JP7010540B2 - Wireless LAN access point, transmit beamforming control method and transmit beamforming control program - Google Patents

Description

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is a wireless LAN access point capable of deciding whether or not to perform transmission beamforming control depending on whether or not a throughput value required by a user on the wireless LAN client terminal side can be obtained. , Transmitted beamforming control method and transmitted beamforming control program.

In the current wireless LAN access point such as a wireless LAN router, it is possible to adopt a communication control method using transmission beamforming (TxBF) technology for wireless radio waves transmitted to a wireless LAN client terminal. It has possible functions. Then, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-466444 “Wireless transmission device and transmission direction control method” and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-153031 “Radio wave base station and distributed antenna control using a distributed antenna” of Patent Document 2. As described in "Method", the control program of the wireless LAN access point determines the client terminal to be targeted for transmission beamforming control according to the radio wave environment around the wireless LAN client terminal, which is optimal. Control is performed so as to give priority to shortening the time until the transmission direction of the radio wave is determined.

That is, when determining a wireless LAN client terminal to which transmission beam forming control is performed in a wireless LAN access point, for example, the radio wave strength received from the wireless LAN client terminal (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator, SIR: Signal to Interference). The client terminal with a weak ratio) is preferentially selected. In other words, regardless of the intention of the user on the wireless LAN client terminal side, whether or not beamforming is turned on or off is selected according to the radio wave environment around the wireless LAN client terminal. As a result, transmission beamforming control may be performed even for a client terminal that does not require transmission beamforming control.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-466444 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-153031

As described above, in the current technology as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 related to the present invention, the wireless LAN access point is, for example, a transmission beam forming function as a transmission beam forming function between the wireless LAN client terminal and the wireless LAN client terminal. The upper limit of the number of client terminals targeted for is limited to two, and control is performed such as selecting a client terminal to perform transmission beam forming control, giving priority to the order of weakest radio wave strength (RSSI, etc.) received from the client terminal. ing.

Therefore, regardless of the intention of the user on the wireless LAN client terminal side, ON / OFF of the transmission beamforming control is selected according to the radio wave environment around each wireless LAN client terminal. That is, regardless of the throughput value required for the wireless LAN client terminal, useless transmission beamforming control is performed even for the wireless LAN client terminal in a state where transmission beamforming control is not necessary. Sometimes it happens.

In other words, since the wireless LAN client terminal to which the transmission beam forming control is applied at the wireless LAN access point is automatically selected according to the radio wave environment around each wireless LAN client terminal, the user on the wireless LAN client terminal side There was a problem that it was not possible to make a selection according to preference.

(Purpose of the present invention)
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is used for a wireless LAN client terminal in a state in which transmission beamforming control is not required regardless of the throughput value required for the wireless LAN client terminal. On the other hand, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless LAN access point, a transmission beamforming control method, and a transmission beamforming control program that solve the problem of performing unnecessary transmission beamforming control.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the wireless LAN access point, the transmission beamforming control method, and the transmission beamforming control program according to the present invention mainly adopt the following characteristic configurations.

(1) The wireless LAN access point according to the present invention is
A wireless LAN access point having a function of performing transmission beam forming to the wireless LAN client terminal when performing wireless communication with the wireless LAN client terminal.
Each wireless LAN client terminal is provided with a required throughput value registration table in which the required throughput value is set and registered in advance as the required throughput value.
When the current throughput value of the wireless LAN client terminal in the state of wireless data communication exceeds the required throughput value registered in the required throughput value registration table, the wireless LAN client terminal is concerned. The transmission beam forming control for the above is set to the OFF state, and the wireless LAN client terminal is excluded from the target of the transmission beam forming.

(2) Further, the wireless LAN access point according to the present invention is
A wireless LAN access point having a function of performing transmission beam forming to the wireless LAN client terminal when performing wireless communication with the wireless LAN client terminal.
Each wireless LAN client terminal is provided with a required throughput value registration table in which the range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value of the required throughput value is set and registered in advance as the required throughput value range.
When the current throughput value of the wireless LAN client terminal in the state of wireless data communication is a value outside the range of the required throughput value range registered in the required throughput value registration table, the wireless LAN client It is also characterized in that the transmission beam forming control for the terminal is set to the OFF state to exclude the wireless LAN client terminal from the target of the transmission beam forming.

(3) The transmission beamforming control method according to the present invention is
It is a transmission beam forming control method in a wireless LAN access point having a function of performing transmission beam forming to the wireless LAN client terminal when performing wireless communication with the wireless LAN client terminal.
The wireless LAN access point is
Each wireless LAN client terminal is provided with a required throughput value registration table in which the required throughput value is set and registered in advance as the required throughput value.
When the current throughput value of the wireless LAN client terminal in the state of wireless data communication exceeds the required throughput value registered in the required throughput value registration table, the wireless LAN client terminal is concerned. It is characterized in that the transmission beam forming control for is set to the OFF state, and the wireless LAN client terminal is controlled so as to be excluded from the target of the transmission beam forming.

(4) Further, the transmission beamforming control method according to the present invention is:
It is a transmission beam forming control method in a wireless LAN access point having a function of performing transmission beam forming to the wireless LAN client terminal when performing wireless communication with the wireless LAN client terminal.
The wireless LAN access point is
Each wireless LAN client terminal is provided with a required throughput value registration table in which the range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value of the required throughput value is set and registered in advance as the required throughput value range.
When the current throughput value of the wireless LAN client terminal in the state of wireless data communication is a value outside the range of the required throughput value range registered in the required throughput value registration table, the wireless LAN client It is also characterized in that the transmission beam forming control for the terminal is set to the OFF state, and the wireless LAN client terminal is controlled so as to be excluded from the target of the transmission beam forming.

(5) The transmission beamforming control program according to the present invention is
It is a transmission beamforming control program that controls the transmission beamforming by a computer at a wireless LAN access point having a function of performing transmission beamforming to the wireless LAN client terminal when performing wireless communication with the wireless LAN client terminal. hand,
The wireless LAN access point is
For each wireless LAN client terminal, the required throughput value registration table, which is set and registered in advance as the required throughput value, is provided in the memory that can be accessed by the program.
When the current throughput value of the wireless LAN client terminal in the state of wireless data communication exceeds the required throughput value registered in the required throughput value registration table, the wireless LAN client terminal is concerned. It is characterized in that the transmission beam forming control for is set to the OFF state, and the wireless LAN client terminal is controlled so as to be excluded from the target of the transmission beam forming.

