GB2338873A

GB2338873A - Integrated information communications system

Info

Publication number: GB2338873A
Application number: GB9920076A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hisao Furukawa; Shoji Miyaguchi
Original assignee: DISTRIB SYST RES INST; Distribution Systems Research Institute; Miyaguchi Research Co Ltd
Current assignee: DISTRIB SYST RES INST; Distribution Systems Research Institute; Miyaguchi Research Co Ltd
Priority date: 1997-12-05
Filing date: 1998-10-05
Publication date: 1999-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2018-10-05
Also published as: GB2338872B; GB2338875A; GB9920086D0; GB2338873B; GB2338876B; GB2356327A; GB2338875B; GB2338871A; GB9920076D0; GB0019276D0; GB2338876A; GB9920084D0; GB9920042D0; GB9920079D0; GB2338872A; GB2338874B; GB2356327B; GB9920041D0; GB2338874A; GB2338871B

Abstract

To provide an integrated information communication system (ICS 19000-1) without using dedicated lines or the Internet, ensuring communication speed, communication quality, communication trouble countermeasures in a unified manner, wherein security and reliability in communication is ensured, the system is comprised of an access control apparatus 19300-1, 19310-1, 19320-1, 19330-1 for connecting a plurality of computer communication networks or information communication equipment (e.g. LANs) to each, and a relay device 19400-1, 19410-1, 19420-1, 19430-1 for networking the aforementioned access control apparatus, the system having functions for performing routing by transferring information by a unified address system, and is configured such that.the aforementioned plurality of computer communication networks or information communication equipment can perform communications in an interactive manner. The system includes plural user service servers (USS) 19710-1, 19711-1, 19712-1, plural ICS authority servers (ATS) or concerned ICS servers 19720-1, 19721-1, 19722-1 and plural conversion table servers (CTS) 19730-1, 19731-1, 19732-1, 19733-1, 19734-1, such that when an entry application is received at user service server 19711-1, the ICS authority server 19721-1 allots the ICS user address, ICS network address and ICS name, and the conversion table server 19731-1 reunites the conversion table 19301-1 in the access control apparatus 19300-1.

Description

2338873 nnTM MMIMTIM CCHMMICATION SY=

EaMGROM 0EUM IM= 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an integrated information cammunication system connecting information canuunication equj-ts or information cannunication system such as and/or for personal =uputer, LAN (Local Area Network), telephone (including cellular phone), FAX (Facsimile), CATV (Cable Television), Internet and the 1 i, not only via dedicated lines, but also via ISDN (Integrated Se=vrices Digital Network), FR (Frame Relay), ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), M (Integrated Packet kwhmge), satellite, wlx.eless and public lines. Here, integrated information canuunication eqults perform cammication provided with an address (for information ccmnan:lcatim) for distinguishing the integrated infonnation caff=ication equipment with other equipment. Particularly, the present i=ention relates to an integrated information canra=cation system which integrates data transfer se=ces based m connection-less networks (e.g., RFC791 or RFC1883 IP (Internet Protocol) technology) and inp=es the overall econcmics of the information canuniicatim system by employing a unified address system, and ensuring security to realize interactive cmications between connected terminals or system. 2. Description of the Prior Art

In accordance with mnputer and informtion cwm=catim 1 technology, =riputer conymnication networks have in recent years come to be widely used In universities, research institutes, goverment organizations, and intra-corporatimlinter-corporatim situations. LANs are used for intra-corporation comm=cation networks, and in event that the geognc locale is m a national basis, the form thereof becomes such as sown in FIG.1. In the exwple described in FIG.1, each local LAN uses a camm protocol, with each being connected by dedicated lines. Here, e.g., a corporation X has LAN-X 1, LAWX2 and LAN-M as LANs, a corporation Y has LAWY1, LAWY2 and LAWY3 as LANs, and both corporations X and Y use cx:x[, LLmicatim address systems ADX and ADY for performing cmWter comffunications. Since it is necessary to lay a separate dedicated line for each corporation with such a LAN network. systern architecture becmbas costly, and in the event that connection is to be made to a LAN network of another corporation, interfacing nmt be matched such as the cammication address system, making inter-cannection very difficult and costly.

On the other hand, the Internet has recently become widespread as a global-scale corrputer comunication network. On the Internet, networks are connected using a router of a provider, a c=runication protocol called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is employed, dedicated lines or ER networks are used for connecting remote areas, and Ethernets whi-ch are 10 LANs or FDDIs (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) which are 10 Mps LANS are used as cotLaxemication paths within structures. FIG.2 shows an example of an 2 Internet connection, in which the routers in the providers maintain mutual connection by exchanging routing table connection information. Each router is connected to a plurality of networks, and judgment is made based m the routing table regarxhng to which router connected to which provider s network received data should go next. Thus, m the Internet, the IP address attached to each IP packet (IP datagram) is checked, judgment is to which router the IP packet should be sent, and that IP packet is sent accordingly. Thus, IP packets are transferred me after another and delivered to the destination wnputer, by means of all routers performing the above-described operation.

FIG.3 illustrates the information contents of an RFC791 IP Packet used by the Internet, divided into a control field and a data field. FIG.4 illustrates the information contents of a similar RFU883, divided into a control field and a data field. In either figure, the parentheses () indicate the nu of bits.

However, with the Internet, the path control is restricted by IP, so that me cannot tell whether the other party with which communication is being made is the authorized party, and the system is such that the cnication path is not administrated in an integrated manner, meaning that there are problems regarding security in that information may be eavesdropped. Also, in reality, addresses within the LANs are being separately decided by the LAN users, so there is the necessity to replace the LAN user addresses when connecting the LAN to the Internet. Also, commtinication quality such as 3 comminication speed and commication error rate for the trunk lines making up the Internet ccmmnicatiLm path differ from one line to another for each LAN, and are practically non-uniform. Also, there are problem such as an attempt to send a 10 TV signal for videoconferencing not achieving the desired comnnication speed. Further, there is no administrator for performing maintenance of the network such as in the case of failure, of for integrating the overall network for future planning for the network and so forth. Also, with LAN networks and the Internet, the terminals are personal mrqputers (ccrnputers), and it has bem difficult to use telephones, FAX and CATV in an integrated manner therein.

SIDY OF THE INVENTI The present embodurent has been in accordance with the above-described situations, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated information communication system capable of containing a plurality of VANs which perform IP packet transfer of which security and reliability in canm=cations has been ensured, by means of not using dedicated lines or the Internet so as to improve economic considerations of the information exmunication system architecture, and ensuring cenTamcatim speed, caffnmication quality and cenvenication trouble countermeasure in a unified manner. Also, it ls another object of the present invention to provide an integrated information cmTmaucatim system which uses a single information transfer which is not dependent on the type of service, 4 1 such as sound, image (motion and still), text, etc., so as to interconnect services which have conventionally been provided separately, such as total camnnication services, analog/digital telephone line services, Internet provider services, FAX services, =1puter data exchange services, CATV services and so forth. Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide an integrated information communication system wtuch enables inter-corporation ccmm=catim with very little change to the mrputer caummication address system which have been independently and separately created within each separate corporation (including universities, research institutes, gove=t organizations, etc.).

The present invention relates to an integrated information canmni-cation system, and the above objects of the present invention are realized as follows: the present invention is configured by providing an access control apparatus for connecting a plurality of camputer communication networks or information cann=cation equipment to each, and a relay device for networking the aforementioned access control apparatus, the system having functlons for performing routing by transferring information by a unified address system, and is configures such that the aforementioned plurality of cmWter canmnication networks or information canTa.inication equipments can perform communications in an interactive manner. In FIG.1 which is given as an exarnple of a conventional arrangement, the range of dedicated lines used for intra-corporation and inter-corporation ccffnxmcations is indicated by solid lines, and this is replaced with the equivalent of a computer carnmications network according to IP as a cmmn camuncatiLm network indicated by broken lines.

The above-described objects of the present invention are achieved by an ICS user packet having a unique ICS user address system, ADX being converted into an ICS network packet having an address system ADS, based m the administration of a conversion table provided within an access control apparatus, and by being arranged such that in the case that transmission is made over at least one VAN contained therein following rules of the aforeffentioned address system ADS, and the destination other access control apparatus is reached, conversion is made to the aforementioned ICS user address system ADX based m the administration of the aforanentioned conversion table, and another external information camnmication apparatus is reached. Also, the above-described objects of the present invention are achieved by an ICS user packet having a unique ICS user address system ADX being converted into an ICS network packet corresponding with a reception ICS network address registered beforehand to the conversion table in accordance with a user logic cann-inication line, rather than using an ICS user address within the aforementioned ICS user packet based on the administration of a conversion table provided within the access control apparatus, and by being arranged such that in the case that transmission of the aforementioned ICS network packet is made to another access control apparatus via at least me VAN following rules of the ICS address system ADS, the transfer destination of the 6 aforementioned ICS network packet being either 1 or N, this is returned to the aforementioned ICS network packet based m the administration of a conversion table provided within the aforeffentioned access control apparatus, and another external information camnnication apparatus is reached.

