WO2024246994A1 - Wireless communication system and wireless communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure is a wireless communication system comprising: an access point that wirelessly communicates with a wireless terminal; an R-TWT wireless terminal that wirelessly communicates with the access point via a shared wireless medium; and a location information service server that manages location information of the R-TWT wireless terminal. Prior to wireless communication with the access point, the R-TWT wireless terminal pre-registers its own location information in the location information service server via a connection route different from the shared wireless medium. The location information service server notifies the access point of the pre-registered location information of the R-TWT wireless terminal. When there is an authentication request from the R-TWT wireless terminal, the access point transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing narrowed down to the location of the R-TWT wireless terminal, on the basis of the notified location information.

Description

Wireless communication system and wireless communication method

This disclosure relates to wireless LAN connection technology.

At events such as concerts, live shows, festivals, sports events, and exhibitions, where a large number of visitors gather in one venue (such as a dome, arena, stadium, trade fair, or park) in a short period of time, the organizers may provide wireless services such as Wi-Fi to increase visitor satisfaction. Some locations are even using high-speed, broadband services to stream low-latency live video at the venue, and it is expected that the demand for content streaming at event venues will increase in the future.

There are various wireless systems for providing wireless services. Wireless LAN, which is one type of wireless system, is a wireless communication system that can be used without a license, unlike carrier wireless such as 5G.

Among wireless LAN standards, there is a mechanism called TWT (Target Wake Time) that was introduced in Wi-Fi6 (IEEE802.11ax). TWT is a mechanism where wireless terminals (STAs) that use TWT communicate only at specific times based on scheduling. Wi-Fi6's TWT assumes from the start that there will be multiple wireless terminals within range, and schedules are set by negotiating (agreeing) for each wireless terminal on the intervals at which the wireless terminals will sleep and wake up. In other words, the timing at which a wireless terminal wakes up is no longer affected by the timing at which other wireless terminals wake up. This leads to extending the power consumption and battery life of wireless terminals.

Among TWT, there is a detailed mechanism called R-TWT (Restricted-TWT) (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2). This is a mechanism in which an access point (AP: Access Point) sends schedule information for a quiet (communication stop) signal to a beacon, etc., and temporarily stops communication at a certain timing for TWT type wireless terminals (TWT type STAs) and non-TWT type wireless terminals (non-TWT type STAs), which are wireless terminals other than R-TWT type wireless terminals (R-TWT type STAs), thereby ensuring preferential transmission timing for R-TWT type wireless terminals. R-TWT is used in cases where there are strict delay requirements.

The detailed mechanism of R-TWT is shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the access point emits a beacon at a specific time and sets the Quiet setting. During this R-TWT SP (Service Period), the access point temporarily suspends wireless communication for TWT-type wireless terminals and non-TWT-type wireless terminals, and only R-TWT-type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate with the access point. Also, during the TWT SP period, only TWT-type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate with the access point. When these periods are not set, non-TWT-type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate with the access point.

When an R-TWT type wireless terminal, a TWT type wireless terminal, and a non-TWT type wireless terminal communicate wirelessly over a shared wireless medium, it is expected that the quiet signal will prevent interrupts from TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals, ensuring preferential access rights for the R-TWT type wireless terminals. If both the access point and the wireless terminal are TWT-compatible, this power-saving mechanism will synchronize the sleep states of the access point and the wireless terminal, realizing power savings during Wi-Fi connection.

LB266 CR for misc CIDs related tor-TWT, https://mentor. ieee. org/802.11/dcn/22/11-22-1098-04-00be-lb266-cr-for-misc-cids-related-to-r-twt. docx Proposed Spec Text Restricted TWT, https://mentor. ieee. org/802.11/dcn/21/11-21-0142-00-00be-pdt-mac-restricted-twt. docx

However, if a non-TWT wireless terminal does not understand the quiet signal even though it receives it, or fails to receive it, and initiates a connection before the R-TWT wireless terminal, the R-TWT wireless terminal will not be able to initiate a connection.

