JP2002158669A - Internet-connecting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connecting method with the Internet by a new communication channel for suppressing communication cost of a user to cost for connection with the Internet, and to cope also with increasing communication traffic. SOLUTION: At least one of many radio relay devices 100a to 100g, having collection and distribution functions, is connected with an internet connection system 130 and internet connection of the respective radio relay devices is performed by performing transfer of IP(Internet protocol) packets, using routing functions owned by each of the many radio relay devices in chain.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an Internet connection method for connecting to the Internet using a wireless repeater having a function of collecting and delivering IP packets based on an Internet protocol (hereinafter, referred to as IP).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Individuals use personal computers (hereinafter referred to as personal computers).
When a communication terminal such as a PC is connected to the Internet, it is generally performed by a dial-up connection in which the communication terminal dials an Internet service provider (hereinafter referred to as an ISP) to establish a connection. According to this method, the communication line is occupied irrespective of the communication state between the PC and the ISP, so that the connection time is charged.

FIG. 2 shows an explanatory diagram in the case where an individual connects to the Internet in a conventional manner.

As shown in FIG. 2, a request for connection to the Internet generated by the PC 250 is recognized by a public line interface device 240 such as a modem or a terminal adapter (TA). Then, the interface device 240 that recognizes the connection request dials the telephone number assigned to the access server 220 of the ISP contracted in advance. When the call is established by this dial, PC 250 is connected to ISP 210 via public line 230.

[0005] On the other hand, the ISP 210 sends a call to the call target established by dial-up, ie,
Acts as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server that assigns P addresses. By assigning an IP address to PC 250 in this manner, the two parties thereafter communicate with each other based on this IP address. In this case, the ISP
Reference numeral 210 denotes a router for connecting the PC 250 to the Internet, that is, a domain name system (DNS) server that serves as an entrance and exit and converts a domain name used in a uniform resource locator (URL) into an IP address. Also works. Also,
By using resources in the same network, a value-added function such as a WWW server that provides the contents of a web page can be provided.

[0006]

By the way, when connecting to the Internet in the above-described conventional form, a PC is used.
For those who access the Internet from 250, a line usage fee for occupying a public line, an Internet connection fee for making an Internet connection,
Are charged. And these still expensive communication charges are one of the major factors that hinder the spread of the use of the Internet.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional Internet connection method, since the connection is performed by a dial-up connection which occupies a communication line, the following inconveniences are becoming nonnegligible. That is, the ISP-side access server 2 responds to communication traffic that is increasing with the increase of Internet users and usage opportunities.
There is a concern that the occupancy of the communication line in the communication line 20 will increase, and even a connection request from the terminal side cannot be satisfied.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to minimize the communication cost for using the Internet and to appropriately cope with increasing communication traffic. To provide a new Internet connection method.

[0009]

According to the present invention, as an Internet connection method, a wireless repeater having a collecting and delivering function is arranged, and at least one of the wireless repeaters is connected to the Internet via an Internet connection system.
By relaying an Internet connection by transmitting and receiving packets according to the Internet protocol between the plurality of wireless repeaters, while reducing communication costs,
Handle increasing communication traffic.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of an Internet connection method using an Internet connection wireless repeater according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, a wireless repeater that operates as a wireless repeater for Internet connection will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, radio repeaters 100a to 100a
100 g is installed on a building such as a house or a building, or on a moving body such as a car or a bus. These wireless repeaters 100a-1
00g has a unique address for communication, each of which can be distinguished from the others. By using these unique addresses, a collection for transmitting and receiving IP packets to and from other wireless repeaters within a radio wave reachable range. Has a distribution function. Also,
These wireless repeaters 100a to 100g exist in a sufficient quantity to communicate with one or more other wireless repeaters except themselves, and the transfer destination of the received IP packet is 100a to 100g are determined by routing tables 120a to 120g, respectively. This routing table can be periodically or periodically checked by each wireless repeater checking which wireless repeater is present in its own radio range, exchanging routing table information with adjacent wireless repeaters, and the like. It is updated to the latest information irregularly based on the occurrence of an event such as a new wireless repeater being recognized. Therefore, even if some wireless repeaters are not operating, or if there is a new wireless repeater that starts operating, and if there is a wireless repeater installed on a mobile object such as a car or bus, Also, since the routing table is constantly updated, the transfer of the IP packet is guaranteed as long as there is another wireless transponder in the range of the radio wave, and finally the wireless relay connected to the Internet connection system 130. Reaches the vessel 100a.

A communication terminal such as a PC can be connected to each of the wireless repeaters 100a to 100g in each network.

Next, the radio repeaters 100a to 100g
An Internet connection method according to the present embodiment, which is performed via the Internet, will be described.