BRIEF DESMIPTION OF M DRAW= In the acccupanying drawings:

FIG.1 is a block diagram to explain a cmventional LAN network; FIG.2 is a diagram illustrating a form of Internet; FIG.3 is a diagram illustrating an IP packet according to RFC791 stipulation; FIG.4 is a diagram illustrating an IP packet according to RFC1883 stipulation; FIG.5 is a block diagram systematically illustrating the basic principle of the present irmention; FIG.6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a network wherein an ICS according to the present invention is constructed of a plurality of VANs; FIG.7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of configuring the access control apparatus; FIG.8 is a block diagram illi, trating an exmple of configuring the relay apparatus; FIG.9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of configuring the inter- VAN gateway; 7 FIG. 10 ls a block diagram illustrating an eyle of configuring the ICS network server; FIG.11 is an array diagram illustrating an exmple of the ICS user address used In the present invention; FIG.12 is a wiring diagram illustrating the connection relation between the ICS logic tea and user ccncatim line; FIG.13 is a diagram illustrating the relation between the ICS user packet and the ICS network packet, used in the present invention; FIG.14 is a portion of a constructional block drawing illustrating a first ent)odinient (intra-corporation ccncatim, inter-corporation ccffmmicatim) according to the present invention,FIG.15 is a portion of a constructional block drawing illustrating a first ent"dunent according to the present invention; FIG.16 is a diagrarn to show an example of a conversion table; FIG.17 is a diagrmn to show an example of a trary conversion table; FIG.18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of the access control apparatus; FIG.19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of the access control apparatus in inter-corporation conymmicatiLon; FIG.20 is a constructional block drawing illustrating a second entxxlt (vU-tual dedicated line) according to the present invention; FIG.21 is a diagrarn to show an example of the conversion table; 8 FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example Of operation Of the access control apparatus in virtual dedicated line connection; FIG.23 is a diagran to show an example of formt of NSAP type ATM address; FIG. 24 is a diagram to show an informtion unit of ATM cell type; FIG. 25 is a diagram to explain conversion/restoring operation between ICS network packet and CPCS packet; FIG.26 is a diagram to explain dissolutionlassembly between CKS frame and cell; FIG. 27 is a portion of a constructional block showing a Yd entxxlurent (embodinmt using ATM network) according to the present invention; FIG.28 is a portion of a constructional block shg a Yd entxxbffent according to the present invention; FIG.29 is a diagram to show an example of an ATM address conversion table and a VC address conversion table; FIG.30 is a diagram to show an example of an ATM address conversion table and a VC address conversion table; FIG. 31 is a flowchart to show a flow of packet using SM and PVC; FIG.32 is a flowchart to show a flaw of packet using SM and PVC; FIGs.33 and 34 are block diagrams to show 1:N communication or N:1 cenniunication using PVC; 9 FIGs.35 and 36 are block diagram to show N:N cammmication using PVC; FIG.37 ls a diagrarn to show an exaffple of FR fram address portion; FIG. 38 is a dia to show a variation between ICS network packet and FR frame; FIG.39 is a portion of a constructional block showing a fourth embodumnt (entodiment using FR network) according to the present invention; FIG.40 ls a portion of a constructional block showing a fourth enbodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 41 is a diagratn to show an exwple of an FR address conversion table and a MC address conversion table; FIG.42 is a diagr&n to show an eyle of an FR address conversion table and a MC address conversion table; FIG - 43 is a flowchart to show a flaw of packet using SVC and PVC; FIG.44 is a flowchart to show a flaw of using SVC and PVC; FIGs.45 and 46 are block diagram to show l:N =nanication or N:1 communication using PVC; FIGs.47 and 48 are block diagram to show N:N communication using PVC; FIG.49 is a portion of a constructional block showing a fifth embodimnt(accemedatim of telephone line, ISDN line, CATV line, satellite line. M line, cellular phone line) according to the present irmention; FIG-50 is a portion of a constructional block showing a fifth entx>dimmt according to the present invention; FIG.51 is a portion of a constructional block showing a fifth embodiment according to the present invention; FIG.52 is a portion of a constructional block showing a fifth embodiment according to the present invention..

FIG.53 shows an example of the conversion table.

FIG.54 is a flowchart to show an operation of a fifth embodiment; FIG.55 is a portion of a constructional block showing a sixth embodiment according to the present invention..

FIG.56 is a portion of a constructional block showing a sixth embodiment according to the present invention; FIG.57 is a portion of a constructional block showing a sixth embodiment according to the present invention; FIG.58 is a diagrawn to show an example of description of router table in a dial-up router;

FIG.59 is a flowchart to show an operation of a sixth embodiment; FIG.60 is a constructional block showing a seventh embodiment (ICS address administration server) according to the present invention; FIG.61 is constructional block showing an eighth entxxUment(full -duplex caminiication including a satellite ccmmriication 11 1 - 1 path) according to the present invention; FIG.62 ls a timing chart to show an example of operation of a f111 1 - duplex Communication by TCP; FIG.63 is a timing chart to explain an eighth embodiment; FIG.64 is a timing chart to explain an eighth embodiment; FIG.65 ls a timing chart to explain an eighth embodiment; FIG.66 is a constructional block showing a variation of an eighth embodiment; FIG.67 is a tirning chart to show an operation of a ninth embodiment (fi 111 - duplex c=unication including a satellite Muntulication path) according to the present invention; FIG. 68 is a timing chart to explain a ninth embodiment; FIG.69 is a timing chart to explain a ninth embodiment; FIG.70 ls a timing chart to explain a tenth embodiment; FIG. 71 ls a timing chart to explain a tenth embodiment; FIG. 72 is a timing chart to explain an eleventh embodiment; FIG.73 s a constructional block showing a twelfth embodiment (fill 1 - duplex camtniicatim path) according to the present invention; FIG. 74 is a timing chart to show an operation of a twelfth embodiment; FIG. 75 is a constructional block to show a variation of a twelfth embodiment; FIG. 76 is a diagram to show an example of TCP frame; FIG.77 is a diagram to show an example of UDP frame; FIG. 78 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 12 thirteenth embodiment (control of receiving priority degree) according to the present irmention; FIG. 79 is a portion of a constructional block showing a thirteenth embodiment according to the present irmention; FIG - 80 is a portion of a diagram to explain a thirteenth entxxlt; FIG. 81 is a portion of a diagram to explain a thirteenth embodiment; FIG.82 is a flowchart to show an operation to decide a degree of Priority; FIG-83 is a constructional block showing a 10' embodiment (control of transmitting priority degree) according to the present invention; FIGS.84and 85 are diagrams to show an example of a conversion table using in a 14th embodiment; FIG.86 is a flowchart to show an operation of priority decision in a 14th aTbodt; FIG-87 is a constructional block showing a 15th embodiment (multiplex ccmnmicatim) according to the present invention; FIG - 88 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table using in a 15th embodiment; FIG.89 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table using in a 15th arbodiment; FIG.90 is a constructional block to show a variation of a 15th entxxt; 13 FIG.91 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 16th entxnt (operation of ICS) according to the present invention; FIG. 92 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 16th effibodinent according to the present invention; FIG. 93 is a diagram to explain a Wh ewbodt; FIG. 94 is a diagram to expl ai n a 16th embodiment; FIG.95 1s a diagram to explain a 16th entx)dJnmt; FIG.96 is a diagram to expl ai n a 16th entxxbzmt; FIG.97 is a diagram to explain a 16th embodiment; FIG.98 is a diagram to explain a 16th entxxbamt; FIG.99 is a diagram to explain a 16th embodiment; FIG - 100 is a diagram to show an example of an ICS network address appropriation record table using in a 16th eimbodiment; FIG. 101 is a diagram to show an example of an ICS user address appropriation record table using in a 16th embodiment; FIG. 102 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table using in a 16th entKxlt; FIG. 103 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table using in a 16th embodiment; FIG.104 1s a diagram to show an example of a conversion table using in a 16"' edmdt; FIG.105 is a procedure chart to explain a 16th embodiment; FIG.106 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table using in a 16t" wbodiment; FIG.107 is a procedure chart to explain a 16th ent"diment; 14 FIG. 108 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table using in a 16th embodiment; FIG.109 is a diagram to explain a dwain name server; FIG.110 is a diagram to explain a dc name server; FIG - 111 is a diagram to explain a damain name server; FIG. 112 is a diagram to explain a dwain name server; FIG. 113 is a diagram to explain a call of a danain name server; FIG. 114 is a diagram to explain re-writing of a conversion table from an IP terminal; FIG. 115 is a diagram to explain re-writing of a conversion table frcrn an IP terminal; FIG.116 is a constructional block showing a 17th embodiment (calling of a ccnTamicator by telephone number) according to the present invention; FIG.117 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table; FIG.116 is a diagram to explain an 17th embodiment; FIG. 118 is a diagram to show an example of an inner table using in a 17th embodiment; FIG. 119 is a diagram to show an example of an inner table using in a 17t" embodiment; FIG. 120 is a diagram to show an example of an inner table using in a 17'd' embodiment; FIG. 121 is a diagram to explain a call of a demain name server; FIG.123 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 18th embodiment (IP tenninal to be connected with plural access control apparatuses) according to the present inventlon; FIG.124 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 18th embodiment according to the present invention; FIG.125 is a diagram to show an exmple of a verifying server; FIG.126 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table., FIG.127 is a timing chart to explain register procedure frcxn a herre IP terminal; FIG.128 is a diagram to explain an accessing method of an verifying server; FIG. 129 is a diagram to show an example of an inner table using in a 18th embodiment; FIG. 130 is a diagram to show an example of an inner table using in a Wh embodiment; FIG.131 is a diagram to show an example of an inner table using in a 18th embodiment; FIG. 132 is a block diagram to show a call of an verifying server; FIG.133 a portion of a constructional block diagram illustrating a 10' embodiment (closed-zone network cemmnication and open-zone comimication used network discriminator) according to the present invention; FIG.134 is a portion of a constructional block diagram illustrating a 19th embodiment according to the present invention; FIG.135 is a portion of a constructional block diagram illustrating a 1911 effbodiment according to the present invention; 16 1 FIG. 136 is a portion of a constructional block diagram illustrating a 19th entxxbomt according to the present invention; FIG.137 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table used in a 19t" wbodiment; FIG.138 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table used In a At" mbodizmt; FIG.139 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table used in a 19th ffdxxb=t; FIG.140 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table used in a 19th edxxUt; FIG. 141 is a flowchart to show an example of an operation of a 19th enbodinmt; FIG.142 is a flowchart to show an example of an operation of a 10' edDodinmt; FIG.143 is a portion of a constructional block diagram il,lustrating a 20t" ad3odinient (IP terminal to be connected with plural access control apparatus having network identifier) according to the present invention..

