JP2016163178A - Radio connection device and method for controlling radio connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify processing of registering connection information, i.e. information to specify a connection destination for radio communication with a client device under an environment in which there are a plurality of radio connection devices.SOLUTION: A radio connection device comprises: a first storage unit that stores connection information, i.e. information to specify a connection destination for radio communication set for the radio connection device; an acquisition unit that acquires connection information set for another radio connection device from the other radio connection device connected to the radio connection device; and a setting processing unit that transmits the connection information acquired from the other radio connection device to a client device connected to the radio connection device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless connection device.

  For example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system in which a client device such as a smartphone performs wireless communication with a wireless connection device such as an access point (hereinafter also simply referred to as “AP”) is known. In recent years, in order to expand a communicable area in a wireless LAN system, a wireless connection device called a repeater that relays communication between an AP and a client device has become widespread.

  The AP and the repeater can have a common SSID, and each can have an individual SSID. Further, even when viewed only with an AP or a repeater alone, it is possible to have a plurality of SSIDs within one AP (or repeater). This function is also called “multi-SSID”. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a plurality of SSIDs are transmitted to other APs using a beacon in an AP corresponding to a multi-SSID.

Special table 2009-539323 JP 2012-70296 A

  As described above, there are a plurality of wireless LANs realized by a plurality of SSIDs around the client device. In such a case, it is preferable that the client device can select a wireless LAN to be connected according to various factors such as the user's intention, communication quality, and the size of a communicable area.

  In order to realize selection of a wireless LAN by a client device, information (hereinafter also referred to as “connection information”) for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication such as an SSID of a surrounding wireless LAN is previously provided to the client device. Must be registered. In this regard, in the conventional technique, it is necessary to execute a process of registering connection information with respect to the client device for each SSID, and there is a problem that it is complicated.

  Such a problem is not limited to APs and repeaters, but is a problem common to all wireless connection devices capable of relaying wireless communication between one device and another device.

  For this reason, it is desired to simplify processing for registering connection information, which is information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication, in a client device in an environment where a plurality of wireless connection devices exist.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

(1) According to an aspect of the present invention, a wireless connection device is provided. The wireless connection device includes: a first storage unit that stores connection information that is information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication set in the wireless connection device; and another wireless device connected to the wireless connection device An acquisition unit that acquires the connection information set in the other wireless connection device from a connection device; and the client device connected to the wireless connection device, the acquired from the other wireless connection device A setting processing unit that transmits connection information.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, when the setting processing unit of the wireless connection device transmits connection information that is information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication to the client device connected to the wireless connection device, Connection information set in another wireless connection device is transmitted. For this reason, the client device can acquire and register connection information of another wireless connection device by communication with the wireless connection device, in other words, without needing communication with the other wireless connection device. As a result, in an environment where there are a plurality of wireless connection devices (wireless connection devices, other wireless connection devices), it is possible to simplify the process of registering connection information of other wireless connection devices in the client device.

(2) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect, the setting processing unit is set in the wireless connection device in addition to the connection information acquired from the other wireless connection device for the client device. The connection information may be transmitted.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, when the setting processing unit of the wireless connection device transmits the connection information to the client device connected to the wireless connection device, the connection set in the other wireless connection device In addition to the information, the connection information set in the wireless connection device is further transmitted. For this reason, the client device acquires connection information of both the wireless connection device and the other wireless connection device only by communication with the wireless connection device, in other words, does not require communication with the other wireless connection device. Can register. As a result, it is possible to simplify the process of registering connection information in the client device in an environment where there are a plurality of wireless connection devices (wireless connection devices, other wireless connection devices).

(3) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; the connection information includes wireless identification information that is identification information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication, and encryption information that enables connection by the wireless identification information. You may go out.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the connection information acquired by the client device includes wireless identification information that is identification information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication (for example, information necessary for establishing communication such as SSID). ) And encryption information that enables connection using wireless identification information. For this reason, the client device that has undergone the process of registering the connection information can use the wireless LAN provided by the wireless connection device according to various factors such as the intention of the user of the client device, communication quality, and the size of the communicable area Or, a wireless LAN to be connected can be selected from wireless LANs provided by other wireless connection devices.

(4) The wireless connection device of the above aspect may further include: a transmission unit that transmits the connection information set in the wireless connection device to the other wireless connection device.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the transmission unit of the wireless connection device can transmit connection information set in the wireless connection device to other wireless connection devices.

(5) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; the transmission unit; the connection updated for the other wireless connection device when the connection information set in the wireless connection device is changed The connection information of the information or updated part may be transmitted.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the transmission unit of the wireless connection device has changed the new connection information after the change (specifically, updated connection information or updated) with respect to other wireless connection devices. (Partial connection information) can be transmitted.

(6) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; the acquisition unit may periodically acquire the connection information from the other wireless connection device.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the acquisition unit of the wireless connection device can acquire the latest connection information from another wireless connection device.

(7) In the wireless connection device according to the above aspect; when the acquisition unit includes a plurality of the other wireless connection devices connected to the wireless connection device, each of the plurality of other wireless connection devices The connection information set in the other wireless connection device may be acquired.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, even when a plurality of other wireless connection devices are connected to the wireless connection device, the same effects as in the above aspect can be obtained.

(8) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; the acquisition unit; transmits a connection information acquisition request to the other wireless connection device in order to acquire the connection information from the other wireless connection device; The other wireless connection device may transmit the connection information set in the other wireless connection device as a response to the acquisition request.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the acquisition unit of the wireless connection device can acquire connection information from another wireless connection device by transmitting an acquisition request to the other wireless connection device.

(9) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect, the other wireless connection device spontaneously transmits the connection information set in the other wireless connection device regardless of a request from the wireless connection device. May be.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, other wireless connection devices can spontaneously transmit connection information to the wireless connection device.

(10) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; a plurality of the connection information is set in the other wireless connection device; the acquisition unit; a plurality of the connection information set in the other wireless connection device You may acquire at least one of them.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the acquisition unit of the wireless connection device acquires at least a part of the connection information of the other wireless connection device, and therefore between the wireless connection device and the other wireless connection device. The amount of information transmitted and received can be reduced, and security can be improved.

(11) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; a plurality of the connection information is set in the wireless connection device; the transmitting unit; at least one of the plurality of connection information set in the wireless connection device May be transmitted.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the transmission unit of the wireless connection device transmits / receives between the wireless connection device and another wireless connection device in order to transmit at least part of the connection information of the wireless connection device. Information amount can be reduced, and security can be improved.

(12) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; a plurality of the connection information is set in the other wireless connection device; the connection information transmitted by the transmission unit or the connection information acquired by the acquisition unit Wireless identification information that is identification information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication, and includes individual wireless identification information as the wireless identification information that cannot be used in common by the wireless connection device and the other wireless connection device You may go out.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, individual wireless identification information of each device can be exchanged between the wireless connection device and another wireless connection device. For this reason, the setting processing unit of the wireless connection device transmits the individual wireless identification information of the wireless connection device and the individual wireless information of other wireless connection devices when transmitting the connection information to the client device connected to the wireless connection device. The identification information can be transmitted without omission.

(13) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect, the connection information transmitted by the transmission unit is information indicating a difference from the connection information transmitted in the past by the transmission unit; the acquisition unit acquires the connection information The connection information may be information indicating a difference from the connection information acquired in the past by the acquisition unit.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the amount of information transmitted and received between the wireless connection device and another wireless connection device can be reduced, and security can be improved.

(14) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; the information transmitted by the transmission unit or acquired by the acquisition unit; in addition to the connection information, a difference indicating addition, deletion, or change of the connection information Identification information may be included.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, each piece of connection information transmitted by the transmission unit or acquired by the acquisition unit is added information, deleted information, or changed information. Can be clearly identified on the receiving side.

(15) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect, the information transmitted by the transmission unit or acquired by the acquisition unit includes: a determination that can be used for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication in addition to the connection information The information may include determination information indicating at least one of: information on a radio wave environment of the other wireless connection device; and information on a route of the other wireless connection device.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the information transmitted by the transmission unit or acquired by the acquisition unit includes, in addition to the connection information, information on the radio wave environment of the other wireless connection device, and the other wireless connection device And at least one of the information about the route of the current route. For this reason, when connection information is transmitted to a client device connected to the wireless connection device, the acquired additional information can be transmitted together, and convenience can be improved.

(16) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; the setting processing unit may transmit information indicating a difference from the connection information connected in the past by the setting processing unit.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, the amount of information transmitted and received between the setting processing unit and the client device can be reduced, and security can be improved.

