100 as the source address, It may be transmitted to the radio link control unit 230 of the station apparatus 200 through the same route as the control signal (step 134).

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which the station apparatus 200 preferentially transmits a control signal.

  When the radio link control unit 230 in the station device 200 detects that the radio wave communication unit 210 connected to the station device 200 can communicate with the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 using radio waves (step). 141) The radio link control unit 230 creates a control signal using the identifier of the station device 200 as a transmission source address, and transmits the control signal to the radio wave communication unit 210 connected thereto. The radio wave communication unit 210 transmits the control signal to the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 that can communicate with itself using radio waves. Or it broadcasts to the radio | wireless radio | wireless communication part of arbitrary access point apparatuses (step 142). The radio wave radio communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 that has received the control signal transmits the control signal to the radio link control unit 130. The radio link control unit 130 decodes the received control signal, stores the identifier of the station device 200 and information included in the control signal in a memory or the like, and uses the identifier of the station device 200 as a response signal to the control signal. A response signal is created with the address and the identifier of the access point device 100 as the source address. The response signal is transmitted to the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point device 100, is transmitted to the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station device 200 using the radio wave, and is further transmitted to the radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200. Received (step 143). The radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200 that has received the response signal further creates an approval signal having the identifier of the access point device 100 as a destination address and the identifier of the station device 200 as a source address. It may be transmitted to the radio link control unit 130 of the access point apparatus 100 through the same route as the control signal (step 144).

  However, in the negotiation method in FIGS. 6 to 7, the response signal may include information related to the device (access point device 100 or station device 200) that transmits the response signal.

  In this way, after mutual recognition between the wireless link control units 130 and 230, by starting transmission / reception of data via the radio wave wireless communication units 110 and 210, communication with an undesired communication partner is blocked. Therefore, a secure wireless communication system can be provided.

  Step 130) When the above negotiation fails, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 return to the “standby state”. If negotiation fails, negotiation may be repeated again. When several attempts have been made but negotiation has failed, the access point device and the station device 200 return to the “standby state”.

  Step 140) When the negotiation is successful, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 proceed to the “communication state by radio waves”. After successful negotiation, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 may periodically perform the negotiation to confirm that the radio wave link is held.

  Note that when the access point device 100 and the station device 200 become communicable using radio waves, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 do not enter the “recognition state of the opposing device”, but directly “wirelessly”. You may progress to "communication state by radio wave". In this case, the radio link controls 130 and 230 of the access point device 100 and the station device 200 acquire the result of the negotiation (conclusion of belonging relationship) performed in the radio wave radio communication units 110 and 210, thereby obtaining the radio link. It is good also as negotiation between the control parts 130 and 230.

  Step 150) In the “communication state by radio wave”, the wireless link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 outputs the data input from the wired interface 133 to the radio wave side interface 131. Further, the data input from the radio wave side interface 131 is output to the wired side interface 133. On the other hand, the wireless link control unit 230 of the station device 200 outputs the data input from the wired side interface 233 to the radio wave side interface 231. Further, the data input from the radio wave side interface 231 is output to the wired side interface 233. As a result, the higher-level wired network 10 connected to the access point device 100 and the communication terminal 20 connected to the station device 200 are communicated via the radio wave communication units 110 and 210 provided in the access point device 100 and the station device 200. Data can be transmitted and received by radio waves.

  In addition, in order to check whether the access point device 100 and the station device 200 that can communicate by radio waves are communicable by optical radio, in the “communication state by radio waves”, the optical radio transmission unit 120 of the access point device 100 is For example, only light as a carrier wave on which data is not superimposed may be transmitted. Such light is called, for example, idle signal light. Alternatively, the optical wireless transmission unit 120 of the access point device 100 may transmit special pulsed light. These optical signals for checking whether or not communication by optical wireless is possible may be always transmitted in the “communication state by radio waves”. Moreover, you may repeat a short time transmission regularly.

  When communication using radio waves is disabled between the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 and the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station device 200 in the “communication state by radio wave”, the access point device 100 and the station apparatus 200 shift to a “standby state”.