FIG.144 is a portion of a constructional block diagram illustrating a 20th entxxlunent according to the present invention; FIG.145 is a diagram to show an example of a verifying server used in a 20;"' enbodimmt; FIG.146 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table used in a 20th ent)ot; FIG.147 is a signal flowchart to explain an operation of a 20th 17 embodiment; FIG.148 is a diagram to explain a 20th embodiment; FIG.149 is a diagram to explain a 20th embodiment; FIG.150 is a diagram to explain a 20th embodiment; FIG.151 is a diagram to explain a 201 effbodiment; FIG. 152 is a diagram to explain a 20th ent)ot; and FIG.153 is a diagram to explain a 20th embodiment.

DESCRI2TTON OF M ffl=M E_ FIG.5 systematically illustrates the basic principle of the present invention, wherein the integrated information c=ninication system (hereafter referred to as ICS0) 1 according to the present invention has self-appointed address providing rules as a mqmter information/conTamication address. i.e., the system has a unique address system ADS, and has access control apparatuses (2 through 7 in the present example) which serve as access points for comecting a plurality of =rputer c=mication networks or information catatLuiication equipments, e.g., a great number of LANs (in the present example, corporation X s LAN- Xl, LAWX2 and LAWX3, and corporation Y' s LAWY1, LAWY2 and LAWY3). Here, corporation X' s LAN-Xl, LAWX2 and LAN-M have the same address system ADX, and corporation Y 's LAWY1, LAWY2 and LAWY3 have the same address system ADY. The access control apparatuses 2, 3 and 4 have conversion tables for administrating mutual conversion between the address system ADS and the address system ADX. The access control apparatuses 5, 6 and 7 18 have cmversion tables for administrating matual conversion between the address system ADS and the address system ADY. The computer caimunication data (ICS packet) within the ICS 1 uses addresses according to the address system ADS of the ICS 1, and perform IP camiunicatim such as is used m the Internet.

Now, description will be made regarding the operation in the case of ccmninication within a single corporation. The mrputer camnunication data (ICS packet) 80 transmitted from the LAN-Xl of the corporation X is provided with addressing following the address system ADX, but is subjected to address conversion following the address system ADS under administration of the conversion table of the access control apparatus within the ICS 1, and becames ICS packet 81. This is then sent within the ICS 1 following the imles of the address system ADS, and upon reaching the destination access control apparatus 4, is restored to the cer ccnTnmication data 80 of the address system ADX under the administration of the cmversion table thereof, and is sent to the LAN-M within the same corporation X. Here, the ICS fram being sent and received within the ICS 1 is referred to as an ICS network packet, and the ICS packet being sent and received outside of the ICS 1 is referred to as an ICS user packet. The ICS user packet is such as stipulated by the Internet protocol RFC791 or RFC1883 as a rule, but dealing with ICS packets which do not follow this rule will be described later in conjunction with description of another entx)diffbent.

The ICS network packet 81 is camprised of a network control 19 field 81-1 and a network data field 81-2, with the network control field 81-1 storing the addresses (address system ADS) of the access control apparatuses 2 and 4 therein. The ICS user packet is either used as the network data field 81-2 with no change to the data value thereof, or is subjected to data format conversion following stipulations determined within the ICS 1 and is used as network data field 81-2. An example of the data format conversion stipulations might be conversion to ciphertext or data compression, and the access control apparatus 2 may be provided with ciphering means, deciphering mems for returning the ciphertext to the original plain-text, data compression mesans, and data deconsion means for returning the compressed data to the original data. In the access control apparatus 2, the ICS user packet 80 Is used as the ICS network packet 81-2, and each of the operations of adding the network control field 81-1 to the ICS network packet 812 are referred to as nICS encapsulationn. Also, in the access control apparatus 4, the operations of removing the network control field 81-1 from the ICS network packet 81 are referred to as "ICS reverse encapsulation".

Now, description will be made regarding the operation in the case of communication between corporations. The computer convunication data (ICS user packet) 82 transmitted from the LAWY2 of the corporation Y Is provided with addressing following the address system ADY, but is subjected to address cormersion following the address system ADS under administration of the conversion table of the access control apparatus 6 within the ICS 1, and becomes ICS packet 83.

ThIs is then sent within the ICS 1 following the rules of the address system ADS, and upon reaching the destination access control apparatus 3, is converted to the computer camnmication data 82 of the address system ADX under the administration of the conversion table thereof, and is sent to the LAWX2 within the corporation X. while address lengths of 32 bits and 128 bits are used in the present invention, the present invention is by no rreans restricted to these. Even if the length of the addresses are changed to such other than 32-bit or 128bit, this does not change the principle of address =wersion which is the principle idea of the present invention.

Thus, according to the present invention, both intra-corporation and inter-corporation =rputer cammications are led by unified address administration by the ICS 1. Generally used user terminals for cctriputer canmnications are incorporated within the LAN within the structure of the user, and incorporated within the VAN (Value Added Net-work) via access line, and user data packets are sent which have differing data formats and differing address system for each type of service. For example, an IPaddress Is used for Internet services, a telephone number/IS)N number (E. 164 address) for telephone services, and an X.121 address is used for X. 25 packet services. Conversely, according to the ICS 1 of the present mrention, address conversion is Perfo=ed with the conversion table of the access control apparatus based m the input ICS user packet, thus realizing sending of information frames of data of varied structures unified under a single data format and address system, i.e., converted to ICS packets.

21 FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an evle wherein the ICS 1 of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of VANs (VAN- 1, VAN2, VAN-3), with each VAN being administered by a VAN operator. An ICS 1 user applies to the VAN operator for a user canTamication line, and the VAN operator decides the ICS address and ICS network address for the user and registers this infonnation with the circuit type in a conversion table 12 within the access control apparatus 10 such as shown in FIG.7. The ICS 1 has as access points serving as external connection eleffents with the LANs (or tenninals) of the corporations X and Y the access control apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4 and 10-5, as shown in FIG.7., and further has relay apparatuses 20-1, 20-2, 20-3 and 20-4, and also ICS network servers 40-1, 40-2, 40-3, 40-4 and 40-5, as well as ICS address administration servers 50-1 and 50-2. A relay apparatus 20 such as shown in FIG.8 is provided to the canrunication path within each of the VANs, and an inter-VAN gateway 30 such as illustrated in FIG.9 is provided as the connection element of VAN-2 and VAN-3. The LANs 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4 are respectively connected to the access control apparatuses 10-1, 10-5, 10-4 and 10-2, via the user conTunication lines 36-1, 36-2, 36-3 and 36-4.

The access control apparatus 10 (10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4 and 105) are devices containing the user c=amcation lines frem the user (corporations X and Y) to the ICS 1, and as shown in FIG.7, is mrqprised of a processing device 11 comprised of a CPU or the Like, a conversion table 12 serving as a database for perfonning address conversion and the like, an input/output interface line portion 13, 22 and a trary conversion table 14. Also, the relay apparatus 20 has network packet transferring functions and path specification routing functions, and as shown in FIG.8 has a processing device 21 =q)rised of a CPU or the like and a conversion table 22, the conversion table 22 being used for determining the ccmmunication destination when the ICS network frame is transferred within the ICS 1. The inter-VAN gateway 30 has a processing device 31 c=prised of a CPU or the like and a relay table 32 for determining re to send ICS network packets between VANs, as shown In FIG. S.

As shom in FIG.10, the ICS server 40 is cmprised of a processing device 41 and an ICS network database 42, the usage of the ICS network database 42 not being restricted. Ex"les of this usage include: user-specific data corresponding with the ICS address (such as the name or address of the user), data not corresponding with the ICS address, such as data indicating the state of ccmmunication trouble within the VAN, or data not directly related to the VAN, such as an electronic library which maintains and discloses digital documents, Public keys for a public encryption system using encryption technology enployed in verifying the authenticity of the sender and receiver, and maintaining data such as public proof data and related data or secret keys for a secret encryption system andrelated data. The processing device 41 refers to the ICS network database 42, and obtains corresponding data and sends the data to the access control apparatus 10. Further, not only does the ICS network database 42 operate in stand-alone manner, but also is capable of cammrdcating 23 with other ICS network servers and obtaining data therefrcm, by means of sending and receiving ICS network frames based m IP cnication technology. Within the ICS, the ICS network server is the only mqporient provided with an ICS network address.

According to the present invention, the address used to identify cers, terminals and the like used within the ICS network packet is referred to as an ICS network address, and the address used to identify the ceniputers, terminals and the like used within the ICS user packet is referred to as &i ICS user address. The ICS network address is used only within the ICS, one or both of the two types being used; 32-bit and/or 128-bit. Similarly, the ICS usex address also uses one or both of the two types; 32-bit andlor 128-bit. The access control apparatus 10, the relay apparatus 20, the VAN gateway 30 and the ICS network server are arranged so as to be provided each with an ICS network address so as to be uniquely identified. Also, the ICS user address is formed of a VAN upper code and VAN internal code. With the length of the VAN upper code being represented as Cl bits and the length of the VAN internal code being represented as C2 bits, the ICS user address is used such that the total of Cl + C2 equals either 32 bits or 128 bits.

In the present invention, no particular method for deciding the VAN upper code and VAN internal code is stipulated, but in the case of Cl + C2 = 32 bits, the following example can be given for a method for deciding such:

24 VAN upper address - district administration codeWbit) 11 country code(4- bit) liVAN code(8-bit) VAN internal code = VAN district (4-bit) lIVAN access point code(B-bit) liuser logic (4-bit) FIG.11 makes description thereof using an exmple of an ICS user address. Here, the sl "a lib" indicates linkage of data "a and %bw. i.e., data obtained by weans of arrayed data aw and %bw in this order. The ICS network address can be provided with locality in the same manner as with the user network address. That is,

ICS network address = district adrunistration code 11 country code 11 VAN code 11 VAN district code 11 user logic cominications line code Thus, the relay apparatus can efficiently find the transfer destination by weans of deciding the transferring destination with consideration to the district. The address can be determined in the same way in the case of Cl + C2 - 128 bits, as well. Incidentally, with the present invention, the ICS frame can be constructed as described later, as long as Cl + C2 = 32 bits or Cl + C2 = 128 bits ls kept, regardless of how the field sections for the VAN upper code and VAN intemal code are made, or the length of each of the sections.

