U.S. patent application number 12/364870 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for wireless communication system and wireless station.
Invention is credited to Tomoko ADACHI, Kuniaki Ito, Hideo Kasami, Kiyoshi Toshimitsu.
Application Number | 20090147761 12/364870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19069982 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090147761 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ADACHI; Tomoko ; et
al. |
June 11, 2009 |
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND WIRELESS STATION
Abstract
A station determines the presence/absence of directional beam
control in an access point, on the basis of received power measured
when data transmitted from the access point are received, and the
type of the received data. In accordance with the result of this
determination, the station controls transmitting power to transmit
data to the access point.
Inventors: |
ADACHI; Tomoko;
(Urayasu-shi, JP) ; Ito; Kuniaki; (Kawasaki-shi,
JP) ; Kasami; Hideo; (Kawasaki-shi, JP) ;
Toshimitsu; Kiyoshi; (Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
19069982 |
Appl. No.: |
12/364870 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11257042 |
Oct 25, 2005 |
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12364870 |
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10212242 |
Aug 6, 2002 |
6983167 |
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11257042 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/338 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 3/2605 20130101;
Y02D 70/142 20180101; H01Q 1/246 20130101; H04W 52/0216 20130101;
Y02D 30/70 20200801; H04W 24/00 20130101; H04B 17/318 20150115;
H04W 52/146 20130101; H04W 52/42 20130101; H04W 88/02 20130101;
Y02D 70/22 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/338 |
International
Class: |
H04W 84/12 20090101
H04W084/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 7, 2001 |
JP |
2001-239198 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A wireless communication method for a system which exchanges
data between an access point and a station, the method comprising:
measuring a received power of the station when data is received by
the station; detecting a type of the received data; determining
whether the access point performs a directional beam control based
on the measured received power and the detected type of the
received data; and controlling a transmitting power of the station
for transmitting data to the access point in accordance with the
result of the determination.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the detecting comprises
detecting whether the received data are broadcast frame data or
unicast frame data.
24. A method according to claim 22, wherein the determining
comprises determining that space division multiple access (SDMA) is
applicable at the access point when a level of a directional beam
is larger than a predetermined level.
25. A method according to claim 22, further comprising: detecting a
transmitting power of the access point for transmitting data.
26. A wireless communication method for a system which exchanges
data between an access point and a station by CSMA (Carrier Sense
Multiple Access), the method comprising: measuring a received power
of the station when data is received by the station; detecting a
type of the received data; determining whether the access point
performs a directional beam control based on the measured received
power and the detected type of the received data; controlling a
transmitting power of the station for transmitting data to the
access point in accordance with the result of the determination;
and controlling a carrier sense level of the station in accordance
with the result of the determination.
27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the detecting comprises
detecting whether the received data are broadcast frame data or
unicast frame data.
28. A method according to claim 26, further comprising: detecting a
transmitting power of the access point for transmitting data.
29. A wireless communication method for a system which exchanges
data between an access point and a station, the method comprising:
measuring a first received power of the station when first data are
broadcast from the access point and received power of second data
are unicast from the access point; determining whether the access
point performs a directional beam based on the measured first
received power and the measured second received power; and
controlling a transmitting power of the station for transmitting
data to the access point when it is determined that the access
point performs the directional beam control.
30. A method according to claim 29, wherein when it is determined
that the access point performs the directional beam control, the
controlling sets the transmitting power at a minimum necessary
power receivable by the access point.
31. A method according to claim 29, wherein when it is determined
that the access point performs the directional beam control, the
determining further checks whether a space division multiple access
is applicable at the access point, and when it is determined that
the access point performs the directional beam control and that the
space division multiple access is applicable at the access point,
the controlling the transmitting power sets the transmitting power
at a minimum necessary power receivable by the access point.
32. A method according to claim 29, further comprising: detecting a
transmitting power of the access point for transmitting the first
data and the second data.
33. A wireless communication method for a system which exchanges
data between an access point and a station by CSMA (Carrier Sense
Multiple Access), the method comprising: measuring first received
power of the station when first data are broadcast from the access
point and second received power of the station when second data are
unicast from the access point; determining whether the access point
performs a directional beam control based on the measured first
received power and the measured second received power; controlling
a transmitting power of the station for transmitting data to the
access point when it is determined that the access point performs
the directional beam control; and controlling a carrier sense level
of the station in accordance with the result of the
determination.
34. A method according to claim 33, wherein when it is determined
that the access point performs directional beam control, the
controlling the carrier sense level raises the carrier sense level
to such an extent that a carrier sense function does not
degrade.
35. A method according to claim 33, wherein when it is determined
that the access point performs the directional beam control, the
determining further checks whether a space division multiple access
is applicable at the access point, and when it is determined that
the access point performs the directional beam control and that the
space division multiple access is applicable at the access point,
the controlling the carrier sense level raises the carrier sense
level of the station to such an extent that a carrier sense
function does not degrade.
36. A method according to claim 33, further comprising: detecting
first and second transmitting powers of the access point for
transmitting the first data and the second data.
37. A wireless communication method for a station which exchanges
data with an access point, the method comprising: measuring first
received power when first data are broadcast from the access point
and second measures the received power when second data are unicast
from the access point; determining whether the access point
performs a directional beam control based on the measured first and
second received powers; and controlling a transmitting power for
transmitting data to the access point when it is determined that
the access point performs the directional beam control.
38. A method according to claim 37, wherein when it is determined
that the access point performs the directional beam control, the
controlling sets the transmitting power at a minimum necessary
power receivable by the access point.
39. A method according to claim 37, wherein when it is determined
that the access point performs the directional beam control, the
determining further checks whether a space division multiple access
is applicable at said access point, and when it is determined that
the access point performs the directional beam control and that the
space division multiple access is applicable at said access point,
the controlling the transmitting power sets the transmitting power
at a minimum necessary power receivable by the access point.
40. A method according to claim 37, further comprising: detecting
first and second transmitting powers of the access point for
transmitting the first data and the second data.
41. A wireless communication method for a station which exchanges
data with an access point by CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access),
the method comprising: measuring first received power when first
data are broadcast from the access point and second received power
when second data are unicast from the access point; determining
whether the access point performs a directional beam control based
on the measured first and second received powers; controlling a
transmitting power when it is determined that the access point
performs the directional beam control; and controlling a carrier
sense level in accordance with a result of the determination.
42. A method according to claim 41, further comprising: detecting
first and second transmitting powers of the access point for
transmitting the first data and the second data.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No.
2001-239198, filed Aug. 7, 2001, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a wireless communication
system useful in a wireless LAN for performing communication by
space division multiplexing, and a wireless station included in
this system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A wireless LAN system based on IEEE 802.11 (ISO/IEC
8802-11:1999(E) ANSI/IEEE Std802.11, 1999 edition) using CSMA
(Carrier Sense Multiple Access) is known. This wireless LAN system
can consist of plural stations and at least one access point. A
station performs carrier sensing before transmitting a packet to
the access point. This carrier sensing includes physical carrier
sensing and virtual carrier sensing. Physical carrier sensing
checks whether a wireless medium is busy or idle, from a received
signal level. Virtual carrier sensing checks whether a wireless
medium is busy or idle, from reservation information contained in a
received signal.
