JP2018133657A - Radio communication device, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow communication efficiency to be improved when channel bonding is used.SOLUTION: A radio communication device conducts radio communication at a prescribed frequency band including a plurality of channels, counts the number of idle times, i.e. the number of times when, regarding each of the channels at the frequency band, the channel is an idle channel in the radio communication during a prescribed period, and sets a primary channel of the radio communication to a channel with the largest idle times at prescribed timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus, method, and program for performing channel bonding.

  A 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band are assigned to the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) as main frequency bands. It is known that the 5 GHz band is a channel arrangement that hardly interferes with the 2.4 GHz band, and that good communication can be performed from the viewpoint that there are few interference sources.

  Wireless LAN standards using the 5 GHz band include IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11a, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802. ac etc. Among these, IEEE802. ac, and its maximum communication speed is 6.93 Gbps.

  One of the typical techniques for realizing high-speed communication is channel bonding. Channel bonding is a technology that speeds up communication by bundling adjacent bands. The maximum bandwidth by channel bonding was 40 MHz in IEEE 802.11n, but has been expanded to 80 MHz (optionally maximum 160 MHz) in IEEE 802.11ac.

  FIG. 10 shows frequency bands that can be used in a 5 GHz wireless LAN. Usable frequency bands include W52 band, W53 band, and W56 band. The W52 band is 5150 MHz to 5250 MHz (36CH to 48CH), the W53 band is 5250 MHz to 5350 MHz (52CH to 64CH), and the W56 band is 5470 MHz to 5725 MHz (100CH to 140CH).

  11 and 12 show usable frequency bands when channel bonding is used. FIG. 11 shows the usable frequency band of the W52 band and the W53 band, and FIG. 12 shows the usable frequency band of the W56 band. Thus, the usable frequency band patterns are 9 patterns when the bandwidth is 40 MHz, 4 patterns when the bandwidth is 80 MHz, and 2 patterns when the bandwidth is 160 MHz, and decreases as the bandwidth is increased.

  IEEE802.11ac adopts the concept of primary channel and secondary channel in the used frequency band. The primary channel is a 20 MHz wide channel used for transmission of a control frame and transmission of a data frame with an old standard terminal such as IEEE802.11a. The secondary channel is a channel that is expanded when communication is performed using a bandwidth of 40 MHz or more.

  In IEEE802.11ac, when communication is performed using a bandwidth of 40 MHz or more, whether or not the bandwidth is usable is confirmed by carrier sense. At the start of communication, the transmission side apparatus transmits a transmission request frame called RTS (Request-to-Send) to each channel in the band to be used. Then, if the RTS is received, if the channel is an empty channel, the receiving side device transmits a transmission-permitted frame called CTS (Clear-to-Send). Thereby, the result of carrier sense can be shared between the transmission side apparatus and the reception side apparatus.

The transmission side / reception side device determines which bandwidth is used for communication as follows (1) to (4) based on the result of RTS / CTS.
(1) When only the primary channel (20 MHz) can be used, transmission is performed with a bandwidth of 20 MHz.
(2) When both the primary channel (20 MHz) and the secondary channel (20 MHz) can be used, transmission is performed with a bandwidth of 40 MHz.
(3) When both the primary channel (40 MHz) (primary channel (20 MHz) + secondary channel (20 MHz)) and secondary channel (40 MHz) can be used, transmission is performed with a bandwidth of 80 MHz.
(4) When both the primary channel (80 MHz) (primary channel (40 MHz) + secondary channel (40 MHz)) and secondary channel (80 MHz) can be used, transmission is performed with a bandwidth of 160 MHz.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the flow from the exchange of RTS / CTS to the actual communication when communication is performed with a bandwidth of 80 MHz. In this example, the transmission side can use the bandwidth of 80 MHz including the primary channel, and the reception side can also use the bandwidth of 80 MHz. The primary channel is assumed to be 36CH.

  First, when communicating at a bandwidth of 80 MHz, the transmission side transmits RTS storing information indicating that the desired bandwidth is 80 MHz to 36 channels of the primary channel and each channel (40CH, 42CH, 44CH) desired to be used. To do. Since the receiving side that has received the RTS has received the RTS on each channel corresponding to the 80 MHz width, each channel (36CH, 40CH, 44CH, 48CH) stores CTS storing information indicating that the usable bandwidth is 80 MHz. Send to.