  Step 160) When the optical wireless reception unit 220 of the station apparatus 200 becomes ready to receive data using light, the access point apparatus 100 and the station apparatus 200 enter an “optical wireless link up confirmation state”, respectively.

  In the “optical wireless link up confirmation state”, the radio link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 and the radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200 are connected to the radio radio communication unit 110 and the radio wave communication unit 210, respectively. Or by transmitting and receiving a control signal via the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220.

  The negotiation method may be, for example, the following method.

  The negotiation method will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the optical wireless receiver 220 in the station apparatus 200 detects that the light output from the optical wireless transmitter 120 of the access point apparatus 100 can be received (step 161), the optical wireless receiver 120 A light detection signal is output to the control unit 230 (steps 162 and 163). Receiving the light detection signal, the radio link control unit 230 creates a control signal using the identifier of the station device 200 as a transmission source address, and transmits the control signal to the radio wave communication unit 210 connected thereto. The radio wave communication unit 210 transmits the control signal to the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 that can communicate with itself using a radio wave (step 164). The radio radio communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 that has received the control signal transmits the control signal to the radio link control unit 130 of the access point device 100. The radio link control device 130 of the access point device 100 decodes the control signal, stores the identifier of the station device 200 and information included in the control signal, and sends the identifier of the station device 200 as a response signal to the control signal. A response signal is created with the address and the identifier of the access point device 100 as the source address. The response signal is transmitted from the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point apparatus 100 to the radio link control unit 230 via the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station apparatus 200 by radio wave radio. Alternatively, it is transmitted to the optical wireless transmission unit 120 of the access point device 100, sent to the optical wireless reception unit 220 of the station device 200 using optical wireless (step 165), and further to the wireless link control unit 230 of the station device 200. It may be sent and received. The radio link controller 230 of the station device 200 that has received the response signal further creates an approval signal with the identifier of the access point device 100 as the destination address and the identifier of the station device 200 as the source address, and the control signal It may be transmitted to the radio link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 through the same route (step 166).

  Here, as a means for detecting that the optical wireless receiver 220 of the station apparatus 200 can receive the light output from the optical wireless transmitter 120, the level of the signal light input to the optical wireless receiver 220 is used. Can be monitored. That is, if the level of the signal light input to the optical wireless reception unit 220 exceeds its own reception sensitivity, it may be determined that communication is possible using light.

  In this example, as the optical detection signal output from the optical wireless reception unit 220, for example, an SD (Signal Detection) signal output from an optical receiver (not shown) may be used. The light detection signal will be described later.

  In the present invention, the function of the optical wireless reception unit 220 of the station apparatus 200 detecting that the light output from the optical wireless transmission unit 120 can be received is referred to as an “optical wireless detection function”. As a means for realizing the optical wireless detection function, for example, the level of the signal light input to the optical wireless reception unit 220 exceeds its own reception sensitivity, and further, the clock is regenerated by the signal, and the optical transmitter and the optical reception are received. It may be determined that the optical wireless transmission unit 120 can receive light when signal synchronization with the receiver is established.

  Here, the identifier included in the control signal transmitted by the radio link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 or the radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200 may be a MAC address. Alternatively, it may be an IP address. The control signal includes information related to the device (access point device 100 or station device 200) that transmits the control signal, such as the device name, the protocol version of the negotiation method, the device firmware version, and the device hardware. The result of wear diagnosis, other status information, and the like may be included. Further, when authentication is performed between the radio link control units 130 and 230 by negotiation, an ID necessary for authentication may be included. Furthermore, the control signal transmitted by the radio link control unit 230 of the station device 200 may include information on the MAC address or IP address of the communication terminal connected to the station device 200. There may be a plurality of MAC addresses or IP addresses of the communication terminal 20.

  In this way, after performing mutual recognition between the radio link control units 130 and 230, communication can be performed using optical radio by starting data transmission / reception via the optical radio transmission unit 120 and the optical radio reception unit 220. Therefore, a more secure wireless communication system can be provided because it is possible to reliably recognize a remote device and to block communication with an undesired communication partner device.