In the system shown in FIG.
Assume that an Internet connection request has been issued at 110. That is, it is assumed that the PC 110 generates an IP packet addressed to the IP address on the Internet and sends it to the corresponding wireless repeater 100g.
As a result, the wireless repeater 100g that has received the IP packet from the PC 110 refers to its own routing table 120g and recognizes the wireless repeater 100f that is the transfer destination of the destination IP address. The received IP packet is transmitted to the wireless repeater 100f. Similarly, the wireless relay 100f that has received the IP packet from the wireless relay 100g refers to its own routing table 120f to recognize the wireless relay 100e that is the transfer destination address of the IP packet, and The received IP packet is transferred to the wireless repeater 100e. Thus, each of the wireless repeaters 100a-1
00g refers to each routing table and in the case of the same example, the IP packet is transferred to the wireless repeater 100g → 10
0f → 100e → 100d → 100c → 100a, so that the I
The P packet arrives at the wireless repeater 100a connected to the Internet connection system 130.
Thereafter, the IP packet reaches the final destination address in accordance with the conventional structure of the Internet.

The route followed by the IP packet is not always constant, and varies depending on the operating conditions of the radio repeaters 100a to 100g and the surrounding radio wave conditions. This is because the contents of the routing table of each wireless repeater may change due to the above-mentioned table update. Also, if there is no corresponding wireless relay of the transfer destination by referring to the routing table for determining the transfer destination of the IP packet, the transfer destination specified in advance, that is, the wireless repeater corresponding to the default route is set. Try to transfer. For example, about three default routes are assigned with priorities, and if the data cannot be transferred to any of them, the data is transferred to an arbitrary communicable wireless repeater.

Conversely, distribution of an IP packet from the Internet reaches the destination terminal by following the reverse route described above.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, connection to the Internet, that is, transmission and reception of IP packets is performed via a number of wireless repeaters without passing through a public line.

As described above, according to the Internet connection method of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The communication fee required for communication for Internet connection can be reduced. In particular, in the case where IP packets are transmitted and received via only the wireless repeater, communication costs are almost negligible.

(2) Since each wireless repeater has a unique address and a function of routing an IP packet based on the unique address and a function of automatically updating the routing table, efficient transfer of an IP packet is possible. Becomes In addition, maintainability and convenience when installing, moving, or disposing of a wireless repeater are dramatically improved.

(3) Unlike the conventional dial-up connection with an ISP which occupies the communication line, the communication line is effectively used because the communication between the wireless repeaters or the Internet connection is based on packet communication. Can be used. As a result, good connectivity and throughput can be maintained for the increasing number of Internet users.

(4) The advantage described in (3) above can be expected to have a more remarkable effect when the Internet user becomes the installer of the wireless repeater as it is. In other words, as the number of Internet users increases, the capacity as a communication line needs to be increased. However, if Internet users simultaneously install these wireless repeaters, the distribution of wireless repeaters will become even more dense. become. Therefore, it is possible to cope with an increase in communication demands due to an increase in the number of Internet users, and to provide a comfortable communication environment in which the radio wave condition of the wireless repeater is maintained well.

The above embodiment may be modified and implemented as follows.

In the above-described embodiment, a case is described in which, for example, a personal PC is used as a communication terminal. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. What the terminal needs is I
It only needs to be a device having a communication interface based on P. The target of the Internet connection is not limited to individuals, but may be a company or a company LAN.

In the above-described embodiment, an example of an Internet connection via only a wireless repeater having a routing table has been described. However, if IP packets can be transmitted and received in accordance with a routing table that is updated as appropriate, this mode is not necessarily required. Absent. That is, the wireless repeater may transmit and receive IP packets only, the routing table may be a PC or the like, and the routing table may be updated based on information from the wireless repeater. Further, a wired communication line may exist between the wireless repeaters. By these,
An effect according to the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, a function for determining a transfer route may be further added to each wireless repeater. For example, the following method can be considered. (B) A fixed number of transferred IP packets are stored, and when exactly the same packet is received, it is determined that the IP packet is looping on the same communication path, and another Transfer to route. (B) For an IP packet to be transferred, the latest transfer route up to a certain number is added as information to the original IP packet, and the transfer destination is determined in consideration of the transfer route.

By adding such a function,
IP that organically functions by integrating multiple wireless repeaters
A packet transfer system can be realized.

In the above embodiment, the case where the radio repeaters are covered by the radio wave of the radio repeaters up to the connection point to the Internet has been described as an example. However, not all radio repeaters are necessarily covered. You don't have to. For example, when there is no next transfer destination in a certain wireless repeater, a connection to a public line may be made at that time. In this case, the line usage fee is not the contractor of the public line connected to the wireless repeater that finally connected to the public line, but the sender of the IP packet or the person who manages and operates this system. It is better to manage the burden or billing.