  Since the transmitting side has received CTS on all of the 36CH, 40CH, 44CH, and 48CH that have transmitted RTS, it determines that communication with a bandwidth of 80 MHz is possible, and starts data transmission with a bandwidth of 80 MHz.

  As another example, FIG. 14 shows an example in which the receiving side can use only a bandwidth of 40 MHz. This case may occur in a situation where another device is communicating using 44CH and 48CH, and it can be detected that the 44CH and 48CH are used only on the receiving side due to an obstacle or the like.

  First, the transmitting side determines that all of 36CH, 40CH, 44CH, and 48CH are usable, and transmits RTS on these channels. On the other hand, the receiving side determines that 44CH and 48CH are in use by other devices as a result of carrier sense, and transmits CTS only to 36CH and 40CH. Then, the transmission side starts data transmission with a bandwidth of 40 MHz using 36CH and 40CH permitted by CTS.

  By determining the use bandwidth in this way, communication with a bandwidth of 40 MHz or 20 MHz is possible even when communication with a bandwidth of 80 MHz is not possible. However, since the primary channel (20 MHz) is used in any bandwidth, communication cannot be performed if the primary channel is used by another device.

  On the other hand, an IEEE 802.11ac-compliant access point (hereinafter referred to as AP) has a DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) function. The DFS function is a function for automatically switching the use frequency to a channel having a frequency different from the frequency of the radar wave when a weather radar or the like is detected when the W53 band or the W56 band is used. At this time, in particular, when the bandwidth is set to 80 MHz, since there are only four patterns of usable frequency bands, it is difficult to secure the used frequency bands so that they do not overlap with neighboring APs. For this reason, as a result of channel switching, there is a possibility that the frequency band used overlaps with other APs, and that the primary channel is close or overlapping. If the primary channel is close / overlapping, communication efficiency may be deteriorated or communication may be disabled while other APs are communicating.

  As a method of determining the used frequency band, for example, there are methods described in Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 4.

  In the method described in Patent Document 1, it is confirmed whether a frequency desired to be used in RTS / CTS is an empty channel. In the method described in Patent Document 2, the electric field strength of each channel is measured, and a channel having a large number of times the electric field strength is less than a threshold value is selected as a use frequency. In the method described in Patent Document 3, the number of communication failures is added, and a channel whose communication failure count is equal to or greater than a threshold value is excluded from free channels. In the method described in Patent Document 4, a channel that is less congested is preferentially selected as a use frequency based on an evaluation value corresponding to the number of times carriers are detected.

  However, even if the frequency used is determined by any method, there is a possibility that the frequency band used overlaps with other APs as described above, and the primary channel may be close or overlap. Then, due to the proximity / duplication of the primary channel, there is a possibility that communication efficiency deteriorates or communication is impossible while other APs are communicating.

  On the other hand, in the method described in Patent Document 5, RTS / CTS is exchanged when communication is impossible, and the primary channel is temporarily changed to a secondary channel that can be confirmed as an empty channel. As a result, the possibility of an inability to communicate is reduced and the communication efficiency is improved.

JP2015-136139A JP 2010-103665 A JP 2000-324037 A JP 2011-109341 A International Publication No. 2014/014084

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 5, the primary channel is temporarily changed, but the situation that the primary channel of another device is close to the original primary channel of the own device does not change. Therefore, there is a possibility that temporary switching of the primary channel frequently occurs. For example, even if the primary channel is returned to the original primary channel when no other device is communicating, if the other device communicates, its own device will be unable to communicate, and the primary channel will be temporarily switched. Become.

  In addition, since a certain processing time is required for switching the primary channel, a communication disabled state occurs. For this reason, in a state where primary channel switching frequently occurs, the communication disabled time increases and the communication efficiency deteriorates.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication apparatus, method, and program that can improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a wireless communication device of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including a plurality of channels, and a predetermined period for each channel of the frequency band. A count unit that counts the number of times that the channel is a free channel in the wireless communication, and a channel setting unit that sets the primary channel of the wireless communication to the channel with the largest number of free times at a predetermined timing It is characterized by providing.