[0006] The station performs carrier sensing and postpones packet
transmission, starts connecting to the access point, or transmits
the packet. That is, when a reception level of a signal is larger
than a certain threshold value or when a packet containing channel
reservation information (NAV (ISO/IEC 8802-11:1999(E) ANSI/IEEE Std
802.11, 1999 edition)) is received from another station or access
point, the station postpones packet transmission and when the
wireless communication medium becomes idle after the elapse of a
random transmission backoff time, the station starts connecting to
the access point. When the station is already connected to the
access point, the station transmits a packet in which the address
of the access point is designated without waiting random time.
[0007] SDMA (Space Division Multiple Access) is known as one
multiplexing method in a wireless communication system. SDMA is
implemented at an access point by using an adaptive array antenna.
The adaptive array antenna forms plural antenna beams which reduce
interference between them. This improves the communication quality
and realizes simultaneous communication between an access point and
plural stations.
[0008] It is presumably possible to achieve similar advantages by
applying this SDMA to a wireless LAN system based on CSMA.
[0009] If, however, SDMA is simply applied to a CSMA wireless LAN
system, the following problem arises.
[0010] Generally, a station does not have a directional antenna
such as an adaptive array antenna. Therefore, while a certain
station is transmitting a packet to an access point, another
station determines by the carrier sense function described above
that the wireless medium is busy, and postpones its packet
transmission. Accordingly, even if an access point of a wireless
communication system using CSMA has an adaptive array antenna,
space division multiple communication in which plural stations
perform simultaneous communication through the same channel cannot
be efficiently performed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
wireless communication system and wireless station by which
communication between an access point and plural stations can be
efficiently performed even when SDMA is used with CSMA.
[0012] According to the first aspect of the invention, in a
wireless communication system which exchanges data between an
access point and plural stations, the station comprises: a received
power measurement unit which measures power of the received data
transmitted from the access point; a received data type detection
unit which detects the type of the received data; a beam gain
estimation unit which determines the presence/absence of
directional beam control at the access point, on the basis of the
received power measured by the received power measurement unit, and
the received data type detected by the received data type detection
unit; and a transmitting power control unit which controls
transmitting power for transmitting data to the access point, in
accordance with the result of the determination by the beam gain
estimation unit.
[0013] According to the second aspect of the invention, in a
wireless communication system which exchanges data between an
access point and plural stations by CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple
Access), the station comprises: a received power measurement unit
which measures power of the received data transmitted from the
access point; a received data type detection unit which detects the
type of the received data; a beam gain estimation unit which
determines the presence/absence of directional beam control in the
access point, on the basis of the received power measured by the
received power measurement unit, and the received data type
detected by the received data type detection unit; a transmitting
power control unit which controls transmitting power for
transmitting data to the access point, in accordance with the
result of the determination by the beam gain estimation unit; and a
carrier sense control unit which controls the carrier sense level
of the station in accordance with the result of the determination
by the beam gain estimation unit.
[0014] According to the third aspect of the invention, in a
wireless communication system which exchanges data between an
access point and plural stations, the station comprises: a received
power measurement unit which measures the received power of the
first data which is broadcast from the access point, and measures
the received power of the second data which is unicast from the
access point to the station; a beam gain estimation unit which
determines the presence/absence of directional beam control in the
access point, on the basis of the first and second received powers
measured by the received power measurement unit; and a transmitting
power control unit which controls transmitting power for
transmitting data to the access point, if the beam gain estimation
unit determines that the access point is performing directional
beam control.
[0015] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in a
wireless communication system which exchanges data between an
access point and plural stations by CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple
Access), the station comprises: a received power measurement unit
which measures the received power of the first data which is
broadcast from the access point, and measures the received power of
the second data which is unicast from the access point to the
station; a beam gain estimation unit which determines the
presence/absence of directional beam control in the access point,
on the basis of the first and second received powers measured by
the received power measurement unit; a transmitting power control
unit which controls transmitting power for transmitting data to the
access point, if the beam gain estimation unit determines that the
access point is performing directional beam control; and a carrier
sense control unit which controls the carrier sense level of the
station in accordance with the result of the determination by the
beam gain estimation unit.
[0016] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, a wireless
station which exchanges data with an access point, comprises: a
received power measurement unit which measures the received power
of the first data which is broadcast from the access point, and
measures the received power of the second data which is unicast
from the access point to the station; a beam gain estimation unit
which determines the presence/absence of directional beam control
in the access point, on the basis of the first and second received
powers measured by the received power measurement unit; and a
transmitting power control unit which controls transmitting power
for transmitting data to the access point, if the beam gain
estimation unit determines that the access point is performing
directional beam control.
[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, wireless
station which exchanges data with an access point by CSMA (Carrier
Sense Multiple Access), comprises: a received power measurement
unit which measures the received power of the first data which is
broadcast from the access point, and measures the received power of
the second data which is unicast from the access point to the
station; a beam gain estimation unit which determines the
presence/absence of directional beam control in the access point,
on the basis of the first and second received powers measured by
the received power measurement unit; a transmitting power control
unit which controls transmitting power for transmitting data to the
access point, if the beam gain estimation unit determines that the
access point is performing directional beam control; and a carrier
sense control unit which controls the carrier sense level of the
station in accordance with the result of the determination by the
beam gain estimation unit.
[0018] In this invention, a wireless station controls the
transmitting power for communication with an access point. When
this wireless station is communicating with the access point,
another wireless station present near this wireless station is less
likely to sense busy of a wireless medium by carrier sensing. This
increases the number of multiple connections. Accordingly, the
transmission efficiency can be improved when SDMA is applied.
[0019] Also, a wireless station controls the carrier sense level.
When another wireless station present near this wireless station is
communicating with an access point, this wireless station can be
less likely to sense busy of a wireless communication medium by
controlling the carrier sense level. Since this increases the
number of multiple connections, the transmission efficiency can be
improved when SDMA is applied.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0020] FIG. 1 is a view showing the arrangement of a wireless LAN
system as a wireless communication system according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an
access point apparatus;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an
adaptive array antenna;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a
wireless station;
[0024] FIGS. 5A and 5B are views explaining a MAC frame defined in
IEEE802.11;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a flow chart explaining the operation of
processing in a wireless station;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a view explaining a transmitter power control
procedure when data is exchanged between a wireless station and an
access point;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flow chart explaining a transmitter power
control procedure of a wireless station;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a view explaining a transmitter power control
procedure when data is exchanged between a wireless station and an
access point, in which shared key authentication is performed;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a view explaining a transmitter power control
procedure when data is exchanged between a wireless station and an
access point, in which transmitting power is decided through
association process;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another configuration of
a wireless station;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a flow chart explaining a carrier sense level
control procedure in a wireless station;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a view explaining a case in which an access point
1 communicates with plural stations by one directional beam;
and
[0033] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of a
wireless communication system consisting of plural BSSs (Basic
Service Sets).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below
with reference to the accompanying drawing.
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication system according to
the first embodiment of the present invention. This wireless
communication system is configured as a wireless LAN system. This
wireless LAN system complies with, e.g., the IEEE802.11 (including
IEEE802.11a and IEEE802.11b) standard. That is, FIG. 1 shows a BSS
(Basic Service Set) comprising an access point (AP) 1 as an access
point and wireless stations (STAs) 4-1 through 4-3 as plural
wireless clients which connect to the access point 1.
[0036] The access point 1 may be installed in a specific fixed
position and connected to a backbone network 5. This access point 1
has an adaptive array antenna 2 which forms plural relatively
narrow directional patterns (to be also referred to as directional
beams or antenna beams hereinafter) 3-1 through 3-3.