Figure 2 shows an example in which an R-TWT wireless terminal is unable to initiate a connection. In Figure 2, the access point emits a beacon at a specific time and sets the Quiet setting. During this period, the access point temporarily suspends wireless communication with TWT wireless terminals and non-TWT wireless terminals. However, if a non-TWT wireless terminal that does not understand this wireless communication with the access point occurs during the R-TWT SP period, the R-TWT wireless terminal will not be able to wirelessly communicate with the access point. This causes a delay in the wireless communication of the R-TWT wireless terminal.

For example, at an event venue, high-priority security cameras, various IoT devices such as temperature sensors, which have a lower priority than security cameras, and general users' mobile devices, which have the lowest priority, are all mixed together on a common wireless channel, with the security cameras being R-TWT wireless terminals, the various IoT devices being TWT wireless terminals, and the general users' mobile terminals being non-TWT wireless terminals.

The present disclosure aims to ensure communication timing for R-TWT type wireless terminals in a wireless communication system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium.

In order to achieve the above objective, in the wireless communication system disclosed herein, when an R-TWT wireless terminal makes an authentication request to an access point, the access point transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing to the location of the R-TWT wireless terminal based on location information notified in advance by the R-TWT wireless terminal.

Specifically, the present disclosure provides:
an access point that wirelessly communicates with a wireless terminal;
a R-TWT type wireless terminal that wirelessly communicates with the access point via a shared wireless medium;
a location information service server that manages location information of the R-TWT type wireless terminal;
Equipped with
The R-TWT type wireless terminal pre-registers its own location information in the location information service server via a connection path different from the shared wireless medium, prior to wireless communication with the access point;
The location information service server notifies the access point of location information of the pre-registered R-TWT type wireless terminal;
In this wireless communication system, when an authentication request is received from the R-TWT type wireless terminal, the access point transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing to the location of the R-TWT type wireless terminal based on the notified location information.
It is.

The present disclosure relates to
Furthermore, the access point notifies the R-TWT type wireless terminal of a time timing for starting wireless communication prior to wireless communication with the R-TWT type wireless terminal;
The access point and the R-TWT wireless terminal start authentication processing at the time.

The present disclosure relates to
a non-TWT type wireless terminal that wirelessly communicates with the access point via the shared wireless medium;
The access point adjusts the strength of a radio signal for authentication processing in accordance with the number of the non-TWT wireless terminals present within its area.

The present disclosure relates to
The access point calculates the distance to the R-TWT type wireless terminal based on the notified location information, and adjusts the transmission spread angle of the wireless signal for authentication processing with the R-TWT type wireless terminal according to the calculated distance.

The present disclosure relates to
The access point is characterized in that it transmits radio signals for authentication processing in the direction of the R-TWT type wireless terminals in sequence to the plurality of R-TWT type wireless terminals in accordance with the order of pre-registration.

The present disclosure relates to
The access point is characterized in that it calculates the distance or direction to each of the R-TWT type wireless terminals based on the notified location information for the multiple R-TWT type wireless terminals, and sequentially transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing to the location of the R-TWT type wireless terminals in accordance with the order of the calculated distances or directions.

The present disclosure relates to
Furthermore, the access point transmits a radio signal for dummy authentication processing to an area where the R-TWT type wireless terminal does not exist based on the notified location information.

Specifically, the present disclosure provides:
an access point that wirelessly communicates with a wireless terminal;
a R-TWT type wireless terminal that wirelessly communicates with the access point via a shared wireless medium;
a location information service server that manages location information of the R-TWT type wireless terminal;
A wireless communication method implemented by
The R-TWT type wireless terminal pre-registers its own location information in the location information service server via a connection path different from the shared wireless medium, prior to wireless communication with the access point;
The location information service server notifies the access point of location information of the pre-registered R-TWT type wireless terminal;
This is a wireless communication method in which, upon receiving an authentication request from the R-TWT type wireless terminal, the access point transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing to the location of the R-TWT type wireless terminal based on the notified location information.