  In addition, the wireless communication method of the present invention performs wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including a plurality of channels, and the channel is an empty channel in the wireless communication for a predetermined period for each of the channels in the frequency band. The number of vacant times is counted, and the wireless communication primary channel is set to the channel with the largest vacant number at a predetermined timing.

  Further, the wireless communication program of the present invention provides a computer with a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including a plurality of channels, and in the wireless communication for a predetermined period for each of the channels in the frequency band. A count function that counts the number of times that the channel is a free channel and a channel setting function that sets the primary channel of the wireless communication to the channel that has the largest number of free times at a predetermined timing are realized. It is characterized by that.

  The wireless communication apparatus, method, and program of the present invention can improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the radio | wireless communication apparatus of 1st to 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the radio | wireless communication apparatus of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the radio | wireless communications system of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the radio | wireless communication apparatus of 2nd and 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the radio | wireless communications system of 2nd embodiment of this invention, and its surrounding environment. It is a figure which shows the example of the frequency | count of vacancy of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the addition value of the frequency | count of vacancy of 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the frequency | count of vacancy of 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of each embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usable frequency of a 5 GHz band. It is a figure which shows the frequency which can be used when using channel bonding. It is a figure which shows the frequency which can be used when using channel bonding. It is a figure which shows the example of the determination method of the use channel in the case of using channel bonding. It is a figure which shows the example of the determination method of the use channel in the case of using channel bonding.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a wireless communication apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The wireless communication device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a wireless communication unit 11, a count unit 12, and a channel setting unit 13.

  The wireless communication unit 11 is a part that performs wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including a plurality of channels. The counting unit 12 is a part that counts the number of empty times that is the number of times that the channel is an empty channel in wireless communication in a predetermined period for each channel of the frequency band. The channel setting unit 13 is a part that sets a primary channel for wireless communication to a channel with the largest number of idle times at a predetermined timing.

  By configuring the wireless communication device 10 in this way, the wireless communication device 10 counts the number of vacant times of each channel in the use frequency band, and sets the primary channel to the channel having the largest number of vacant times. As a result, it is possible to set the channel with the lowest possibility of communication failure at that time, that is, the channel with the highest communication efficiency as the primary channel. In addition, as long as there is no environmental change, it is highly possible that the same channel will be the channel with the largest number of vacant times in subsequent communications, so that deterioration in communication efficiency due to a change in the primary channel can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

  Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.

  The counting unit 12 counts the number of empty channels in each frequency band (step S101). The channel setting unit 13 sets a primary channel for wireless communication at a predetermined timing (YES in step S102) as a channel having the largest number of idle times (step S103).

  By operating in this way, the wireless communication device 10 counts the number of vacant times of each channel in the used frequency band, and sets the primary channel to the channel having the largest vacant number. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communication device 10 counts the number of vacant times of each channel in the use frequency band, and sets the primary channel to the channel having the largest number of vacant times. As a result, it is possible to set the channel with the lowest possibility of communication failure at that time, that is, the channel with the highest communication efficiency as the primary channel. In addition, as long as there is no environmental change, it is highly possible that the same channel will be the channel with the largest number of vacant times in subsequent communications, so that deterioration in communication efficiency due to a change in the primary channel can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 10 will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the wireless communication system of the present embodiment. The wireless communication system of this embodiment includes a wireless communication device 10 and an STA (Station) 40. Note that the number of wireless communication devices 10 and the number of STAs 40 in the wireless communication system are arbitrary.

  The wireless communication device 10 is a device that performs wireless communication, and is, for example, a wireless LAN AP. The STA 40 is a device that communicates with the wireless communication device 10, and is, for example, a wireless slave device of a wireless LAN.

  Next, the wireless communication device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The wireless communication unit 11 is a part that performs wireless communication with the STA 40. The wireless communication unit 11 performs wireless communication using channel bonding.

  The counting unit 12 is a part that counts the number of times that the wireless communication unit 11 is an empty channel (the number of empty times) for each channel in the frequency band used for wireless communication. The count unit 12 of the present embodiment monitors the CTS frame received by the wireless communication unit 11 and, when receiving the CTS frame, adds a predetermined value (1 in the present embodiment) to the number of vacant times of the channel that has received the CTS frame. To do. Further, the number of vacant times is reset at a predetermined reset timing such as when the use frequency band is changed by DFS or the like or every predetermined time.