(6) Further, the transmission beamforming control program according to the present invention is
It is a transmission beamforming control program that controls the transmission beamforming by a computer at a wireless LAN access point having a function of performing transmission beamforming to the wireless LAN client terminal when performing wireless communication with the wireless LAN client terminal. hand,
The wireless LAN access point is
For each wireless LAN client terminal, the range from the lower limit to the upper limit of the required throughput value is set and registered in advance as the required throughput value range. The required throughput value registration table can be accessed programmatically in the memory. Prepare,
When the current throughput value of the wireless LAN client terminal in the state of wireless data communication is a value outside the range of the required throughput value range registered in the required throughput value registration table, the wireless LAN client It is also characterized in that the transmission beam forming control for the terminal is set to the OFF state, and the wireless LAN client terminal is controlled so as to be excluded from the target of the transmission beam forming.

According to the wireless LAN access point, the transmission beamforming control method, and the transmission beamforming control program of the present invention, the following effects can be mainly obtained.

In the present invention, when a wireless LAN access point having a transmission beam forming function performs wireless communication with a wireless LAN client terminal, a throughput value larger than the required throughput value assumed by the user can be obtained. For wireless LAN client terminals whose throughput values are out of the required throughput value range, transmission beam forming is controlled so as not to be performed. Therefore, since transmission beam forming is controlled not to be performed on the wireless LAN client terminal whose throughput value is at a level that the user does not need, the wireless band used for transmission beam forming is suppressed. , The occupancy rate of data packets in wireless communication can be increased, the communication efficiency of wireless data communication itself can be improved, the throughput can be improved, and the load on the control unit of the wireless LAN access point can be reduced. be able to.

It is a block block diagram which shows an example of the internal structure of the wireless LAN access point which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the case where the wireless LAN access point shown in FIG. 1 does not support transmission beamforming control. Synthetic wave when the phases of the radio waves transmitted from each of the three antennas of the wireless LAN access point shown in FIG. 1, that is, the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna to the client terminal are completely matched. It is a schematic diagram which shows the amplitude value of. When the radio waves transmitted from each of the three antennas of the wireless LAN access point shown in FIG. 1, that is, the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna to the client terminal are 180 degrees out of phase only with the second antenna. It is a schematic diagram which shows the amplitude value of the synthetic wave of. It is a sequence chart which shows an example of the control sequence of transmission beamforming carried out between a wireless LAN access point and a client terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the wireless LAN access point shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the operation of the wireless LAN access point shown in FIG. 6 as the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the wireless LAN access point shown in FIG. 1 in the second embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the operation of the wireless LAN access point shown in FIG. 8 as a 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the wireless LAN access point shown in FIG. 1 in the third embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the operation of the wireless LAN access point shown in FIG. 10 as a 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the wireless LAN access point, the transmission beamforming control method, and the transmission beamforming control program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, the wireless LAN access point and the transmission beamforming control method according to the present invention will be described, but the transmission beamforming control method may be implemented as a transmission beamforming control program that can be executed by a computer. It goes without saying that the transmission beamforming control program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Further, it is needless to say that the drawing reference reference numerals attached to the following drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example for assisting understanding, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiment. stomach.

<Characteristics of the present invention>
Prior to the description of the embodiments of the present invention, an outline of the features of the present invention will be described first. The present invention provides a wireless LAN in wireless communication between a wireless LAN access point (wireless LAN master unit such as a wireless LAN router) having a transmit beam forming (Transmit-Beam-Forming) function and a wireless LAN client terminal. When the access point performs wireless communication at the same time as multiple wireless LAN client terminals, the transmission beam forming (TxBF) control with the wireless LAN client terminal is turned off according to the request condition from the user on the wireless LAN client terminal side. The main feature is to decide whether or not to set the state, and therefore, for the wireless LAN client terminal that does not need the transmission beam forming (TxBF) control, unnecessary processing is not performed. , It is possible to improve the stability of wireless data communication in wireless LAN communication.

Further, in the present invention, by setting and registering the throughput value required by the user of the wireless LAN client terminal in the wireless LAN access point in advance for each wireless LAN client terminal, the wireless LAN access point can be used as each wireless LAN. It has a function of selecting ON / OFF of transmission beam forming (TxBF) control according to the result of comparing the current throughput value of the client terminal with the throughput value required for each wireless LAN client terminal. That is, the wireless LAN client terminal in a state where the required throughput value desired by the user of the wireless LAN client terminal is secured has a function of excluding the target of transmission beamforming (TxBF) control. Therefore, by not performing unnecessary transmission beamforming (TxBF) control, it is possible to improve the data transmission efficiency and whether or not the wireless LAN client terminal exists in a place where the surrounding radio wave environment is good. Regardless of the above, the wireless LAN access point transmission beamforming (TxBF) control can be switched ON / OFF according to the requirements of the user of the wireless LAN client terminal.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, an embodiment of the wireless LAN access point according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the wireless LAN access point according to the present invention. The wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a wireless LAN master unit such as a wireless LAN router having a transmit beamforming (TxBF) function, and is a control unit 1a, a memory 1b, and a wireless circuit 1c. , That is, a plurality of antennas (three in the example of FIG. 1), that is, a first antenna 1d, a second antenna 1e, a third antenna 1f, a LAN port 1g, and a WAN port 1h are included at least.

The wireless LAN access point 1 uses a wireless circuit 1c and a plurality of antennas (first antenna 1d, second antenna 1e, third antenna 1f in the case of FIG. 1), and is a PC (Personal) existing in the wireless communication area. Wireless communication is performed with a wireless LAN slave unit such as a computer) or a smartphone, that is, a wireless LAN client terminal (in the case of FIG. 1, the wireless LAN client terminal 2, the wireless LAN client terminal 3, the wireless LAN client terminal 4, etc.). In the following description of the present embodiment, the wireless LAN client terminal may be simply abbreviated as "client terminal".