The devices disclosed herein, such as an access point, a location information service server, or an application service server, can also be realized by a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium or provided over a network. The programs disclosed herein are programs for causing a computer to realize the functions of the devices disclosed herein, and are programs for causing a computer to execute the procedures of the methods executed by the devices disclosed herein.

The above disclosures may be combined whenever possible.

The present disclosure can ensure communication timing for R-TWT type wireless terminals in a wireless LAN system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium.

1 is a diagram explaining the detailed mechanism of R-TWT. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a connection problem of an R-TWT type wireless terminal. 1 is a configuration example of a wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure.

Below, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below. These implementation examples are merely illustrative, and the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Note that components with the same reference numerals in this specification and drawings are mutually identical.

(Embodiment 1)
(Overall composition)
A configuration example of the wireless LAN system of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 3. The wireless LAN system of this embodiment is a wireless communication system in which an access point (AP) 10 wirelessly communicates with an R-TWT type wireless terminal (R-TWT-STA) 20R and a non-TWT type wireless terminal (non-TWT-STA) 20N. In reality, the access point 10 also wirelessly communicates with TWT type wireless terminals, etc., but this is omitted in Fig. 3. The R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R and the non-TWT type wireless terminal 20N wirelessly communicate with the access point 10 via a shared wireless medium. A location information service server 30 manages the location information of the R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R.

The access point 10 is a parent device in a wireless LAN system. The access point 10 wirelessly communicates with an R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R, a TWT type wireless terminal (not shown), and a non-TWT type wireless terminal 20N. The shared wireless medium refers to the same frequency band and the same channel.

The R-TWT wireless terminal 20R and the non-TWT wireless terminal 20N are child devices in a wireless LAN system. The R-TWT wireless terminal 20R represents a child device that belongs to Restricted-Target Wake Time. The non-TWT wireless terminal 20N represents a child device that does not belong to either Restricted-Target Wake Time or Target Wake Time. The non-TWT wireless terminal 20N cannot understand the quit signal transmitted from the access point 10.

An example of an R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R is a security camera at an event venue, etc. Such security cameras require real-time performance and have a high priority. An example of a TWT type wireless terminal is various IoT devices such as a temperature sensor. Such IoT devices have a lower priority than security cameras. An example of a TWT type wireless terminal 20N is a mobile terminal of a general user. Such mobile terminals have the lowest priority.

Prior to wireless communication with the access point 10, the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R pre-registers its own identification information and its own location information in the location information service server 30 via a connection path different from the shared wireless medium. The location information service server 30 stores the identification information and its location information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R in a database, and notifies the access point 10 of the identification information and its location information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R. If an application service server 40 exists, the location information service server 30 notifies the application service server 40 of the identification information and its location information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R, and the application service server 40 notifies the access point 10.

The identification information is a unique ID for the terminal, and may be a MAC address, IP address, the IMEI (International Module Equipment Identity) of a mobile phone, the EID (Embedded Identification Document) used by the eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module), the serial number of the device, etc. Multiple pieces of identification information may be used for confirmation, or different identification information may be used for confirmation between devices.

Location information is information that indicates a location, and there are absolute location information and relative location information. Absolute location information is a combination of latitude, longitude, and altitude, and can uniquely determine a spatial point on the earth. A representative example is the NMEA 0183 Standard, which is standardized by the National Marine Electronics Association and is used in GNSS receivers. Relative location information is information that sets a different standard and converts relative values (e.g., direction, angle, distance) from that standard into data, and can be uniquely determined in combination with the standard value. Examples include Wi-Fi positioning, RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) positioning, beacon positioning using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) signals, and pedestrian autonomous positioning (PDR).