(17) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect, the setting processing unit may further transmit difference identification information indicating addition, deletion, and change of the connection information in addition to the connection information.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, in the client device, it is clearly identified whether each acquired connection information is added information, deleted information, or changed information. it can.

(18) In the wireless connection device of the above aspect; the setting processing unit; in addition to the connection information, as determination information that can be used for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication; radio wave environment of the other wireless connection device Determination information indicating at least one of the information related to the path of the other wireless connection device may be transmitted.
According to the wireless connection device of this aspect, convenience in the client device can be improved.

(19) According to an aspect of the present invention, a network system is provided. The network system includes: a wireless connection device; another wireless connection device connected to the wireless connection device; a client device connected to the wireless connection device; the wireless connection device; A first storage unit that stores connection information, which is information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication set in the connection device; and the other wireless connection device sets the other wireless connection device. An acquisition unit that acquires connection information; and a setting processing unit that transmits the connection information acquired from the other wireless connection device to the client device.
According to the network system of this embodiment, in a network system including a plurality of wireless connection devices (wireless connection devices, other wireless connection devices), the process of registering connection information of other wireless connection devices in the client device is simplified. be able to.

  A plurality of constituent elements of each embodiment of the present invention described above are not essential, and some or all of the effects described in the present specification are to be solved to solve part or all of the above-described problems. In order to achieve the above, it is possible to appropriately change, delete, replace with a new component, and partially delete the limited contents of some of the plurality of components. In order to solve part or all of the above-described problems or to achieve part or all of the effects described in this specification, technical features included in one embodiment of the present invention described above. A part or all of the technical features included in the other aspects of the present invention described above may be combined to form an independent form of the present invention.

  Such a device can be realized as a wireless connection device, for example, but can also be realized as a device other than the wireless connection device. Any or all of the technical features of each form of the wireless connection device described above can be applied to this device.

  Note that the present invention can be implemented in various modes. For example, the wireless connection device and the method for controlling the wireless connection device, the network system including the wireless connection device, and the functions of these methods, devices, and systems are provided. The present invention can be realized in the form of a computer program for realizing, a storage medium storing the computer program, and the like.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the network system as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of AP functionally. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a connection information storage part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a repeater functionally. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a connection information storage part. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of a sharing process. It is a figure showing the mode of a setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the connection information storage part after the sharing process by 1st deformation | transformation is complete | finished. It is a block diagram which shows functionally the structure of AP in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows functionally the structure of the repeater in 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the sharing process in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the network system in 3rd Embodiment.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the embodiment.

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Network system configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system as an embodiment of the present invention. The network system 1 includes an access point 100, a repeater 200, and a smartphone 300. Hereinafter, the access point 100 is also referred to as “AP100” or “wireless connection device”. The repeater 200 is also referred to as a “wireless connection device”. Smartphone 300 is also referred to as “smartphone 300” or “client device”.

  The AP 100 is compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the IEEE 802.3 standard. The AP 100 is connected to the Internet INT by a wired cable. The AP 100 functions as a router that relays data in the layer 3 of the OSI reference model between the AP 100 and the Internet INT. The AP 100 functions as an access point device that relays data in the layer 2 of the OSI reference model between the AP 100 and the repeater 200 and between the AP 100 and the smartphone 300.

  The repeater 200 complies with at least the IEEE 802.11 standard. The repeater 200 is used to expand the wireless communication area in the network system 1. The repeater 200 functions as a repeater that relays wireless communication between the AP 100 and the smartphone 300.

  The smartphone 300 complies with at least the IEEE 802.11 standard. The smartphone 300 is a client (STA, station) device in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) configured by the AP 100 and the repeater 200. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a smartphone 300 as a client device, an arbitrary wireless terminal such as a personal computer can be used as the client device.

  Regarding the data relay in layer 2, the AP 100 and the repeater 200 according to the present embodiment correspond to a so-called “multi-SSID function” that can have a plurality of ESSIDs (Extended Service Set Identifiers) in the AP 100 (or the repeater 200). doing. The multi-SSID function includes “multi-ESSID” that assigns a plurality of ESSIDs to one BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) and “multi-BSSID” that assigns one ESSID to each of a plurality of BSSIDs. is there. The AP 100 and the repeater 200 may realize a multi-SSID function using a multi-ESSID method, or may realize a multi-SSID function using a multi-BSSID method. Hereinafter, the ESSID is also simply referred to as “SSID” or “radio identification information”.

  Two ESSIDs (SSID1, SSID2) are set in advance in the AP 100 of the present embodiment. Similarly, two ESSIDs (SSID1, SSID3) are set in advance in the repeater 200 of the present embodiment. SSID 1 is an ESSID (hereinafter also referred to as “common SSID”) that is common between the AP 100 and the repeater 200 and can be used in both the AP 100 and the repeater 200. SSID 1 functions as “first wireless identification information”. The SSID 2 is an ESSID (hereinafter also referred to as “individual SSID”) that is unique to the AP 100 and can be used only in the AP 100. The SSID 2 functions as “second wireless identification information” and “individual wireless identification information” of the AP 100. SSID 3 is an ESSID (individual SSID) that is unique to the repeater 200 and can be used only in the repeater 200. The SSID 3 functions as “second wireless identification information” and “individual wireless identification information” of the repeater 200. Note that the common SSID and the individual SSID are marked in advance in the AP 100 and the repeater 200 so that they can be distinguished from each other.

  When the SSID 1 is used, the smartphone 300 can perform wireless communication while roaming between the AP 100 and the repeater 200 in the wireless LAN network NW1 (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) configured by the SSID 1. When SSID2 is used, the smartphone 300 can perform wireless communication with the AP 100 in the wireless LAN network NW2 (FIG. 1, solid line) configured by the SSID2. Similarly, when the SSID 3 is used, the smartphone 300 can perform wireless communication with the repeater 200 in the wireless LAN network NW3 (FIG. 1, solid line) configured by the SSID 3. In FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, the range of the network NW1 is shown larger than the ranges of the networks NW2 and 3, but the ranges of the networks NW1 to NW3 may be the same, or the network NW2 compared to the network NW1. The range of 3 may be larger.

A-2. AP configuration:
FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the AP 100. The AP 100 includes a CPU 110, a setting button 120, a RAM 130, a wireless communication interface (I / F) 140, a wired communication interface (I / F) 150, and a flash ROM 160, and the respective components are mutually connected by a bus. It is connected to the.

  The CPU 110 controls the AP 100 by developing a computer program stored in the flash ROM 160 in the RAM 130 and executing it. In addition, the CPU 110 implements the functions of the relay processing unit 111, the AP side connection processing unit 112, the acquisition unit 114, the transmission unit 115, and the setting processing unit 119.

  The relay processing unit 111 executes relay processing for transferring the packet received by the AP 100 according to the destination. Specifically, the relay processing unit 111 includes a packet received from the network NW1 using SSID1, a packet received from the network NW2 using SSID2, and a packet received from the Internet INT in the packet header. Transfer is performed according to the stored destination (FIG. 1).

  The AP side connection processing unit 112 controls establishment of a wireless communication connection as an access point device (so-called parent device). That is, the AP side connection processing unit 112 connects other devices such as the repeater 200 and the smartphone 300 to the AP 100 as a wireless communication client device (also referred to as a so-called slave device or STA). A specific method is based on a method defined in IEEE 802.11.

  The acquisition unit 114 specifies a connection destination of wireless communication set in another wireless connection device from another wireless connection device (repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 1) belonging to the network system 1 in the sharing process described later. Get connection information that is information. Here, the connection information includes wireless identification information and encryption information. The “wireless identification information” is information necessary for establishing communication such as BSSID, ESSID, SSID (Service Set Identifier, SSID that is not extended), and the like. That is, the wireless identification information is identification information that identifies a connection destination of wireless communication. “Encryption information” is a set of an encryption method used in wireless communication and a key used for encryption. Examples of encryption methods include WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), and WPA2-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 Pre-Shared Key). That is, the encryption information is information that enables connection using wireless identification information. Hereinafter, connection information that is information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication is also simply referred to as “connection information”.

  The transmission unit 115 performs connection information (wireless identification information) set in the AP 100 in response to a request received from another wireless connection device (the repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 1) belonging to the network system 1 in the sharing process described later. Response). In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 115 functions as a “transmission unit”.