Further, the wireless LAN access point 1 can be connected to the Internet 10 by the WAN port 1h and can be connected by wire to a terminal such as a user PC (Personal Computer) 20 by the LAN port 1g. Here, the control unit 1a may input and set a throughput value required for each client terminal such as the client terminal 2, the client terminal 3, the client terminal 4, ..., Etc., via the user PC 20. It is possible, and the required throughput value information for each input client terminal is stored in the memory 1b.

Then, the wireless LAN access point 1 uses the wireless circuit 1c and a plurality of antennas (that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f) to use the client terminal 2, the client terminal 3, and the client terminal 4. When performing wireless communication with each client terminal such as ..., the control unit 1a measures the current throughput value with each client terminal, and the required throughput value for each client terminal stored in the memory 1b. With reference to the information, among the client terminals, the client terminal whose current throughput value has reached the required throughput value is controlled to perform wireless communication without performing transmission beam forming (TxBF).

In the example shown in FIG. 1, among the client terminal 2, the client terminal 3, and the client terminal 4, the client terminal 4 is in a state where the current throughput value has reached the required throughput value, so that transmission beam forming control is performed. Wireless communication is performed without doing this, whereas the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3 are in a state where the current throughput value does not reach the required throughput value, so that wireless communication is performed while performing transmission beam forming control. The case of doing this is illustrated.

Here, in order to make it easier to understand the effect of the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control in the present invention, the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3 shown in FIG. 1 are used with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5. The mechanism of the transmission beamforming control in the wireless LAN access point 1 to be implemented for the above will be briefly described.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 does not support transmission beamforming control. Here, FIG. 2A shows radio waves of wireless radio waves transmitted from the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f of the wireless LAN access point 1 toward the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3, respectively. The intensity is schematically shown, and FIG. 2B shows the relationship between the distance between the wireless LAN access point 1 and the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3, the radio wave intensity, and the wireless throughput.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the longer the wireless distance from each of the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f of the wireless LAN access point 1, the weaker the radio wave strength gradually becomes. Accordingly, the wireless throughput will gradually decrease. That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, the amplitude of the radio wave gradually decreases as the distance from each of the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f of the wireless LAN access point 1 increases. Attenuated radio waves reach each of the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3 that are located at a certain distance from each other, and if the radio waves are attenuated to the extent that the required throughput value is not reached, the signal is correctly signaled from the received radio waves. May not be able to be extracted. Since such a phenomenon is a known fact, further explanation here is omitted.

Therefore, as described above, the wireless LAN access point 1 performs transmission beamforming on the radio waves directed in the directions of the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3 to control the radio waves to be transmitted. The transmission beam forming used here means the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3 so as to have a throughput value equal to or higher than the required throughput value at the positions of the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3 existing at a certain distance from the wireless LAN access point 1. It is a technology that improves wireless throughput by increasing the signal strength of wireless radio waves heading in the direction of.

Next, the mechanism of transmitted beamforming will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. In FIG. 3, the phases of the radio waves transmitted from each of the three antennas of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f toward the client terminal 2 are perfect. It is a schematic diagram which shows the amplitude value of the synthetic wave when it corresponds to. FIG. 3A shows a state in which radio waves having the same amplitude A are transmitted from each of the three antennas, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f to the client terminal 2, and FIG. B) shows the state of the amplitude value of the synthetic wave of the radio wave from each of the three antennas of FIG. 3A, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f at the client terminal 2 (transmission beamforming). As a good effect of, the amplitude value is tripled to 3A).

In FIG. 3A, the three antennas of the wireless LAN access point 1, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f are transmitted from each of the three antennas to the client terminal 2 having one antenna. The radio waves will transmit the same data. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the phases of the radio waves transmitted from each of the three antennas, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f toward the client terminal 2, are completely one. As for the synthetic wave that synthesizes each radio wave, the amplitude value is amplified by combining the peaks and peaks and the valleys and valleys of each radio wave with each other, and FIG. 3 (B). As shown in, the peaks and valleys are tripled, and the amplitude of the combined wave is tripled to 3A. Therefore, the client terminal 2 receives a radio wave having an amplitude three times as high as the radio wave strength, and a good result can be obtained in which the value of the radio throughput reaches the required throughput value or more.

Further, in FIG. 4, the wireless radio waves transmitted from each of the three antennas of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f toward the client terminal 2 are the first. It is a schematic diagram which shows the amplitude value of the synthetic wave when the phase is shifted 180 degrees only by 2 antennas 1e. In FIG. 4A, as in FIG. 3A, radio waves having the same amplitude A are transmitted from each of the three antennas, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f at the client terminal 2. In addition, FIG. 4B shows the appearance of coming from the three antennas of FIG. 4A, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f, respectively, as in FIG. 3B. The state of the amplitude value in the client terminal 2 of the synthetic wave of the radio wave (the state where the amplitude value remains A as the effect of the transmission beamforming cannot be obtained) is shown.

As shown in FIG. 4A, unlike the case of FIG. 3A, the radio waves are transmitted from each of the three antennas, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f toward the client terminal 2. The phase of the radio wave from the second antenna 1e is 180 degrees out of phase with the radio wave from the other antenna. Therefore, regarding the synthetic wave that synthesizes each radio wave, the mountain of the radio wave from the second antenna 1e and the valley of the radio wave from the other antenna, the valley of the radio wave from the second antenna 1e and the radio wave from the other antenna By combining the peaks of the two with each other, the amplitude value is suppressed, and as shown in FIG. 4 (B), the amplitude of the combined wave becomes A, which is the same as in the case of one antenna. As a result, the client terminal 2 receives radio waves having the same amplitude as that from one antenna as the radio wave strength, the effect of transmission beamforming cannot be obtained, and the radio throughput value becomes the required throughput value. There is a high possibility that it will not be reached.

That is, the transmission beamforming in the present invention adjusts the phase of each radio wave transmitted from each of the plurality of antennas of the wireless LAN access point 1 to adjust the mutual radio wave strength of each radio wave at the position of the client terminal. It is a technology that makes it possible to improve the throughput value in the client terminal by strengthening each other and controlling so as to amplify the amplitude of the synthesized wave that combines each radio wave.

FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing an example of a transmission beamforming control sequence carried out between the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3, and effectively performs transmission beamforming. In order to carry out, an example of a control sequence in which the wireless LAN access point 1 acquires the wireless radio wave environment until the wireless radio wave from the wireless LAN access point 1 reaches the client terminal 2 and the client terminal 3 is shown.