[0037] By using these antenna beams 3-1 through 3-3, the access
point 1 can simultaneously communicate with plural wireless
stations (to be simply referred to as stations or terminals
hereinafter) 4-1 through 4-3 using the same channel. That is, the
access point 1 performs SDMA to the stations 4-1 through 4-3. In
this embodiment, the access point 1 forms three antenna beams 3-1
through 3-3 to communicate simultaneously with the three stations
4-1 through 4-3, respectively. However, the number of the antenna
beams and the number of the stations as objects of simultaneous
communication can be any arbitrary number which is 2 or more.
Although the stations 4-1 through 4-3 are generally installed in
fixed positions, they can also be mobile or mounted on mobile
bodies.
[0038] The configuration of the access point 1 according to this
embodiment will be explained below with reference to FIG. 2.
[0039] Receivers 11-1 through 11-3 receive transmission signals
from the stations 4-1 through 4-3 via the antenna beams 3-1 through
3-3 of the adaptive array antenna 2. The received signals are
subjected to processing including demodulation and decoding,
thereby received signals RS-1 through RS-3 are formed.
[0040] Transmitters 12-1 through 12-3 generate transmission signals
TS1 through TS3 to be transmitted to the stations 4-1 through 4-3
via the antenna beams 3-1 through 3-3 of the adaptive array antenna
2. These transmission signals TS1 through TS3 are supplied to the
adaptive array antenna 2.
[0041] The received signals RS1 through RS3 from the receivers 11-1
through 11-3 are input to a reception controller 13 and subjected
to a predetermined receiving process.
[0042] A transmission controller 14 performs a transmitting
process, e.g., generates data to be transmitted to the stations
(STAs) 4-1 through 4-3 by broadcast or unicast. These data
generated by the transmission controller 14 are transmitted as
transmission signals TS1 through TS3 to the stations (STAs) 4-1
through 4-3 via the transmitters 12-1 through 12-3,
respectively.
[0043] A practical configuration of the adaptive array antenna 2
will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, this adaptive array antenna 2 includes
antenna elements 30-1 through 30-3, transmission/reception switches
31-1 through 31-3, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) 32-1 through 32-3,
down-converters 33-1 through 33-3, distributors 34-1 through 34-3,
receiving beam formation circuits 35-1 through 35-3, transmitting
beam formation circuits 36-1 through 36-3, combiners 37-1 through
37-3, up-converters 38-1 through 38-3, high-frequency power
amplifiers (HPAs) 39-1 through 39-3, and a beam controller 40.
[0045] The transmission/reception switches 31-1 through 31-3, the
LNAs 32-1 through 32-3, the down-converters 33-1 through 33-3, the
distributors 34-1 through 34-3, the combiners 37-1 through 37-3,
the up-converters 38-1 through 38-3, and the HPAs 39-1 through 39-3
are formed in one-to-one correspondence with the antenna elements
30-1 through 30-3, i.e., the numbers of these units are the same as
the number (in this embodiment, three) of the antenna elements 30-1
through 30-3. The numbers of the receiving beam formation circuits
35-1 through 35-3 and the transmitting beam formation circuits 36-1
through 36-3 are the same as the number (in this embodiment, three)
of the antenna beams formed by the adaptive array antenna 2. The
number of these antenna beams can be smaller or larger than the
number of the antenna elements 30-1 through 30-3.
[0046] The operation of the adaptive array antenna 2 will be
explained below. Wireless Frequency (RF) signals received by the
antenna elements 30-1 through 30-3 are input to the LNAs 32-1
through 32-3 via the transmission/reception switches 31-1 through
31-3, respectively. The input RF signals are amplified to a
predetermined level by the LNAs 32-1 through 32-3. These RF signals
amplified by the LNAs 32-1 through 32-3 are input to the
down-converters 33-1 through 33-3. The down-converters 33-1 through
33-3 convert the input RF signals into intermediate frequency (IF)
or base band and supply the converted signals to the distributors
34-1 through 34-3.
[0047] The distributor 34-1 distributes the output signal from the
down-converter 33-1 to the receiving beam formation circuits 35-1
through 35-3. The distributor 34-2 distributes the output signal
from the down-converter 33-2 to the receiving beam formation
circuits 35-1 through 35-3. The distributor 34-3 distributes the
output signal from the down-converter 33-3 to the receiving beam
formation circuits 35-1 through 35-3.
[0048] The receiving beam formation circuits 35-1 through 35-3
combine the input signals by weighting them in accordance with a
complex weighting factor for reception set by the beam controller
40. Consequently, plural receiving antenna beams are formed.
Signals corresponding to these receiving antenna beams from the
receiving beam formation circuits 35-1 through 35-3 are supplied to
the receivers 11-1 through 11-3 shown in FIG. 2.
[0049] On the other hand, the transmission signals TS1 through TS3
from the transmitters 12-1 through 12-3 shown in FIG. 2 are input
to the transmitting beam formation circuits 36-1 through 36-3,
respectively. These transmitting beam formation circuits 36-1
through 36-3 multiply the input transmission signals by plural
complex weighting factors for transmission set by the beam
controller 40.
[0050] Plural output signals from the transmitting beam formation
circuit 36-1 are input to the combiners 37-1 through 37-3. Plural
output signals from the transmitting beam formation circuit 36-2
are also input to the combiners 37-1 through 37-3. Furthermore,
plural output signals from the transmitting beam formation circuit
36-3 are input to the combiners 37-1 through 37-3. Each of these
combiners 37-1 through 37-3 combines its plural input signals into
one signal.
[0051] Output signals from the combiners 37-1 through 37-3 are
supplied to the up-converters 38-1 through 38-3. These
up-converters 38-1 through 38-3 convert signals in intermediate
frequency (IF) or base band (BB) into wireless frequency (RF) and
input the converted signals to the HPAs 39-1 through 39-3.
Transmission signals amplified by the HPAs 39-1 through 39-3 are
supplied to the antenna elements 30-1 through 30-3 via the switches
31-1 through 31-3, respectively, and transmitted to the stations
4-1 through 4-3.
[0052] As described above, the beam controller 40 sets complex
weighting factors for reception with respect to the receiving beam
formation circuits 35-1 through 35-3. The beam controller 40 also
sets complex weighting factors for transmission with respect to the
transmitting beam formation circuits 36-1 through 36-3.
Furthermore, with respect to beam formation circuits which make a
pair in transmission and reception (e.g., the receiving beam
formation circuit 35-1 and the transmitting beam formation circuit
36-1), the beam controller 40 sets weighting factors for
communication with the same station.
[0053] The access point (AP) 1 transmits a beacon at predetermined
intervals. This beacon is transmitted by using transmitting power
large enough to be received by the stations (STAs) 4-1 through 4-3
present around the access point 1. A beacon frame must be
transmitted to all the stations 4-1 through 4-3. Since, therefore,
broadcast transmission is performed, an omnidirectional pattern is
used. On the other hand, frame transmission and reception during
authentication and association processes must be performed
separately for the stations (STAs) 4-1 through 4-3. Hence, for
these unicast transmissions, directional beams are preferable to be
used.
[0054] By using this feature, the stations (STAs) 4-1 through 4-3
according to the first embodiment check the type of received data.
The type whether a frame transmitted by an omnidirectional pattern
(to be also referred to as an omnidirectional beam hereinafter) or
a frame transmitted by a directional beam is checked. A frame
transmitted by an omnidirectional pattern is, e.g., a beacon frame
defined in IEEE802.11 (including IEEE802.11a and IEEE802.11b).