  In the setting process described later, the setting processing unit 119 connects the connection information set in the AP 100 and the connection acquired by the acquiring unit 114 to the client device (smartphone 300 in the example of FIG. 1) connected to the AP 100. Send information.

  The setting button 120 is a switch provided on the housing of the AP 100. When the pressing of the setting button 120 is detected, the setting processing unit 119 starts setting processing using the AP 100 as an access point device. The setting button 120 is preferably realized by a switch that does not maintain the state.

  The wireless communication interface 140 includes a transmission / reception circuit (not shown), and performs demodulation and generation of radio waves received via an antenna, and generation and modulation of radio waves transmitted via an antenna. The wired communication interface 150 is connected to a line on the Internet INT (FIG. 1) side, and is also connected to another device (for example, NAS (Network Attached Storage), personal computer, etc.) in the network system 1 (not shown) through a wired cable. Is done. The wired communication interface 150 includes a PHY / MAC controller (not shown), adjusts the waveform of the received signal, and extracts a MAC frame from the received signal.

  The RAM 130 functions as a work memory of the AP 100 and temporarily stores various programs and data. The flash ROM 160 includes a connection information storage unit 161 and AP connection information 162. In the AP connection information 162, for each wireless identification information (SSID in the present embodiment), encryption information (specific encryption method and key) employed when the wireless identification information is used is stored in association with each other. Has been. In the example of FIG. 2, the AP connection information 162 stores SSID1 that is a common SSID and encryption information that is used when SSID1 is used in association with each other. The connection information related to SSID 1 is set by the administrator of network system 1, for example. Further, in the AP connection information 162, SSID2, which is an individual SSID, and encryption information employed when using SSID2 are stored in association with each other. For example, the connection information related to SSID 2 may be preset when the AP 100 is shipped, or may be added or changed by the administrator of the network system 1. In the figure, “X” represents an arbitrary character string. The same applies thereafter. As indicated by the AP connection information 162, the AP 100 that supports the multi-SSID function has a plurality of pieces of connection information that respectively correspond to the plurality of SSIDs set in the AP 100. In the present embodiment, the AP connection information 162 functions as a “first storage unit”.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the connection information storage unit 161. The connection information storage unit 161 is a storage unit for storing connection information of all the wireless connection devices (AP 100 and repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 1) belonging to the network system 1. The connection information storage unit 161 includes device identification information, wireless identification information, and encryption information. The “device identification information” stores a character string for uniquely identifying the wireless connection device. As the device identification information, for example, arbitrary information such as a wireless communication side representative MAC address (hereinafter simply referred to as “MAC address”) can be used. The “wireless identification information” and “encrypted information” are as described above.

  In the present embodiment, in the initial state, in other words, in the state before the sharing process described later is executed, the connection information storage unit 161 stores the wireless identification information and encryption information of the own device (AP 100) in advance. (Entries E11 and E12). The wireless identification information and the encryption information of the entries E11 and E12 are the same as the information stored in the AP connection information 162. In the device identification information, a character string “AP100” is shown in place of the MAC address in order to help understanding. The same applies thereafter.

A-3. Repeater configuration:
FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of repeater 200. The repeater 200 includes a CPU 210, a setting button 220, a RAM 230, a wireless communication interface (I / F) 240, a wired communication interface (I / F) 250, and a flash ROM 260. Are connected to each other.

  The CPU 210 controls the repeater 200 by developing a computer program stored in the flash ROM 260 in the RAM 230 and executing it. In addition, the CPU 210 realizes the functions of the relay processing unit 211, the AP side connection processing unit 212, the STA side connection processing unit 213, the acquisition unit 214, the transmission unit 215, and the setting processing unit 219.

  The relay processing unit 211 executes relay processing for transferring the packet received by the repeater 200 according to the destination. Specifically, the relay processing unit 211 sends a packet received from the network NW1 using SSID1 and a packet received from the network 3 using SSID3, respectively, according to the destination stored in the packet header. Transfer (FIG. 1).

  The AP side connection processing unit 212 controls establishment of a wireless communication connection as an access point device (so-called parent device). That is, the AP-side connection processing unit 212 connects another device such as the smartphone 300 to the repeater 200 as a wireless communication client device (so-called slave device, STA). A specific method is based on a method defined in IEEE 802.11.

  The STA side connection processing unit 213 controls establishment of wireless communication as a client device. That is, the STA side connection processing unit 213 connects another device such as the AP 100 to the repeater 200 as a wireless communication access point device. A specific method is based on a method defined in IEEE 802.11.

  As a result, the AP side connection processing unit 112 of the AP 100 and the STA side connection processing unit 213 of the repeater 200 can establish a first wireless connection using the AP 100 as an access point device and the repeater 200 as a client device. . Similarly, the AP side connection processing unit 112 of the AP 100 and the STA side connection processing unit (not shown) of the smartphone 300 can establish a second wireless connection using the AP 100 as an access point device and the smartphone 300 as a client device. it can. The AP side connection processing unit 212 of the repeater 200 and the STA side connection processing unit (not shown) of the smartphone 300 can establish a third wireless connection using the repeater 200 as an access point device and the smartphone 300 as a client device. . When the smartphone 300 performs direct wireless communication with the AP 100, the second wireless connection is used. On the other hand, when the smartphone 300 performs wireless communication with the AP 100 via the repeater 200, the third wireless connection and the first wireless connection are used.

  The acquisition unit 214 performs connection information (wireless identification information, encryption) set in another wireless connection device from another wireless connection device (AP 100 in the example of FIG. 1) belonging to the network system 1 in the sharing process described later. Information).

  The transmission unit 215 performs connection information (wireless identification information) set in the repeater 200 in response to a request received from another wireless connection device (AP 100 in the example of FIG. 1) belonging to the network system 1 in the sharing process described later. Response).

  The setting processing unit 219 acquires the connection information set in the repeater 200 and the acquisition unit 214 for the client device (smartphone 300 in the example of FIG. 1) connected to the repeater 200 in the setting process described later. Connection information.

  The setting button 220 is a switch provided on the casing of the repeater 200. When the pressing of the setting button 220 is detected, the setting processing unit 219 starts setting processing using the repeater 200 as an access point device. The setting button 220 is preferably realized by a switch that does not maintain the state.

  The RAM 230 functions as a work memory for the repeater 200, and temporarily stores various programs and data. The wireless communication interface 240 includes a transmission / reception circuit (not shown), and performs demodulation and generation of data received via the antenna, and generation and modulation of the radio wave transmitted via the antenna. The wired communication interface 250 is connected to another device (for example, NAS or personal computer) in the network system 1 (not shown) through a wired cable. The wired communication interface 250 includes a PHY / MAC controller (not shown), adjusts the waveform of the received signal, and extracts a MAC frame from the received signal.

  The flash ROM 260 includes a connection information storage unit 261 and repeater connection information 262. The repeater connection information 262 stores, for each piece of wireless identification information, encryption information that is employed when the wireless identification information is used. In the example of FIG. 4, the repeater connection information 262 stores SSID3, which is an individual SSID, and encryption information employed when using SSID3 in association with each other. For example, the connection information related to SSID 3 may be preset when the repeater 200 is shipped, or may be added or changed by the administrator of the network system 1. In the repeater connection information 262, SSID1, which is a common SSID, and encryption information employed when using SSID1 are stored in association with each other. The connection information related to SSID 2 can be acquired from the AP 100 by a setting process executed with the AP 100 as an access point device and the repeater 200 as a client device, for example. As shown in the repeater connection information 262, the repeater 200 corresponding to the multi-SSID function has a plurality of pieces of connection information respectively corresponding to a plurality of SSIDs set in the repeater 200.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the connection information storage unit 261. The details of the connection information storage unit 261 are the same as the connection information storage unit 161 of the AP 100. However, in the connection information storage unit 261 in FIG. 5, the wireless identification information and encryption information of the own device (repeater 200) are stored in advance in an initial state, in other words, in a state before the sharing process described later is executed. (Entries E21, 22). The wireless identification information of the entries E21 and E22 and the encryption information are the same as the information stored in the repeater connection information 262.

A-4. Sharing process:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sharing process. The sharing process of the first embodiment is a process for exchanging connection information between all the wireless connection devices belonging to the network system 1 (AP 100 and repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 1). The sharing process shown in FIG. 6 is individually executed in each wireless connection device.

