Patent ID: 7519183
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A wireless communication apparatus which belongs to a wireless communication group, comprising: a receiver unit configured to receive an association request for data communication security from a wireless communication unit outside of the wireless communication group, the association request including information on a data security level used for communication data that is to be transmitted by the wireless communication unit; a reference memory configured to store a reference security level assigned to the wireless communication group, the reference security level selected from a plurality of security levels corresponding to a plurality of encryption methods including at least one of non-encryption and a plurality of encryption strengths for communication data; a control unit configured to compare the data security level with the reference security level to determine whether the data security level satisfies the reference security level of the group, and configured to generate a reply including information on either an association rejection or an association permission depending on a result of the comparison of the data security level with the reference security level; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the reply to the wireless communication unit, wherein the wireless communication unit transmits the communication data to the wireless communication apparatus after receiving the reply having an association permission, and after an authentication of the wireless communication unit has been performed.