Examples of a frame transmitted by a directional beam are
authentication frames and association frames.
[0055] By using received power information of an omnidirectional
beam and received power information of a directional beam, the gain
of a directional beam used by the access point 1 to transmit a
unicast frame addressed to a station is estimated. It is possible
to precisely estimate the gain of the directional beam by
considering the transmitted power information for the directional
beam and the transmitted power information for the non-directional
beam. It is also possible to estimate the gain of the directional
beam by considering the transmitted power information and the
received power information when a frame type (broadcast/unicast) is
not used. On the basis of the result of this estimation, the
station checks whether the access point 1 forms a directional beam.
If this is possible, the station then checks whether SDMA is
applicable at the access point 1. If SDMA can be expected to take
place, the station adjusts the transmitting power of data addressed
to the access point 1.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of the
main parts of the station (STA) 4-i (i=1 through 3).
[0057] This station 4-i includes an antenna 100, a receiver 101, a
received power measurement unit 102, a received data type detector
103, a transmitted power detector 104, a beam gain estimator 105, a
transmitting power controller 106, a transmitter 107, and an
information processor 108. It is possible to omit the transmitted
power detector 104.
[0058] The information processor 108 transfers the transmission
data to the transmitter 107 when a transmission request is
generated due to the preparation of transmission data or the like
according to, e.g., a user's operation.
[0059] The transmitter 107 converts these transmission data (e.g.,
IP packets) into a MAC frame defined by IEEE802.11. In addition,
the transmitter 107 converts a MAC frame managed as digital data
into a wireless signal in a predetermined frequency (e.g., 2.4
GHz), and transmits the signal as a wireless wave from the antenna
100.
[0060] On the other hand, a signal received by the antenna 100 is
input to the receiver 101. The receiver 101 converts the received
signal into a MAC frame, extracts the received data from an
information field in this MAC frame, and transfers the extracted
received data to the information processor 108. The information
processor 108 performs a process of displaying the received data on
a display and the like. Note that the information processor 108 can
also perform other various information processing operations.
[0061] A MAC frame defined by IEEE802.11 can be used not only as a
data frame for communication in exchanging data but also for
management and access control. This management and access control
includes authentication by the access point 1 prior to
communication and transmission of a message to assure the
transmission right of a wireless station. These procedures are
defined in IEEE802.11. The receiver 101 and the transmitter 107
execute these procedures and generate a MAC frame.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 5A, a MAC frame consists of MAC header,
data field, and frame check sequence (FCS). The MAC header has a
maximum of 30 bytes and stores various pieces of control
information. FIG. 5A shows the case of a data frame, which is
described later. The data field stores data having a maximum of
2,312 bytes. The FCS is used to check whether the data is correctly
transmitted.
[0063] MAC frames are classified into three types: a management
frame such as beacon, authentication and association frames for
managing a wireless system; a data frame for data communication,
and a control frame used for access control. The type of a MAC
frame is described in the type field F1a in the frame control field
F1 of the MAC header. Also, the subtype field F1b in the frame
control field F1 indicates the details of the type of a MAC
frame.
[0064] When a data frame is transmitted from the access point to
the station, the MAC header further includes a destination address
(DA) F2, BSSID (Basic Service Set Identification) F3 which is a MAC
address of the access point actually transmitting the frame, and a
source address (SA) of the frame, as shown in FIG. 5A. As for a
management frame, the order of BSSID and SA is reversed and the
address fields come in order of DA-SA-BSSID. The destination
address F2 holds a predetermined broadcast address or the address
of a station (STA) 4-i. As for a control frame (RTS/CTS), the MAC
header includes Frame Control, Duration ID, two of address fields
RA, TA, and BBSID. Depending on the kind of frame, only one address
field is included. Frame body is not included. The MAC header of
the control frame RTS includes Frame Control, Duration ID, address
fields RA and TA. The MAC header of the control frame CTS includes
Frame Control, Duration ID, address fields RA and FCS.
[0065] Referring back to FIG. 4, the received power measurement
unit 102 measures the power (received power) induced at the antenna
when frame data is received by the receiver 101.
[0066] The received data type detector 103 checks whether a MAC
frame is broadcast or unicast, from MAC header portion or
information stored in data field F4 which is a frame body in the
MAC frame obtained by the receiver 101.
[0067] That is, from the type field F1a and the subtype filed F1b
in a MAC frame, the received data type detector 103 checks whether
the MAC frame is a beacon frame (broadcast frame) or an
authentication or association frame (unicast frame).
[0068] Note that the received data type detector 103 can also check
whether a MAC frame obtained by the receiver 101 is broadcast or
unicast, from the destination address (DA) F2 in the MAC frame.
However, an explanation will be made by taking the former case as
an example.
[0069] From a MAC frame obtained by the receiver 101, the
transmitted power detector 104 extracts information pertaining to
the transmitting power (transmitted power information) when this
MAC frame is transmitted from the access point 1. This transmitted
power information can be either a power value itself or a relative
value (e.g., a level value) based on a certain predetermined value.
In short, the transmitted power information can be any information
provided with which the station (STA) 4-i can detect fluctuations
of the transmitted power. This transmitted power information is
stored in a predetermined position of a MAC frame. For example, the
transmitted power information is desirably indicated in any or
several undefined (reserved) fields, of the frame body F4 in FIG.
5A those of such as beacon, authentication and association frames,
in IEEE802.11 (including IEEE802.11a and 802.11b) standard.
However, the transmitted power information can also be indicated in
any other fields in a MAC frame, which is unused in operation of
the wireless communication system.
[0070] For example, in an authentication frame, the transmitted
power information can be expressed by using one or plural undefined
status codes in a status code field contained in the data field in
FIG. 5A as the authentication frame body (see FIG. 5B).
[0071] Also, the transmitted power of each MAC frame type can be
predetermined and, in accordance with the types of MAC frames such
as beacon, authentication, and association frames, the
corresponding transmitted powers can be prestored in the
transmitted power detector 104. In this case, when the received
data type detector 103 detects the type of the received MAC frame,
the transmitted power detector 104 reads out the transmitted power
corresponding to the detected type.
[0072] The beam gain estimator 105 estimates the gain of the
directional beam of data received by the receiver 101, from the
type of the received data detected by the data type detector 103,
the received power measured by the received power measurement unit
102, and the transmitted power information of the received data
obtained by the transmitted power detector 104. The data type
indicates whether a frame is broadcast (frame) data such as a
beacon frame, or unicast (frame) data such as authentication or
association frames. The beam gain estimator 105 also checks the
presence/absence of directional beam control at the access point 1.
If the examined gain value (level) is equal to or more than a
predetermined level, the beam gain estimator 105 determines that
SDMA is applicable at the access point 1.
[0073] When the beam gain estimator 105 determines that SDMA is
applicable at the access point 1, the transmitting power controller
106 lowers, by, e.g., a predetermined level, the transmitting power
of data addressed to the access point 1. This transmitting power is
preferable to be the minimum transmitting power within the
receivable range at the access point 1, i.e., preferable to be the
minimum necessary transmitting power for the access point 1. Note
that a circuit for controlling the transmitting power is well known
to those skilled in the art.
[0074] FIG. 6 is a flow chart to explain the operation of
processing in a station (STA) 4-i.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 6, when the power supply is turned on
(step S1), the station (STA) 4-i is set in a reception mode. For
example, when a request comes from the access point 1, the station
(STA) 4-i can receive it immediately (step S2).