  The start trigger of the sharing process can be arbitrarily determined. For example, the start trigger may be that the power of the wireless connection device is turned on, or the start trigger may be that an instruction from the administrator of the network system 1 is acquired, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the sharing process. This may be used as a start trigger. Instructions from the administrator include instructions given via a WEB (World Wide Web) screen or a screen installed on the housing, instructions given by code reading or command input, instructions given using short-range wireless communication, etc. Anything. The predetermined time from the previous execution of the sharing process can also be arbitrarily determined. The predetermined time may be set and changed by an administrator.

  Hereinafter, a case where the AP 100 executes the sharing process will be described as an example.

In step S100 of FIG. 6, the acquisition unit 114 of the AP 100 broadcasts a connection information acquisition request. The connection information acquisition request is a request including at least information a1 shown below.
(A1) A request for a response of connection information (wireless identification information, encryption information) set in the apparatus that has received the request.

  In step S102, the acquisition unit 114 of the AP 100 waits for reception of a connection information acquisition request response. The acquisition unit 114 acquires connection information from the received response.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the connection information acquisition request (step S <b> 100) broadcast by the AP 100 is received by the repeater 200. The transmission unit 215 of the repeater 200 acquires connection information stored in the repeater connection information 262 (FIG. 4). The transmission unit 215 generates a packet including wireless identification information (SSID3, SSID1) and encryption information (XXX, XXX) among the connection information, and transmits the packet to the AP 100 as a response to the connection information acquisition request. The acquisition unit 114 of the AP 100 acquires connection information of the repeater 200 from the response received from the repeater 200 (step S102).

  In step S104 of FIG. 6, the acquisition unit 114 of the AP 100 stores the device identification information of the device that is the connection information acquisition source and the acquired connection information in the connection information storage unit 161 in association with each other.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the acquisition unit 114 of the AP 100 includes device identification information (for example, a MAC address) of the repeater 200 from which connection information is acquired, acquired wireless identification information (SSID3, SSID1), and encryption information (XXX, XXX) are stored in the connection information storage unit 161 in association with each other (step S104). As a result, new entries E21 and E22 are added to the connection information storage unit 161.

  In step S106 of FIG. 6, the acquisition unit 114 of the AP 100 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the request in step S100. The predetermined time is a time during which the AP 100 waits for a response from another wireless connection device in the network system 1 and can be arbitrarily determined. The predetermined time may be changeable by the administrator of the network system 1.

  If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the acquisition unit 114 of the AP 100 shifts the process to step S102 and waits for a response from another wireless connection device in the network system 1. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the acquisition unit 114 of the AP 100 ends the process.

  As a result of the execution of the sharing process described above, the connection information storage unit 161 of the AP 100 stores connection information for all wireless connection devices (that is, the AP 100 and the repeater 200) in the network system 1. Similarly, as a result of executing the above-described sharing process in the repeater 200, connection information for all wireless connection devices in the network system 1 is also stored in the connection information storage unit 261 of the repeater 200. In this way, at least the second wireless identification information (individual wireless identification information) of each device can be exchanged between the wireless connection device (AP 100) and another wireless connection device (repeater 200). . Therefore, in the setting process described later, when the setting processing unit (setting processing unit 119) of the wireless connection device transmits connection information to the client device (smart phone 300) connected to the wireless connection device, the wireless connection device The second wireless identification information (SSID2: individual wireless identification information) of the device and the second wireless identification information (SSID3: individual wireless identification information) of another wireless connection device can be transmitted without omission.

  In the example of FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, the case where two wireless connection devices exist in the network system 1 (AP 100, repeater 200) is illustrated. However, even when there are three or more wireless connection devices in the network system (for example, the AP 100, the repeater 200, and the repeater 200x), each wireless connection device can perform the same processing as described above.

A-5. Setting process:
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how the setting process is performed. In the setting process of the present embodiment, the access point device (AP 100 or repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 7) is connected to the client device (smartphone 300 in the example of FIG. 7) of all the wireless connection devices in the network system 1. This is a process for transmitting connection information.

In the present embodiment, in the setting process, connection information transmission technology possessed by AOSS (AirStation One-Touch Secure System, AOSS is a registered trademark) or WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is used. Both AOSS and WPS are functions that the access point apparatus causes the client apparatus to automatically set connection information, and are conventionally known functions. In both conventional AOSS and WPS, the following processing shown in b1 to b3 is executed.
(B1) The access point device establishes encrypted communication with the client device when a predetermined trigger occurs.
(B2) The access point device transmits connection information to the client device via encrypted communication.
(B3) The client device stores the received connection information.

  In the setting process of the present embodiment, in the process b2 described above, the access point apparatus transmits connection information of all the wireless connection apparatuses belonging to the network system 1 collected through the sharing process.

  For example, a case where the AP 100 executes the setting process when the setting button 120 (FIG. 9) is pressed as shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The setting processing unit 119 of the AP 100 serving as the access point device establishes encrypted communication with the smartphone 300 serving as the client device (procedure b1). Next, the setting processing unit 119 acquires connection information stored in the connection information storage unit 161. The setting processing unit 119 deletes the entry (FIG. 6, entry E22) for the common SSID of the repeater 200 in which the wireless identification information is duplicated from the acquired connection information, and generates connection information for transmission. The setting processing unit 119 transmits the generated connection information for transmission to the smartphone 300 (procedure b2). The smartphone 300 registers the received connection information (procedure b3). As a result, the connection information of all the wireless connection devices (AP 100 and repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 7) belonging to the network system 1, that is, connections for SSIDs 1, 2, and 3 is set in the smartphone 300 by one setting process. Information is registered.

  If it is difficult or impossible to transmit a plurality of pieces of connection information (SSID 1, 2, 3) to the smartphone 300 from the AP 100 in the procedure b2 described above, the procedure b2 and the procedure b3 are repeatedly executed. May be. This is also effective for the user of the smartphone 300 because it seems that registration of connection information of all the wireless connection devices belonging to the network system 1 is completed by one setting process.

  The case where the repeater 200 executes the setting process when the setting button 220 is pressed is the same as the case of the AP 100 described above. In this way, the smartphone 300 as a client device can perform the same setting process equally with any wireless connection device (AP 100 and repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 7) belonging to the network system 1. As a result, the convenience of the user of the smartphone 300 can be improved.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the wireless connection device (AP100) uses the first wireless identification information (SSID1) that can be used in common with other wireless connection devices (repeater 200). A plurality of pieces of wireless identification information (so-called multi-SSID) capable of both the communication used and the communication using the second wireless identification information (SSID2: individual wireless identification information) that can be used only by the wireless connection device. It is a compatible wireless connection device. Such a wireless connection device (AP100) has a plurality of pieces of connection information such as connection information corresponding to the first wireless identification information (SSID1) and connection information corresponding to the second wireless identification information (SSID2). Then, the setting processing unit (setting processing unit 119) of the wireless connection device transmits the connection information to the client device (smartphone 300) connected to the wireless connection device. Connection information about the first wireless identification information (SSID1) and connection information about the second wireless identification information (SSID2), and second wireless identification information (SSID3: individual wireless identification) set in another wireless connection device Connection information about (information). For this reason, even if the wireless connection device and other wireless connection devices support a plurality of pieces of wireless identification information, the client device can communicate with the wireless connection device only, in other words, other wireless connection devices. Connection information of both the wireless connection device and the other wireless connection device can be acquired and registered without requiring communication with the device. As a result, the connection information is registered in the client device in an environment where there are a plurality of wireless connection devices (AP 100 as a wireless connection device and repeater 200 as another wireless connection device) corresponding to the plurality of wireless identification information. The processing to be performed can be simplified. Note that the AP 100 and the repeater 200 can function both as “wireless connection devices” and “other wireless connection devices”. Therefore, in the parentheses in the description of this paragraph, “AP100” is “repeater 200”, “repeater 200” is “AP100”, “setting processor 119” is “setting processor 219”, and “SSID2”. “SSID3” and “SSID3” may be read as “SSID2”, respectively.

  Further, the connection information acquired by the client device (smartphone 300) includes information necessary for establishing communication such as SSID. For this reason, the client device that has undergone the processing (setting processing) for registering the connection information described above, depending on various factors such as the intention of the user of the client device, the communication quality, the size of the communicable area, etc. A wireless LAN to be connected is arbitrarily selected from wireless LANs (networks NW1, 2) provided by (AP100) and wireless LANs (networks NW1, 3) provided by other wireless connection devices (repeater 200). You can choose. Specifically, for example, a network NW1 provided by a wireless connection device and a network NW1 provided by another wireless connection device based on communication quality or the like by a communication control application built in the client device. You can roam automatically. Furthermore, for example, when a wireless connection device with poor communication quality is selected by automatic roaming or when the automatic roaming function does not operate normally, in accordance with the intention of the user of the client device, It is also possible to manually switch between the network NW2 provided by the wireless connection device and the network NW3 provided by another wireless connection device. As a result, the convenience for the user of the client device can be improved. In addition to manual switching, for example, connection switching software is installed in the client device, and the connection destination is automatically connected to the access point with the better communication quality (for example, the link change is less or the packet error rate is lower). Can also be changed.