Also, when deciding the VAN upper code and VAN internal code, nart of these codes may be made to be unique to the user. That is, w- the user can a user-specific address systegn. The address values within a 32 bit address value are fr= address 0 to address (2-32 -1), the present invention is carried out by providing an address decided uniquely to the user within the range of address 10 x 224 to address (10 x 224+ 224 -1), i.e., address (172 x 224+ 16 x 216) to address (172 x 22A+ 32 x 216 -1) or address (192 x 224+ 168 x 2 16) to address (192 x 224+ 169 x 216 -1).

A physical camm=cation line can be separated into a plurality of acnmmicatim lines and used, this being realized in conventional art as frame relay (FR) mltiplex ceffounication rrethod, for example. According to the present invention, the user' s oamnmication line is separated into a user physical canT=catim Line and one or more user logic oeffnmication lines. FIG.12 illustrates an example of the above, wherein a user physical conm=cation line 60 is separated into two user logic conmzdcatim lines 61-1 and 61-2 of the camiunication rate 50 Mps. Also. separate carrputer comninication apparatuses 62-1, 62-2, 62-3, and 62-4 are each comected to respective user logic camnnication lines, and the ICS user addresses 04123,0025,0026,412C are pruvided to each of the carnputer ccnmmicatim apparatuses 62-1 through 62-4. The user physical communication Line 60 is connected to the access control apparatus 63, and the point of contact between the. two is called RICS logic tenninaln. The ICS logic tenninal is provided with an only ICS network address within the ICS. In the example shown in FIG.12 user logic conmmication 1 61-1 and 61-2 26 are connected to the access control apparatus 63, and ICS network addresses w8710 and "8711w are provided to the contact point ICS logic terminals 64-1 and 64-2, respectively.

As described above, the ICS network server 40 is also provided with an only ICS network address, so that the ICS network address can determine that the ICS logic tendnal or the ICS network server is the only me within the ICS. The ICS network server is capable of exchanging information with other ICS servers by means of sending and receiving ICS network packets provided with each other' s ICS network addresses, using the IP cm=mcatim technology. nus function is referred to as nICS network server mffrunication function". The access control apparatus is also provided with an only ICS network address within the ICS, and is capable of exchanging information with other ICS servers by means of the ICS network server ccnwunicatim function. The ICS network server conTainication function is realized by using conventional TCP or UDP(User Datagram Protocol) technology.

There are two types of ICS packets In the present invention, as described earlier, the ICS network packet which is sent and received within the ICS, and the ICS user packet which is sent and received outside of the ICS. Each packet is comprised of a control field and a data field, and, as shown in FIG.13, the packets are coaprised of a network control field, a user control field, a network data field and a user data field, so as to allow usage by ICS encapsulation and ICS reverse encapsulation. That is, when the ICS user packet enters the ICS from the access control apparatus, the ICS user packet becaTes n.a-rt- of the data of the ICS network packet, and the control field of the ICS network packet (network control field) is added thereto (ICS encapsulation). The network control field is divided into a basic field and an external field. The basic field is used as a header of RFC791 or RFC1833 stipulation and the external field is used for ciphering or the like.

Inside the network control field of the ICS packet is placed a range for storing the sender' s address and the intended receiver' s address. There are two types of ICS packets, those with a 32-bit address length and those with a 128-bit address length, with a packet format being employed according to the RFC791 stipulation shown in FIG.3, for example. In the event that 32 bits is insufficient for the ICS network address, for example, in the event that a 64-bit address is to be used, following the RFC791 stipulation, the lacking 32 bits (64 bits - 32 bits) are written into the option portion of the ICS network packet control field, thus nkg the network address usable at 64 bits. Now, supplemental description will be made regarding the aforementioned user-specific address. In the event that a great number of users have a private address (a type of ICS address) in the section between (10 x 224) and (10 x 22A + 224 -1) for example. in the case that the length of the ICS user address is 32 bits, the 32 bits is insufficient for the ICS network address, since the ICS network address is provided corresponding to the ICS user address, and 64 bits is regd, for example. In this case. as described above, the la king 32 bits are written into the option portion of the ICS network

28 packet control field, thus making the network address usable at 64 bits.

The fact that cmn=catim between the same user (called Intracorporation ccmmmicatim") is possible using a private address will be described in the first embodiment. Also, in the event that the address length is 128 bits, the present embodiment is carried out following packet format according to the RFC1883 stipulation such as shown in FIGA, for exmple. The transmitting address range within the network control field, and the address stored in the destination address are made to be ICS network addresses, each respectively being the transmitting ICS network address and the receiving ICS network address. Dir, the transmitting address range within the user control field, and the address stored in the destination address are made to be ICS user addresses, each respectively being the sender ICS user address and the receiver ICS user address.

Incidentally, there is no need to following the RFC791 or RFC1883 stipulation for the ICS packet format in carrying out the present invention; the present invention can be carried out as long as the packet format is such that uses addresses of 32 bits or 128 bits in length. Generally, ICSs receives ICS user packets stipulated by RFC791 or WC1883, but other packet formats can be handles within the ICS network by converting to ICS user packets with conversion means.

Embodiment-1 (Basic ICS, intra-corporation commimication and intracorporation concation):

29 A first entxxlinmt of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGs.14 and 15, regarding basic cen=micatim wherein the transfer destination within the ICS is determined fran the receiver' s ICS user address, based m administration by a conversion table. In the figures, 170-1, 170-2, 170-3 and 170-4 respectively denote gateways provided within the LANs 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 and 100-4, and the ICS packets can pass through these gate 170-1 through 1704.

First, description will be made regarding canamication between a te=dxial which is connected to LAN 100-1 of a corporation X which has a unique address system ADX, and a terminal which is connected to LAN 100-2 of the same corporation X. That is, this is coffffunication between a teind-nal which has an ICS user address n0012n m the LAN 100-1, and a terminal which has an ICS user address n0034R m the LAN 100-2. This c=lunication is typical of comiunication made between terminals which have set addresses based m a unique address system within a single corporation (ADX in this example), the catummication being rnade via the ICS 100 in an interactive rnanner. This type of counmication is referred to as intra- corporation cann=cation service (or intra-corporation, comninication). Next, description will be made regarding conm=catlm between a terminal which is connected to LAN 100-1 of a corporation X which has a unique address system ADX, and a tenrdnal which is connected to LAN 100-3 of a corporation Y which has a unique address system ADY. That is, this is ccnTmmicatim between a te=dnal which has an ICS user address "0012w m the LAN

100-1, and a terminal which has an ICS user address n1156n m the LAN 1003. This camnmication is typical of communication made between terminals which have different address systems within different corporations, the cottatunication being made using an ICS address system which can be shared between the two. This type of communication is referred to as inter-cor-poration c=amication service (or intercorporation conmmication) <<Carinm preparation>> In describing the present embodiment, the address format and so forth is determined as described below, but the specific nune=c values and formats are all but an example, and the present invention is by no means Limited to these. The ICS network address is represented by a 4- digit nu, and the sender ICS user address and the receiver ICS user address are both represented by a 4-digit nurber. Of the sender ICS user address and the receiver ICS user address, addresses of which the upper two digits are not ROC are used as inter-corporation coffnimcation addresses, and these inter-corporation ceffnmicatim addresses are an only value within the ICS 100. Of the sender ICS user address and the receiver ICS user address, addresses of which the upper two digits are ', 0C are used as intra-corporation comnmication addresses, and these intra- corporation conmmication addresses may be duplicate of other intra- corporation camt=cation addresses within the ICS 100. The ICS address administration server 150-1 is capable of uniquely identifying the inter- corporation cannzdcatim addresses. Also, the conversion table 113-1 provided to 31 the access control apparatus 110-1 contains the following: originating ICS network addresses, receiving ICS network addresses, sender ICS network addresses, receiver ICS network addresses, request identification, speed segffents and so forth. The request identification registered to the conversion table 113-1 is such that, e.g., "lw represents intra- corporation cannunication service, ', 2m represents inter-corporation cannunication service, and ', 31' represents virtual dedicated Line connection. The speed segment is the line speed that the caffmnication fran the ICS network address requires, including throughput (e.g., the nu of ICS packets sent within a certain amount of time). <<Preparation for intra-corporation cammication>> The users of LAN 100-1 and LAN 100-2 specify the terminal and apply to a VAN operator in order that the intra-corporation cann=cation of the terminals connected to the LANs can perfonn canmnication via the VAN-1 and VAN-3. The VAN operator responds to the application and sets the aforementioned ICS network address, ICS user address, request identification number, etc. to the conversion tables of the access control apparatuses 110-1 and 110-5 connected to the LAN 100-1 and LAN 100-2.

The item to be set for the VAN- 1 are as follows. The ICS network address is decided by the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1101 to which the LAN 100-1 is connected, with the ICS network address of the ICS logic terminal in this case being set as "7711n. The intracorporation ccnTa=cation address of the 32 terminal connected to the LAN 100-1 from which the application was made is set as ', 0012R, and this is used as the sender ICS user address. The intra-corporation mication address used by the terminal of the address is set as "2212", and this is used as the sender ICS user address. Next, the intra-corporation ccmxmication address of the terminal connected to the LAN 100-2 fran which the application was made is decided by the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 110-5 to which the LAN 100-2 is connected, in this case the ICS network address being set as ', 9922m, and this is used as the receiving ICS network address. Further, the ICS user address used by the terminal connected to the LAN 100-2 is set as '003C, and this is used as the receiver ICS user address. The number "1" is set as the request identification, indicating the intracorporation ccmnanicatim service that was applied for, and the above is registered to the conversion table 113-1.

