JP7218145B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication device control method, and a program.

The Wi-Fi EasyMesh ^TM standard formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance is a standard that defines various controls in a network (hereinafter, multi-AP network) configured by one or more access points (hereinafter, AP). In the Wi-Fi ^EasyMeshTM standard, APs that make up a multi-AP network acquire various types of information about other APs, and use that information to realize efficient network control between the multiple APs. The multi-AP network includes a Multi-AP Controller (hereafter controller) and a Multi-AP Agent (hereafter agent). A controller is an AP that controls other APs acting as agents to control the entire multi-AP network. An agent is an AP that comes under the control of the controller and broadcasts network information to the controller. The controller controls the multi-AP network by issuing instructions to the agent based on network topology information, discovery information, and the like received from the agent using the protocol defined by the IEEE 1905.1 standard. The controller also performs proxy control of data communication and manages data traffic between the multi-AP network and the public network.

Patent Literature 1 describes a technique for efficiently distributing communication loads in a plurality of APs. In Patent Document 1, a connection control device acquires communication load information in a plurality of APs, and transmits a connection prohibition command or a connection command to the APs based on the communication load information.

JP 2017-038126 A

An AP that newly participates in a multi-AP network needs to share communication parameters used in the multi-AP network with agents and controllers. In the Wi-Fi EasyMesh ^™ standard, it is possible to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup ^™ (hereinafter referred to as WPS) as a parameter sharing method. However, when it is assumed that various kinds of APs participate in the multi-AP network, it is desired that the parameter sharing method to be used is not limited to WPS, and that multiple methods can be selectively executed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to enable a communication device to selectively execute a plurality of parameter sharing methods when sharing communication parameters with a Multi-AP Controller or a Multi-AP Agent.

In order to achieve the above object, the communication apparatus of the present invention determines whether a first access point operating as a Multi AP agent can execute a first parameter sharing method, and whether or not the second parameter sharing method and executing the first parameter sharing method or the second parameter sharing method with the first access point based on the result of determination by the first determining means. a first acquiring means for acquiring communication parameters for connecting to a wireless network formed by the first access point; and a wireless network formed by the first access point using the acquired communication parameters. Whether the second access point can execute the first parameter sharing method based on the connection means for connection and the information obtained from the second access point operating as the multi AP controller via the wireless network second determining means for determining whether or not the second parameter sharing method can be executed; and based on the result of determination by the second determining means, the second access point and the first parameter and a second obtaining means for executing the sharing process or the second parameter sharing process and obtaining information used when the communication device operates as a Multi AP agent.

According to the present invention, when a communication device shares communication parameters with a Multi-AP Controller or a Multi-AP Agent, it is possible to selectively execute one of a plurality of parameter sharing methods.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the communication device according to this embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the software functional configuration of the communication device according to the present embodiment; The figure which shows an example of a structure of the communication system in this embodiment. Operation sequence diagram between communication devices in this embodiment Operation flowchart of the access point in this embodiment Operation flowchart of the access point in this embodiment Sequence diagram of parameter sharing processing using WPS Sequence diagram of parameter sharing processing using DPP

The present invention will now be described in detail based on some examples of its embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the communication system according to this embodiment. The communication system includes AP 302, AP 304, AP 305, AP 306 and multi-AP network 303 (hereinafter network 303). In the following, processing for newly adding the AP 306 to the network 303 formed by the APs 302, 304, and 305 will be described.

In FIG. 3, the AP 302 operates as a Multi-AP Controller (hereinafter referred to as controller) as a control station that controls the network 303 . The other APs 304 and 305 are under the control of the controller and serve as Multi-AP Agents (hereinafter referred to as agents) having a function of notifying the controller of network information.