A-6. Transformation of sharing process and setting process:
A modification in the sharing process and the setting process will be described. Configurations and processes not described below are the same as those described above.

A-6-1. First variant:
In the sharing process described above, a common SSID (first wireless identification information) and an individual SSID (second wireless identification information) are shared between all wireless connection devices (AP 100 and repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 1) belonging to the network system 1. ID) and both. In the first modification, only individual SSIDs are shared between wireless connection devices belonging to the network system 1. Specifically, the following modifications are applied to the steps shown in FIG.

In the connection information acquisition request transmitted in step S100, a connection information response for the individual SSID is obtained.
-The transmission part 215 of the repeater 200 transmits the packet containing the connection information about individual SSID among the connection information memorize | stored in the repeater connection information 262 to AP100.
-The transmission part 115 of AP100 transmits the packet containing the connection information about individual SSID among the connection information memorize | stored in AP connection information 162 to the repeater 200. FIG.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the connection information storage unit 161 after the sharing process according to the first modification is completed. As a result of the sharing process according to the first modification, a new entry E21 representing connection information for the individual SSID is added to the connection information storage unit 161 of the AP 100. Note that the entry E22 (FIG. 6) representing the connection information for the common SSID is not added.

  Even if it does in this way, there can exist an effect similar to the sharing process and setting process which were mentioned above. Further, the acquisition unit (acquisition unit 114) of the wireless connection device (AP100) only needs to acquire at least the second wireless identification information (SSID3) from the other wireless connection device (repeater 200). It is not necessary to acquire information (SSID1). As a result, the amount of information transmitted and received between the wireless connection device and other wireless connection devices can be reduced, and security can be improved. Note that the AP 100 and the repeater 200 can function both as “wireless connection devices” and “other wireless connection devices”. For this reason, in the parentheses in the description of this paragraph, “AP100” is “repeater 200”, “repeater 200” is “AP100”, “acquisition unit 114” is “acquisition unit 214”, and “SSID3” is “SSID2”. ”May be replaced with“

A-6-2. Second variant:
In the sharing process described above, it is assumed that all the wireless connection devices belonging to the network system 1 (AP 100 and repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 1) support so-called multi-SSID. In the second modification, a sharing process and a setting process are executed in a wireless connection device that does not support multi-SSID.

  Specifically, for example, only SSID2 that is the individual SSID may be set in the AP 100, and only SSID3 that is the individual SSID may be set in the repeater 200. For example, only SSID 1 that is a common SSID may be set for the AP 100 and the repeater 200. In this case, there is no change in the processing contents in the sharing process and the setting process described above.

  Even if it does in this way, there can exist an effect similar to the sharing process and setting process which were mentioned above. In other words, the setting processing unit (setting processing unit 119) of the wireless connection device (AP100) is connection information that is information for specifying a wireless communication connection destination for the client device (smartphone 300) connected to the wireless connection device. Connection information set for the wireless connection device (for example, connection information for SSID2) and connection information set for another wireless connection device (for example, repeater 200) (for example, connection information for SSID3) And send. For this reason, the client device acquires connection information of both the wireless connection device and the other wireless connection device only by communication with the wireless connection device, in other words, does not require communication with the other wireless connection device. Can register. As a result, the process of registering connection information in the client device can be simplified in an environment where there are a plurality of wireless connection devices (AP 100 as a wireless connection device, repeater 200 as another wireless connection device). Note that the AP 100 and the repeater 200 can function both as “wireless connection devices” and “other wireless connection devices”. Therefore, in the parentheses in the description of this paragraph, “AP100” is “repeater 200”, “repeater 200” is “AP100”, “setting processor 119” is “setting processor 219”, and “SSID2”. “SSID3” and “SSID3” may be read as “SSID2”, respectively.

A-6-3. Third variant:
In the sharing process described above, each of the wireless connection devices (AP 100 and repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 1) belonging to the network system 1 has one common SSID (first wireless identification information) and one individual SSID ( Second wireless identification information) is set. In the third modification, a plurality of common SSIDs or a plurality of individual SSIDs are set for the wireless connection device.

  Specifically, for example, a plurality of common SSIDs (for example, SSID 1a and SSID 1b) may be set in the AP 100. For example, a plurality of individual SSIDs (for example, SSID 2 and SSID 4) may be set in the AP 100. Similarly, a plurality of common SSIDs (for example, SSID1a and SSID1b) may be set in the repeater 200, or a plurality of individual SSIDs (for example, SSID3 and SSID5) may be set. In this case, there is no change in the processing contents in the sharing process and the setting process described above.

  As a result, the connection information storage unit 161 that has undergone the sharing process stores a plurality of common SSIDs (SSID1a, SSID1b), a plurality of individual SSIDs (SSID2, SSID3, SSID4, SSID5), or both. In the setting process, the setting processing unit 119 can transmit a plurality of common SSIDs, a plurality of individual SSIDs, or both stored in the connection information storage unit 161 to the smartphone 300.

  Even if it does in this way, there can exist an effect similar to the sharing process and setting process which were mentioned above. That is, the wireless connection device (AP100) is a wireless connection device that supports a plurality of pieces of wireless identification information (so-called multi-SSID) and can perform communication using the plurality of first wireless identification information (SSID1a, SSID1b). is there. Then, the setting processing unit (setting processing unit 119) of the wireless connection device transmits a plurality of connection information to the client device (smartphone 300) connected to the wireless connection device. All the connection information about the first wireless identification information is transmitted. For this reason, the client device can establish a wireless connection even when the wireless connection device and another wireless connection device (repeater 200) correspond to a plurality of pieces of wireless identification information and have a plurality of pieces of first wireless identification information. Connection information of both the wireless connection device and other wireless connection devices can be acquired and registered only by communication with the device. Note that the AP 100 and the repeater 200 can function both as “wireless connection devices” and “other wireless connection devices”. Therefore, in the parentheses in the description of this paragraph, “AP100” may be read as “repeater 200”, “repeater 200” as “AP100”, and “setting processing unit 119” as “setting processing unit 219”. Good.

A-6-4. Fourth variation:
In the sharing process described above, only connection information (wireless identification information, encrypted information) is shared. In the fourth modification, additional information other than connection information is also shared. Specifically, the following modifications are applied to the steps shown in FIG.

The connection information acquisition request transmitted in step S100 includes at least one of the following information a2 and information a3.
(A2) To obtain information (for example, frequency band, output, transmission distance, directivity, etc.) regarding the radio wave environment of the device that has received the request.
(A3) To obtain information (for example, route information) about the route of the device that has received the request.
In step S102, the acquisition unit 114 acquires information on the radio wave environment or information on the route from the received response together with the connection information.
In step S104, the acquisition unit 114 causes the connection information storage unit 161 to store information related to the radio wave environment or information related to the route in addition to the device identification information and the connection information.

  In the case of this modification, in the setting process procedure b2, information on the radio wave environment or information on the route may be transmitted to the client device together with the connection information.

  Even if it does in this way, there can exist an effect similar to the sharing process and setting process which were mentioned above. Further, the acquisition unit (acquisition unit 114) of the wireless connection device (AP100) further includes information on the radio wave environment of the other wireless connection device in addition to the connection information set in the other wireless connection device (repeater 200). In addition, at least one of the information on the route of the other wireless connection device can be acquired as additional information. In this way, when the connection information is transmitted to the client device (smartphone 300) connected to the wireless connection device, the acquired additional information can be transmitted together, thereby improving convenience. be able to. Note that the AP 100 and the repeater 200 can function both as “wireless connection devices” and “other wireless connection devices”. Therefore, “AP100” may be read as “repeater 200”, “repeater 200” as “AP100”, and “acquiring unit 114” as “acquiring unit 214” in parentheses in the description of this paragraph.

A-6-5. Fifth variant:
In the fifth modification, the sharing process is repeatedly executed to update the storage unit (connection information storage unit 161) in which the connection information is stored. Specifically, the sharing process of FIG. 6 is repeatedly executed according to a predetermined condition in all the wireless connection devices (AP 100 and repeater 200 in the example of FIG. 1) belonging to the network system 1. The predetermined condition can be arbitrarily determined. For example, the following conditions c1 to c5 can be adopted.