  In addition to the number of receptions of the CTS frame, the number of idle times may be the number of times determined as a free channel by carrier sense in the own apparatus, the number of times of successful data transmission / reception, or the like. In addition, the number of idle times may be a ratio of the number of times of being an empty channel (for example, the number of times of receiving a CTS frame) to the number of times when it is confirmed whether or not it is an empty channel (for example, the number of times of transmission of RTS frames).

  The channel setting unit 13 is a part that sets a primary channel to a channel having the largest number of idle times at a predetermined timing. In setting the primary channel, the channel setting unit 13 changes the primary channel to the channel with the largest number of available times when the primary channel being used is different from the channel with the largest number of available times. Further, the change of the primary channel may be performed only when the difference between the number of vacant times of the primary channel being used and the number of vacant times of the channel having the largest number of vacant times is a predetermined difference or more.

  Note that at a predetermined timing, the difference in the number of vacant times between the primary channel being used and the channel having the largest number of vacant intervals is greater than or equal to a predetermined value after a predetermined time after the use frequency band is changed by DFS or the like. When it becomes, it can be considered.

  By configuring the wireless communication device 10 in this way, the wireless communication device 10 counts the number of vacant times of each channel in the use frequency band, and sets the primary channel to the channel having the largest number of vacant times. As a result, it is possible to set the channel with the lowest possibility of communication failure at that time, that is, the channel with the highest communication efficiency as the primary channel. In addition, as long as there is no environmental change, it is highly possible that the same channel will be the channel with the largest number of vacant times in subsequent communications, so that deterioration in communication efficiency due to a change in the primary channel can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

  In addition, the wireless communication device 10 according to the present embodiment uses the presence / absence of reception of a CTS frame to determine an empty channel. Even if the wireless communication device 10 determines that the channel is an empty channel based on carrier sense, communication may not be possible on the receiving side. Therefore, by determining the available channel based on whether or not the CTS frame is received, it is possible to count the available channels that are available channels from the reception side and the transmission side as the number of available times.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows an operation example of the wireless communication apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.

  First, the count unit 12 resets the number of empty times of each channel to 0 at the time of start-up or when the used frequency band is changed by DFS.

  The count unit 12 monitors the CTS frame received by the wireless communication unit 11 and detects on which channel the CTS frame is received (YES in step S201). Then, a predetermined value (1 in the case of the present embodiment) is added to the number of empty channels that have received the CTS frame (step S202).

  The channel setting unit 13 holds the channel information of the current primary channel, and compares the channel with the largest number of idle times with the current primary channel at a predetermined timing such as every predetermined time (YES in step S203). If the current primary channel is different from the channel with the largest number of idle times, the primary channel is changed to the channel with the largest number of available times (step S204). In the present embodiment, the number of empty times is compared in step S204, and then the number of empty times is reset (step S205).

  Next, a more detailed operation example of the wireless communication apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration example of the wireless communication system of this embodiment and its surrounding environment in an operation example described below. The STA 40A is a wireless slave device belonging to the wireless communication device 10A, and the STA 40B is a wireless slave device belonging to the wireless communication device 10B. Due to the obstacle 51, the radio wave of the radio communication device 10A does not reach the radio communication device 10B, and the radio wave of the radio communication device 10B does not reach the radio communication device 10A. However, it is assumed that the radio wave of the wireless communication device 10B and the radio wave of the STA 40B reach the STA 40A.

  Further, it is assumed that the primary channel of the radio communication device 10A is set to a maximum bandwidth of 80 MHz that can be communicated with 60CH, and the primary channel of the radio communication device 10B is set to a maximum bandwidth that can be communicated with the 104CH.

  In this state, it is assumed that the radio communication device 10A detects the signal of the weather radar 50 and switches the primary channel from 60CH to 100CH which is an empty channel by the DFS function. Then, the wireless communication device 10A and the wireless communication device 10B are in a state where the primary channels are adjacent to each other.