For example, the controller controls the agent's connection channel and transmission power by transmitting predetermined control messages. In addition, the controller migrates agents to different BSSs (Basic Service Set), controls STA steering (roaming, etc.), controls data traffic, diagnoses the network, and the like. In the example of FIG. 3 , the AP 302 operating as a controller is connected to the Internet 307 and can communicate with an external device (not shown) connected to the Internet 307 . An AP 304 and an AP 305 connected to the AP 302 are connected to the Internet 307 via the AP 302 and can communicate with external devices like the AP 302 . Non-AP stations (hereinafter referred to as STAs) (not shown) connected to each of APs 302 , 304 and 305 are also connected to Internet 307 via AP 302 . On the other hand, the agent broadcasts network information to the controller. The network information that the agent reports to the controller is, for example, the agent's own capability information (HT Capability, VHT Capability, etc.) and the capability information of the STAs and APs connected to the agent. The AP connected to the agent refers to the STA function of a multi-AP device called Backhaul STA. In addition, network information includes wireless LAN connection channel information, radio wave interference information, STA link information (notification of connection and disconnection), information for notifying topology changes, beacon frame metrics information, etc. may be included. Note that the AP that plays the role of the controller may have agent functions at the same time, and in this embodiment, any of the APs 302, 304, and 305 may have both controller functions and agent functions. .

An access point conforming to the Wi-Fi EasyMesh ^™ standard has a Fronthaul AP function that provides connection functions to STAs and a Backhaul STA function for connecting to other APs. A BSS used as a Fronthaul AP is called a Fronthaul BSS, and a BSS used as a Backhaul STA is called a Backhaul BSS.

Specific examples of the APs 302, 304, 305, and 306 include wireless LAN routers, PCs, tablet terminals, smartphones, televisions, printers, copiers, etc., but any communication device that satisfies the hardware configuration and functional configuration described later. but not limited to these.

Next, the hardware configuration of each communication device (AP 302, 304, 305, 306) of the communication system shown in FIG. 3 will be explained using FIG. In FIG. 1, 101 indicates the entire communication apparatus. A control unit 104 controls the entire apparatus by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 105 . The control unit 104 is configured by, for example, one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). A storage unit 105 stores various information such as a control program executed by the control unit 104 and communication parameters. Various operations to be described later are performed by the control unit 104 executing a control program stored in the storage unit 105 . The storage unit 105 is configured by, for example, one or more storage media such as ROM, RAM, HDD, flash memory, or removable SD card.

A wireless unit 108 performs wireless LAN communication conforming to IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 series. The wireless unit 108 includes a chip that performs wireless communication. A display unit 107 performs various displays, and has a function capable of outputting visually recognizable information such as an LCD or LED, or outputting sound such as a speaker. The display unit 107 has a function of outputting at least one of visual information and sound information. When displaying visual information, the display unit 107 has a VRAM (Video RAM) that holds image data corresponding to visual information to be displayed. The display unit 107 performs display control for continuously displaying the image data stored in the VRAM on the LCD or LED.

An antenna control unit 109 controls the output of the antenna 110, and an antenna 110 is capable of communicating in the 2.4 GHz band and/or the 5 GHz band for wireless LAN communication.

A wired unit 102 performs wired communication such as a wired LAN conforming to the IEEE802.3 standard. The wired unit 102 is composed of a chip that performs wired communication such as Ethernet. 103 is an Ether connector for connecting an Ethernet cable.

An input unit 106 is used by the user to operate the communication apparatus 101 by performing various inputs. The input unit 106 stores the flag corresponding to the input in memory such as the storage unit 105 . Note that the example in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the communication device may have other hardware configurations, or part of the hardware may be omitted. For example, an inexpensive AP may not have the input unit 106 or the display unit 107 .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of software functional blocks that execute communication control functions, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the functional blocks of each communication device are stored as programs in the storage unit 105, and the functions are performed by the control unit 104 executing the programs. The control unit 104 realizes each function by controlling each hardware and performing computation and processing of information according to a control program. Note that part or all of the functional blocks may be implemented as hardware. In this case, part or all included in each functional block is configured by, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

In FIG. 2, 201 indicates the entire software function block. 202 is a communication parameter control unit.

203 is a network controller control unit. The network controller control unit functions as a controller in the Wi-Fi EasyMesh ^TM standard.