  If the negotiation fails, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 return to the “communication state by radio waves” (step 150). If negotiation fails, negotiation may be repeated again. When several attempts have been made and negotiation has failed, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 return to the “communication state by radio waves” (step 150).

  When the above negotiation is successful, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 proceed to “a communication state using optical wireless communication only on the downlink line” (step 170).

  When the above negotiation is successful, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 may periodically perform the above-described negotiation to confirm that the optical wireless link is held.

  Step 170) In the “communication state by optical wireless communication only for the downlink line”, the wireless link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 is a station device 200 capable of performing optical wireless communication among the data input by the wired interface 133. The data addressed to the communication terminal 20 connected to is output to the optical wireless side interface 132, and other data is output to the radio wave side interface 131. In addition, the wireless link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 outputs the data input through the radio wave wireless interface 131 to the wired interface 133.

  On the other hand, the wireless link control unit 230 of the station apparatus 200 outputs the data input from the wired interface 233 to the radio wave wireless interface 231. The radio link control unit 230 of the station apparatus 200 multiplexes the data input from the radio wave radio side interface 231 and the data input from the optical radio side interface 232 and outputs the multiplexed data to the wired side interface 233.

  Thereby, when the higher-level wired network connected to the access point 100 and the communication terminal 20 connected to the station device 200 can communicate by optical wireless, the optical wireless transmission unit included in the access point device 100 and the station device 200 120, data can be downloaded by light via the optical wireless receiver 220.

  When communication using light is disabled between the optical wireless transmission unit 120 of the access point device 100 and the optical wireless reception unit 220 of the station device 200 in the “downlink optical wireless communication state”, Alternatively, when the optical wireless link is disconnected, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 move to the “optical wireless link down confirmation state”.

  In the “communication state by optical wireless only in the downlink”, communication using light is disabled between the optical wireless transmission unit 120 of the access point device 100 and the optical wireless reception unit 220 of the station device 200, and When communication using radio waves is disabled between the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 and the radio wave communication unit 210 of the station device 200, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 make “standby” Move to "State". In this example, for example, the access point device 100 and the station device 100 can communicate with each other by optical wireless, but communication with both light and radio waves becomes impossible due to failure of one of the devices, etc. Applies to

  Step 180) When the optical wireless transmission unit 120 of the access point device 100 and the optical wireless reception unit 220 of the station device 200 can transmit and receive data using light, but change to an impossible state, the access point Each of the apparatus 100 and the station apparatus 200 enters an “optical wireless link down confirmation state”.

  In the “confirmation state of optical wireless link down”, the wireless link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 and the wireless link control unit 230 of the station device 200 are connected via the radio wave wireless communication units 110 and 210 respectively connected thereto. Negotiate by sending and receiving control signals.

  The negotiation method is almost the same as the above-mentioned “confirmation of optical wireless link up”, but the control signal, response signal, and approval signal are transmitted / received using only radio waves.

  The “confirmation state of optical wireless link down” will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the optical wireless reception unit 220 in the station device 200 detects that the light output from the optical wireless transmission unit 120 of the access point device 100 cannot be received (step 161 ′), the optical wireless reception unit 220 An optical detection signal is output to the link control unit 230 (steps 162 ′ and 163 ′). The radio link control unit 230 that has received the photodetection signal creates a control signal that uses the identifier of the station device 200 as a source address and the identifier of the access point device 100 as a destination address, and is a radio wave communication unit connected to itself. To 210. The radio wave communication unit 210 transmits a control signal to the radio wave communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 that can communicate with itself using radio waves (step 164 '). The radio radio communication unit 110 of the access point device 100 that has received the control signal transmits the control signal to the radio link control unit 130 of the access point device 100. The radio link control device 130 of the access point device 100 decodes the control signal, stores the identifier of the station device 200 and information included in the control signal, and sends the identifier of the station device 200 as a response signal to the control signal. A response signal is created with the address and the identifier of the access point device 100 as the source address. The response signal is transmitted to the radio wave radio communication unit 110 of the access point apparatus 100, sent to the radio wave radio communication unit 210 of the station apparatus 200 using radio waves (step 165 '), and further, the radio link control of the station apparatus 200 is performed. It is sent to the unit 230 and received. The radio link control unit 230 of the access point that has received the response signal further creates an approval signal with the identifier of the access point device 100 as the destination address and the identifier of the station device 200 as the source address, It may be transmitted to the radio link control unit 130 of the access point device 100 through a similar route (step 166 ′).