In the sequence chart of FIG. 5, first, the wireless LAN access point 1 confirms whether or not there is a client terminal that requires implementation of transmission beamforming control. As a result of the confirmation, when the client terminal 2 is extracted as the client terminal to be subjected to the beamforming control, the wireless LAN access point 1 sends a sounding packet for estimating the wireless radio wave route to the client terminal 2. Send (Sequence Seq1). When the client terminal 2 receives the sounding packet from the wireless LAN access point 1, it returns a confirmation ACK indicating that the sounding packet has been received to the wireless LAN access point 1 (sequence Seq2), and wirelessly. A CSI (Channel State Information) feedback packet is returned to the wireless LAN access point 1 as transmission path information for having the LAN access point 1 perform optimum phase adjustment regarding the wireless radio wave for transmission (sequence Seq3).

The wireless LAN access point 1 is transmitted from a plurality of antennas, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f toward the client terminal 2 by using the CSI feedback packet transmitted from the client terminal 2. Optimal phase adjustment is performed for the transmission radio wave, and the data packet for the client terminal 2 is transmitted using the phase-adjusted transmission radio wave (sequence Seq4).

After that, the wireless LAN access point 1 confirms whether or not the client terminal for which the beamforming control is to be executed exists in addition to the client terminal 2. When the client terminal 3 is extracted as the client terminal to be executed the beam forming control other than the client terminal 2, the wireless LAN access point 1 repeats the same sequence as for the client terminal 2 for the client terminal 3. ..

That is, the wireless LAN access point 1 transmits a sounding packet for estimating the route of the wireless radio wave to the client terminal 3 (sequence Seq5). When the client terminal 3 receives the sounding packet from the wireless LAN access point 1, it returns a confirmation ACK indicating that the sounding packet has been received to the wireless LAN access point 1 (sequence Seq6), and wirelessly. A CSI (Channel State Information) feedback packet is returned to the wireless LAN access point 1 as transmission path information for having the LAN access point 1 perform optimum phase adjustment regarding the wireless radio wave for transmission (sequence Seq7).

The wireless LAN access point 1 is transmitted from a plurality of antennas, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f toward the client terminal 3 by using the CSI feedback packet transmitted from the client terminal 3. Optimal phase adjustment is performed for the transmission radio wave, and the data packet for the client terminal 3 is transmitted using the phase-adjusted transmission radio wave (sequence Seq8).

The wireless LAN access point 1 can effectively perform transmission beamforming control by periodically repeating the above control sequence at a predetermined cycle, and can perform wireless communication with the client terminal. It is possible to improve efficiency. As long as there is a client terminal for which transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is to be performed, as a result of periodically repeating such control, the phase for performing transmission beamforming (TxBF) from the time for data communication It occupies time for adjustment. Further, the calculation for phase adjustment requires a lot of processing in the control unit 1a of the wireless LAN access point 1. Therefore, as the number of client terminals requiring transmission beamforming (TxBF) control increases, the throughput value of transmission data becomes smaller, and the load on the control unit 1a of the wireless LAN access point 1 becomes heavier. The negative side of coming will occur. Below, in order to mitigate such negative aspects, it is possible to set unnecessary transmit beamforming (TxBF) control to the OFF state and exclude the corresponding client terminal from the target of transmit beamforming (TxBF). The embodiment to be performed will be described.

<First Example>
Next, a specific embodiment of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. First, as a first embodiment, the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 is subject to transmission beamforming (TxBF) control at each of the wireless LAN client terminals existing in the vicinity. A case will be described in which the required throughput value required by each wireless LAN client terminal is registered in advance in order to determine whether or not the state should be set.

(Structure example of the first embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment, and requires a memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1 having a transmission beamforming (TxBF) function. The throughput value registration table 11b shows that the information on the required throughput value that triggers the ON / OFF of the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control for each client terminal is set and registered in advance according to the user's request condition. There is.

Further, in FIG. 6, the smartphone 12 is used as a wireless LAN client terminal that wirelessly communicates via the wireless circuit 1c of the wireless LAN access point 1, a plurality of antennas, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f. , The case where three smartphones 13 and 14 are present is shown. Further, the required throughput values required for each of the three wireless LAN client terminals of the smartphone 12, the smartphone 13, and the PC 14 are previously stored in the required throughput value registration table 11b of the memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1 via the user PC 20. The settings are registered.

That is, under the control of the control unit 1a, the MAC address of each wireless LAN client terminal and the MAC address are assigned to the required throughput value registration table 11b of the memory 1b via the user PC 20 connected to the LAN port 1g. The configuration is such that the required throughput value assumed to be required by the user of the LAN client terminal can be registered in advance.

For example, in the registration example in the required throughput value registration table 11b shown in FIG. 6, it is registered that the smartphone 12 has a MAC address of 111111 and a required required throughput value of 10 Mbps as shown by reference numeral 12b1. Has been done. Further, as shown by reference numeral 13b1, the smartphone 13 is registered to have a MAC address of 222222 and a required required throughput value of 5 Mbps. Further, as shown in reference numeral 14b1, the PC 14 is registered to have a MAC address of 333333 and a required required throughput value of 40 Mbps.

Further, under the wireless communication environment of FIG. 6, the smartphone 12 is currently performing wireless communication at a speed of 20 Mbps as a throughput value in wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 1, and the required throughput value is required. The throughput value exceeds 10 Mbps registered in the value registration table 11b. Further, the smartphone 13 is also currently performing wireless communication at a speed of 15 Mbps as a throughput value in wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 1, and is registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b as a required throughput value. The throughput value exceeds 5 Mbps. Therefore, it is determined that the execution of the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is unnecessary for both the smartphone 12 and the smartphone 13, and the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set to the OFF state, and the smartphone 12 and the smartphone 13 is excluded from the target of transmission beamforming (TxBF).

On the other hand, the PC 14 is currently performing wireless communication at a speed of 35 Mbps as a throughput value in wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 1, but is registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b as a required throughput value. The throughput value does not reach the required 40 Mbps. Therefore, it is determined that the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control needs to be performed for the PC14, the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set to the ON state, and the PC14 is set to the transmission beamforming (TxBF). ).