The application service server 40 is a server for providing applications. For example, it provides security/surveillance footage. The identification information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R required for providing applications is pre-registered in the application service server 40. If necessary, an application service server is installed for each service. In this case, when the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R pre-registers its location information in the location information service server 30, it also pre-registers which application service server it will use, and the location information service server 30 notifies the relevant application service server of the identification information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R and its location information.

The application service server 40 receives the identification information and location information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R from the location information service server 30, and checks whether the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R has been preregistered to provide applications. If the identification information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R has been preregistered, it notifies the access point 10 of the identification information and location information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R.

When the access point 10 receives an authentication request from the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R, the access point 10 checks the identification information included in the authentication request, and based on the location information notified by the application service server 40, transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing limited to the location of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R.

An example of the operation of the access point 10 is shown in FIG. 4. In order to transmit a radio signal focused on the position of the R-TWT radio terminal 20R, it is possible to use a variable directional antenna to narrow the radio signal one-dimensionally in the horizontal direction where the R-TWT radio terminal 20R is present. Furthermore, it is possible to use a variable directional antenna to narrow the radio signal two-dimensionally in the horizontal direction and height direction where the R-TWT radio terminal 20R is present. Furthermore, it is possible to use beamforming technology to narrow the radio signal two-dimensionally in the horizontal direction and distance where the R-TWT radio terminal 20R is present. Furthermore, it is possible to use beamforming technology to narrow the radio signal three-dimensionally in the horizontal direction, height direction and distance where the R-TWT radio terminal 20R is present. Furthermore, the access point 10 may not only transmit radio signals, but may also receive radio signals focused on the position from the R-TWT radio terminal 20R.

When the access point 10 completes the authentication process, it transmits and receives normal data signals. Even during wireless communication in which normal data signals are transmitted and received following the authentication process, the access point 10 may transmit and receive wireless signals limited to the position of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R.

(Overall flow)
An example of a wireless communication method according to this embodiment is shown in FIG.
(Location information registration process)
S10: Prior to wireless communication with the access point 10, the R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R pre-registers its own identification information and its own location information in the location information service server 30 via a connection path different from the shared wireless medium.
S20: The location information service server 30 stores the preregistered identification information and location information in a database, and notifies the access point 10 of the identification information and location information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R. If the application service server 40 exists, the location information service server 30 notifies the application service server 40 of the identification information and location information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R.

(APP confirmation process)
If the application service server 40 exists, the following process is carried out.
S30: The application service server 40 receives the identification information and location information of the R-TWT radio terminal 20R from the location information service server 30, and checks whether the R-TWT radio terminal 20R has been registered in advance to provide an application.
S40: If the identification information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R has been registered in advance, the application service server 40 notifies the access point 10 of the identification information of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R and its location information.

(Authentication process)
If the application service server 40 does not exist, the access point 10 receives the identification information and the location information of the R-TWT type radio terminal 20R from the location information service server 30. If the application service server 40 exists, the access point 10 receives the identification information and the location information of the R-TWT type radio terminal 20R from the application service server 40.
S50: The R-TWT wireless terminal 20R requests the access point 10 for authentication.
S60: The access point 10 checks the identification information included in the authentication request, and based on the location information notified by the application service server 40, transmits a radio signal for authentication processing limited to the location of the R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R.

(Normal wireless communication)
S70: If the authentication process is successful, the access point 10 and the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R start wireless communication for transmitting and receiving normal data signals.

In this way, in response to an authentication request from the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R, the access point 10 transmits a radio signal for authentication processing to the location of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R based on the notified location information, and the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R that is able to receive the radio signal for authentication processing at that location can continue the authentication processing with the access point 10.

On the other hand, even if the non-TWT wireless terminal 20N makes an authentication request to the access point 10, the non-TWT wireless terminal 20N cannot continue the authentication process because the wireless signal for the authentication process from the access point 10 does not reach the non-TWT wireless terminal 20N. Also, if the access point 10 only receives wireless signals from positions from the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R, even if the non-TWT wireless terminal 20N makes an authentication request, the access point 10 does not receive the authentication request, and the non-TWT wireless terminal 20N cannot continue the authentication process.