(C1) When the connection information is changed.
(C2) Elapse of a predetermined time from the previous execution of the sharing process.
(C3) When the processing load (traffic, CPU processing load, etc.) in the wireless connection apparatus is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.
(C4) The arrival of a predetermined time.
(C5) The arrival of a date and time determined by a predetermined schedule.

  According to the condition c1, the transmission unit (transmission unit 115) of the wireless connection device (AP100) can transmit new connection information after the change to another wireless connection device (repeater 200). Further, according to the conditions c1 to c5, the same effects as the sharing process and the setting process described above can be achieved. 6 is repeatedly executed, the acquisition unit (acquisition unit 114) of the wireless connection apparatus may repeatedly acquire connection information in step S102 and store it in the connection information storage unit 161 in step S104. it can. As a result, the connection information of other wireless connection devices stored in the storage unit (connection information storage unit 161) can be updated using the latest connection information. The sharing process may be repeated periodically or irregularly. Note that the AP 100 and the repeater 200 can function both as “wireless connection devices” and “other wireless connection devices”. For this reason, in the parentheses in the description of this paragraph, “AP100” is “repeater 200”, “repeater 200” is “AP100”, “acquisition unit 114” is “acquisition unit 214”, and “connection information storage unit 161” May be read as “connection information storage unit 261”.

B. Second embodiment:
In the second embodiment of the present invention, a configuration will be described in which one wireless connection device serves as a master and another wireless connection device serves as a slave to perform sharing processing. In the figure, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, configurations and processes not described below are the same as those described above.

B-1. Network system configuration:
In the network system 1a according to the second embodiment, an AP 100a is provided instead of the AP 100, and a repeater 200a is provided instead of the repeater 200. The network configuration in the network system 1a of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

B-2. AP configuration:
FIG. 9 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the AP 100a in the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is that an acquisition unit 114 a is provided instead of the acquisition unit 114 and a connection information transmission unit 117 is further provided.

  The acquisition unit 114a differs from the first embodiment in the processing content in the sharing process. Details will be described later. The acquisition unit 114a also functions as a “request unit”.

  In the sharing process, the connection information transmission unit 117 is acquired by the acquisition unit 114a and the connection information set in the AP 100 with respect to another wireless connection device (the repeater 200a in the example of FIG. 1) belonging to the network system 1a. Connection information.

B-3. Repeater configuration:
FIG. 10 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the repeater 200a in the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is that an acquisition unit 214 a is provided instead of the acquisition unit 214.

  The acquisition unit 214a differs from the first embodiment in the processing content in the sharing process. Details will be described later.

B-4. Sharing process:
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of sharing processing in the second embodiment. In the sharing process according to the second embodiment, one wireless connection device as a master acquires connection information from another wireless connection device belonging to the network system 1a, and collects the acquired connection information to another wireless connection device. This is the process of sending (distributing). The sharing process shown in FIG. 11 is executed in cooperation with each wireless connection device. In other words, the sharing process shown in FIG. 11 is not executed individually unlike the first embodiment.

  The start trigger of the sharing process in the second embodiment can be arbitrarily determined. A specific example is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a case where the AP 100a functions as a wireless connection device serving as a master and the repeater 200a functions as another wireless connection device serving as a slave will be described as an example.

  In step S200 of FIG. 11, the acquisition unit 114a of the AP 100a broadcasts a connection information acquisition request. Details of the connection information income request are the same as in step S100 of FIG. In step S202, the acquisition unit 114a of the AP 100a waits for reception of a connection information acquisition request response.

  In step S204, the transmission unit 215 of the repeater 200a acquires connection information stored in the repeater connection information 262 (FIG. 10). In step S206, the transmission unit 215 of the repeater 200a generates a packet including wireless identification information (SSID3, SSID1) and encryption information (XXX, XXX) among the connection information, and transmits the packet to the AP 100a as a response to the connection information acquisition request. To do.

  In step S208, the acquisition unit 114a of the AP 100a acquires connection information of the repeater 200a from the response received from the repeater 200a. In step S210, the acquisition unit 114a of the AP 100a obtains the device identification information (for example, MAC address) of the repeater 200a that is the connection information acquisition source, the acquired wireless identification information (SSID3, SSID1), and encryption information (XXX, XXX) Are stored in the connection information storage unit 161 in association with each other. As a result, new entries E21 and E22 are added to the connection information storage unit 161.

  In step S212, the acquisition unit 114a of the AP 100a determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the request in step S200. Details are the same as step S106 of FIG.

  In step S214, the connection information transmission unit 117 of the AP 100a generates distribution connection information. Specifically, the connection information transmission unit 117 acquires connection information stored in the connection information storage unit 161. The connection information transmission unit 117 deletes the entry (FIG. 11, entry E22) for the common SSID of the repeater 200a with the duplicated wireless identification information from the acquired connection information.

  In step S216, the connection information transmission unit 117 of the AP 100a broadcasts the generated distribution connection information. In step S216, the connection information transmission unit 117 may unicast the distribution connection information. In this case, the connection information transmission unit 117 uses the response source MAC address in step S206, in other words, the MAC address of the other wireless connection device that is the response source in step S206 as the destination of unicast transmission. be able to.

  In step S218, the acquisition unit 114a of the repeater 200a causes the connection information storage unit 261 to store the distribution connection information received from the repeater 200a. As a result, new entries E11 and E12 are added to the connection information storage unit 261. In step S220, the acquisition unit 114a of the repeater 200a transmits a response to the effect that the distribution connection information has been received to the AP 100a.

  In step S222, the connection information transmission unit 117 of the AP 100a determines whether or not the response of step S220 has been received from all of the other wireless connection devices that are the transmission source of the response of step S206. When there is a device that has not received a response, the connection information transmission unit 117 waits for reception of the response. At this time, the connection information transmission unit 117 may retransmit the distribution connection information. On the other hand, when the responses are received from all the devices, the connection information transmitting unit 117 ends the process.

  As a result of the execution of the sharing process described above, the connection information storage unit 161 of the AP 100a stores connection information for all the wireless connection devices (that is, the AP 100a and the repeater 200a) in the network system 1a. Similarly, connection information for all wireless connection devices in the network system 1a is also stored in the connection information storage unit 261 of the repeater 200a.

  In the example of FIG. 11, for the sake of convenience of explanation, an example in which the number of slaves for sharing processing is one (repeater 200a) is shown. However, even if there are two or more slaves for shared processing (for example, repeater 200a, repeater 200x, repeater 200y, etc.), the AP 100a can perform the same process as described above. Specifically, the part described as “repeater 200a” in the above description may be read as “repeater 200x”, “repeater 200y”, and the like, and the same processing may be performed in parallel for each slave device. In this way, the AP 100a can share connection information for all the wireless connection devices in the network system 1a.

B-5. Setting process:
The setting process in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As mentioned above, according to 2nd Embodiment, there can exist an effect similar to 1st Embodiment. Furthermore, according to the sharing process of the second embodiment, the wireless connection device (AP 100a) requests connection information set in another wireless connection device (repeater 200a) and obtains the connection acquired from the other wireless connection device. Information (distribution connection information) in which information and connection information set in the wireless connection device are collected can be transmitted (that is, distributed) to other wireless connection devices.

  Furthermore, even if there are two or more slaves for sharing processing, the wireless connection device (AP 100a) requests connection information set in a plurality of other wireless connection devices (repeater 200a, repeater 200x, repeater 200y), respectively. Then, the information (distribution connection information) that summarizes the connection information acquired from all the other wireless connection devices and the connection information set in the wireless connection device is used as all the other wireless connection devices (repeater 200a, repeater). 200x, repeater 200y).

B-6. Transformation of sharing process and setting process:
Also in the sharing process and the setting process of the second embodiment, the first to fifth modifications described above can be applied, as in the first embodiment.

C. Third embodiment:
In the third embodiment of the present invention, an example in which sharing processing and setting processing are executed under a complicated network configuration will be described. In the figure, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, configurations and processes not described below are the same as those described above.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the network system 1b in the third embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that an AP 100b is provided instead of the AP 100, and a repeater 200x, a repeater 200y, and a repeater 200z are provided instead of the repeater 200.