(Explanation of operation of the first embodiment)
Next, an example of the operation of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 6 as a first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 6 as a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a wireless LAN access point 1 having a transmission beamforming (TxBF) function. Is an example of an operation of setting ON / OFF of transmission beamforming (TxBF) control for the client terminal according to whether or not the required throughput value required by the client terminal of the wireless communication partner is reached. Is explained.

As described above, the required throughput value required for each client terminal is set and registered in advance in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1.

In the flowchart of FIG. 7, first, the wireless LAN access point 1 sets the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control to the ON state for all client terminals as a default value in advance, and for any client terminal. Is in a state of performing transmission beamforming (TxBF) during communication (step S1). Next, the wireless LAN access point 1 sequentially determines whether or not each client terminal existing in the vicinity is a client terminal that is in data communication with the wireless LAN access point 1 (step S2). If the client terminal is not in data communication (NO in step S2), the process returns to step S2 and performs a process of determining whether or not the client terminal in the next order is in data communication.

On the other hand, if the client terminal is in data communication (YES in step S2), the MAC address of the client terminal is acquired (step S3). After that, the wireless LAN access point 1 confirms whether or not the acquired MAC address of the client terminal exists in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b (step S4). If the acquired MAC address of the client terminal does not exist in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b (NO in step S4), it seems that the client terminal is preset as a default value. In addition, it is decided to perform data communication by transmission beat forming (TxBF) while the transmission beat forming (TxBF) control is ON, and the process returns to step S2 to determine whether or not data communication is being performed for the client terminals in the next order. Is performed.

On the other hand, if the acquired MAC address of the client terminal exists in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b (YES in step S4), the client terminal in the state of data communication is in progress. Acquire the current throughput value (step S5). After that, whether or not the acquired current throughput value of the client terminal of the wireless LAN access point 1 is larger than the required throughput value of the client terminal registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b. (Step S6).

When the acquired current throughput value of the client terminal is not larger than the required throughput value of the client terminal registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b (NO in step S6), the data. For the client terminal in the communication state, the transmission beat forming (TxBF) control is maintained in the ON state and data communication is performed by the transmission beat forming (TxBF) as set in advance as the default value. Set to the state (step S8). After that, the process returns to step S2 and performs a process of determining whether or not data communication is in progress with respect to the client terminals in the next order.

On the other hand, when the acquired current throughput value of the client terminal is larger than the required throughput value of the client terminal registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b (step S6). YES) Since the client terminal in the data communication state has already obtained a sufficient throughput value, the transmission beat forming (TxBF) control is switched from the ON state to the OFF state, and the transmission beam is obtained. It is excluded from the target of forming (TxBF), and is set to a state in which data communication is performed without performing transmission beam forming (TxBF) (step S7). After that, the process returns to step S2 and performs a process of determining whether or not data communication is in progress with respect to the client terminals in the next order.

(Explanation of the effect of the first embodiment)
As described in detail above, in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the first embodiment, the required throughput value assumed to be required by each user is set and registered in advance in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1 for each wireless LAN client terminal. However, for the wireless LAN client terminal whose throughput value in the actual data communication state of the wireless LAN client terminal is larger than the required throughput value set and registered in advance, the wireless LAN is used. The access point 1 sets the transmission beam forming (TxBF) control to the OFF state, excludes the wireless LAN client terminal from the target of the transmission beam forming (TxBF), and controls so that the transmission beam forming (TxBF) is not performed. ing.

That is, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the user needs the wireless LAN access point 1 having the transmission beam forming (TxBF) function when performing wireless communication with the wireless LAN client terminal. The wireless LAN client terminal whose throughput value is larger than the required throughput value is controlled so as not to perform transmission beam forming (TxBF). Therefore, it is used for transmission beam forming (TxBF) because it controls not to perform transmission beam forming (TxBF) for the wireless LAN client terminal whose throughput value is at a level that the user does not need. The wireless band can be suppressed to increase the occupancy rate of data packets in wireless communication, the communication efficiency of wireless data communication itself can be improved, the throughput can be improved, and further, the wireless LAN access point 1 can be used. The load on the control unit 1a can also be reduced.

<Second Example>
Next, as a second embodiment, the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 is set to be subject to transmission beam forming (TxBF) control at each of the wireless LAN client terminals existing in the vicinity. A case will be described in which the required throughput value required by each wireless LAN client terminal is registered in advance as a range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value in order to determine whether or not there is.

(Structure example of the second embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the second embodiment, and requires a memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1 having a transmission beamforming (TxBF) function. In the throughput value registration table 11b, information on the required throughput value that triggers ON / OFF of transmission beamforming (TxBF) control for each client terminal is set as a range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value according to the user's request condition. It shows how the settings are registered in advance.

Further, in FIG. 8, as a wireless LAN client terminal that wirelessly communicates via the wireless circuit 1c of the wireless LAN access point 1, a plurality of antennas, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f, FIG. As in the case of the above, the case where the smartphone 12, the smartphone 13, and the PC 14 are present is shown. Further, the required throughput value required for each of the three wireless LAN client terminals of the smartphone 12, the smartphone 13, and the PC 14 is a range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value, and the memory of the wireless LAN access point 1 is set via the user PC 20. It is set and registered in advance in the required throughput value registration table 11b of 1b.

That is, under the control of the control unit 1a, the MAC address of each wireless LAN client terminal and the MAC address are assigned to the required throughput value registration table 11b of the memory 1b via the user PC 20 connected to the LAN port 1g. The configuration is such that the range of the required throughput value assumed to be required by the user of the LAN client terminal can be registered in advance.

For example, in the registration example in the required throughput value registration table 11b shown in FIG. 8, the smartphone 12 has a MAC address of 111111 and a required throughput value range of 3 to 10 Mbps, as shown by reference numeral 12b2. It is registered that it is a range. Further, as shown by reference numeral 13b2, the smartphone 13 has a MAC address of 222222, and it is registered that the required throughput value range is in the range of 2 to 5 Mbps. Further, as shown in reference numeral 14b2, the PC 14 is registered to have a MAC address of 333333 and a required throughput value in the range of 5 to 40 Mbps.