Therefore, in a wireless LAN system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium, it is possible to ensure communication timing for the R-TWT type wireless terminals.

(Embodiment 2)
In this embodiment, the access point 10 transmits a radio signal for authentication processing limited to the position of the R-TWT radio terminal 20R based on the notified location information, and in addition, the access point 10 notifies the R-TWT radio terminal 20R of the time timing to start wireless communication prior to wireless communication with the R-TWT radio terminal 20R. It is preferable to notify the time timing via a connection path different from the shared wireless medium. If it is possible to notify the R-TWT radio terminal 20R via a confidential line, the time timing may be notified via the shared wireless medium.

An example of authentication processing between the access point 10 and the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R is shown in FIG. 6, and an example of a wireless communication method is shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, the access point 10 notifies the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R in advance of the timing at which the authentication processing will be performed. In FIG. 7, the timing at which the authentication processing will be performed in advance is adjusted as S45 between S40 and S50 in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 6, the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R transmits a wireless signal of an authentication request to the access point 10 at a time notified in advance. The access point 10 that receives the authentication request returns an ACK and starts the authentication process.

In this way, performing the authentication process at a pre-arranged time timing ensures confidentiality, so that the R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R that receives the wireless signal for the authentication process at that time timing can continue the authentication process with the access point 10.

On the other hand, even if the non-TWT wireless terminal 20N makes an authentication request, the access point 10 does not accept the authentication request because the timing is not synchronized, and the non-TWT wireless terminal 20N cannot continue the authentication process.

Therefore, in a wireless LAN system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium, it is possible to more reliably ensure the communication timing of the R-TWT type wireless terminals.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment, the access point 10 transmits a radio signal for authentication processing limited to the location of the R-TWT type radio terminal 20R based on the notified location information, and in addition, the access point 10 adjusts the strength of the radio signal according to the number of non-TWT type radio terminals 20N present within the area.

An example of authentication processing between the access point 10 and the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R is shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the access point 10 counts the number of non-TWT wireless terminals 20N present within the area, and if the number is greater than a predetermined number, it increases the strength of the wireless signal for authentication processing of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R, and if the number is less than the predetermined number, it decreases the strength of the wireless signal for authentication processing of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R.

In this way, by adjusting the strength of the wireless signal according to the number of non-TWT wireless terminals 20N present within the area, the access point 10 can use power more efficiently and reduce the power consumption of the access point 10.

Therefore, in a wireless LAN system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium, it is possible to efficiently ensure communication timing for the R-TWT type wireless terminals.

(Embodiment 4)
In this embodiment, the access point 10 transmits a radio signal for authentication processing to the position of the R-TWT type radio terminal 20R based on the notified location information, and in addition, the access point 10 adjusts the transmission spread angle of the radio signal depending on the distance to the R-TWT type radio terminal 20R.

An example of authentication processing between the access point 10 and the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R is shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the access point 10 calculates the distance to the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R based on the notified location information, and adjusts the transmission spread angle of the wireless signal for authentication processing with the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R according to the calculated distance. It may also adjust the reception spread angle.

If the calculated distance is long, the transmission spread angle of the wireless signal is narrowed, and if the calculated distance is short, the transmission spread angle of the wireless signal is widened. Narrowing the transmission spread angle of the wireless signal allows for more efficient power usage and enables lower power consumption of the access point 10. Widening the transmission spread angle of the wireless signal relaxes the requirements for accuracy in narrowing down the wireless signal to the position of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R.

In this way, by adjusting the strength of the wireless signal according to the distance to the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R present within the access point 10's area, power usage can be made more efficient, enabling the access point 10 to consume less power. Confidentiality is also improved.