The item to be set for the VAN- 3 are as follows. Values necessary for reverse cmminication (cam-unication from LAN 100-2 to LAN-1) are set to the conversion table of the access control apparatus 110-5 connecting the LAN 100-2 f= which application was made. That is, data is set reverse to the transmitting ICS network address and the receiving ICS network address, and at the same time, data is set reverse to the sender ICS user address and the receiver ICS user address. The ICS network address of the LAN 100-2 is set as "9922n, and this is used as the transmitting ICS network address. Numeral n0034n is set as the sender ICS user address for the intra-corporatim 33 11 ICS user address of the terminal connected to the LAN 100-2, and the ICS user address "0012" of the terminal of the other party is used as the receiver ICS user address. Also, the ICS user address "7711- of the LAN 100-1 is used as the receiving ICS network address and the value IR is set as the request identification, indicating intracorporation comnmication services. The above is written to the conversion table of the access control apparatus 110-5 and registered. <<Operation of intra- corporation comnnication>> Regarding ccnmmcation between a terminal connected to LAN 100- 1 and having a sender ICS user address ', 0012", and a terminal connected to LAN 100-2 and having a receiver ICS user address ', 003C, the sender "0012n sends an ICS user packet to the receiver "0034 This ICS user packet has set as the sender ICS user address "0012n, and as the receiver ICS user address has set "003C, and the terminal with the ICS user address "0012 performs sending thereof.

The operation will be explained with reference to a flowchart in FIG.18. The conversion table 113-1 is sham in FIG.16 and the temporary conversion table 114-2 is shawn in FIG.17.

The ICS user packet P1 is sent via the user logic comiunication line 1801, and transferred to the access control apparatus 110-1 as the ICS user packet Pl. The access control apparatus 110-1 refers to the conversion table 113-1 from the transmitting ICS network address "7711n(Steps S100 and S101) and the receiver ICS user address %0034w of the received ICS user packet, and knows that the ccm=cation is an intra- corporation cemmmicatim frcm the request identification 34 value "'lm obtained at the same time(Step S102). Then, the receiving ICS network address 9922" corresponding to the sender ICS user address "003C is obtained (Step S103) and is ICS-encapsulated (Step S106). The above procedures illustrated in a flowchart are as shown in FIG.18, with the intra-corporation being flaw (1) therein. The sender ICS user address may be used to specify a source of the ICS packet.

The access control apparatus 110-1 perform the ICS encapsulation, forming the ICS network packet P2 which is sent to the relay apparatus 120-1. Since the ICS network address of the network field is ensured of its uniqueness within the ICS, there is no conflict with other ICS packets. The ICS network packet P2 passes thrcugh the relay apparatus 120-1 and 120-2 based on the receiving ICS network address, and reaches the access control apparatus 110-5 of the VAN-3. The access control apparatus 110-5 rem the network control field from the ICS network packet P4 and perform ICS reverse encapsulation, and re-creates a user data packet P5 which is the same as the ICS user packet P1 from the network data field of the ICS packet, and sends it to the LAN 100-2. The ICS user packet is routed through the LAN 1002, and is transferred to the terminal which has the ICS user address "0034n. <Oreparation for inter-corporation cmcatim>>

As an example of performing inter-corporation comm=cation, the comminication between a terminal which has an ICS user address 00012n and is connected to a LAN 100-1 following address system ADX, and a terminal which has an ICS user address ', 115C and is connected to a LAN 100-3 fol-lowing address system ADY, will be described. The users of the LAN 100-1 and LAN 100-3 specify the terminal to the VAN each is connected to so as to be able to perform the communication via VAN1 and VAN-2, and rroke application to the VAN operator. The VAN operator sets the necessary items in the conversion table of the access control apparatus which is connected to the LAN 100-1 and LAN 100-3, in accordance with the application.

The items to be set regarding VAN-1 are as follows. The ICS network address of the LAN 100-1 is made to be "7711-, the intra corporation conmanication address held by the terminal connected to the LAN 100-1 frczn which there was application is made to be "0012n, and this is made to be the sender ICS user address. The inter corporation c=unication, address provided to the terminal of the above ICS user address made to be ', 2212R, and this is made to be the sender user address (inter-corporation). The ICS network address Is determined by the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 110-4 connected to the ICS network address of the LAN 100-3 fran which there was application, the ICS network address here being "8822-, and this is made to be the receiving ICS network address. Also, the ICS user address of a terminal connected to the LAN 100-3 is made to be 1156n, and this is made to be the receiver ICS user address.

Further, a value "2' is set as the request identification, indicating the inter-corporation communication service that was applied for, and the above is registered to the conversion table 113-1.

36 The items to be set regarding VAN- 2 are as follows. AS a conversion table for the access control apparatus 110-4 to which the LAN 100-3 is connected, a temporary conversion table 114-2 which holds reverse data for a certain time, e. g., 24 hours, is set. That is, regarding the ICS network address ', 8822n to which is c onn ected the LAN 100-3 which uses the inter-corporation cmication service, the following are provided within the access control apparatus 110-4: a transmitting ICS network address, a sender ICS user address, a receiver ICS user address, a receiving ICS network address and temporary conversion table 114-2 which includes a request identification and so forth. <<Operation of inter-corporation canxmication>> A terminal having an ICS user address ', 0012 sends an ICS user packet Fl wherein the sender ICS user address is set as "0012w and the receiver ICS user address is set as ', 1156 w as. The ICS user packet Fl is transferred to the access control apparatus 110-1 via the user logic ccmxinications line 180-1.

The access control apparatus 110-1 refers to the conversion table 113-1 from the originating ICS network address ', 7711" of the LAN 100-1(Steps S100 and S101) and the receiver ICS user address %1156 and knows that the request identification value is "2-, i.e., this cataimication is an inter-corporation canamication (Step S102). The receiving ICS network address corresponding to the receiver ICS user address "11560 is known as m8822'(Step, S104), and then the sender ICS user address ', 0012n is converted into an inter-corporation 37 ccmyvjnicatim address ', 2212n(Step, S105). The access control apparatus 110-1 adds a network control field, fram the obtained transmitting ICS network address ', 77110, the sender ICS user address "2212R, the receiver ICS user address ', 11560 and the receiving ICS network address 8822n, and performs the ICS encapsulation, forming the ICS network packet F2 which is sent to the relay apparatus 120-l(Step S106). The above procedures are illustrated in a flow (2) in FIG.18.

In the above inter-corporation cammanication, in the event that the sender ICS user address within the ICS user packet Fl is made to be the inter-corporation communication address ', 2212R, the sender and the receiver perform the inter-corporation ccxmmcation using an intercorporation camiunication address(Steps S102 and S104). In this case, the access control apparatus 110-1 does not perform the process of converting the sender ICS user address ', 2212w into the intercorporation communication address ', 2212w, as such is not necessary. The above procedures are illustrated in a flow (3) in FIG.18. The sender ICS user address may be used to specify a source of the ICS packet.

The relay apparatus 120-1 transfers the ICS network packet to the access control apparatus 110-4 within the VAN-2 via the relay )aratus 120-2 within the VAN-1, the inter-VAN gateway 130 and the relay apparatus 120-3 within the VAN-2, based on the receiving ICS network address. The operation w211 be explained with reference to FIG.19. The access control apparatus 110-4 receives the ICS network packet(Step S110), creates an ICS user packet F5 fram the network data 38 field(Step S111: ICS reverse encapsulation), and decides fran the receiving ICS network address the logic terminal for sending( (1) of Step S112) and sends it to the LAN 100-3(Step S113). At the same time, in the event that the relation ammg the transmitting ICS network address '18822R, the sender ICS user address 1156n, the receiver ICS usex address ', 2212n and the receiving ICS network address "77110 is not registered in the conversion table within the access control apparatus 110-4, a value %2w of the request identification, i.e., a designation of the inter- corporation ccmmmicatim is set to the trary conversion table 114-2((2) of Step S112). The registration contents of the trary conversion table 114-2 are updated according to processes Such as the contents being deleted if there is no usage thereof for 24 hours. The ICS user packet is routed through the LAN 100-3, and is transferred to the termtinal having the ICS user address 1156n. In a case that the colum of the sender ICS user address in the

conversion table 114-2 is separated as "intra-corporatimm and "interCOrPOratimw of the cmvexsim table 113-1, e.g., in the case that "1159" is described in the conversion table as the sender ICs user address w11590 which is described at the address colum of user control field of ICS user packet just after the ICS reverse encapsulation is processed. Then, the process in which the address of the user Control field is rewritten to %0023w is added to the process of the Step S112(1). As described above, although the ICS user address %0023w for the intra-corporation ccnminication is used within LAN, the ICS "1159' for the corporations outside LAN. In another ent)odirnents,

39 the values are not set in the temporary conversion table. Further, In another embodimmts, the conversion table 113-1 does not include the sender ICS address (intra-corporation) and the sender ICS user address (inter-corporation) and does not include the flow (2) in FIG.18, i.e., Step S105. At the Step S104, the sender ICS user address is not referred. An effect of this entxxt is that register number of the conversion table is to be reduced to me of the sender ICS user address when there are rrany the sender ICS user addresses.

Embodiment-2 (Virtual dedicated line):

Now, description of the operation of virtual dedicated line connection according to the present invention will be made with reference to FIG.20. Here, the virtual dedicated line connection refers to ccuminication wherein ICS user packets a transferred in a fixed manner to a receiving ICS network address already registered in the conversion table, regardless of the ICS user address within the user control field of the ICS user packet, in which the format taken is one-on-one or one-on-N. While the components of FIG.20 are the same as those of Entxxbzmt-1 shown in FIGs.14 and 15, what Is different is the contents of registration in the conversion table. In the conversion table of the access control apparatus, the receiving ICS network address is deterrnined frcn the transmitting ICS network address in a fixed manner, so that either the sender ICS user address (intra-corporation), the sender ICS user address (inter-corporation) and the receiver ICS user address are either not registered, or ignored if registered.