  In this way, after performing mutual recognition with the radio link control units 130 and 230, communication is performed using optical radio by starting data transmission / reception via the radio wave communication units 110 and 210. Since the other device that has been used can be recognized with certainty, a more secure wireless communication system can be provided.

  If the negotiation fails, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 proceed to “communication state by radio wave” (step 150). If the above negotiation fails, the negotiation may be repeated again. When several attempts have been made but negotiation has failed, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 proceed to “communication state by radio wave” (step 150).

  If the negotiation is successful, the access point device 100 and the station device 200 proceed to “communication state by radio wave” (step 150).

  Note that the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220 described so far are a millimeter wave wireless transmission unit using millimeter waves as a carrier wave, a millimeter wave wireless reception unit, or microwave wireless transmission using microwaves as a carrier wave. Or a microwave radio receiver. Both the millimeter wave and the microwave are types of electromagnetic waves. The microwave has a frequency of 3 GHz to 30 GHz, and the millimeter wave has a frequency of 30 GHz to 300 GHz. Examples of millimeter waves or microwaves used for high-speed wireless communication include 22 GHz band, 26 GHz band, 38 GHz band, and 60 GHz band. The 22 GHz band and the 26 GHz band are also called quasi-millimeter waves. By using millimeter waves or microwaves as a carrier wave, high-speed data transmission can be performed similarly to the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220.

  When the millimeter wave wireless transmission unit and the millimeter wave wireless reception unit are used instead of the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220, the millimeter wave of the station apparatus 200 is used in the above-mentioned “optical wireless link up confirmation state”. As means for detecting that the wireless reception unit can receive millimeter waves, the level of millimeter waves input to the millimeter wave wireless reception unit may be monitored.

  Similarly, when a microwave wireless transmission unit and a microwave wireless reception unit are used instead of the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220, the station device 200 is in the above-mentioned “optical wireless link up confirmation state”. As a means for detecting that the microwave radio receiving unit can receive the microwave, the level of the microwave input to the microwave radio communication receiving unit may be monitored.

  Further, when the millimeter wave wireless transmission unit and the millimeter wave wireless reception unit are used in place of the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220, in the above-described "optical wireless link down confirmation state", the station device 200 As a means for detecting that the millimeter wave radio reception unit has become unable to receive the millimeter wave, the level of the millimeter wave input to the millimeter wave radio reception unit may be monitored.

  Similarly, when a microwave wireless transmission unit and a microwave wireless reception unit are used instead of the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220, the station device 200 is in the above-mentioned “optical wireless link down confirmation state”. As a means for detecting that the microwave radio receiving unit has become unable to receive the microwave, the level of the microwave input to the microwave radio communication receiving unit may be monitored.

  Next, the above-described light detection signal will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an optical receiver and a photodetection signal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 10A is a configuration example of an optical receiver that can output a light detection signal, and is built in the optical wireless receiver 220.

The signal light is converted into a current by a light receiving element 301 such as a photodiode, and is converted and amplified to a voltage level that can be received by the receiving circuit 304 by a preamplifier 302. A signal output from the preamplifier 302 is branched into two by a branching unit 303, and one of the signals is output as a reception signal through a reception circuit 304. The other is input to the comparator 305. The comparator 305 is a kind of amplifier circuit, and has two input ports and one output port. Compare the voltage of the received signal input by the two input ports with the reference voltage,
If (received signal voltage)> (reference voltage), the high voltage V _high is
If (received signal voltage) <(reference voltage), the low voltage V _low is output. Here, the reference voltage may be approximately the same as the output voltage of the branching device 303 when the signal light that is the minimum receiving sensitivity of the optical receiver is input to the light receiving element 301. At that time, the output voltage of the comparator 305 is
If (signal light level)> (minimum receiving sensitivity of the optical receiver), the high voltage V _high ,
If (signal light level) <(minimum receiving sensitivity of the optical receiver), the low voltage V _low
It becomes. Therefore, the output of the comparator 305 may be used as a light detection signal. That is, when the circuit of FIG. 14A is implemented in the optical wireless receiver 220, the optical wireless transmitter 120 and the optical wireless receiver 220 of the access point device 100 and the station device 200 can communicate using light. When this _happens , the high voltage V _high is output to the radio link control unit 230 as the light detection signal. On the other hand, when the optical wireless transmission unit 120 and the optical wireless reception unit 220 of the access point device 100 and the station device 200 become unable to communicate using light, the low-level voltage V _low is used as the light detection signal. 230.