Therefore, in a wireless LAN system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium, it is possible to efficiently ensure communication timing for the R-TWT type wireless terminals.

(Embodiment 5)
In this embodiment, the access point 10 transmits radio signals for authentication processing limited to the position of the R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R based on the notified location information, and in addition, the access point 10 transmits radio signals for authentication processing in the direction of the R-TWT type wireless terminals in sequence to multiple R-TWT type wireless terminals according to the order of pre-registration.

An example of authentication processing between an access point 10 and an R-TWT wireless terminal 20R is shown in FIG. 10. Prior to wireless communication with the access point 10, the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R pre-registers its own location information in the location information service server 30. If there are multiple R-TWT wireless terminals 20R within the area, the access point 10 transmits a radio signal for authentication processing to the R-TWT wireless terminal that requested authentication in the order in which the location information was pre-registered. As shown in FIG. 10, if the location information is pre-registered starting from the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R on the left side of the drawing, the radio signal for authentication processing is also transmitted in this order. Conversely, it may be transmitted in the order in which the new location information was pre-registered.

The access point 10 may notify the R-TWT type wireless terminal that has made an authentication request of its waiting order. The R-TWT type wireless terminal that has received its waiting order can know how long it will take for the access point 10 to start the authentication process, and therefore can prevent sending unnecessary authentication requests.

In this way, the access point 10 can ensure fairness by performing authentication processing on the R-TWT type wireless terminals 20R present within its area in the order of their pre-registration.

Therefore, in a wireless LAN system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium, it is possible to efficiently ensure communication timing for the R-TWT type wireless terminals.

(Embodiment 6)
In this embodiment, the access point 10 not only transmits radio signals for authentication processing to the position of the R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R based on the notified location information, but also calculates the distance or direction to each of the multiple R-TWT type wireless terminals based on the notified location information, and transmits radio signals for authentication processing to the positions of the R-TWT type wireless terminals in sequence according to the order of the calculated distances or directions.

An example of authentication processing between an access point 10 and an R-TWT wireless terminal 20R is shown in FIG. 11. Prior to wireless communication with the access point 10, the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R pre-registers its own location information in the location information service server 30. As shown in FIG. 11, when there are multiple R-TWT wireless terminals 20R within the area, the access point 10 calculates the distance to each R-TWT wireless terminal based on the notified location information, and transmits a radio signal for authentication processing to the position of the R-TWT wireless terminal in order of shortest distance according to the order of the calculated distance. Also, a radio signal for authentication processing may be transmitted to the position of the R-TWT wireless terminal in order of longest distance according to the order of the calculated distance.

Also, if there are multiple R-TWT wireless terminals 20R within the area, the access point 10 may calculate the direction of each R-TWT wireless terminal based on the notified location information, and transmit wireless signals for authentication processing to the positions of the R-TWT wireless terminals in sequence according to the order of the calculated directions. The order of directions may be clockwise or counterclockwise.

The access point 10 may notify the R-TWT type wireless terminal that has made an authentication request of its waiting order. The R-TWT type wireless terminal that has received its waiting order can know how long it will take for the access point 10 to start the authentication process, and therefore can prevent sending unnecessary authentication requests.

In this way, the access point 10 can ensure fairness by performing authentication processing on the R-TWT type wireless terminals 20R present within its area in order of distance or direction.

Therefore, in a wireless LAN system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium, it is possible to efficiently ensure communication timing for the R-TWT type wireless terminals.

(Embodiment 7)
In this embodiment, the access point 10 transmits a radio signal for authentication processing limited to the position of the R-TWT type wireless terminal 20R based on the notified location information, and in addition, the access point 10 transmits a radio signal for dummy authentication processing to an area where no R-TWT type wireless terminals are present based on the notified location information.

An example of authentication processing between the access point 10 and the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R is shown in Figures 12 and 13. The access point 10 checks the location of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R based on the notified location information, and finds an area where the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R is not present. When an authentication request is made, a wireless signal for dummy authentication processing is transmitted to this area.