In the above embodiment, when the frequency bands used adjacent to the wireless repeaters constituting the system illustrated in FIG. 1 interfere with each other, it is detected and automatically detected. Each wireless repeater may be provided with a function of performing band correction so as to use a frequency band that does not interfere with the wireless relay. As a result, it is possible to always ensure a good radio wave condition.

In the above embodiment, when the wireless repeater is installed on a mobile unit, the approximate position of the mobile unit can be monitored by periodically communicating with the mobile unit. This allows you to know, for example, the status of taxi and bus operations and the location of trucks with specific loads.
High value-added information can also be obtained.

In the above embodiment, if packet communication by these wireless repeaters is applied to exchange of image data and voice data, FAX and telephone can be realized without passing through a public line.

Also, when a call is expected to be concentrated on some public lines and it is expected to be difficult to establish a communication line, such as in a disaster, it is used as an alternative communication means. can do. In other words, by setting these wireless repeaters so that they can operate even with batteries, even if the supply of electricity by the power company stops,
Alternatively, even if the connectivity of the communication line deteriorates due to an increase in the number of calls, it can function extremely effectively as an information transmission means that is not so affected.

The wireless repeater described in the above embodiment can naturally constitute one network as a router. That is, for example, when a home LAN including home electric appliances is constructed, it can be used as a gateway for controlling them. This makes it possible to centrally manage the operating status of various home appliances having unique addresses, and to easily monitor and control from the outside with a portable terminal or the like, thereby providing a more comfortable and safe living environment. .

In the above embodiment, each wireless repeater is finally connected to the Internet.
Although the method performed via one Internet connection system 130 has been exemplified, the method is not necessarily limited to this method. The number of connection points to the Internet may be two or more. Some of them may be constantly connected to the Internet. In this case, FIG.
Can be considered as a part of the Internet.

[0036]

According to the Internet connection method according to the first aspect, not only a large number of wireless repeaters that do not require the connection of a communication terminal can be used to bypass a large number of communication lines to an Internet connection point, but also a communication system for the same. Is performed by packet communication that does not require occupation of a line, so that connectivity to the Internet is greatly improved.

It should be noted that if the wireless repeater is designed to operate on a battery or the like, it becomes difficult to connect when the public line becomes disconnected, such as during a disaster, or when the line becomes congested. It can be used as a powerful emergency communication means at times.

According to the Internet connection method of the present invention, the communication line connected to the wireless repeater does not require a public line usage fee for Internet connection, and almost no communication line does not pass through the Internet connection system. No cost. As a result, the communication fee for using the Internet, which has been a problem, can be significantly reduced. Further, as the density of the wireless repeaters operating on this system increases, the connectivity and throughput of the communication line become better.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently transfer the IP packet by referring to the routing table of each of the wireless repeaters. That is, communication traffic due to unnecessary communication can be suppressed, which can contribute to an improvement in communication response speed.

According to the Internet connection method of the present invention, each wireless repeater has a unique address and generates a routing table based on those addresses, so that each wireless repeater has its own routing table. Can be updated as appropriate. For example, each wireless repeater can periodically check the state of the radio wave and automatically update the routing table based on the state. In other words, even if the position of the wireless repeater is changed, it is not necessary to change the setting of the wireless repeater in connection with the change, which is a great advantage in management and operation, and also dramatically improves maintainability and convenience. I do.

Further, since the information of the routing tables held by adjacent wireless repeaters can be exchanged with each other, one wireless repeater is linked not to a single unit but to a plurality of adjacent wireless repeaters. The most efficient transfer route of the IP packet can be searched.

According to the Internet connection method of the present invention, each wireless repeater can always keep its routing table in the best condition, that is, the most efficient condition, according to the situation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an Internet connection method according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of a conventional Internet connection method.

[Explanation of symbols]

100a to 100g: wireless repeater, 110: PC, 12
0a to 120g: Routing table, 130: Internet connection system, 210: Internet service provider, 220: Access server, 230: Public line, 240: Communication interface device, 250: P
C.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A wireless repeater having a collection and distribution function is arranged,
An Internet connection method, wherein at least one of the wireless repeaters is connected to the Internet via an Internet connection system, and packets are transmitted and received according to an Internet protocol among the plurality of wireless repeaters to relay the Internet connection. 2. The Internet connection method according to claim 1, wherein a communication terminal is connected to at least one of said plurality of wireless repeaters. 3. The Internet connection method according to claim 1, wherein a transmission route of the transmitted / received packet is secured by providing a routing table in each of the wireless repeaters. 4. The Internet connection method according to claim 3, wherein a unique address is assigned to each of said wireless repeaters, and said routing table is generated based on said unique addresses. 5. The Internet connection method according to claim 4, wherein the movement of the wireless repeater and a new intervention are permitted based on the update of the routing table.