204 is a network agent control unit. This network agent control unit performs a function as an agent in the Wi-Fi EasyMesh ^TM standard.

205 is an IEEE1905 control unit. The IEEE1905 control unit is a standard for an abstraction layer when connecting access point devices by wire or wirelessly.

206 is a wired communication control unit. Through the Ether connector 103, the wired unit 102 is controlled to control wired communication with the opposite device.

207 is a wireless communication control unit. It controls the wireless LAN communication with the opposite device by controlling the wireless unit 108 via the antenna 110 .

A station function control unit 208 provides an STA function that operates as an STA in the infrastructure mode defined by the IEEE802.11 standard. The STA function control unit 208 performs authentication/encryption processing and the like when operating as an STA. This station function control unit 208 controls the STA function of a multi-AP device called Backhaul STA in the Wi-Fi ^EasyMeshTM standard.

An access point function control unit 209 provides an AP function that operates as an AP in infrastructure mode defined in the IEEE802.11 standard. AP function control section 209 forms a wireless network, performs authentication/encryption processing for STAs, manages STAs, and the like.

The station function control unit 208 controls a connection function between multi-AP devices called Backhaul STA in the Wi-Fi EasyMesh ^TM standard and a connection function to an STA called Fronthaul AP.

A data storage unit 210 controls writing and reading of information such as software itself, communication parameters, and a routing table required as an access point to and from the storage unit 105 .

The operation of the communication system having the above configuration will be explained.

In the communication system shown in FIG. 3, as described above, the AP 302 operates as a controller in the Wi-Fi EasyMesh ^TM standard, and the APs 304 and 305 operate as agents. That is, the AP 304 and AP 305 are connected as Backhaul STAs to the Fronthaul AP constructed by the AP 302 . AP 304 and AP 305 function as Backhaul STA as well as Fronthaul AP.

A setting method for adding a new AP 306 to the Wi-Fi EasyMesh network 303 composed of the above three access points will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. FIG.

FIG. 4 is an example of a signal sequence exchanged between three parties, the AP 302 as the controller and the AP 304 as the agent, when the AP 306 is newly added to the network 303 .

An AP 306 that newly attempts to join the network performs an active scan to obtain information on the network 303 and searches for the network. Specifically, the AP 306 transmits a probe request and waits for a probe response (F401).

The AP 304, which has received the probe request transmitted from the AP 306, transmits its own Fronthaul BSS information and Backhaul BSS information in a probe response (F402). In this embodiment, the AP 304 assumes that the Backhaul BSS does not support a parameter sharing scheme such as WPS, and the Fronthaul BSS supports some parameter sharing scheme. In this case, the probe response transmitted from the AP 304 includes information indicating that the Backhaul BSS does not support the parameter sharing method and information about the parameter sharing method supported by the Fronthaul BSS. AP 306 once connects to Fronthaul BSS of AP 304 as an STA in order to acquire from AP 304 communication parameters to be used in Backhaul BSS of AP 304 . When the AP 306 connects to the Fronthaul BSS of the AP 304, it uses the parameter sharing method to acquire communication parameters used to connect to the Backhaul BSS of the AP 304 (F403). Here, the AP 306 selects the parameter sharing method to be executed based on the information included in the received probe response. A specific selection method will be described later with reference to FIG. After obtaining the communication parameters used to connect to AP 304's Backhaul BSS, AP 306 leaves AP 304's Fronthaul BSS (F404). Thereafter, the AP 306 uses the acquired communication parameters to perform connection processing to the Backhaul BSS of the AP 304 (F405).

Through the above processing, AP306 was able to connect to the Backhaul BSS of AP304, which is an agent of Wi-Fi EasyMesh. Subsequently, in order for the AP 306 to participate as an agent in the network 303 managed by the AP 302, which is the Wi-Fi EasyMesh controller, it is necessary to obtain various information from the controller.