[0076] In this reception mode, suppose a transmission request for
transmitting data is generated in the station (STA) 4-i (by, e.g.,
a user's operation), and a request to establish a connection with
the access point 1 is generated (step S3). In this case, processes
called authentication and association are executed between the
station (STA) 4-i and the access point 1 (steps S4 and S5). Note
that these authentication and association processes comply with the
IEEE802.11 (including IEEE802.11a and IEEE802.11b) standard.
[0077] When the authentication and association process succeeded
and connection between the station (STA) 4-i and the access point 1
is established, the station (STA) 4-i can communicate with the
access point 1 through this connection (step S6).
[0078] When a disconnection request is generated, the station (STA)
4-i disconnects the established connection through operations
called disassociation and deauthentication (steps S7 and S8), and
returns to the reception mode (step S2).
[0079] A method for disconnection such as disassociation and
deauthentication processes also complies with the IEEE802.11
(including IEEE802.11a and IEEE802.11b) standard.
[0080] Next, a transmitter power control procedure when data are to
be transmitted to the access point 1 will be explained below with
reference to FIG. 7, by taking one of the stations (STAs) 4-i
(e.g., the station (STA) 4-1) as an example.
[0081] The access point 1 transmits a beacon frame every
predetermined period (it may not be in a strict cycle) (step S101).
In principle, the station (STA) 4-i can receive a beacon frame not
only in the reception mode depicted as step S2 in FIG. 6, but also
during authentication in step S4, association in step S5,
disassociation in step S7, deauthentication in step S8, and in
communication mode in step S6. In the reception mode, for example,
if the received packet type detector 103 of the station (STA) 4-i
determines that data received via the antenna 100 is a beacon
frame, the station (STA) 4-i inputs, to the beam gain estimator
105, the received power of this beacon frame measured by the
received power measurement unit 102 and transmitting power
information contained in the beacon frame or prestored transmitted
power information corresponding to the beacon frame (step
S102).
[0082] Note that whenever a beacon frame is received, the measured
received power and the transmitted power information may be stored
in a time series manner.
[0083] After that, suppose a request to establish a connection is
generated at the station (STA) 4-i (step S3 in FIG. 6), and the
flow advances to the authentication process which is step S4 in
FIG. 6. In this case, the transmitter 107 of the station (STA) 4-i
transmits, to the access point 1, an authentication frame
(addressed to the access point 1) which is a signal for starting an
authentication request, and in which authentication transaction
sequence number (to be simply referred to as ATSN hereinafter)=1
(step S103). If transmitting power previously set by the
transmitting power controller 106 is available, the station (STA)
4-i transmits the authentication frame of ATSN=1 to the access
point 1 using that transmitting power. If not, the authentication
frame can be transmitted by a predetermined default transmitting
power.
[0084] Note that ATSN is indicated in the frame body F4 of the
authentication frame.
[0085] The access point 1 receives the authentication frame of
ATSN=1 and, on the basis of the received power and the like, sets a
directional beam to be directed to the station (STA) 4-i (step
S104). That is, the access point 1 sets the aforementioned
weighting factor corresponding to the direction in which the
station (STA) 4-i exists.
[0086] By using this directional beam, the access point 1 transmits
an authentication frame of ATSN=2 (a response to the authentication
frame of ATSN=1) to the station (STA) 4-i (step S105).
[0087] This authentication frame of ATSN=2 can contain transmitted
power information as described above.
[0088] If the received packet type detector 103 determines that the
data received via the antenna 100 is an authentication frame of
ATSN=2, the received power of this frame measured by the received
power measurement unit 102 and transmitted power information
extracted from the frame by the transmitted power detector 104 or
prestored transmitted power information corresponding to the
authentication frame of ATSN=2 are input to the beam gain estimator
105 (step S106). This is possible when the access point does not
set the directional beam or when the directional angle of the first
directional beam is (relatively widely) predetermined and known at
the station.
[0089] By using the received power and transmitted power
information of the authentication frame of ATSN=2 obtained in step
S106 of FIG. 7, the beam gain estimator 105 and the transmitting
power controller 106 perform processing as shown in FIG. 8, thereby
the transmitting power is adjusted (step S107).
[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, the beam gain estimator 105 checks the
presence/absence of directional beam control in the access point 1,
on the basis of the received power and transmitted power
information of the received beacon frame obtained in step S102 of
FIG. 7 and the received power and transmitted power information of
the authentication frame of ATSN=2 obtained in step S106 of FIG. 7
(step S201). The presence/absence of directional beam control means
whether the directivity to the station (STA) 4-i at the access
point 1 is narrowed, or in other words whether the antenna beam is
directed to the station (STA) 4-i.
[0091] For example, assume that the transmitted power information
of a beacon frame transmitted by an omnidirectional pattern is "3"
and the received power of this frame is "2", and that the
transmitted power information of an authentication frame presumably
transmitted by using a directional beam is "3" and the received
power of this frame is "4". Note that each numerical value
indicates not an actual power value but a level corresponding to
the power value. In this case, the received power increases
although the transmitting power of the access point 1 remains (at)
"3". Therefore, it is estimated that this access point 1 is
performing directional beam control having a gain of, e.g., level
1. When the detection of the transmitted power is omitted,
presence/absence of the directional beam control can be determined
similarly from the promise (or assumption) that the access point is
transmitting with the same transmission power.
[0092] Likewise, assume that the transmitted power information of a
beacon frame is "3" and its received power is "2", and that the
transmitted power information of an authentication frame is "4" and
its received power is "4". In this case, although the transmitted
power of the access point 1 increases by "1", the received power
increases by "2". That is, the degree of a change in the
transmitted power does not correspond to that of a change in the
received power. In this case, it is also estimated that the access
point 1 is performing directional beam control having a gain of,
e.g., level 1.
[0093] Also, assume that the transmitted power information of a
beacon frame is "3" and its received power is "2", and that the
transmitted power information of an authentication frame is "4" and
its received power is "3". In this case, the transmitted power of
the access point 1 increases by "1", and the received power also
increases by "1"; the degree of a change in the transmitted power
corresponds to that of a change in the received power. When this is
the case, the access point 1 is controlling its transmitting power,
and the received power also changes according to it. Therefore, it
is estimated that the access point 1 is not performing directional
beam control with the use of a directional antenna.
[0094] The accuracy of this estimation can be improved by
performing the estimation from the results of reception of two or
more beacon frames and two or more authentication frames.
[0095] If it is determined in step S201 that the access point 1 is
performing directional beam control, the beam gain estimator 105
checks whether the directivity of the access point 1 is well
narrowed to the station (STA) 4-i and the antenna beam is strong
enough to perform SDMA. That is, if the level of the gain of the
directional beam estimated as above is equal to or higher than a
predetermined level (step S202), the beam gain estimator 105
determines that SDMA is applicable at the access point 1 (step
S203).
[0096] For example, if the gain of the directional beam is level 1
or more, it is determined that the beam of the access point 1 is
narrowed enough to perform SDMA (it is determined that SDMA is
applicable).
[0097] Note that step S202 is not a necessary determination step
and can be omitted. In this case, if it is determined in step S201
that the access point 1 is performing directional beam control, the
flow advances to step S204 by skipping steps S202 and S203.