Further, under the wireless communication environment of FIG. 8, the smartphone 12 is currently performing wireless communication at a speed of 2 Mbps as a throughput value in wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 1, and is within the range of the required throughput value. The required throughput value is a throughput value outside the range of 3 to 10 Mbps registered in the registration table 11b (a value below the range of the required throughput value). Further, the smartphone 13 is currently performing wireless communication at a speed of 15 Mbps as a throughput value in wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 1, and is registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b as a range of required throughput values. The throughput value is out of the range of 2 to 5 Mbps (the value exceeds the range of the required throughput value).

Therefore, it is determined that the execution of the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is unnecessary for both the smartphone 12 and the smartphone 13, and the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set to the OFF state, and the smartphone 12 and the smartphone 13 is excluded from the target of transmission beamforming (TxBF). In the case of the smartphone 12, the current throughput value is 2 Mbps, which is lower than the required throughput value range, and the distance from the wireless LAN access point 1 is too far, so that the transmission beamforming (transmission beamforming) ( Even if TxBF) is performed, it is determined that the amplitude of the radio wave is so small that the effect of improving the radio wave strength cannot be expected, and the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set to the OFF state. Therefore, the smartphone 12 is excluded from the target of transmission beamforming (TxBF).

On the other hand, the PC 14 is currently performing wireless communication at a speed of 35 Mbps as the throughput value in the wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 1, and is in the required throughput value registration table 11b as the range of the required throughput value. The throughput value is within the range of 5 to 40 Mbps registered. Therefore, it is determined that the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control needs to be performed for the PC14, the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set to the ON state, and the PC14 is set to the transmission beamforming (TxBF). ).

(Explanation of operation of the second embodiment)
Next, an example of the operation of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 8 as a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 8 as a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart of the wireless LAN access point 1 having a transmission beamforming (TxBF) function. However, an example of an operation of setting ON / OFF of transmission beamforming (TxBF) control for the client terminal according to whether or not it is within the range of the required throughput value required by the client terminal of the wireless communication partner will be described. is doing.

As described above, in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1, information regarding the range of the required throughput value required for each client terminal is set and registered in advance. ..

Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 9, each of steps S11 to S15, step S17, and step S18 is the same as each of steps S1 to S5, step S7, and step S8 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 as a first embodiment. It is exactly the same, and the duplicate explanation here is omitted. That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the operation of step S16 shown by hatching is different from that of step S6 of FIG. 7, and each of the other steps is exactly the same as that of the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, the operation of step S16 will be described below.

In step S16 of the flowchart of FIG. 9, the wireless LAN access point 1 is the client terminal in which the current throughput value of the client terminal acquired in step S15 is registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b. It is confirmed whether or not the value is out of the range of the required throughput value of (step S16).

The acquired current throughput value of the client terminal is within the range of the required throughput value of the client terminal registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b, and is outside the range of the required throughput value. If not (NO in step S16), the transmission beat forming control is maintained in the ON state as set in advance as the default value for the client terminal in the state of data communication. It is set to a state of performing data communication by transmission beam forming (TxBF) (step S18). After that, the process returns to step S12 and performs a process of determining whether or not data communication is in progress with respect to the client terminals in the next order.

On the other hand, when the acquired current throughput value of the client terminal is out of the range of the required throughput value of the client terminal registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b. (YES in step S16) Regarding the client terminal in the state of data communication, it is useless even if a sufficient throughput value has already been obtained or transmission beam forming (TxBF) is performed. Since the amplitude value of the radio radio wave is getting smaller, the transmission beat forming control is switched from ON to OFF, the client terminal is excluded from the target of transmission beam forming (TxBF), and transmission beam forming (TxBF) is excluded. ) Is set to the state of performing data communication (step S17). After that, the process returns to step S12 and performs a process of determining whether or not data communication is in progress with respect to the client terminals in the next order.

(Explanation of the effect of the second embodiment)
As described in detail above, in the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, the range of the upper limit value and the lower limit value as the required throughput value is registered in advance in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b for each wireless LAN client terminal, and the wireless LAN is used. Transmission beam forming for the wireless LAN client terminal depending on whether or not the throughput value in the actual data communication state of the client terminal is within the range of the required throughput value registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b. ON / OFF of the (TxBF) control is set to determine whether or not the transmission beam forming (TxBF) is the target. That is, transmission beamforming (not only when the throughput value in the actual data communication state of the wireless LAN client terminal is larger than the required throughput value range but also when it is smaller than the required throughput value range). The TxBF) control is set to the OFF state, the wireless LAN client terminal is excluded from the target of transmission beamforming (TxBF), and control is performed so that transmission beamforming (TxBF) is not performed.

Therefore, not only when a sufficient throughput value has already been obtained, but also when the distance from the wireless LAN access point 1 is too far, even if transmission beamforming (TxBF) is performed, the radio wave strength is high. Even when it is not possible to expect an improvement in the throughput value due to the improvement, the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control will be set to the OFF state, and the data communication efficiency in wireless communication will be improved as compared with the first embodiment. It is possible to further improve the load, and further, it is possible to further reduce the load on the control unit 1a of the wireless LAN access point 1.

<Third Example>
Next, as a third embodiment, the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 is set to be subject to transmission beam forming (TxBF) control at each of the wireless LAN client terminals existing in the vicinity. In order to determine whether or not there is, the required throughput value required by each wireless LAN client terminal is registered in advance as a range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value, and further, transmission beam forming for each wireless LAN client terminal is performed. A case where the time zone for forcibly setting the (TxBF) control to the OFF state is also registered in advance will be described.

(Structure example of the third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 1 according to the third embodiment, and requires a memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1 having a transmission beam forming (TxBF) function. In the throughput value registration table 11b, information on the required throughput value that triggers ON / OFF of the transmission beam forming (TxBF) control for each client terminal is set as a range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value according to the user's request condition. In addition to being set and registered in advance, the time zone for forcibly setting the transmission beam forming (TxBF) control for each wireless LAN client terminal to the OFF state is also set and registered in advance according to the user's request conditions. It shows the situation.

Further, in FIG. 10, as a wireless LAN client terminal that wirelessly communicates via the wireless circuit 1c of the wireless LAN access point 1, a plurality of antennas, that is, the first antenna 1d, the second antenna 1e, and the third antenna 1f, FIG. As in the case of the above, the case where the smartphone 12, the smartphone 13, and the PC 14 are present is shown. Further, as in the case of FIG. 8, the required throughput value required for each of the three wireless LAN client terminals of the smartphone 12, the smartphone 13, and the PC 14 is set as a range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value via the user PC 20. It is set and registered in advance in the required throughput value registration table 11b of the memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1. Further, in FIG. 10, in addition to the case of FIG. 8, the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control for each of the three wireless LAN client terminals of the smartphone 12, the smartphone 13, and the PC 14 is forcibly set to the OFF state. The time zone is also set and registered in advance in the required throughput value registration table 11b of the memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1 via the user PC 20.