  FIG. 14B shows an example of a photodetection signal output from the optical receiver. Note that the input of the comparator 305 in FIG. 14A may be an intensity-modulated voltage, so that the average level of the intensity-modulated voltage is between the branching device 303 and the comparator 305. May be inserted.

  In general, a light detection signal output when a sufficient level of signal light is input to the optical receiver is called SD (Signal Detection). On the other hand, a sufficient level of signal light has been input to the optical receiver, but the light detection signal that is output when the level drops or the signal light disappears is also called LOS (Loss Of Signal).

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  The present invention is applicable to a wireless communication system that provides a large-capacity downlink in a wireless LAN or the like.

It is a principle explanatory view of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the radio | wireless communications system in one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the connection form of the station apparatus and communication terminal in one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the procedure in which the access point apparatus and station apparatus in one embodiment of this invention communicate. It is FIG. (1) explaining the method to recognize the apparatus which the access point apparatus and station apparatus in one embodiment of this invention oppose. It is FIG. (2) explaining the method to recognize the apparatus with which the access point apparatus and station apparatus in one embodiment of this invention oppose. It is FIG. (3) explaining the method to recognize the apparatus with which the access point apparatus and station apparatus in one embodiment of this invention oppose. It is a figure explaining the method with which the access point apparatus and station apparatus in one embodiment of this invention confirm an optical wireless link up. It is a figure explaining the method with which the access point apparatus and station apparatus in one embodiment of this invention confirm an optical wireless link down. It is a figure for demonstrating the optical receiver and optical detection signal in one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the conventional radio | wireless system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Upper level wired network 20 Communication terminal 30 Switching hub 100 Access point apparatus 110 Access apparatus side radio | wireless radio communication means, 1st radio wave radio | wireless communication part 111 Wired side interface 112 Radio side interface 120 Optical radio | wireless transmission means, Optical radio | wireless transmission part 121 Wired Side interface 122 optical wireless side interface 130 access point device side wireless link control means, first wireless link control unit 131 radio wave side interface 132 optical wireless side interface 133 wired side interface 200 station device 210 station device side radio radio communication means, Second radio wave wireless communication unit 211 Wireless side interface 212 Wired side interface 220 Optical wireless reception means, optical wireless reception unit 221 Wireless side interface 222 Wired side interface Scan 230 the station apparatus side radio link control unit, the second radio link control unit 231 Telecommunications radio side interface 232 optical wireless side interface 233 wired side interface 301 receiving element 302 a preamplifier 303 divider 304 receiving circuit 305 comparator

Claims (17)