[0098] If in step S203 the beam gain estimator 105 determines that
SDMA is applicable at the access point 1 as described above, the
flow advances to step S204, and the transmitting power controller
106 lowers the transmitting power of data addressed to the access
point 1 by a predetermined level. Preferably, the transmitting
power controller 106 sets the minimum necessary power as the
transmitting power of data addressed to the access point 1. That
is, a sufficiently small value within the receivable range at the
access point 1 is set.
[0099] Referring back to FIG. 7, if in step S107 transmitter power
control is performed in accordance with FIG. 8 to set a new
transmitting power, this set transmitting power is used as the
transmitting power of data addressed to the access point 1
thereafter.
[0100] If authentication process succeeded, then association is
performed if following the IEEE802.11 standard. That is, if the
transmitting power is set in step S107, the transmitter 107 of the
station (STA) 4-i transmits an association request frame to request
starting the association process to the access point 1 by the set
transmitting power (step S108).
[0101] When this association request frame is received
successfully, the access point 1 transmits, as a response to the
request, an association response frame to the station (STA) 4-i
(step S109). If this association process succeeded, the access
control phase is completed, and data frames are exchanged with the
access point 1 in accordance with the communication mode as shown
in step S6 of FIG. 6 (step S110).
[0102] Shared key type authentication will be described below with
reference to FIG. 9. Note that the same reference numerals as in
FIG. 7 denote the same processes with FIG. 9, and different
processes will be explained. That is, in this shared key
authentication, after receiving the authentication frame of ATSN=2
in step S105, the station (STA) 4-i transmits an authentication
frame of ATSN=3 to the access point 1 (step S151). If transmitting
power is set previously by the transmitting power controller 106
and is available, the station (STA) 4-i transmits the
authentication frame of ATSN=3 to the access point 1 by using that
transmitting power. If not, the authentication frame can be
transmitted by a predetermined default transmitting power.
[0103] The access point 1 receives this authentication frame of
ATSN=3 and, on the basis of the received power and the like, sets a
directional beam directed to the station (STA) 4-i (step S152).
That is, the access point 1 resets the aforementioned weighting
factor corresponding to the direction in which the station (STA)
4-i exists.
[0104] By using this directional beam, the access point 1 transmits
an authentication frame of ATSN=4 to the station (STA) 4-i (step
S153).
[0105] This authentication frame of ATSN=4 can contain transmitted
power information as described above.
[0106] If the received data type detector 103 determines that data
frame received via the antenna 100 is an authentication frame of
ATSN=4, the received power of this frame measured by the received
power measurement unit 102 and transmitted power information
extracted from the frame by the transmitted power detector 104 or
prestored transmitted power information at the transmitted power
detector 104 corresponding to the authentication frame of ATSN=4
are input to the beam gain estimator 105 (step S154).
[0107] By using the received power and transmitted power
information of the received beacon frame obtained in step S102 of
FIG. 7 and the received power and transmitted power information of
the authentication frame of ATSN=4 obtained in step S154 described
above, the beam gain estimator 105 and the transmitting power
controller 106 perform processing as shown in FIG. 8, thereby the
transmitting power is set (step S155).
[0108] The rest is the same as the operation of processing after
step S108 in FIG. 7.
[0109] Next, an operation when the station (STA) 4-i performs
transmitter power control not in authentication but in association
will be described below with reference to FIG. 10. Note that the
same reference numerals as in FIG. 7 denote the same processes in
FIG. 10, and different processes will be explained. That is, after
the station (STA) 4-i receives the authentication frame of ATSN=2
in step S105, the flow advances to step S108 by skipping steps S106
and 107, and the station (STA) 4-i transmits an association request
frame to request starting the association process to the access
point 1 (step S108). When this association request frame is
received successfully, the access point 1 transmits, as a response
to the request, an association response frame to the station (STA)
4-i (step S110).
[0110] This association response frame may also contain transmitted
power information as same as the case of the authentication
frame.
[0111] If the received data type detector 103 determines that data
frame received via the antenna 100 is the association response
frame, the received power of this frame measured by the received
power measurement unit 102 and transmitted power information
extracted from the frame by the transmitted power detector 104 or
prestored transmitted power information corresponding to the
association response frame are input to the beam gain estimator 105
(step S161).
[0112] By using the received power and transmitted power
information of the received beacon frame obtained in step S102 and
the received power and transmitted power information of the
association response frame obtained in step S161 described above,
the beam gain estimator 105 and the transmitting power controller
106 perform processing as shown in FIG. 8, thereby the transmitting
power is set (step S162).
[0113] If this association process succeeded, the access control
phase is completed, and data frames are exchanged with the access
point 1 in accordance with the communication mode as shown in step
S6 of FIG. 6 (step S163). The access point 1 receiving the
association request frame sets the directional beam directed to the
station (STA) 4-i based on the received power or the like. Then,
the access point 1 transmits the association response frame to the
station (STA) 4-i. Note that both or one of the steps S104 and S109
may be provided.
[0114] In this first embodiment as described above, the station
(STA) 4-i checks whether the access point 1 is performing
directional beam control, from received power of broadcast data
transmitted by the access point 1 is received, and from received
power of unicast data transmitted by the access point 1 is received
(if determining that the access point 1 is performing directional
beam control, the station (STA) 4-i further checks whether the
directivity is narrowed enough to perform SDMA). If it is
determined that the access point 1 is performing directional beam
control (such that the directivity is narrowed enough to perform
SDMA), the station (STA) 4-i sets preferably the minimum necessary
power as the transmitting power to transmit data to the access
point 1 thereafter. This reduces interference to other
communicating stations (STAs) 4-i (when STA 4-1 is performing
transmitter power control, this "i" will be 2 and 3).
[0115] The station (STA) 4-1 performs transmitter power control as
described above. Therefore, compared to the case in which the
station (STA) 4-1 does not perform transmitter power control, the
received power of a signal transmitted from this station (STA) 4-1
to the access point 1 is sufficiently small at the other station
(STA) 4-i (i=2 or 3) which performs carrier sensing. This reduces
the possibility that a wireless medium is detected to be busy at
the other station (STA) 4-i (i=2 or 3). That is, if the other
station (STA) 4-i (i=2 or 3) does not sense the received power of a
transmitted signal from the station (STA) 4-1 to the access point
1, the other station (STA) 4-i (i=2 or 3) does not set an NAV
(Network Allocation Vector) defined in IEEE802.11 (if this NAV is
set, a station does not access the access point 1 for an interval
designated by the NAV). Also, the access point 1 needs not to
transmit to other stations (STAs) 4-2 and 4-3 the same data with
those transmitted to the station (STA) 4-1 by another directional
beam separated from the directional beam used for communication
with the station (STA) 4-1. This means the access point 1 needs not
to have other stations (STAs) 4-2 and 4-3 set NAV as measures for
hidden station problem with respect to the communication with the
station (STA) 4-1.
[0116] Accordingly, the access point 1 can perform SDMA with plural
stations (STAs) 4-i (i=1 through 3). This increases the number of
multiple connections compared to the case where the station (STA)
4-i does not perform the transmitter power control described
above.
[0117] The received data type detector 103 of the above first
embodiment checks whether a received frame is a broadcast frame
which is to be transmitted by an omnidirectional pattern, or a
unicast frame which is to be transmitted by a directional beam, if
the access point 1 is performing directional beam control. More
specifically, the received data type detector 103 extracts the type
filed F1a, the subtype filed F1b, and the frame body F4 of a MAC
frame obtained by the receiver 101. From these pieces of
information, the received data type detector 103 determines whether
a received frame is a broadcast beacon frame or a unicast
authentication/association frame.