That is, under the control of the control unit 1a, the MAC address of each wireless LAN client terminal and the MAC address are assigned to the required throughput value registration table 11b of the memory 1b via the user PC 20 connected to the LAN port 1g. In addition to the range of required throughput values assumed by the user of the LAN client terminal, the time zone for forcibly setting the transmission beam forming (TxBF) control to the OFF state, that is, the transmission beam forming OFF setting time zone. It is configured so that it can be registered in advance by adding.

For example, in the registration example in the required throughput value registration table 11b shown in FIG. 10, the smartphone 12 has a MAC address of 111111 and a required throughput value range of 3 to 10 Mbps, as shown by reference numeral 12b3. It is registered that there is no transmission beamforming OFF setting time zone for setting the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control to the OFF state, which is a range. Further, as shown by reference numeral 13b3, the smartphone 13 has a MAC address of 222222, a required throughput value in the range of 2 to 5 Mbps, and sets the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control to the OFF state. It is registered that there is no transmission beamforming OFF set time zone. Further, as shown by reference numeral 14b3, the PC 14 has a MAC address of 333333, a required throughput value in the range of 5 to 40 Mbps, and transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set to the OFF state. It is registered that the beamforming OFF setting time zone is from 21:00 to 7:00.

Further, under the wireless communication environment of FIG. 10, the smartphone 12 is currently performing wireless communication at a speed of 2 Mbps as a throughput value in wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 1 as in the case of FIG. , The throughput value is out of the range of 3 to 10 Mbps registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b as the range of the required throughput value (value below the range of the required throughput value). Further, as in the case of FIG. 8, the smartphone 13 is currently performing wireless communication at a speed of 15 Mbps as the throughput value in the wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 1, and the required throughput is within the range of the required throughput value. The throughput value is out of the range of 2 to 5 Mbps registered in the value registration table 11b (a value exceeding the range of the required throughput value).

Therefore, as in the case of FIG. 8, it is determined that the execution of the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is unnecessary for both the smartphone 12 and the smartphone 13, and the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set to the OFF state. Then, the smartphone 12 and the smartphone 13 are excluded from the target of transmission beamforming (TxBF).

On the other hand, the PC 14 is currently performing wireless communication at a speed of 35 Mbps as the throughput value in the wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 1, and is in the required throughput value registration table 11b as the range of the required throughput value. The throughput value is within the range of 5 to 40 Mbps registered. Therefore, it is determined that the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control needs to be performed for the PC14, the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set to the ON state, and the PC14 is set to the transmission beamforming (TxBF). ). However, in the case of the PC 14, as described above, it is necessary in the memory 1b that the transmission beamforming OFF setting time zone for forcibly setting the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control to the OFF state is from 21:00 to 7:00. It is registered in the throughput value registration table 11b. Therefore, while the current time is within the time zone of 21:00 to 7:00, the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is forcibly set to the OFF state regardless of the current throughput value. Therefore, the PC 14 is excluded from the target of transmission beamforming (TxBF).

In the wireless LAN access point 1 in FIG. 10, the range of the required throughput value in which the range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value is specified is registered as the required throughput value registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b. Although the example is shown, the required throughput value itself may be registered as in the case of FIG. 6 shown as the first embodiment.

(Explanation of operation of the third embodiment)
Next, an example of the operation of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 10 as a third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the wireless LAN access point 1 shown in FIG. 10 as a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a wireless LAN access point 1 having a transmission beamforming (TxBF) function. However, whether or not it is within the range of the required throughput value required by the client terminal of the wireless communication partner, and the current time forcibly sets the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control for the client terminal to the OFF state. An example of an operation of setting ON / OFF of transmission beamforming (TxBF) control for the client terminal according to whether or not the time falls within the range of the transmission beamforming OFF setting time zone is described. ..

As described above, the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b of the wireless LAN access point 1 contains the range of required throughput values and transmission beamforming (TxBF) control required for each client terminal. Information about the transmission beamforming OFF setting time zone forcibly set to the OFF state is set and registered in advance.

Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 11, each of steps S21 to S28 is exactly the same as each of steps S11 to S18 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 as a second embodiment, and the overlapping description here is described. Omit. That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 11, each operation of step S21A, step S21B, and step S26A shown by hatching is further added to the flowchart of FIG. Since each of the other steps S21 to S28 is exactly the same as steps S11 to S18 in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the newly added operations of step S21A, step S21B, and step S26A are described below. Will be explained.

Step S21A of the flowchart of FIG. 11 is an operation after the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set to the ON state for all client terminals as a default value in step S21. In such a case, the wireless LAN access point 1 refers to the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b, and the current time is the time zone in which the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is forcibly set to the OFF state. It is confirmed whether or not the client terminal having the MAC address corresponding to the time within the range is registered (step S21A).

If the client terminal with the MAC address corresponding to the current time within the time zone for forcibly setting the transmission beam forming (TxBF) control to the OFF state is not registered (step S21A). NO), the operation proceeds to step S22, and an operation of confirming whether or not a client terminal during data communication exists is performed.

On the other hand, when the client terminal of the MAC address corresponding to the current time within the time zone in which the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is forcibly set to the OFF state is registered. (YES in step S21A) is a state in which the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is forcibly switched to the OFF state for the client terminal having the corresponding MAC address, and the client terminal is excluded from the target of the transmission beamforming (TxBF). (Step S21B). After that, when the process proceeds to step S22, if the client terminal is in a state where it simply belongs to the wireless LAN access point 1 and is not performing wireless data communication (NO in step S22), it is the default. Since the ON state of the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control set as a value has been switched to the OFF state by the operation of step S21B, the wireless LAN client terminal should be excluded from the target of the transmission beamforming (TxBF). It will be set to.