A line control method in a wireless communication system for connecting a host wired network and one or a plurality of communication terminals using radio waves and light and performing data communication,
The wireless communication system includes:
An access point device side radio communication means for transmitting and receiving data using radio waves as carrier waves;
Optical wireless transmission means for transmitting data using light as a carrier;
An access point apparatus side radio link control means connected to the higher level wired network, the access point apparatus side radio wave communication means and the optical wireless transmission means;
An access point device having:
A radio wave communication means on the station side for transmitting and receiving data using radio waves as carrier waves;
Optical wireless receiving means for receiving data using light as a carrier;
A station apparatus side radio link control means connected to the communication terminal, the station apparatus side radio wave communication means and the optical radio reception means;
A station device comprising:
With
When at least one of the access point device and the station device is enabled to transmit and receive data by radio waves via the access point device side radio wave communication means and the station device side radio wave communication means,
Data transmitted / received between the higher-level wired network and the communication terminal connected to the station device is transmitted to the access point device side radio link control unit, the access point device side radio wave communication unit, and the station device side radio wave. Transmit via the communication means and the station apparatus side radio link control means,
At least one of the access point device and the station device can transmit and receive data by radio waves via the access point device-side radio wave communication means and the station device-side radio wave communication means, and the station device When the optical wireless receiving means detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmitting means of the access point device can be received,
The optical wireless reception means transmits a first optical detection signal to the station apparatus side wireless link control means,
The station apparatus-side radio link control means that has received the first photodetection signal performs the access point apparatus-side radio link control via the station apparatus-side radio radio communication means and the access point apparatus-side radio radio communication means. By transmitting and receiving a first control signal to and from the means,
Data transmitted from the higher-level wired network to the communication terminal connected to the station apparatus is transmitted to the access point apparatus-side wireless link control means, the optical wireless transmission means, the optical wireless reception means, and the station. A line control method in a radio communication system, characterized in that transmission is performed via device-side radio link control means. At least one of the access point device and the station device can transmit and receive data by radio waves via the access point device-side radio wave communication unit and the station device-side radio wave communication unit, and When the optical wireless reception means of the station device detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device can be received but cannot be received,
The optical wireless reception means transmits a second optical detection signal to the station apparatus side wireless link control means,
The station apparatus-side radio link control means that has received the second photodetection signal, via the station apparatus-side radio radio communication means and the access point apparatus-side radio radio communication means, controls the access point apparatus-side radio link control. By transmitting and receiving a second control signal between the means,
Data transmitted / received between the higher-level wired network and the communication terminal device connected to the station device is transmitted to the access point device side radio link control unit, the access point device side radio wave communication unit, and the station device side. The line control method in a radio communication system according to claim 1, wherein transmission is performed via radio wave radio communication means and said station apparatus side radio link control means. Each of the access point device and the station device is given a unique identifier,
When at least one of the access point device and the station device becomes capable of transmitting and receiving data by radio waves via the access point side radio wave communication means and the station device side radio wave communication means,
The access point apparatus-side radio link control means and the station apparatus-side radio link control means are provided to each of the access point apparatus and the station apparatus via radio wave communication means connected thereto, respectively. By transmitting and receiving the third and fourth control signals including the identifier,
3. The line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the access point device recognizes the identifier of the station device, and the station device recognizes the identifier of the access point device. When the access point apparatus side radio link control means and the station apparatus side radio link control means transmit and receive the third and fourth control signals to recognize each other's identifier,
The access point device side radio link control means generates a third control signal including an identifier assigned to the access point device, and the station device by radio wave via the access point device side radio wave communication means. To the side radio wave communication means,
Upon receiving the third control signal via the station apparatus side radio wave communication means, the station apparatus side radio link control means decodes the third control signal to obtain the identifier of the access point apparatus. Recognizing and generating a first response signal including an identifier assigned to the station device, and transmitting the response signal to the access point device-side radio wave communication unit by radio wave via the station device-side radio wave communication unit. ,
The access point apparatus-side radio link control means that has received the first response signal via the access point apparatus-side radio wave communication means decodes the first response signal to obtain the identifier of the station apparatus. The line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 3, which is recognized. When the access point apparatus side radio link control means and the station apparatus side radio link control means transmit and receive the third and fourth control signals to recognize each other's identifier,
The station device-side radio link control means generates a fourth control signal including an identifier assigned to the station device, and the access point device-side radio wave is transmitted by radio waves via the station device-side radio wave communication means. To the wireless communication means,