  First, it is assumed that the wireless communication device 10A transmits data to the STA 40A in a state where the wireless communication device 10B and the STA 40B are not communicating.

  At this time, the radio communication device 10A is in a state where all 80 MHz widths (100CH, 104CH, 108CH, 112CH) including the primary channel can be used. Therefore, the wireless communication device 10A transmits an RTS frame to each of these channels. Since the STA 40A is in a state where all these channels can be used, the STA 40A transmits a CTS frame to each channel.

  Then, the wireless communication device 10A receives the CTS frame on each channel of 100CH, 104CH, 108CH, and 112CH (YES in step S201 in FIG. 4), and sets a predetermined value (1 in the present embodiment) to the number of empty times of each channel. Add (step S202).

  Next, it is assumed that the wireless communication device 10A performs data transmission to the STA 40A in a state where the wireless communication device 10B communicates with a 40 MHz width using 100CH and 104CH.

  At this time, since the radio waves of the wireless communication device 10B and the STA 40B do not reach the wireless communication device 10A, the wireless communication device 10A can use all of 100CH, 104CH, 108CH, and 112CH. Therefore, the wireless communication device 10A transmits an RTS frame to each of these channels.

  However, for the STA 40A, the radio waves of the wireless communication device 10B and the STA 40B reach, and therefore the 100CH and 104CH are unusable. Therefore, the STA 40A transmits a CTS frame to 108CH and 112CH.

  Then, the wireless communication device 10A receives the CTS frame on 108CH and 112CH (YES in step S201 in FIG. 4), and adds a predetermined value (1 in the case of the present embodiment) to the number of empty times of 108CH and 112CH (step S202). . At this time, since the wireless communication device 10A cannot receive the CTS frame on the primary channel 100CH, it cannot communicate with the STA 40A.

  Thus, depending on whether or not the wireless communication device 10B and the STA 40B are communicating, the wireless communication device 10A and the STA 40A repeat communication enabled and disabled. And the number of empty times of each channel is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  When the wireless communication device 10A reaches a predetermined timing (YES in step S203), it determines that the number of available times of 108CH and 112CH is the maximum from the number of available times of FIG. When there are a plurality of channels with the maximum number of times of vacancy as described above, one of them is selected as a primary channel by an arbitrary method. As a selection method, for example, a method of selecting a higher (lower) frequency channel, giving priority to the currently set primary channel, or the like can be considered.

  Here, it is assumed that 10 A of radio | wireless communication apparatuses selected 112CH as a primary channel. Then, the wireless communication device 10A changes the primary channel to 112CH because 100CH of the current primary channel is different from the selected 112CH (step S204). Further, the number of empty times of each channel is reset (step S205).

  Thereafter, when communicating with the STA 40A, the wireless communication device 10A transmits the RTS frame to the 100CH, 104CH, 108CH, and 112CH. And when the radio | wireless communication apparatus 10B and STA40B are communicating, the CTS frame from STA40A is received by 108CH and 112CH.

  However, since the primary channel is 112CH, the wireless communication device 10A and the STA 40A can communicate with each other at a 40 MHz width using 108CH and 112CH. Further, when the wireless communication device 10B and the STA 40B are not communicating, communication with a width of 80 MHz is possible. Therefore, changing the primary channel reduces the time during which communication is not possible and improves communication efficiency.

  By operating in this way, the wireless communication device 10 counts the number of vacant times of each channel in the used frequency band, and sets the primary channel to the channel having the largest vacant number. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, the wireless communication device 10 counts the number of vacant times of each channel in the used frequency band, and the number of vacant times is the largest. Set the primary channel to the larger channel. As a result, it is possible to set the channel with the lowest possibility of communication failure at that time, that is, the channel with the highest communication efficiency as the primary channel. In addition, as long as there is no environmental change, it is highly possible that the same channel will be the channel with the largest number of vacant times in subsequent communications, so that deterioration in communication efficiency due to a change in the primary channel can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

  In addition, the wireless communication device 10 according to the present embodiment uses the presence / absence of reception of a CTS frame to determine an empty channel. Therefore, by determining the available channel based on whether or not the CTS frame is received, it is possible to count the available channels that are available channels from the reception side and the transmission side as the number of available times.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a value weighted by an available bandwidth is added when counting the number of empty times.