Description w:LU now be given regarding a case in which a corporation X uses virtual dedicated line connection, and the OMMnication is conducted between LAN 200-1 of the corporation X which is connected to the access control apparatus 210-1, and LAN 2002 of the corporation X which is connected to the access control apparatus 210-5. The cormersion table 2131 is shown in FIG.21. <<Preparation>>

The user applies to a VAN operator for virtual dedicated line connection. The VAN operator determines the ICS network address "771P of the ICS logic terminal at the connection point between the access control apparatus 210-1 for connecting the LAN 200-1 of the corporation X and the user logic =munications line 240-1, and slndlwly determines the ICS network address ', 9922n of the ICS logic terminal at the connection point between the access control apparatus 210-5 for connecting the LAN 200-2 of the corporation X and the user logic comnLmications line 240-2. Next, the VAN operator perform setting to the conversion table 213-1 of the access control apparatus 210-1 of the following: the transmitting ICS network address '7711 the receiving ICS network address ', 99W and the request type. Ill u tzated in FIG. 20 is an ele wherein the request type "3 - has been made to serve as the virtual dedicated line connection. Similarly, the VAN operator perform setting to the convexslon table of the access control apparatus 210-5 of the following: the transmitting ICS network address "9922n, the receiving ICS network address "77110 and 41 the request type. <<Procedures>> The operation will be explained with reference to FIG. 22. The LAN 200-1 of the corporation X sends a user packet F10 to the ICS 200 via the user logic c=amcation line 240. The access control apparatus 210-1 which has received the ICS user padcet F10 frcxn the logic terminal of the ICS network address "7711n makes reference to the request type of the transmitting ICS network address ', 7711"(Steps S200 and S201) and identifies this as a virtual dedicated line connection by referring the request identification "3w(Step S202), and reads the receiving ICS network address ', 9922n(Step S203). Next, the access control apparatus 210-1 adds a network amtrol field to the ICS user packet F10 in which the receiving ICS network address is set to "9922" and the transmitting ICS network address is set to "7711n, thus forming an ICS network packet FU(Step S204: ICS encapsulation), and sends this to the relay apparatus 220-l(Step S205). The relay apparatus 200-1 which receives the ICS network packet F11 determines the destination, based on the receiving ICS network address of the ICS network packet F11, and sends an ICS network packet F12 to the relay k-watus 220-2. The ICS network packet F12 is transferred to the access control apparatus 210-5 via the relay apparatus 220-4 within the VAN-3.

The access control apparatus 210-5 rennves the network control field fran the ICS network packet F13 (ICS reverse ion), and sends the ICS network packet F14 frcm the logic terminal of the ICS 42 1 1 network address ', 9922u to the user logic cammunications line 240-2. Then, the LAN 200-2 of the corporation X receives the ICS user packet F14. Transmission can be made in the same say as described fran the LAN 200-2 to the LAN 200-1, and thus, interactive camiunication is available. Using the same method, ICS user packets can be transferred fram the LAN 200-1 of the corporation X to a LAN 200-3 of another corporation Y.

Also, while the above description has been made with reference to a case of one-on-one c=ninication, one-on-N =munication can also be performed. For exmple, a plurality of ICS network addresses my be set to the conversion table 213-1 of the access control apparatus 210-1 shown in FIG.20, as indicated by the transmitting ICS network address ', 7712u. In the present example, two ICS network addresses are set, "6611R and "8822'. The access control apparatus 210-1, upon receiving the ICS user packet frcm the ICS logic temmnal with an ICS network address ', 7712n, creates a first ICS network packet wherein a network control field set with ', 6611n for the receiving ICS network address is added thereto, and a second ICS network packet wherein a network control field set with ', 8822n for the receiving ICS network address is added thereto, these being sent to the relay apparatus 220 1. Consequently, one-on-two canninication can be performed.

Subsequently, oneon-N camnxiicatim can be performed by transferring each ICS network packet in the same manner as described above.

43 Embodiment-3 (Embodinient using an ATM network):

An enbodiment will be described wherein the network inside the ICS according to the present irmentlon is configured using an ATM network. The present embodiment will be described in the follg order: (1) supplementary explanation of ATM-related conventional art, (2) description of =nponents, (3) flow of packets using SW, (4) flaw of packets using PVC, (5) one-on-N or Won-one cannnication using PVC, and (6) N-m-N canTunication using PVC. Incidentally, since the present ent)odinient mainly discloses art regarding address conversion between ICS network packets and ATM networks, so any of the following can be applied to the present embodiment: intra-corporation cation service and inter-corporation cenrunication service described in Effibod=ent-l and virtual dedicated line service described in Embodirrent - 2. (1) Supplementary explanation of ATM-related conventional art:

First, supplementary explanation will be made regarding ATMrelated conventional art to the extent that is necessary to describe the present embodiment. With an ATM network, a plurality of non-fixed logic channels which can flexibly deal with conTrunication speed and so forth can be set m a physical line, these logic channels being referred to as VCs (Virtual Channel). There are two types of virtual Chmnels stipulated according to the way of setting, SW (Switched Virtual Oiannel) and PVC (Permanent Virtual Channel). The SW performs call setting of a virtual channel whenever necessary, and can establish a logic line having the necessary speed for a necessary 44 il - duration with an arbitrary ATM terminal (a general term for cammmication devices which are connected to the ATM network and perform camnmications using the ATM network). Call setting of the virtual channel is perfo by the ATM terminal which is attempting to initiate commication, and the "signaling methodw is standardized in ITU-T regarding this method. An address for identifying the destination ATM terminal to which call setting is to be performed (this address hereafter referred to as NAIM address") is necessary for call setting, and the ATM addresses a systematized so that each ATM te=dnal has a unique ATM address within the ATM network, in order to enable identification of the ATM terminals. There are the following address system: E.164 format stipulated in the ITU-T Reccmmendations Q.2931, and the three types of NSAP method ATM addresses such as shown in FIG. 23 following the ATM Fonn UNI 3.1 Specifications. Now, regarding ICS, which of the above AIM address system is used is decided by the specific construction of the ATM network, so des=ption of the present enl:)odt will proceed using the term "ATM address".

The PVC performs call setting in a semi-permanent manner, and can be considered to be a virtual line as viewed frcxn the AIM terminal. IDs for identifying virtual channels (hereafter referred to as "virtual channel IDR) are appropriated to established virtual channels for both the VC and PVC. A v=tual channel ID is comprised of the VPI (Virtual Path Identifier) and the WI (Virtual Channel Identifier) of the cell header portion of the ATM cell format (63 bytes) shown in FIG.24.

Information cenmimication within the ATM network is performed in information units of the ATM cell format shown in FIG.24, so there is the necessity to convert the ICS network packets into the ATM cells in order to send aver an ATM network. This cmversion is performed in two steps: conversion to CPCS (CaTrnm Part Convergence Sublayer) shown in FIG.25, and degradation of the CPCS frames to the ATM frames as shown in FIG.26. Dividing a cemmriicatim packet into ATM cells results in a plurality of the ATM cells in most circumstances, so the series of ATM cells related to the since communication packet is referred to as an ATM cell sequence. Reception of an ATM cell sequence results in reverse conversion, which is performed in two steps: assernbling a CPCS frame fran the ATM cell sequence shown in FIG.26, and extracting and reproducing the communication packet (ICS network packet) from the CKS frame shown in FIG. 25. Conversion to the CKS frame and degradation/assembly of the ATM cells constitute known art, which has been standardized following the ITU-T Recamendations. Also, protocol headers within the CKS frame user information have been standardized in RFC1483 of IETF. (2) Description of ccnipments:

FIGs.27 and 28 focus m the ATM network 1042, in which the internal construction of the conversion unit 1033-1 within the ATM exchange 101331 and of the conversion unit 1033-2 within the ATM exchange 10133-2 is described. and also the access control apparatus 1010-2 and 1010-1 are described in a simplified manner. Contents of 46 an ATM address conversion table 1533-5 and a VC address conversion table 1433-5 are shom in FIG.29, and contents of an ATM address cormersion table 1533-6 and a VC address conversion table 1433-6 are shown in FIG.30. In the present aTbodimnt, the internal configuration of the access control apparatus and the operation of the processing device within the access control apparatus are basically the same in principle as the description given in Entedunent-l.

Appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-5 shown in FIG.27 are ICS network addresses N7711' and "7722', serving as connection points (ICS logic terminals) for corporations X and A which are the users of the ICS 905. Also appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-7 are ICS network addresses 077330 and 0774C, serving as connection points for corporations W and C, similarly. In FIG.28, appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-6 are ICS network addresses n99220 and 09933", serving as connection points for corporations Y and B, and similarly appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-8 are ICS network addresses n99440 and 09955n, serving as connection points for corporations Z and D. Here, in the ATM network entodumt, the corporations X, Y and so forth, which are given as exarnples of users, may be differing locations within a single corporation which performs intra- corporation conmmcatim, or may be different corporations which perform inter-corporation canmmication.