[0118] In the process to check the access point 1 is performing
directional beam control, whether the frame transmitted from the
access 1 is a broadcast frame data or a unicast frame can be also
discriminated by checking the destination address of the frame,
instead of the above method. That is, the received data type
detector 103 checks the destination address (DA) of the MAC frame
shown in FIG. 5A, and determines that the frame is broadcast if the
DA holds a broadcast address, and that the frame is unicast if the
DA specifies the station's own address. This method can detect the
type of a received frame whether broadcast or unicast and also be
realized similar to the above method.
SECOND EMBODIMENT
[0119] In the first embodiment described above, the station (STA)
4-i performs transmitter power control. In the second embodiment,
this station (STA) 4-i controls a carrier sense level.
[0120] This second embodiment is basically the same as the first
embodiment. That is, the station (STA) 4-i checks whether an access
point 1 is performing directional beam control, from received power
of broadcast frame transmitted by the access point 1 and its
transmitted power information, and from received power of unicast
frame transmitted by the access point 1 and its transmitted power
information (if it is determined that the access point 1 is
performing directional beam control, the station (STA) 4-i further
checks whether the directivity is narrowed enough at the access
point 1 to perform SDMA). If it is determined that the access point
1 is performing directional beam control (such that the directivity
is narrowed enough to perform SDMA), the station (STA) 4-i raises
its carrier sense level, thereby the sensitivity of carrier sense
is suppressed to the minimum necessary level.
[0121] FIG. 11 shows the arrangement of the major components of the
station (STA) 4-i according to the second embodiment. The same
reference numerals as in FIG. 4 denotes the same parts in FIG. 11,
and only a different portion will be explained. That is, referring
to FIG. 11, a carrier sense controller 109 is additionally
included.
[0122] When a beam gain estimator 105 determines that SDMA is
applicable at the access point 1, this carrier sense controller 109
raises the carrier sense level in CSMA of its own station to such
an extent that the function of carrier sense is not impaired,
thereby the carrier sense sensitivity is suppressed. Note that a
circuit for raising or lowering the carrier sense level is known to
those skilled in the art.
[0123] The timings at which the carrier sense controller 109 sets
the carrier sense level are the same as transmitter power control
in the first embodiment. That is, the carrier sense controller 109
sets the carrier sense level simultaneously with or instead of the
setting of transmitting power in steps S107, S155, and S162 of
FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, respectively.
[0124] FIG. 12 is a flow chart to explain the carrier sense level
control procedure. Note that the same reference numerals as in FIG.
8 denote the same processes in FIG. 12, and different processes
will be explained.
[0125] As explained with reference to FIG. 8, in steps S106, S154,
and S161 in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, respectively, the beam gain
estimator 105 checks whether the access point 1 is performing
directional beam control, from received power when data transmitted
by broadcast by the access point 1 is received and transmitting
power information corresponding to the received data, and from
received power when data transmitted by unicast by the access point
1 and transmitting power information corresponding to the received
data. If determining that the access point 1 is performing
directional beam control, the beam gain estimator 105 further
checks whether the directivity of the access point 1 is narrowed
enough to perform SDMA. For example, if the level of a gain of a
directional beam is equal to or higher than a predetermined level,
the beam gain estimator 105 determines that SDMA is applicable at
the access point 1 (steps S201 through S203). As in the first
embodiment, the determination processes from steps S202 through
S203 can also be omitted. When this is the case, if the beam gain
estimator 105 determines that the access point 1 is performing
directional beam control at step S201, the flow advances to step
S205 by skipping steps S202 through S203.
[0126] If in step S203 the beam gain estimator 105 determines that
SDMA is applicable at the access point 1, the carrier sense
controller 109 raises the carrier sense level of its own station by
a predetermined level, thereby the sensitivity of carrier sense is
suppressed (step S205). After that, carrier sense is performed
using this newly set carrier sense level.
[0127] In the second embodiment as described above, the station
(STA) 4-i checks whether the access point 1 is performing
directional beam control, from received power when data transmitted
by broadcast by the access point 1 is received and from received
power when data transmitted by unicast by the access point station
1 is received (if determining that the access point 1 is performing
directional beam control, the station (STA) 4-i further checks
whether the directivity is narrowed enough at the access point 1 to
perform SDMA). If determining that the access point 1 is performing
directional beam control (such that the directivity is narrowed
enough to perform SDMA), the station (STA) 4-i raises its carrier
sense level to suppress the carrier sense sensitivity to the
acceptable level. This reduces the possibility that, during carrier
sensing thereafter, the station (STA) 4-i senses a wireless wave
which another station (STA) 4-j (when i=1, then j=2 or 3) near this
station (STA) 4-i transmits to communicate with the access point 1.
Accordingly, the station (STA) 4-i starts transmission by regarding
that the other station (STA) 4-j is absent. So, no NAV (Network
Allocation Vector) defined in IEEE802.11 is set (if this NAV is
set, a station does not access the access point 1 for an interval
designated by the NAV). In addition, the access point 1 need not to
transmit the same data with those transmitted to the respective
station (STA) 4-i (i=1 through 3) to other stations (STAs) 4-j (j=1
through 3) by separate directional beam. This means the access
point 1 needs not to have other stations (STAs) 4-j (j=1 through 3)
set NAV. Note that i and j given to distinguish stations are
exclusive. For example, if i=1, then j=2 and 3.
[0128] Therefore, the access point 1 can perform SDMA with these
stations (STAs) 4-i (i=1 through 3). This increases the number of
multiple connections compared to the case where the station (STA)
4-i does not perform the transmitter power control described
above.
[0129] Note that, as shown in FIG. 11, the station (STA) 4-i may
have both the carrier sense controller 109 and the transmitting
power controller 106 described earlier to control both the carrier
sense level and the transmitting power or control either of them.
Either configuration does not depart from the scope of the present
invention.
[0130] Note also that the station (STA) 4-i may only have either
the carrier sense controller 109 or the transmitting power
controller 106.
THIRD EMBODIMENT
[0131] IEEE802.11 defines an access control method called RTS
(Request To Send)/CTS (Clear To Send). This method ensures the
transmission right by using the MAC control frames. This RTS/CTS
control uses an RTS frame and a CTS frame and their frame formats
are different from the one for a data frame shown in FIG. 5A. Both
RTS and CTS frames consists of only MAC header and FCS. The MAC
header of RTS consists of frame control field F1, duration field,
RA, and TA. As for CTS, the MAC header consists of frame control
field F1, duration field, and RA. Whether the RTS frame or CTS
frame is used can be checked from the type field F1a and the
subtype field F1b in the frame control field F1 of the MAC
header.
[0132] This RTS/CTS control method is also applicable to the
wireless communication system shown in FIG. 1. In this case, when
receiving an RTS frame from a station (STA) 4-i, a wireless access
point 1 transmits a CTS frame as a response to the station (STA)
4-i by using a directional beam directed to this station (STA) 4-i.
By using this feature, as in the first and second embodiments
described above, the station (STA) 4-i controls the transmitting
power and/or the carrier sense level from the received power of the
received beacon frame and from the received power of the received
CTS frame.
[0133] The rest is substantially the same as the aforementioned
first and second embodiments, so the third embodiment will be
briefly described below.