Next, the operation of step S26A will be described. In step S26A, the current throughput value of the client terminal in the state of wireless data communication in step S26 is within the range of the required throughput value of the client terminal registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b. Therefore, it is an operation when the value is not outside the range of the required throughput value (NO in step S26). In such a case, the wireless LAN access point 1 refers to the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b, and the current time of the client terminal forcibly turns off the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control. It is confirmed whether or not the time corresponds to the time zone to be set, that is, the time within the range of the transmission beamforming OFF set time zone (step S26A).

As a reference result of the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b, the current time for the client terminal is the time zone for forcibly setting the transmission beam forming (TxBF) control to the OFF state, that is, the transmission beam forming OFF setting time. If the time does not correspond to the time within the band range (NO in step S26A), the current throughput value of the client terminal in the state of wireless data communication is within the required throughput value, so that the default. As set in advance as a value, the transmission beat forming (TxBF) control is maintained in the ON state, and data communication by the transmission beam forming (TxBF) is performed (step S28). After that, after returning to step S21A and reconfirming whether or not the MAC address corresponding to the time whose current time is within the range of the transmission beam forming OFF set time zone is registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b, Performs a process of determining whether or not data communication is in progress for the client terminals in the next order.

Further, as a reference result of the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b, the current time of the client terminal is a time zone for forcibly setting the transmission beamforming (TxBF) to the OFF state, that is, the transmission beamforming OFF setting. If the time falls within the time zone (YES in step S26A), even if the current throughput value of the client terminal in the state of wireless data communication is within the required throughput value. Since it is a time zone in which the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is forcibly set to the OFF state, the transmission beatforming (TxBF) control is maintained in the OFF state set in step S21B, and the transmission beamforming (TxBF) is performed. It is decided to perform data communication without carrying out (step S27). After that, after returning to step S21A and reconfirming whether or not the MAC address corresponding to the time whose current time is within the range of the transmission beam forming OFF set time zone is registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b, Performs a process of determining whether or not data communication is in progress for the client terminals in the next order.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, as a second embodiment, a case where three steps of step S21A, step S21B, and step S26A are added to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 has been described, but the first embodiment has been described. Of course, three steps of step S21A, step S21B, and step S26A may be added to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

(Explanation of the effect of the third embodiment)
As described in detail above, in the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the third embodiment, in addition to the required throughput value (or the range of the required throughput value), a time zone for forcibly setting the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control to the OFF state, that is, a transmission beamforming OFF setting time zone is set. In addition, it is registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b. Then, not only the comparison result between the throughput value in the actual wireless communication and the range of the required throughput value registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b, but also the current time is registered in the required throughput value registration table 11b. The ON / OFF of the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is set according to whether or not the time falls within the range of the transmission beamforming OFF setting time zone. That is, even if the throughput value in the actual wireless communication of the wireless LAN client terminal is the value at which the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control should be turned on, the current time is within the range of the transmission beamforming OFF setting time zone. If it corresponds to the time within, the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control is forcibly set to the OFF state regardless of the current throughput value, and the wireless LAN client terminal is subjected to transmission beamforming ( It is controlled so that it is excluded from the target of TxBF) and transmission beamforming (TxBF) is not performed.

Therefore, for a client terminal that is rarely used in a specific time zone, such as a midnight time zone in the case of a client terminal dedicated to children, the required throughput value registration table 11b in the memory 1b is used. , The time zone for forcibly setting the transmission beamforming (TxBF) control to the OFF state, that is, the time zone corresponding to the registered transmission beamforming OFF setting time zone by additionally registering the transmission beamforming OFF setting time zone. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it is possible to further improve the data communication efficiency in wireless communication, and further, the control unit 1a of the wireless LAN access point 1 The effect that the load can be further reduced can be obtained.

The configuration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, it should be noted that such embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention and do not limit the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that various modifications and changes can be made according to a specific application without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 Wireless LAN access point 1a Control unit 1b Memory 1c Wireless circuit 1d 1st antenna 1e 2nd antenna 1f 3rd antenna 1g LAN port 1h WAN port 2 Wireless LAN client terminal 3 Wireless LAN client terminal 4 Wireless LAN client terminal 10 Internet 11b Required Portfolio value registration table 12 Smartphone 13 Smartphone 14 PC
20 User PC (Personal Computer)

Claims (3)

A wireless LAN access point having a function of performing transmission beam forming for the wireless LAN client terminal when performing wireless communication with a plurality of wireless LAN client terminals.
Each wireless LAN client terminal is provided with a required throughput value registration table in which the throughput value required by the user of the wireless LAN client terminal is set and registered in advance as the required throughput value.
When the current throughput value of the wireless LAN client terminal in the state of wireless data communication exceeds the required throughput value registered in the required throughput value registration table, the wireless LAN client terminal is concerned. A wireless LAN access point characterized in that the transmission beam forming control for is set to the OFF state and the wireless LAN client terminal is excluded from the target of the transmission beam forming. It is a transmission beam forming control method in a wireless LAN access point having a function of performing transmission beam forming for the wireless LAN client terminal when performing wireless communication with a plurality of wireless LAN client terminals.
The wireless LAN access point is
Each wireless LAN client terminal is provided with a required throughput value registration table in which the throughput value required by the user of the wireless LAN client terminal is set and registered in advance as the required throughput value.
When the current throughput value of the wireless LAN client terminal in the state of wireless data communication exceeds the required throughput value registered in the required throughput value registration table, the wireless LAN client terminal is concerned. A transmission beam forming control method comprising setting the transmission beam forming control for a device to an OFF state and controlling the wireless LAN client terminal so as to exclude the wireless LAN client terminal from the target of the transmission beam forming. A transmission beam forming control program that controls the transmission beam forming by a computer at a wireless LAN access point having a function of performing transmission beam forming to the wireless LAN client terminals when performing wireless communication with a plurality of wireless LAN client terminals. And
The wireless LAN access point is
For each of the wireless LAN client terminals, a required throughput value registration table for pre-setting and registering the throughput value required by the user of the wireless LAN client terminal as the required throughput value is provided in a memory that can be accessed by a program.
When the current throughput value of the wireless LAN client terminal in the state of wireless data communication exceeds the required throughput value registered in the required throughput value registration table, the wireless LAN client terminal is concerned. A transmission beam forming control program characterized in that the transmission beam forming control for is set to an OFF state and the wireless LAN client terminal is controlled so as to be excluded from the target of the transmission beam forming.

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