While directional communication using millimeter waves is realized, the number of communication stations through which simultaneous communication is possible is increased to increase the throughput of the entire system.Beamforming of a transmission beam is performed not only on a data frame, but also on a CTS frame. In a case where the transmission/reception beam of a hidden terminal (STA_C) is in a direction different from that of a data transmission side (STA_A) with respect to a data receiving side (STA_B), the hidden terminal (STA_C) ceases to receive a CTS. Consequently, a transmission stop period is not set, and a communication operation with a communication party terminal (STA_D) thereof can be continued.