As shown in FIG. 12, when an access point 10 receives an authentication request, it returns a dummy ACK (SSID_DUM) and does not perform authentication processing for areas where no R-TWT wireless terminal 20R exists. Alternatively, it returns a normal ACK, but does not perform authentication processing thereafter. As shown in FIG. 13, such processing may be performed by a dummy AP (DUMMY_AP) 10D.

On the other hand, for the area where the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R is present, the access point 10 transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing to the location of the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R based on the notified location information.

In this way, the authentication process does not proceed for the non-TWT wireless terminal 20N in an area where the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R does not exist, so the R-TWT wireless terminal 20R can communicate wirelessly without being disturbed.

Therefore, in a wireless LAN system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium, it is possible to more reliably ensure the communication timing of the R-TWT type wireless terminals.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, in a wireless LAN system in which R-TWT type wireless terminals and non-TWT type wireless terminals can wirelessly communicate via a shared wireless medium, it is possible to ensure communication timing for the R-TWT type wireless terminals.

The wireless communication system and method disclosed herein can be applied to the information and communications industry.

10: Access point (AP)
20R: R-TWT type wireless terminal 20N: Non-TWT type wireless terminal 30: Location information service server 40: Application service server

Claims (8)

an access point that wirelessly communicates with a wireless terminal;
a R-TWT type wireless terminal that wirelessly communicates with the access point via a shared wireless medium;
a location information service server that manages location information of the R-TWT type wireless terminal;
Equipped with
The R-TWT type wireless terminal pre-registers its own location information in the location information service server via a connection path different from the shared wireless medium, prior to wireless communication with the access point;
The location information service server notifies the access point of location information of the pre-registered R-TWT type wireless terminal;
In this wireless communication system, when an authentication request is received from the R-TWT type wireless terminal, the access point transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing to the location of the R-TWT type wireless terminal based on the notified location information. Furthermore, the access point notifies the R-TWT type wireless terminal of a time timing for starting wireless communication prior to wireless communication with the R-TWT type wireless terminal;
2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein said access point and said R-TWT wireless terminal start authentication processing at said time timing. a non-TWT type wireless terminal that wirelessly communicates with the access point via the shared wireless medium;
2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the access point adjusts the strength of a wireless signal for authentication processing in accordance with the number of the non-TWT wireless terminals present within an area. The wireless communication system described in claim 1, characterized in that the access point calculates the distance to the R-TWT type wireless terminal based on the notified location information, and adjusts the transmission spread angle of the wireless signal for authentication processing with the R-TWT type wireless terminal in accordance with the calculated distance. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the access point transmits wireless signals for authentication processing to the multiple R-TWT type wireless terminals in the direction of the R-TWT type wireless terminals in sequence according to the order of pre-registration. The wireless communication system described in claim 1, characterized in that the access point calculates the distance or direction to each of the R-TWT type wireless terminals based on the notified location information for each of the multiple R-TWT type wireless terminals, and transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing to the location of the R-TWT type wireless terminals in sequence according to the order of the calculated distances or directions. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the access point transmits a wireless signal for dummy authentication processing to an area where the R-TWT type wireless terminal is not present based on the notified location information. an access point that wirelessly communicates with a wireless terminal;
a R-TWT type wireless terminal that wirelessly communicates with the access point via a shared wireless medium;
a location information service server that manages location information of the R-TWT type wireless terminal;
A wireless communication method implemented by
The R-TWT type wireless terminal pre-registers its own location information in the location information service server via a connection path different from the shared wireless medium, prior to wireless communication with the access point;
The location information service server notifies the access point of location information of the pre-registered R-TWT type wireless terminal;
A wireless communication method in which, upon receiving an authentication request from the R-TWT type wireless terminal, the access point transmits a wireless signal for authentication processing to the location of the R-TWT type wireless terminal based on the notified location information.

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