First, the AP 306 connects to the network 303 by connecting to the Backhaul BSS of the AP 304, and then searches for the controller AP 302 (F406). The search signal used here is a search signal called AP-Autoconfig Search defined in the IEEE1905.1 standard. IEEE 1905.1 is a protocol in which the OSI layer is higher than the PHY/MAC layer, and regardless of whether the access points are connected via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN, communication can be performed between the agent and the controller. It is an abstraction layer for

Upon receiving AP-Autoconfig Search from AP 306, AP 302 transmits a response signal AP-Autoconfig Response to AP 306 (F407).

After that, based on the IEEE 1905.1 standard, AP 302, which is the controller, transmits to AP 306 communication parameters necessary for operating as Fronthaul AP in network 303 to which AP 302 belongs (F408).

Here, for the parameter sharing process performed in F408 as well, the parameter sharing method to be performed can be selected based on the response signal received in F407. A specific selection method will be described later with reference to FIG. The parameter sharing process here is a method in which the parameter sharing method on the wireless LAN performed in F403 is performed on the IEEE1905.1 layer.

By completing the above sequence, the AP 306 can operate as an agent for the controller AP 302, and can be added as one AP constituting the network 303, which is a multi-AP network.

In F401 and F402 described above, the AP 304 is searched using Active Scan, but Pssive Scan may also be used. In this case, AP 306 scans beacons for a period of time to search for AP 304 . The above-mentioned Fronthaul BSS information and Backhaul BSS information of AP 304 are included in the beacon.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operational flow until the AP 306 connects to the AP 304 via the wireless LAN. Each step of this flowchart is implemented by the control unit 104 of the AP 306 executing the program stored in the storage unit 105 .

When the AP 306 wants to participate in the network 303, the user operates the input unit 106 to instruct the start of additional processing to the network 303 called onboarding processing.

Upon receiving this instruction, the AP 306 performs network search to obtain information on the network 303 . The network search method is performed by Active Svan or Passive Scan. The AP 306 executes Active Scan or Passive Scan and receives probe responses or beacons from the AP 304 (S501). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the AP 304 is found as a result of network search, but if a plurality of APs are found, one of them is selected as a connection destination AP. As for the selection method, the information (SSID, etc.) of the discovered AP may be displayed to allow the user to make a selection, or the AP with the strongest radio wave intensity may be automatically selected as the AP to be connected to.

Upon receiving a beacon or probe response from AP 304 , AP 306 confirms Fronthaul BSS information and Backhaul BSS information of AP 304 . In this embodiment, the AP 304 assumes that the Backhaul BSS does not support a parameter sharing scheme such as WPS, and the Fronthaul BSS supports some parameter sharing scheme. Therefore, the probe response or beacon transmitted from the AP 304 includes information indicating that the Backhaul BSS does not support the parameter sharing method and information about the parameter sharing method supported by the Fronthaul BSS. Based on this information, AP 306 determines whether AP 304 can execute WPS (S502). Furthermore, the AP 306 determines whether the AP 304 can execute the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) (S502). DPP is a standard standardized as Wi-Fi Easy Connect ^TM in the Wi-Fi Alliance, and is a protocol that defines a parameter sharing method for sharing communication parameters for wireless communication.

After that, in S503, the AP 306 selects a parameter sharing method to be executed with the AP 304 based on the determination result in S502 (S503). Several methods are conceivable as a method of selecting the parameter sharing method. If both AP 306 and AP 304 have only one viable parameter sharing scheme, they may decide to use that parameter sharing scheme. For example, if AP 306 can execute WPS and DPP and AP 304 can execute WPS but not DPP, WPS is selected. If there are a plurality of parameter sharing methods that can be executed by both the AP 306 and AP 304, a screen for allowing the user to select which parameter sharing method to execute is displayed on the display unit of the AP 306 so as to accept instructions from the user. may Alternatively, a priority may be set in advance for each parameter sharing method, and a parameter sharing method with a higher priority may be automatically selected. For example, if both the AP 306 and the AP 304 are capable of executing both WPS and DPP, DPP with a high priority set in advance may be automatically selected to be used. In addition, when the AP 304 or AP 306 can execute a plurality of parameter sharing methods, the user may set the parameter sharing method to be used in advance. In this case, a method that is not set as a parameter sharing method to be used is treated as an impracticable parameter sharing method. Based on these various selection methods, AP 306 selects a parameter sharing scheme to perform with AP 304 (S503). If the AP 304 and the AP 306 cannot determine mutually executable parameter sharing methods, the user may be notified of this by displaying an error or the like. At this time, the user may be prompted to connect to the AP 304 by manually entering the SSID, encryption key, etc. without using the parameter sharing method.