An interface unit 1133-5 is provided in the conversion unit 1033-5 within the ArIM exchange 10133-5, this interface unit 1133-5 handling the processing of rectifying interfacing (lcal layexs, 47 data link layer protocol) of the commication lines connecting the access control apparatus 1010-5 and the ATM exchange 10133-5. The conversion unit 1033-5 is cmprised of a processing device 1233-5, and an ATM address conversion table 1533-5 for call setting with the SM, and a VC address conversion table 1433-5 for converting addresses frm ICS network addresses used by both SM and PVC to virtual channel. Alw, the ATM exchange 10133-5 connects the ATM address administration server 1633-5 serving as an information processing device for storing the ATM address conversion table with, in the case of using PVC, the PVC address administration server 1733-5 serving as an information processing device for storing the VC address conversion table, thereby performing the information processing relating to address conversion. The components making up the ATM exchange 10133-6 are the sarne as the description given regarding the ATM exchange 10133-5. In FIGs.27 and 28, the access control apparatus 1010-5 and the access control apparatus 1010-7 are connected to the ATM exchange 10133-5 via the ccgtiLLLuliCatiM line 1810-5 and communication line 1810-7, respectively, and also, the access control apparatus 1010-6 and the access control apparatus 1010-8 are comected to the ATM exchange 10133-6 via the cxxffmmication Line 1810-6 and comnnication line 1810-8, respectively. An ATM address 03977" unique to the network is set to the conversion unit 1033-5 within the ATM exchange 10133-5, and an ATM address w3999" unique to the network is set to the conversion unit 1033-6 within the ATM exchange 10133-6. The ATM exchange 10133-5 and the ATM exchange 10133-6 are connected via the ATM exchange 10133-7 in the present

48 embodiment. (3) Flow of packets using SW:

An entxxlunent wheredn SVC is applied as a comnmication path within the ATM network will be described with an exmple of an ICS user Packet sent from a te=ninal of a corporation X toward a tenninal of a corporation Y, with reference to FIGs.27 and 28. <<Preparation>> A receiving ICS network address indicating the destination of the ICS network packet, a receiving ATM address for indicating the other Party for call setting of the virtual channel m the ATM network, and channel capabilities such as wm=cation speed rected by the virtual channel, are registered in the ATM address conversion table 1533-5. Also, similar registration is made to the ATM address conversion table 1533-6. In the anbodiment, the values set in the ATM address conversion table 1533-5 are as foll. ows: "9922" which is the ICS network address appropriated to the ics logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-6 is set as the caunLinicatim address of the corporation Y, and the ATM address n3999R which is uniquely appropriated to the conversion unit 1033-6 within the ATM network is registered as the receiving ATM address. In the present effibodurpant, a caRmnication speed of 64 Kbps is set as the channel capabilities. The contents registered to the ATM address conversion table 1533-5 are also written to the ATM address administration server 1633-5.

The values set in the ATM address conversion table 1533-6 are as follows: 07711n which is the ICS network address appropriated to the 49 ICS logic tenninal of the access control apparatus 1010-5 is set as the communication address of the corporation X, and the ATM address 03977m which is uniquely appropriated in the ATM network to the conversion unit 1033-5 within the ATM exchange 10133-5 to which the access control apparatus 1010-5 Is connected is registered as the receiving ATM address. In the present enbodurent, a cmication speed of 64 Kbps is set as the channel capabilities. The contents registered to the ATM address 0OnVeXSion table 1533-6 are also written to the ATM address administration server 1633-6. <<Transferring ICS network packets frorn the access control apparatus>> As described in Effbodt-1, the ICS user packets sent fran a terminal of the corporation X to the tenunal of the corporation Y connected to the access control apparatus 1010-6 via the access control apparatus 1010-5 is encapsulated upon passing through the access control apparatus 1010-5, and becomes an ICS network packet Fl having the trarLwd-tting ICS network address "7711" and the receiving ICS network address 09922% as an ICS packet header. The ICS network packet Fl is sent from the access control apparatus 1010-5 to the ATM exchange 10133-5, and reaches the conversion unit 1033-5. The following is a description thereof made with reference to FIG-31. <<Obtaining a virtual channel ID>>

Once the conversion unit 1033-5 receives the ICS network packet Fl(Step S1601), there is the need to request a virtual channel ID of the SM virtual channel determined by the relation of the trmismtt-ing ICS network address n7711w and the receiving ICS network address f w9922m in the ICS packet header, in order to correctly transfer the received packet Fl to the ATM exchange 101335. In the case that the c=runication is based m the SW, there are cases that the virtual channel corresponding with the camiunication path is established at the time of the receiving the ICS network packet, and cases in which the virtual chamel has not yet been established. In order to find out whether or not the virtual channel has been established, the processing device 1233-5 first searches whether or not a virtual Channel correspmding with the pair of a transmitting ICS network address B7711' and a receiving ICS network address H9922R is registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-5 (Step S1602), and in the event that there is registration here, establishomt of the virtual channel can be thus confirmed. That is, the fact that the vU-t channel corresponding with the pair of tr-.tting ICS network address 07711w and receiving ICS network address 09922n is "33" is obtained, and further, it can be found that this virtual channel is ocnmmcating based m the SW, fram the value nil" of the channel type obtained at the same time. In the event that there is no such registration m the VC address conversion table 1433-5, the requested virtual channel is established with the latter-described <<call setting>>, and the virtual Channel ID is obtained fran the information registered to the VC address conversion table 1433-5 at that point (Step S1603). <<Call setting>> Regarding the above-mentioned case wherein Rthere is no regist- 51 ration of a virtual channel ID corresponding with a canmnication path determined by correspondence between a transmitting ICS network address and a receiving ICS network address m the VC address conversion table 1433-5", i.e., in the case that there is no virtual ch mnel ID corresponding with the c=mication path established yet, it becomes necessary to perform the following call setting, to establish a virtual channel within the ATM network cenprising ICS 905. An example of operation of the call setting wM now be described.

The processing device 1233-5 of the conversion unit 1033-5, upon making reference to the VC address conversion table 1433-5 and finding that there is no registration of a virtual channel ID corresponding with the pair of transmitting ICS network address "7711R and receiving ICS network address "99220 (Step S1602), the processing device 12335 of the conversion unit 1033-5 refers to the VC address conversion table 1533-5, finds the receiving ICS network address w9922n registered in the VC address conversion table 1533-5 matching the receiving ICS network address "9922", and obtains transmitting ATM address w3999' corresponding thereto and channel capabilities n6W corresponding thereto, and so forth. The processing device 1233-5 uses the obtained transmitting ATM address "39990 to perform a request for caU setting to the ATM exchange 10133-5, and also requested at this tim is channel capabilities such as conmicatim speed of the virtual channel staneously obtained fram the VC address conversion table 1533-5 and so forth. The ATM exchange 10133-5, upon receiving the call setting request, uses a signal method which is provided 52 standard to ATM exchanges proper as known technique to establish a virtual channel within the ATM network which reaches the ATM exchange 10133-6 (Step S1606). The virtual channel ID appropriated for identification of the virtual channel is notified frcrn the ATM exchanges to conversion units 1033-5 and 1033-6 therein, but in the event that this is based on stipulations of a signal method according to known technique, the value notified fran the calling party ATM exchange 10133-5(e.g., 033') and the value notified from the receiving party ATM exchange 10133- 3(e.g., "44w) may not be the same value. At the conversion unit 1033-5, the virtual channel ID 133w which is notified from the ATM exchange 10133- 5 is registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-5 along with the transmitting ICS network address R7711" and the receiving ICS network address R9922w (Step S1607), and stores these on the VC address conversion table 1433-5 while the connection of this virtual channel is established. the virtual channel connection is no longer necessary, the conversion unit 1033-5 requests call release of the virtual channel to the ATM exchange 10133-5, and at the sarne time deletes the registration corresponding with virtual channel ID '3Y on the VC address conversion table 1433-5. Registration to the VC address conversion table 1433-6 in the conversion unit 1033-6 will be described later. << Packet transfer>> The processing device 1233-5 of the conversion unit 1033-5 converts the ICS network packet Fl received frcin the access control apparatus 1010-5 into a CKS frame shown in FIG.25 according to the 53 virtual channel (virtual channel ID "33") established according the above description, and further performs degradation into ATM cells as shown in FIG.26 and transfers to the relay ATM exchange 10133-7(Step S1604). <<Transfer of ATM cells>>

According to the above-described method, the ATM ceLL series SI camprised of a plurality of cells obtained by converting the ICS network packet Fl is transferred from the ATM exchange 10133-5 to the relay ATM exchange 10133-5, and further is transferred to the ATM exchange 10133-6 as ATM cell series S2. The following is a description thereof with reference to the flowchart in FIG.32. <<Operation following arrival of packet>>

Once the ATM cell series S2 reaches the ATM exchange 10133-6 (Step S1610), this ATM cell series S2 is transferred fran the A7M exchange 10133-6 to the conversion unit 1033-6. At the cormersion unit 1033-6 as shown in FIG. 26, the received ATM cells are assembled into a CKS frame, and further, as shown in FIG.25, an ICS network packet is restored frcin the CKS frame (Step S1611). In FIG.28, the restored ICS network packet is shown as ICS network packet F2, but the contents thereof are identical to that of the ICS network packet Fl. The ICS network packet F2 is transferred to an access control apparatus determined by the receiving ICS network address '9922n in the header thereof, i.e., to access control apparatus 1010-6 which has an ICS logic tei=ial appropriated with ICS network address "9922R (Step S1612).

54 1 At this tirne, at the conversion unit 1033-6, the transmitting ICS network address R7711m, the receiving ICS network address "9922" the channel type -11- indicating the fact this is SM identified at the point of receiving the call, and the virtual channel ID 044w appropriated at the tiTre of call setting of the SM virtual channel are registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-6 (Step S1614), and at this time, the transmitting ICS network address R7711m of the ICS network packet F2 is written to the receiving ICS network address of the VC address conversion table 1433-6, and the receiving ICS network address w9922m is written to the transmitting ICS network address of the VC address conversion table 1433-6, i.e., these are written in reverse positions. However, if at the point of registration an item already exists within the VC address conversion table 1433-6 identical to that regarding which registration is being att"ted, no registration is made. The address conversion information registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-6 is stored on the VC address conversion table 1433-5 while the connection of the virtual channel having a corresponding virtual channel (in this example, virtual channel ID "44") is established (Step S1613). <<Reverse packet flaw>> Now. description of the case of reverse flow of the ICS packet, i. e flow frem a corporation Y to a corporation X, will be made with reference to FIGs.27 and 28, under the presumption that call setting of the SM virtual channel has been made according to the above description. An ICS user packet sent out from the corporation Y to

9 the corporation X is converted into an ICS network packet F3 having the transmitting ICS network address n99220 and the receiving ICS network address n7711n in the header portion thereof, and the sing following the flow shown in FIG.31 as described above is performed by the processing device 1233-6 of the conversion unit 10336 within the ATM e=lmge 10133-6.