[0134] A station (STA) 4-i (e.g., a station (STA) 4-1) in which a
transmission request is generated transmits an RTS frame to the
access point 1. If transmitting power is set previously by a
transmitting power controller 106 and is available, the station
(STA) 4-1 transmits the RTS frame to the access point 1 by that
transmitting power. If not, the RTS frame can be transmitted by a
predetermined default transmitting power.
[0135] The access point 1 receives the RTS frame and, on the basis
of the received power and the like, sets a directional beam to be
directed to the station (STA) 4-1. That is, the access point 1 sets
the aforementioned weighting factor corresponding to the direction
in which the station (STA) 4-1 exists.
[0136] By using this directional beam, the access point 1 transmits
a CTS frame to the station (STA) 4-1. This CTS frame may contain
transmitted power information similar to the authentication frame
as described above.
[0137] If a received data type detector 103 determines that the
data received via an antenna 100 is a CTS frame, the received power
of this frame measured by a received power measurement unit 102 and
transmitted power information extracted from the frame by a
transmitted power detector 104 or prestored transmitted power
information at a transmitted power detector 104 corresponding to
the CTS frame are input to a beam gain estimator 105. This is
possible when the access point does not set the directional beam or
when the directional angle of the first directional beam is
(relatively widely) predetermined and known at the station.
[0138] By using the received power and transmitted power
information of the CTS frame and the received power and transmitted
power information of the received beacon frame obtained in, e.g.,
step S102 of FIG. 7, the beam gain estimator 105 and the
transmitting power controller 106 perform processing as shown in
FIG. 8, thereby the transmitting power is set.
[0139] Or alternatively, the beam gain estimator 105 and the
transmitting power controller 106 set the carrier sense level by
performing processing as shown in FIG. 12.
[0140] In the above explanation, the station (STA) 4-i transmits an
RTS frame to the access point 1. However, the access point 1 may
also transmit an RTS frame to the station (STA) 4-i.
[0141] Transmission of an RTS frame from the access point 1 to the
station (STA) 4-i will be described.
[0142] In this case, if the access point 1 has received frame data
transmitted from the station (STA) 4-i as a communication partner,
the access point 1 transmits an RTS frame by setting a directional
beam to be directed to this station (STA) 4-i on the basis of the
received power of the previously received frame data.
[0143] By using this feature, therefore, as in the first and second
embodiments, the station (STA) 4-i can control the transmitting
power and/or the carrier sense level from the received power of the
received beacon frame and from the received power of the received
RTS frame.
[0144] That is, if the received data type detector 103 determines
that the data received via the antenna 100 is an RTS frame, the
received power of this frame measured by the received power
measurement unit 102 and the transmitted power information
extracted from the frame by the transmitted power detector 104 or
the prestored transmitted power information at the transmitted
power detector 104 corresponding to the RTS frame are input to the
beam gain estimator 105. As described above, this is possible when
the access point does not set the directional beam or when the
directional angle of the first directional beam is (relatively
widely) predetermined and known at the station.
[0145] By using the received power of the RTS frame and the
received power of the received beacon frame obtained in, e.g., step
S102 of FIG. 7, the beam gain estimator 105 and the transmitting
power controller 106 perform processing as shown in FIG. 8, thereby
the transmitting power is set.
[0146] At the same time, the beam gain estimator 105 and the
transmitting power controller 106 may set the carrier sense level
by performing processing as shown in FIG. 12.
[0147] It is also possible to set the transmitting power and the
carrier sense level simultaneously.
[0148] When transmitter power control is performed as described
above and a new transmitting power is set at the station (STA) 4-i,
the station (STA) 4-i transmits a CTS frame to the access point 1
by using this transmitting power.
[0149] When receiving this CTS frame, the access point 1 sets the
directional beam to be directed to the station (STA) 4-i and uses
this directional beam in communication with this station (STA) 4-i
thereafter.
[0150] In this manner, the same effects as in the first and second
embodiments can also be obtained in this third embodiment.
[0151] As explained in the first through third embodiments
described above, each of the plural stations (STAs) 4-i controls
the transmitting power and/or the carrier sense level for
communication with the access point 1. This makes the following
communication forms feasible.
[0152] That is, in the first through third embodiments, the access
point 1 communicates with one station (STA) 4-i by using one
directional beam. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the access point 1
may also communicate with plural stations (in FIG. 13, stations
(STA) 4-1 and 4-2) by using one directional beam.
[0153] For example, if another station (e.g., the station (STA)
4-2) is nearly in the same direction with the station (STA) 4-1
from the access point 1, the access point 1 allocates a directional
beam 3-4 both to the station (STA) 4-1 and 4-2. In this case, the
stations (STAS) 4-1 and 4-2 to which one directional beam 3-4 is
allocated by the access point 1 acquire access right by
CSMA/CA.
[0154] Even when the form as shown in FIG. 13 is applied, each of
the plural stations (STAs) 4-i can control the transmitting power
and/or the carrier sense level for communication with the access
point 1. Consequently, it is possible to reduce interference from
the stations (STAs) 4-1 and 4-2 to the station (STA) 4-3 to which a
directional beam 3-5 different from the directional beam 3-4 is
allocated by the access point 1, and to reduce interference to the
stations (STAs) 4-1 and 4-2 from a signal transmitted from the
access point 1 to the station (STA) 4-3 to which the directional
beam 3-5 is allocated. This allows the access point 1 to perform
SDMA to plural stations (STAs) 4-i. Also, this increases the number
of multiple connections compared to the case where the station
(STA) 4-i does not control the transmitting power and/or the
carrier sense level.
[0155] Additionally, the wireless communication system explained in
each of the first through third embodiments is configured by one
BSS which comprises the access point (AP) 1 as an access point and
the wireless stations (STAs) 4-1 through 4-3 as plural wireless
clients to be connected to the access point 1. However, the present
invention is also applicable to a wireless communication system in
which, as shown in FIG. 14, plural access points (e.g., two access
points 1-1 and 1-2) exist and configure plural BSSs (e.g., two BSSs
which are the first and the second BSSs shown in FIG. 14).
[0156] Even in a system like this, each of the plural stations
(STAs) 4-i (e.g., stations (STAs) 4-1, 4-2, 4-10, and 4-11 in FIG.
14) can control its transmitting power and/or the carrier sense
level for communication with the access point 1-1 or the access
point 1-2. This allows the access point 1 to perform SDMA to plural
stations (STAs) 4-i. Also, this increases the number of multiple
connections compared to the case where the station (STA) 4-i does
not control the transmitting power and/or the carrier sense
level.
[0157] Note that in principle the station (STA) 4-i can receive a
beacon frame in any of the reception mode (step S2), authentication
process (step S4), association process (step S5), communication
mode (step S6), disassociation process (step S7), and
deauthentication process (step S8) shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, if
this station (STA) 4-i has received a (unicast) frame transmitted
after receiving a beacon frame, transmitting power control and
carrier sense level control shown in FIGS. 8 and 12 can be
performed at any time.
[0158] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned
embodiments and can be variously modified when practiced without
departing from the scope of the invention. Also, the individual
embodiments can be appropriately combined as much as possible when
practiced. In this case, the effect of combination can be obtained.
Furthermore, each embodiment includes inventions in various stages,
so a variety of inventions can be extracted by properly combining
plural constituent features disclosed. For example, if an invention
is extracted by omitting some of the constituent features from the
entire disclosed in the embodiments, these omitted portions are
complemented by appropriate well-known prior art when this
extracted invention is practiced.
[0159] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
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