If WPS is selected in S503, the process of S504 is executed, and if DPP is selected, the process of S505 is executed.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the WPS processing executed in S504. The AP 306 that receives communication parameters operates as an Enrollee shown in FIG. 7, and the AP 304 that provides communication parameters operates as a Registrar. When WPS is executed between AP 304 and AP 306, the sequence of FIG. 7 starts when predetermined buttons for starting WPS are pressed by each other. When WPS is started, AP 306 sends an association request to Fronthaul BSS of AP 304 . The association request sent here has the bBSS bit set to 1. This indicates that AP 306 operates as a Backhaul STA. The AP 304 that receives the association request with this bit set to 1 can recognize that the AP 306 is requesting the communication parameters of the Backhaul BSS. AP304 which received the association request transmits an association response to AP306. The association response transmitted here has the fBSS bit and the bBSS bit set to 1. AP 306 then sends a WSC M1 message to AP 304 . The bBSS bit is also set to 1 in this M1 message. AP 304 then sends a WSC M8 message to AP 306 . This M8 message contains communication parameters for connecting to the Backhaul BSS of AP 304 . The communication parameters sent here include at least one of the SSID as a network identifier, an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key. By executing the above processing, the AP 306 and the AP 304 complete the communication parameter sharing processing for connecting to the Backhaul BSS of the AP 304 using WPS.

In S503 of FIG. 5, when DPP is selected, the process of S505 is executed. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing DPP processing executed in S505. The AP 306 that receives communication parameters operates as an Enrollee, and the AP 304 that provides communication parameters operates as a Configurator. When DPP is executed between AP 304 and AP 306, DPP Bootstrap is first executed for sharing public key information held by Enrollee with Configurator. Information on the public key of AP 306 is included in the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the display unit of AP 306 . If the AP 306 does not have a display unit, the QR code may be attached to the housing of the AP 306 with a sticker or the like. The user takes an image of this QR code using an imaging device, and inputs public key information obtained by analyzing the imaged QR code from the imaging device to the AP 304 . An arbitrary method may be used as an input method. For example, an imaging device such as a smartphone may be input by transmitting to the AP 304 via the Internet 307 and the AP 302 . Once AP 306's public key is shared with AP 304, AP 304 sends DPP Auth requests to AP 306 using this public key. AP 306 then sends a DPP Config request to AP 304 requesting communication parameters. The bBSS bit is set to 1 in the DPP Config request sent here. This indicates that AP 306 operates as a Backhaul STA. AP 304 that receives a DPP Config request with this bit set to 1 can recognize that AP 306 is requesting Backhaul BSS communication parameters. AP 304 sends a DPP Config Response to AP 306 in response to the DPP Config Request. This DPP Config response and then DPP Peer Discovery are performed, and the AP 306 and AP 304 complete the communication parameter sharing process for connecting to the Backhaul BSS of AP 304 using DPP.

As a result of the process of S504 or S505, the AP 306 acquires communication parameters for connecting to the Backhaul BSS of the AP 304. FIG. AP 306 then leaves the Fronthaul BSS of AP 304 (S506). Then, using the communication parameters acquired in S504 or S505, it connects to the Backhaul BSS of the AP 304 (S507).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the AP 306 to obtain various information from the controller in order to participate as an agent in the network 303 managed by the AP 302, which is the Wi-Fi EasyMesh controller. Each step of this flowchart is implemented by the control unit 104 of the AP 306 executing the program stored in the storage unit 105 .

