An access point determines a wireless communication channel used for stations to transmit and receive data directly to and from each other and informs each of the stations of an instruction to switch to the channel. Thereafter, the access point waits for each of the stations to give notice of the end of the direct data transmission and reception. On the other hand, each of the stations, when receiving the switch instruction, switches to the specified channel and executes direct data transmission and reception. After finishing the direct data transmission and reception, each of the stations switches to the original channel and informs the access point of the end of the direct data transmission and reception. As a result of this, the access point and the stations restart wireless communication with one another.