  A configuration example of the wireless communication device 10 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment (FIG. 1).

  The counting unit 12 is a part that counts the number of empty times of each channel. In this embodiment, when a predetermined value is added to the number of empty times, a value weighted by an available bandwidth is added. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, 1 is used when the width for one channel (20 MHz width) can be used ((a) in FIG. 7), and 2 when the width for two channels (40 MHz width) can be used. ((B) of FIG. 7) is added to the number of empty times. When the width of 4 channels (80 MHz width) can be used, 4 ((c) of FIG. 7), and when the width of 8 channels (160 MHz width) can be used, 8 (FIG. 7 ( d)) Add to the number of empty times.

  Since other parts are the same as those in the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  By configuring the wireless communication device 10 in this way, the wireless communication device 10 counts the number of vacant times of each channel in the use frequency band, and sets the primary channel to the channel having the largest number of vacant times. As a result, it is possible to set the channel with the lowest possibility of communication failure at that time, that is, the channel with the highest communication efficiency as the primary channel. In addition, as long as there is no environmental change, it is highly possible that the same channel will be the channel with the largest number of vacant times in subsequent communications, so that deterioration in communication efficiency due to a change in the primary channel can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

  In addition, the wireless communication device 10 according to the present embodiment weights the added value of the number of empty times according to the available bandwidth. Therefore, a channel that is highly likely to communicate with a wider bandwidth can be set as the primary channel. In addition, when the primary channel is changed when the difference in the number of vacant times between the channel with the largest number of vacant times and the current primary channel is greater than or equal to a predetermined difference, switching to a channel with a high possibility of vacant channels is possible. There is also an effect that can be done.

  Next, an operation example of the wireless communication apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, when the wireless communication apparatus 10 receives a CTS frame (YES in step S201), a predetermined value corresponding to the available bandwidth is added to the number of empty channels that have received the CTS frame (step S202). ).

  For example, when the CTS frame is received by only one channel, or when the channel bonding cannot be performed even if the CTS frame is received by a plurality of channels, the number of vacant times of the channel that has received the CTS frame is 1. Is added. Also, when CTS frames are received by a plurality of channels and two channels that have received CTS frames are continuous and can be used for 40 MHz-wide channel bonding, 2 is added to the number of free times of channels that have received CTS frames. . In addition, if four channels that have received the CTS frame are continuous and can be used for 80 MHz-wide channel bonding, 4 is added to the number of empty channels that have received the CTS frame. In addition, when eight channels that have received the CTS frame are continuous and can be used for channel bonding of 160 MHz width, 8 is added to the number of vacant times of the channel that has received the CTS frame.

  For example, when the example of FIG. 7 is added in order from the left, the number of empty times of 100CH is 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 = 15 times, and 100CH becomes the channel with the largest number of empty times. In the case of the example of FIG. 6 of the second embodiment, when the added value is weighted by the usable bandwidth as in the present embodiment, the difference in the number of free times between channels as shown in FIG. Great results are obtained.

  Since other operations are the same as those in the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  By operating in this way, the wireless communication device 10 counts the number of vacant times of each channel in the used frequency band, and sets the primary channel to the channel having the largest vacant number. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

  As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, as in the first and second embodiments, the wireless communication device 10 counts the number of vacant times of each channel in the used frequency band and Set the primary channel to the channel with the largest number of times. As a result, it is possible to set the channel with the lowest possibility of communication failure at that time, that is, the channel with the highest communication efficiency as the primary channel. In addition, as long as there is no environmental change, it is highly possible that the same channel will be the channel with the largest number of vacant times in subsequent communications, so that deterioration in communication efficiency due to a change in the primary channel can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication efficiency when using channel bonding.

  In addition, the wireless communication device 10 according to the present embodiment weights the added value of the number of empty times according to the available bandwidth. Therefore, a channel that is highly likely to communicate with a wider bandwidth can be set as the primary channel. In addition, when the primary channel is changed when the difference in the number of vacant times between the channel with the largest number of vacant times and the current primary channel is greater than or equal to a predetermined difference, switching to a channel with a high possibility of vacant channels is possible. There is also an effect that can be done.