When the process of S507 in FIG. 5 ends, the process of S601 in FIG. 6 is started. In S601, the AP 306 transmits an AP-Autoconfig Search signal defined in the IEEE 1905.1 standard to search for a controller in the network 303. FIG. The AP 306 then receives the AP-Autoconfig Responses signal defined in the IEEE 1905.1 standard, which is transmitted from the AP 302, which is the controller (S602). The received AP-Autoconfig Responses signal contains information on the parameter sharing methods supported by the AP 302 . Based on this information, AP 306 determines whether AP 302 can execute WPS (S603). Furthermore, the AP 306 determines whether the AP 302 can execute DPP (S603). After that, in S604, the AP 306 selects a parameter sharing method to be executed with the AP 302 based on the determination result in S603 (S604). The selection method can be the same as in S503. If WPS is selected in S604, the process of S605 is executed, and if DPP is selected, the process of S606 is executed.

In S605, the AP 306 that receives communication parameters operates as an Enrollee, and the AP 302 that provides communication parameters operates as a Registrar. First, AP 306 sends AP-Autoconfig WSC M1 signal to AP 302 . This signal includes capability information when the AP 306 operates as an agent, such as information indicating communication channels on which the AP 306 can operate. The AP 302 receiving this signal transmits an AP-Autoconfig WSC M2 signal to the AP 306 . This signal includes identification information (Radio Unique Identifier) when the AP 306 operates as an agent in the network 303 . It also contains communication parameters used in the Fronthaul BSS generated by the Fronthaul AP of the AP 306 . The communication parameters include at least one of SSID, encryption key, encryption method, authentication key, and authentication method. The above processing is performed in S605, and the AP 306 can acquire various kinds of information necessary for operating as an agent.

On the other hand, when DPP is used as the parameter setting method, the process of S606 is executed. In S606, the AP 306 that receives communication parameters operates as an Enrollee, and the AP 302 that provides communication parameters operates as a Configurator. When DPP is executed between AP 302 and AP 306, DPP Bootstrap is first executed for sharing public key information held by Enrollee with Configurator. Since the public key information of the AP 306 is included in the QR code displayed on the display unit of the AP 306, the AP 302 needs to acquire the public key information by photographing the QR code. However, the AP 302 has obtained the public key information of the AP 306 sent via the Internet 307 in the process of DPP Bootstrap in the DPP between the AP 306 and the AP 304 described above. As such, the DPP Bootstrap between AP 302 and AP 306 can be completed using that information. Once AP 306's public key is shared with AP 302, AP 302 sends DPP Auth requests to AP 306 using this public key. AP 306 then sends a DPP Config request to AP 302 requesting communication parameters. AP 302 sends a DPP Config Response to AP 306 in response to the DPP Config Request. This DPP Config response and then DPP Peer Discovery are performed, and the AP 306 and AP 302 complete the communication parameter sharing process using DPP. The communication parameters shared using DPP are the same as the communication parameters shared using WPS described above. The above processing is performed in S606, and the AP 306 can acquire various kinds of information necessary for operating as an agent.

When the processing of S605 or S606 is completed, the AP 306 starts operating as an agent.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a new AP is connected to a Multi AP network and operated as a Multi AP Agent, a parameter sharing method to be used can be selected from among a plurality of parameter sharing methods. will be able to For example, it becomes possible to select whether WPS or DPP is used to perform parameter sharing processing with existing agents and controllers respectively.

In the above description, WPS and DPP are used as parameter sharing methods, but parameter sharing methods other than these methods may be used. Also, the number of parameter sharing schemes that are candidates for selection is not limited to two.