The access point apparatus-side radio link control means that has received the fourth control signal via the access point apparatus-side radio wave communication means decodes the fourth control signal, thereby identifying the identifier of the station apparatus. And a second response signal including an identifier assigned to the access point device is generated and transmitted to the station device side radio wave communication unit by radio wave via the access point device radio wave communication unit And
The station-side radio link control means that has received the second response signal via the station apparatus-side radio wave communication means recognizes the identifier of the access point device by decoding the second response signal. The line control method in the radio | wireless communications system of Claim 3. In a period in which the access point device side radio link control means and the station device side radio link control means can transmit and receive data by radio waves,
6. The line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 3, wherein the third and fourth control signals are periodically transmitted and received. Each of the access point device and the station device is given a unique identifier,
When the optical wireless reception means of the station device detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device can be received.
The optical wireless reception means transmits a first optical detection signal to the station apparatus side wireless link control means,
The station apparatus side radio link control means that has received the first light detection signal generates a first control signal including an identifier assigned to the station apparatus, and passes through the station apparatus side radio wave communication means. , By radio wave transmission to the access point device side radio wave communication means,
The access point apparatus-side wireless link control means that has received the first control signal via the access point apparatus-side radio wave communication means is a communication terminal connected to the station apparatus that is input from the higher-level wired network. By transmitting data addressed to the optical wireless transmission means, data transmitted from the higher-level wired network to the communication terminal connected to the station apparatus is transmitted to the access point apparatus side wireless link control means. 7. A line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission is performed via the optical wireless transmission means, the optical wireless reception means, and the station side wireless link control means. When the optical wireless receiver of the station device receives light transmitted by the optical wireless transmitter in the access point device at an optical level exceeding its own reception sensitivity,
8. The line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the optical wireless reception means of the station device detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted from the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device can be received. .   The optical wireless receiver of the station device receives light transmitted by the optical wireless transmitter of the access point device at an optical level exceeding its own reception sensitivity, and extracts a clock from the received optical signal. 8. The line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the data can be identified, it is detected that the optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device can be received. Each of the access point device and the station device is given a unique identifier,
When the optical wireless reception means of the station device detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means of the access point device can be received, but has turned impossible,
The optical wireless reception means transmits a second optical detection signal to the station apparatus side wireless link control means,
The station apparatus side radio link control means that has received the second photodetection signal generates a second control signal including an identifier assigned to the station apparatus, and passes through the station apparatus side radio wave communication means. , By radio wave transmission to the access point device side radio wave communication means,
The access point apparatus-side wireless link control means that has received the second control signal via the access point apparatus-side radio wave communication means is a communication terminal connected to the station apparatus that is input from a higher-level wired network. By transmitting the addressed data to the access point device side radio wave communication means,
Data transmitted / received between the higher-level wired network and the communication terminal connected to the station apparatus is transmitted to the access point apparatus-side radio link control means, the access point apparatus-side radio radio communication means, and the station apparatus-side radio radio. 10. The line control method in a radio communication system according to claim 1, wherein transmission is performed via communication means and said station apparatus side radio link control means. The optical wireless signal received by the optical wireless receiver when the optical level of the optical wireless signal received by the optical wireless receiver of the station apparatus falls below the reception sensitivity of the optical wireless receiver. When disappears
11. The radio according to claim 1, wherein the optical wireless reception means in the station device detects that the optical wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means in the access point device can be received but cannot be received. A line control method in a communication system.   12. The line control in the wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the light transmitted by the optical wireless transmission means is infrared light, and the light receivable by the optical wireless reception means is infrared light. Method. The identifier given to each of the access point device and the station device is:
11. The line control method in a radio communication system according to claim 3, wherein the MAC address is an identifier in the data link layer.   11. The line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 3, wherein the identifier assigned to each of the access point device and the station device is an IP address that is an identifier in a network layer.   In the optical wireless transmission means and the optical wireless reception means, data communication is performed using a millimeter wave or microwave as a carrier wave, and the light of the carrier wave is a millimeter wave or microwave, and the light detection signal is a millimeter wave detection signal or 15. The line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication means is a microwave detection signal and the optical level is a millimeter wave level or a microwave level.   16. The line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the access point apparatus side radio wave communication means and the station apparatus side radio wave communication means are radio communication means for performing data communication using a microwave as a carrier wave. In the communication system,
One access point device;
One of the station devices,
17. The line control method in a wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the access point device and the station device communicate on a one-to-one basis.

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