  The AP 100b is compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the IEEE 802.3 standard. The AP 100b functions as a router and an access point device as in the first embodiment. The configuration of the AP 100b is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The repeaters 200x, y, and z are compliant with at least the IEEE 802.11 standard. The repeaters 200x, y, and z each function as a repeater for expanding the wireless communication area in the network system 1b, as in the first embodiment. The configurations of the repeaters 200x, y, and z are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the AP 100b and the repeater 200x, SSID1x is set as a common SSID. Similarly, SSID1z is set as the common SSID in the AP 100b and the repeater 200z. In the repeater 200y and the repeater 200z, SSID1y is set as a common SSID. Further, individual SSIDs (SSIDs 2, 3, 4, 5) are set in the AP 100b and the repeaters 200x, y, and z, respectively. As a result, in the network system 1b, there are three wireless LAN networks NW1x, y, z constituted by common SSIDs and four wireless LAN networks NW2, 3, 4, 5 constituted by individual SSIDs.

  Under such an environment, each wireless connection device (AP 100b, repeater 200x, y, z in the example of FIG. 12) belonging to the network system 1b can execute the sharing process described in FIG. In this case, the transmission range of the connection information acquisition request in step S100 in FIG. 6 can be, for example, within the same layer 2 network. As a result of executing the sharing process, the connection information storage unit 161 (or connection information storage unit 261) of each wireless connection device stores connection information for all wireless connection devices in the network system 1b.

  Furthermore, after execution of the sharing process, each wireless connection device (AP 100b, repeater 200x, y, z in the example of FIG. 12) belonging to the network system 1b can execute the setting process described in FIG. The example of FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the setting process is executed between the repeater 200y that functions as an access point device and the smartphone 300 that functions as a client device.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained even under a complicated network configuration.

  The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. However, the third embodiment may be a modification of the second embodiment. Specifically, in the wireless connection device (AP 100b, repeater 200x, y, z in the example of FIG. 12) belonging to the network system 1b, for example, the AP 100b is a master and the repeaters 200x, y, z are slaves, respectively. The sharing process described in (1) may be executed. In this case, the transmission range of the connection information acquisition request in step S200 in FIG. 11 is within the same layer 2 network.

D. Variations:
In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. Good. In addition, the following modifications are possible.

・ Modification 1:
In the above embodiment, an example of a network system has been described. However, the configuration of the network system in the above embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications can be made. For example, the deformation | transformation which abbreviate | omits a part of a component, adds a further component, or changes a part of a component is possible.

  For example, the arrangement and number of APs, repeaters, and smartphones are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the AP may be connected to the Internet using wireless communication or mobile communication. For example, another network connection device (for example, a router, a switch, a hub, etc.) may be connected between the AP and the Internet. For example, repeaters may be connected in multiple stages. For example, other client devices (for example, a PC, a server, a NAS, etc.) not shown may be connected.

  For example, in the network system of the above embodiment, the first wireless connection between the AP and the repeater may be a WDS (Wireless Distribution System) connection or a wired LAN connection. Even in this case, by executing the sharing process and the setting process of the above embodiment, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  For example, in the network system of the above embodiment, an AP may be used instead of the repeater. In this way, even if the network system has a plurality of APs, and each AP has a common SSID and an individual SSID, the sharing process and the setting process of the above embodiment are executed, so that the above embodiment is performed. The same effect can be achieved.

Modification 2
In the said embodiment, an example of the structure of AP and a repeater as a wireless connection apparatus was given. However, the structure in the said embodiment is an example to the last, and various changes are possible. For example, the deformation | transformation which abbreviate | omits a part of a component, adds a further component, or changes a part of a component is possible.

  For example, in a state before the sharing process is executed, the connection information storage unit (FIGS. 3 and 5) may be in an empty state, that is, a state in which no information is stored. In this case, the acquisition unit in step S104 of FIG. 6 or step S210 of FIG. 11 stores the acquired connection information of the other wireless connection device and the connection information set in the own device in the connection information storage unit. Just remember.

  For example, the connection information storage unit may be stored in a storage medium other than the flash ROM. The storage medium may be built in the wireless connection device or may be a removable storage medium such as a USB memory or a USB hard disk.

For example, the setting button provided on the wireless connection device can adopt any form as long as the setting button is configured as an input unit capable of giving a setting processing start instruction to the wireless connection device. . For example, the following forms d1 to d4 can be adopted.
(D1) A form in which the user directly touches.
(D2) A form of near field communication from the vicinity of the wireless connection device. In this embodiment, for example, infrared communication or a contact type or non-contact type IC card may be used.
(D3) A mode in which the information code provided by the wireless connection device is photographed with a camera built in or externally attached to the client device. In this embodiment, an information code such as a QR code (registered trademark), a bar code, or a hologram may be used as an information code providing unit.
(D4) A form using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for a display unit included in the wireless snow image device.
In this way, it is possible to suppress a malicious third party from giving a setting processing start instruction against the intention of the administrator of the network system, and it is possible to suppress leakage of connection information.

・ Modification 3:
In the above embodiment, an example of the sharing process and the setting process has been described. However, the processing procedure in the above embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications are possible. For example, some steps may be omitted, and other steps may be added. Further, the order of the steps to be executed may be changed.

  For example, the sharing process of FIG. 6 is executed individually in each wireless connection device, but may be executed only in one wireless connection device serving as a master. In this case, in the setting process illustrated in FIG. 7, one wireless connection device (tentatively exemplified as “AP100”) serving as a master is connected to another wireless connection device (temporarily exemplified as “repeater 200”). Information is transmitted to the client device. In this way, the setting processing unit (setting processing unit 119) of the wireless connection device (AP100) specifies information for specifying a wireless communication connection destination for the client device (smartphone 300) connected to the wireless connection device. When transmitting the connection information, the connection information set in another wireless connection device (repeater 200) is transmitted. For this reason, the client device can acquire and register connection information of another wireless connection device by communication with the wireless connection device, in other words, without needing communication with the other wireless connection device. As a result, in an environment where there are a plurality of wireless connection devices (wireless connection devices, other wireless connection devices), it is possible to simplify the process of registering connection information of other wireless connection devices in the client device.

  For example, the transmission of the setting information acquisition request in step S100 in FIG. 6 and the transmission of the setting information acquisition request in step S200 in FIG. 11 may be omitted. In this case, other wireless connection apparatuses can spontaneously transmit their connection information to the wireless connection apparatus without depending on reception of the setting information acquisition request. For example, the above-described conditions c1 to c5 may be used as an opportunity for another wireless connection device to spontaneously transmit connection information.

  For example, in step S100 of FIG. 6 and step S200 of FIG. 11, the acquisition unit may request information indicating a difference from connection information acquired in the past. In this case, the transmission unit refers to the AP setting information (or repeater setting information) and extracts a difference from the connection information transmitted to the wireless connection device (or other wireless connection device) in the past. This difference includes connection information added or deleted from the previously transmitted connection information. A transmission part transmits the information which shows the difference of the extracted connection information as a response of a setting information acquisition request. In this way, the amount of information transmitted and received between the wireless connection device and other wireless connection devices can be reduced, and security can be improved. Further, in this case, the setting processing unit may transmit only information indicating the difference to the client device. In this way, the amount of information transmitted / received between the wireless connection device and the client device can be reduced, and security can be improved.

  In the configuration for transmitting and receiving the information indicating the difference described above, the information indicating the difference may include identification information (also referred to as “difference identification information”) indicating whether connection information is added, deleted, or changed. In this way, it is possible to clearly identify whether each piece of connection information transmitted as a difference is added information, deleted information, or changed information on the receiving side. Further, in this case, the setting processing unit may transmit difference identification information indicating whether connection information is added, deleted, or changed to the client device. In this way, in the client device, it can be clearly identified whether each of the acquired connection information is added information, deleted information, or changed information.

  For example, in step S100 in FIG. 6 and step S200 in FIG. 11, the transmission unit may spontaneously transmit AP setting information (or repeater setting information) or information indicating a difference regardless of a request. The timing at which the spontaneous transmission is performed can be, for example, when the setting information of the device changes.

  For example, in step S100 in FIG. 6 and step S200 in FIG. 11, the acquisition unit may unicast the connection information acquisition request. In this case, the acquisition unit can inquire in advance a destination (for example, a MAC address) of another wireless connection device existing in the network system and store the destination in the storage unit. The acquisition unit may acquire a destination of another wireless connection device existing in the network system by an input of an administrator of the network system and store it in the storage unit.

  For example, in step S100 in FIG. 6 and step S200 in FIG. 11, the acquisition unit may transmit the connection information acquisition request by including it in a packet such as a beacon transmitted from the wireless connection device. Similarly, in step S216 of FIG. 11, the connection information transmission unit may transmit the distribution connection information by including it in a packet such as a beacon transmitted from the wireless connection device. These requests and information can be stored in, for example, an Information Element that is an area in a packet such as a beacon.