[Hardware configuration example]
A configuration example of hardware resources for realizing the wireless communication device 10 according to each embodiment of the present invention described above using one information processing device (computer) will be described. The wireless communication device may be realized using at least two information processing devices physically or functionally. The wireless communication device may be realized as a dedicated device. Further, only some functions of the wireless communication device may be realized using the information processing device.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration example of an information processing apparatus capable of realizing the wireless communication apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 90 includes a communication interface 91, an input / output interface 92, an arithmetic device 93, a storage device 94, a nonvolatile storage device 95, and a drive device 96.

  The communication interface 91 is a communication means for the wireless communication device of each embodiment to communicate with an external device by wire or / and wirelessly. When the wireless communication device is realized by using at least two information processing devices, the devices may be connected to each other via the communication interface 91 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The input / output interface 92 is a man-machine interface such as a keyboard which is an example of an input device and a display as an output device.

  The arithmetic device 93 is an arithmetic processing device such as a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. For example, the arithmetic device 93 can read various programs stored in the nonvolatile storage device 95 into the storage device 94 and execute processing according to the read programs.

  The storage device 94 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be referred to from the arithmetic device 93, and stores programs, various data, and the like. The storage device 94 may be a volatile memory device.

  The nonvolatile storage device 95 is a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and can store various programs, data, and the like.

  The drive device 96 is, for example, a device that processes reading and writing of data with respect to a recording medium 97 described later.

  The recording medium 97 is an arbitrary recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor flash memory.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, for example, a wireless communication device is configured by the information processing apparatus 90 illustrated in FIG. 9, and a program capable of realizing the functions described in the above embodiments is supplied to the wireless communication device. It may be realized by doing.

  In this case, the embodiment can be realized by the arithmetic device 93 executing the program supplied to the wireless communication device. It is also possible to configure some of the functions of the information processing apparatus 90 instead of all of the wireless communication apparatus.

  Furthermore, the program may be recorded in the recording medium 97, and the program may be stored in the nonvolatile storage device 95 as appropriate at the time of shipment or operation of the wireless communication device. In this case, as the program supply method, a method of installing in the wireless communication apparatus using an appropriate jig may be employed in a manufacturing stage before shipment or an operation stage. The program supply method may employ a general procedure such as a method of downloading from the outside via a communication line such as the Internet.

  Each of the above-described embodiments is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  A part or all of the above-described embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

(Appendix 1)
A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including a plurality of channels;
For each channel of the frequency band, a counting unit that counts the number of times that the channel is a free channel in the wireless communication in a predetermined period;
A wireless communication apparatus comprising: a channel setting unit configured to set a primary channel of the wireless communication to the channel having the largest number of idle times at a predetermined timing.

(Appendix 2)
The wireless communication apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the count unit adds a predetermined value to the idle count when receiving a transmission-permitted frame in the count.

(Appendix 3)
The wireless communication apparatus according to appendix 2, wherein the predetermined value is a value according to an available bandwidth.

(Appendix 4)
The wireless communication device according to any one of appendix 1 to appendix 3, wherein the channel setting unit changes the primary channel when the primary channel being used is different from the channel having the largest number of idle times. .

(Appendix 5)
The channel setting unit performs the change of the primary channel when a difference between the number of vacant times of the channel having the largest number of vacant times and the number of vacant times of the primary channel in use is equal to or larger than a predetermined difference. The wireless communication apparatus according to appendix 4.

(Appendix 6)
The channel setting unit sets the primary channel to the primary channel with priority on the primary channel in use when there are a plurality of the channels with the largest number of idle times. The wireless communication device described.

(Appendix 7)
The wireless communication apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the counting unit resets the number of empty times at the predetermined timing.

(Appendix 8)
Perform wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including multiple channels,
For each channel of the frequency band, count the number of times that the channel is a vacant channel in the wireless communication in a predetermined period,
A wireless communication method, wherein a primary channel of the wireless communication is set to the channel having the largest number of idle times at a predetermined timing.

(Appendix 9)
The wireless communication method according to appendix 8, wherein a predetermined value is added to the number of idle times when a transmission-permitted frame is received in the count.

(Appendix 10)
The wireless communication method according to appendix 9, wherein the predetermined value is a value according to an available bandwidth.