Also, in S501 and S602, the information indicating the parameter sharing method supported by the AP 304 or AP 302 was included in the beacon, probe response, or AP-Autoconfig Responses, but other information may be used. For example, these signals may include version information of the Wi-Fi EasyMesh ^™ standard supported by the AP 304 and AP 302 . If the parameter sharing method to be supported for each version is decided, for example, version 1 supports only WPS and version 2 supports both WPS and DPP, the parameter sharing method is determined based on the version information. may

(Other embodiments)
The processing of the above-described embodiments may be implemented by one device or may be implemented by multiple devices. For example, some steps of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be executed by another device such as a PC connected to the AP 306, and by controlling the AP 306, the processing of the entire flowchart may be executed. good too.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where communication between communication devices is performed by wireless LAN communication based on the IEEE802.11 standard has been described. .

Also, the access point in the above-described embodiment includes a device having the same function as an access point, such as a Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) group owner.

The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by processing to It can also be implemented by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

102 wired section 103 Ether connector 104 control section 105 storage section 106 input section 107 display section 108 radio section 109 antenna control section 110 antenna

Claims (10)

A communication device,
a first determination means for determining whether or not a first access point operating as a Multi-AP Agent can execute a first parameter sharing method and whether or not a second parameter sharing method can be executed; ,
Execute a first parameter sharing method or a second parameter sharing method with the first access point based on the determination result by the first determination means, and connect to the wireless network formed by the first access point. a first acquiring means for acquiring communication parameters for
connection means for connecting to a wireless network formed by the first access point using the acquired communication parameters;
Based on information obtained from a second access point operating as a Multi-AP Controller via the wireless network, whether or not the second access point can execute the first parameter sharing method, and a second determination means for determining whether the second parameter sharing method is executable;
When executing the first parameter sharing process or the second parameter sharing process with the second access point based on the determination result by the second determination means, and when the communication device operates as a Multi-AP Agent a second acquisition means for acquiring information to be used;
A communication device comprising: Having first receiving means for receiving a beacon or probe response from the first access point,
2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first determination means makes determination using information included in a beacon or probe response received by said first reception means. transmitting means for transmitting AP-Autoconfig Search in the wireless network connected by the connecting means;
a second receiving means for receiving an AP-Autoconfig Response to the AP-Autoconfig Search from the second access point;
3. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second determination means makes determination using information included in the AP-Autoconfig Response received by said second reception means. The information acquired by the first acquiring means includes at least one of an identifier of the wireless network, an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key, and the information acquired by the second acquiring means includes: 4. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising identification information used when said communication device operates as a Multi-AP Agent. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device operates as a wireless LAN access point conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard. When the first determination means determines that the first access point can execute both the first parameter sharing method and the second parameter sharing method, the first parameter is selected according to the user's selection. 6. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it decides whether to perform a sharing scheme or a second parameter sharing scheme. When the second determination means determines that the second access point can execute both the first parameter sharing method and the second parameter sharing method, the first parameter is selected according to the user's selection. 7. A communication device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it decides whether to perform a sharing scheme or a second parameter sharing scheme. the wireless network is a Backhaul BSS formed by the first access point;
The first acquisition means connects to a Fronthaul BSS formed by the first access point, and executes a first parameter sharing method or a second parameter sharing method with the first access point in the Fronthaul BSS. to obtain communication parameters for connecting to the Backhaul BSS;
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said connecting means connects to said Backhaul BSS using the communication parameters obtained by said first obtaining means after leaving said Fronthaul BSS. Communication device as described. A control method for a communication device,
a first determination step of determining whether the first access point operating as the Multi-AP Agent can execute the first parameter sharing method and whether it can execute the second parameter sharing method; ,
causing the communication device to execute a first parameter sharing scheme or a second parameter sharing scheme with the first access point based on the determination result of the first determining step, and forming the first access point; a first obtaining step of obtaining communication parameters for connecting to a wireless network;
Whether or not the second access point can execute the first parameter sharing method, based on information obtained by the communication device from the second access point operating as a Multi-AP Controller via the wireless network and a second determination step of determining whether the second parameter sharing method is executable;
causing the communication device to execute a first parameter sharing process or a second parameter sharing process with the second access point based on the determination result of the second determination step, and the communication device acting as a Multi-AP Agent a second obtaining step of obtaining information used when operating;
A method of controlling a communication device, comprising: A program for operating a computer as the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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