  For example, in steps S214 and S216 of FIG. 11, the connection information transmission unit may generate and transmit dedicated distribution connection information for each of the other wireless connection devices that are slaves. Specifically, for example, a case where there are two slaves for sharing processing (repeater 200a, repeater 200x) is illustrated. In this case, the connection information transmission unit 117 transmits distribution connection information including the connection information of the AP 100a and the connection information of the repeater 200x for the repeater 200a. The connection information transmission unit 117 transmits connection information for distribution including the connection information of the AP 100a and the connection information of the repeater 200a for the repeater 200x. In this way, it is possible to avoid duplication of the data in the distribution connection information and the existing data of the own apparatus in the other wireless connection apparatus that has received the distribution connection information.

For example, the authentication process may be executed prior to the sharing process described with reference to FIGS. In this case, for example, the following procedures e1 to e3 can be employed.
(E1) The wireless connection device (AP and repeater in the example of FIG. 6, each AP in the example of FIG. 11) requests authentication information (for example, a password) from another wireless connection device after the start of processing.
(E2) The wireless connection device transmits the authentication information acquisition request in steps S100 and S200 when the authentication information received from the other wireless connection device matches the authentication information stored in the wireless connection device in advance. .
(E3) In the case of FIG. 11, the transmission destination of the connection information for distribution in step S216 is also limited to devices with the same authentication information.
In this way, it is possible to share connection information only between wireless connection devices whose validity has been confirmed as a result of authentication processing, and thus security in the sharing processing can be improved. Further, “group identification information” for identifying the same group may be used instead of the authentication information. In this way, the sharing process and the setting process can be correctly executed even in an environment such as an apartment house where many APs and repeaters exist, which is significant. Further, instead of the authentication information, “capability information” indicating whether or not the sharing process of the present invention is supported may be used. In this way, a repeater that does not support the sharing process of the present invention can be treated as a non-processing target, which is significant.

  For example, in the setting process, the method of transmitting connection information from the access point device to the client device can be realized in various ways without using the connection information transmission technology possessed by the AOSS or WPS exemplified above. Is possible. For example, connection information of all wireless connection devices may be stored and transmitted in a vendor area (IE: Information Element) that can be incorporated in a packet such as a beacon packet transmitted by an access point device, or transmitted to a client device. Dedicated software may be incorporated to obtain all connection information from the access point device. Alternatively, a mechanism for generating a connection information profile (setting file) may be incorporated in the access point device, and the connection information may be acquired by the client device downloading the profile.

-Modification 4:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or In order to achieve part or all of the above-described effects, replacement or combination can be performed as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network system 1a ... Network system 1b ... Network system 100, 100a, 100b ... Access point 110 ... CPU
111: Relay processing unit 112 ... AP side connection control unit 114 ... Acquisition unit 114a ... Acquisition unit (request unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 115 ... Transmission part 117 ... Connection information transmission part 119 ... Setting process part 120 ... Setting button 130 ... RAM
140: Wireless communication interface 150 ... Wired communication interface 160 ... Flash ROM
161: Connection information storage unit 162 ... AP connection information 200, 200a, 200x, 200y, 200z ... Repeater 210 ... CPU
211 ... Relay processing unit 212 ... AP side connection control unit 213 ... STA side connection control unit 214, 214a ... Acquisition unit 215 ... Transmission unit 219 ... Setting processing unit 220 ... Setting button 230 ... RAM
240 ... Wireless communication interface 250 ... Wired communication interface 260 ... Flash ROM
261 ... Connection information storage unit 262 ... Repeater connection information 300 ... Smartphone INT ... Internet SSID1, SSID1x, SSID1y, SSID1z ... Common SSID
SSID2, SSID3, SSID4, SSID5 ... Individual SSID
NW1, NW1x, NW1y, NW1z, NW2, NW3, NW4, NW5 ... Network

Claims (20)

A wireless connection device,
A first storage unit that stores connection information that is information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication set in the wireless connection device;
An acquisition unit that acquires the connection information set in the other wireless connection device from another wireless connection device connected to the wireless connection device;
A setting processing unit that transmits the connection information acquired from the other wireless connection device to a client device connected to the wireless connection device;
A wireless connection device. The wireless connection device according to claim 1,
The setting processing unit
A wireless connection device that transmits the connection information set in the wireless connection device to the client device in addition to the connection information acquired from the other wireless connection device. The wireless connection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The wireless connection apparatus, wherein the connection information includes wireless identification information that is identification information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication, and encryption information that enables connection using the wireless identification information. The wireless connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
A wireless connection apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the connection information set in the wireless connection apparatus to the other wireless connection apparatus. The wireless connection device according to claim 4,
The transmitter is
A wireless connection that transmits the updated connection information or the updated connection information to the other wireless connection device when the connection information set in the wireless connection device is changed. apparatus. The wireless connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The acquisition unit
A wireless connection device that periodically acquires the connection information from the other wireless connection device. The wireless connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The acquisition unit
When there are a plurality of other wireless connection devices connected to the wireless connection device, the connection information set in each of the other wireless connection devices is acquired from all of the plurality of other wireless connection devices. A wireless connection device. The wireless connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The acquisition unit
In order to acquire the connection information from the other wireless connection device, a connection information acquisition request is transmitted to the other wireless connection device,
The other wireless connection device transmits the connection information set in the other wireless connection device as a response to the acquisition request. The wireless connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The other wireless connection device is a wireless connection device that spontaneously transmits the connection information set in the other wireless connection device without depending on a request from the wireless connection device. The wireless connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A plurality of the connection information is set in the other wireless connection device,
The acquisition unit
A wireless connection device that acquires at least a part of the plurality of connection information set in the other wireless connection device. The wireless connection device according to claim 4,
A plurality of the connection information is set in the wireless connection device,
The transmitter is
A wireless connection device that transmits at least a part of the plurality of pieces of connection information set in the wireless connection device. The wireless connection device according to claim 11,
A plurality of the connection information is set in the other wireless connection device,
The connection information transmitted by the transmission unit or the connection information acquired by the acquisition unit is wireless identification information that is identification information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication, and includes the wireless connection device and the other A wireless connection device including individual wireless identification information as the wireless identification information that cannot be used in common with the wireless connection device. The wireless connection device according to claim 4,
The connection information transmitted by the transmission unit is information indicating a difference from the connection information transmitted in the past by the transmission unit,
The connection information acquired by the acquisition unit is a wireless connection device that is information indicating a difference from the connection information acquired in the past by the acquisition unit. The wireless connection device according to claim 4,
Information transmitted by the transmission unit or acquired by the acquisition unit includes:
In addition to the connection information, the wireless connection device further includes difference identification information indicating addition, deletion, and change of the connection information. The wireless connection device according to claim 4,
Information transmitted by the transmission unit or acquired by the acquisition unit includes:
In addition to the connection information, further, as determination information that can be used to specify the connection destination of wireless communication,
Information on the radio wave environment of the other wireless connection device;
A wireless connection device, comprising: information related to a route of the other wireless connection device; and determination information indicating at least one of the information. The wireless connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The setting processing unit
A wireless connection device that transmits information indicating a difference from the connection information connected in the past by the setting processing unit. The wireless connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
The setting processing unit
In addition to the connection information, a wireless connection device further transmits difference identification information indicating addition, deletion, and change of the connection information. The wireless connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
The setting processing unit
In addition to the connection information, further, as determination information that can be used to specify the connection destination of wireless communication,
Information on the radio wave environment of the other wireless connection device;
A wireless communication device that transmits determination information indicating at least one of the route information of the other wireless connection device. A network system,
A wireless connection device;
Another wireless connection device connected to the wireless connection device;
A client device connected to the wireless connection device;
With
The wireless connection device is:
A first storage unit that stores connection information that is information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication set in the wireless connection device;
An acquisition unit that acquires the connection information set in the other wireless connection device from the other wireless connection device;
A network system comprising: a setting processing unit that transmits the connection information acquired from the other wireless connection device to the client device. A method for controlling a wireless connection device, comprising:
(A) obtaining connection information, which is information for specifying a connection destination of wireless communication set in the other wireless connection device, from another wireless connection device connected to the wireless connection device;
(B) transmitting the connection information acquired from the other wireless connection device to a client device connected to the wireless connection device;
A method comprising:

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