(Appendix 11)
The wireless communication method according to any one of appendix 8 to appendix 10, wherein the primary channel is changed when the primary channel being used is different from the channel with the largest number of idle times.

(Appendix 12)
The supplementary note 11 is characterized in that the change of the primary channel is performed when a difference between the number of vacant times of the channel having the largest number of vacant times and the number of vacant times of the primary channel in use is equal to or greater than a predetermined difference Wireless communication method.

(Appendix 13)
The wireless communication method according to any one of appendix 8 to appendix 12, wherein when there are a plurality of the channels with the largest number of idle times, the primary channel being used is preferentially set as the primary channel.

(Appendix 14)
The wireless communication method according to any one of appendix 8 to appendix 13, wherein the idle count is reset at the predetermined timing.

(Appendix 15)
On the computer,
A wireless communication function for performing wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including a plurality of channels;
For each channel of the frequency band, a count function that counts the number of times that the channel is a vacant channel in the wireless communication in a predetermined period;
And a channel setting function for setting a primary channel of the wireless communication to the channel with the largest number of idle times at a predetermined timing.

(Appendix 16)
The wireless communication program according to appendix 15, wherein the count function adds a predetermined value to the number of idle times when a transmission-permitted frame is received in the count.

(Appendix 17)
The wireless communication program according to appendix 16, wherein the predetermined value is a value according to an available bandwidth.

(Appendix 18)
The wireless communication program according to any one of appendix 15 to appendix 17, wherein the channel setting function changes the primary channel when the primary channel being used is different from the channel having the largest number of idle times. .

(Appendix 19)
The channel setting function performs the change of the primary channel when a difference between the number of empty times of the channel having the largest number of empty times and the number of empty times of the primary channel in use is equal to or larger than a predetermined difference. The wireless communication program according to appendix 18.

(Appendix 20)
The channel setting function, when there are a plurality of the channels with the largest number of idle times, preferentially sets the primary channel in use as the primary channel. The wireless communication program described.

(Appendix 21)
The wireless communication program according to any one of Supplementary Note 15 to Supplementary Note 20, wherein the counting function resets the number of empty times at the predetermined timing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Wireless communication apparatus 11 Wireless communication part 12 Count part 13 Channel setting part 40 STA
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 90 Information processing apparatus 91 Communication interface 92 Input / output interface 93 Arithmetic apparatus 94 Storage apparatus 95 Non-volatile storage apparatus 96 Drive apparatus 97 Recording medium

Claims (10)

A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including a plurality of channels;
For each channel of the frequency band, a counting unit that counts the number of times that the channel is a free channel in the wireless communication in a predetermined period;
A wireless communication apparatus comprising: a channel setting unit configured to set a primary channel of the wireless communication to the channel having the largest number of idle times at a predetermined timing. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the count unit adds a predetermined value to the idle count when receiving a transmission-permitted frame in the count. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined value is a value corresponding to an available bandwidth. 4. The radio according to claim 1, wherein the channel setting unit changes the primary channel when the primary channel being used is different from the channel with the largest number of idle times. 5. Communication device. The channel setting unit performs the change of the primary channel when a difference between the number of vacant times of the channel having the largest number of vacant times and the number of vacant times of the primary channel in use is equal to or larger than a predetermined difference. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 4. 6. The channel setting unit according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of the channels with the largest number of idle times, the channel setting unit preferentially sets the primary channel being used as the primary channel. A wireless communication device according to claim 1. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the count unit resets the number of empty times at the predetermined timing. Perform wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including multiple channels,
For each channel of the frequency band, count the number of times that the channel is a vacant channel in the wireless communication in a predetermined period,
A wireless communication method, wherein a primary channel of the wireless communication is set to the channel having the largest number of idle times at a predetermined timing. The wireless communication method according to claim 8, wherein a predetermined value is added to the idle count when a transmission-permitted frame is received in the count. On the computer,
A wireless communication function for performing wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band including a plurality of channels;
For each channel of the frequency band, a count function that counts the number of times that the channel is a vacant channel in the wireless communication in a predetermined period;
And a channel setting function for setting a primary channel of the wireless communication to the channel with the largest number of idle times at a predetermined timing.

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