In this case, the VC address conversion table 1433-5 in the conversion unit 1033-6 has registered therein a virtual channel ID n4C with a channel type nlln which means SM, corresponding with the transmitting ICS network address n9922w and receiving ICS network address n7711n, so the system operates following the flow(l) shown in FIG.31, thereby converting the ICS network packet F3 into a plurality of ATM cells (ATM series S3) and transferring, with regard to the virtual channel ID 0440. The ICS network packet F3 is rela and transferred by the relay ATM exchange 10133- 5, beccme- ATM series S4 and reach the ATM exchange 10133-5, are received via the virtual channel having virtual channel ID '33n in the conversion unit 1033-6 thereof, and restored into an ICS network packet F4 having identical contents with the ICS network packet F3. In the conversion unit 10335, the pair of the transmitting ICS network address 09922n and the receiving ICS network address R7711n in the header of the ICS network packet F4 is already registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-5 in reverse fashion, so registration to the VC address conversion table is not performed, and the ICS network packet F4 is transferred to the access control apparatus 1010-5.

56 <<1yle of application to half -duplex camniication>> The abave description has been made with reference to cases wherein an ICS packet is transferred fram the corporation X to the corporation Y, and reverse fram the corporation Y to the corporation X, with an network within the ICS 905 having been configured of an ATM network, being carried out with a single SVC virtual channel. For example, applying this transfer and reverse transfer to a request packet to a seivw terminal of the corporation Y to be connected to the ICS fran a client terminal of the corporatian X to be connected to the ICS (transfer), and a response packet to this requestpacket frcm the client terminal of the corporation X to server terminal of the corporation Y (reverse transfer) results in an application example of half -duplex ccmmnicatim in which me-way communication is performed at times, and both-way cannmication is realized by switching the comninication direction by time frames. <<Example of application to fill 1 -duplex cammicatim>>

The virtual channel set m the ATM network is capable of fill 1 duplex c=unication, i.e., simultaneous both-way c=unication, due to the ATM stipulations. For example, applying the transfer and reverse transfer to request packets to a plurality of server terminals of the corporation Y to be connected to the ICS fram a plurality of client te=nals of the corporation X to be connected to the ICS (transfer), and response packets to the request packets fran the plurality of client terminals of the corporation X to the plurality of server terminals of the corporation Y (reverse transfer) results in 57 asynchronous transfer of packets between the cl-lent terminals and the server terminals, so smmltaneous both-way ccmamcation is conducted m the single SM virtual channel serving as the canmnication path, thereby ng for an appncation example of full-duplex communication. (4) Flow of packets using PVC An enbodiment wherein the network within the ICS 906 is configured with an ATM network and PVC is applled as a communication path within the ATM network wi11 be described with an exarrple of an ICS user packet sent fran a terminal of a corporation W toward a terminal of a corporation Z, with reference to FIGs.27 and 28. <<Preparation>> A transmitting ICS network address, a receiving ICS address, the virtual channel ID of the PVC fixed on the ATM network (indicating the cautunication. path between the ATM exchange 10133-5 and the ATM exchange 10133-6), and the channel type indicating that the virtual channel ID is PVC, are registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-5. This registration is different from the case of SM, in that registration is made in the VC address conversion table 1433-5 at the same time that the PVC virtual channel is set in the ATM exchanges (10133-5, 10133-7, 10133- 6) serving as the camiunication path, and is saved in a f nkminer while the =Tamcation path is necessary. i.e., until the setting of the PVC virtual channel is canceled. Also, the registr-ation, is made to the VC address conversion table 1433-6 in the sam manner. Incidentally, the PVC virtual channel ID is appropriated to the respective ATM exchanges at the time that PVC is 58 1.

fixedly connected between the ATM exchanges.

The values set in the VC address conversion table 1433-5 are as follows: value '7733' which is the transmitting ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-7 is set as the c=nanication address of the corporation W, and value N9944n which is the receiving ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-8 is set as the canamication address of the corporation Z. Further, the PVC virtual channel ID -55- which is appropriated to the ATM exchange 10133-5 is set as the virtual channel ID, and value '22R is set as the channel type, indicating the PVC. Also, settings for registering to the VC address conversion table 1433-5 are written to the PVC address administration server 1733-5, and stored.

In the same way, similar settings are made in the VC address conversion table 1433-6 in the conversion unit 1033-6 in the ATM exchange 10133-6, with the transmitting ICS network address and the receiving ICS network address reversed. In this case, even if the same PVC is being implied. the virtual channel ID may be of a different value to the VC address conversion table 1433-5. Men the registering to VC address conversion table 1433-6 in this instance, this is also written to and stored in the PVC address administration server 1733-6.

The values set in the VC address conversion table 1433-6 are as folIows: value "9944' which is the trartmiitting ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic te=ninal of the access control apparatus 59 1010-8 is set as the camiLmication address of the corporation Z, and value "7733' which is the receiving ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-7 is set as the =Tmlcatim address of the corporation W. Further, the PVC virtual channel ID H6C which is appropriated to the ATM exchange 10133-6 is set as the virtual channel ID, and value 022w is set as the channel type, indicating PVC. <<Transferring ICS network packets fran access control apparatus>> The ICS user packet sent toward the tenninal of the corporation Z connected to the access control apparatus 1010-5 via the access control apparatus 1010-7 is ICS-encapsulated upon passing through the access control apparatus 1010-7, and beomes an ICS network packet F5 having the transmitting ICS network address '7733" and the receiving ICS network address n99440 as an ICS packet header. The ICS network packet F5 is sent from the access control apparatus 1010-7 to the ATM exchange 10133-5, and reaches the conversion unit 1033-5 via the interface unit 1133-5. <<Obtaining a virtual channel ID>> The processing device 1233-5 refers to the VC address conversion table 1433-5 using the transmitting ICS network address n7733" and the receiving ICS network address 09944w in the header of the received ICS network packet F5, and obtains the fact that the virtual channel ID identifying the virtual channel set between the conversion units 10335 and 1033-6 inside the ATM exchange 10133-6 connected to the access control apparatus 1010-8 with the ICS logic terminal provided with a reviving ICS network address 09944n is N55n. At the same time, it can be found that the vil channel is PVC, from the value - 22 n of the channel type obtained. <<Transfer of packets>> The processing device 1233-5 converts the ICS network packet F5 received fran the access control apparatus 1010-7 into an ATM cell series, and transfers this to the ATM exchange 10133-7, with regard to the PVC virtual channel '55" obtained as described above. The method of ATM cell conversion is the same as that described above in the embodiment of SW. The above processing procedures of the conversion unit 1033-5 are as shown in FIG.31, and PVC always follows the flow (1) <<Transfer of ATM cells>> The ATM cell series S1 comprised of a plurality of cells obtained by converting the ICS network packet Fl is transferred frcxn the ATM exchange 10133-5 to the relay ATM exchange 10133-7, and further is transfe=red to the ATM exchange 10133-6 as ATM cell series S2. This operation is the same as with SW. <<q"mtim following arrival of packet>> Once the ATM cell series S2 reaches the A7M exchange 10133-6, this ATM cell series S2 is transferred fran the ATM exge 10133-6 to the conversion unit 1033-6 within the ATM exchange 10133-6. The conversion unit 1033-6 assembles the received ATM cel-Is into a CKS frame, which is the same as with SM. In FIG.28, the restored ICS network packet is shown as an ICS network packet F6, but the contents 61 thereof are identical to that of the ICS network packet F5. The Ics network packet F6 is transferred to an access control apparatus deteed by the receiving ICS network address 0994C in the header thereof, i.e., to access control device 1010-8 which has an ICS logic teminal appropriated with ICS network address '994C. The above pi: x5essing procedures of the conversion unit 1033-6 are as shown in FIG.32, and PVC always follows the flow (1). <<Reverse packet flow>> Next, description of the case of reverse flow of the ICS packet, i. e flow from the corporation Z to the cration W, will be made with reference to FIGs. 27 and 28, in the same manner as above. An ICS user packet sent out fran the corporation Z to the corporation W is ICS-encapsulated into an ICS network packet F7 having the tting ICS network address n9944m and the receiving ICS network address w77330 in the header portion thereof, and the processing following the flaw shown in FIG. 31 as described above is performed by the processing device 1233-6 of the conversion unit 1033-6 within the ATM exchange 10133- 6. In this case, the VC address conversion table 1433-6 in the conversion unit 1033-6 has registered therein a virtual channel ID n66n corresponding with a transmitting ICS network address n9944' and a receiving ICS network address "7733n, so the system converts the ICS network packet F7 into a plurality of ATM cell series and transfers, with regard to the virtual channel ID N66 The ATM cell series transferred through the ATM network reach the converting unit 1033-5 of the ATM exchange 10133-5, are received 62 via the virtual channel having virtual channel ID '55", and restored into an ICS network packet F8 having identical contents with the ICS network frame F7. However, in the conversion unit 1033-5, the pair of the transmitting ICS network address m9944n and the receiving ICS network address "773Y in the header of the ICS network packet F4 is eady registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-5 in reverse fashion, and information that the virtual channel ID H55n as to this transmitting/receiving address pair is channel type H22n is obtained, so registration to the VC address conversion table is not performed, and the ICS network packet F8 is transferred to the access control apparatus 10107. <<Example of application to half -duplex communication>> The above description has been made with reference to an anbodunent of transferring an ICS packet using PVC with a network within ICS 905 having been configured of an ATM network, but the difference between the PVC and the SVC is whether the virtual channel is fixed or called and set as necessary, so there is no difference in the operation itself of transferring packets over the set virtual d)&mel. Accordingly, regarding the ICS according to the present invention, an example of application to half -duplex communication using an ATM network PVC virtual channel is the same as an example of application to half-duplex coammeation using a SW network PVC virtual channel. <<Example of application to ful 1 -duplex cammunication>>

The example of application of PVC fuU-duplex cc=rdcation is 63 valent to the example of application of full-duplex communication in SW, due to the same reason as the example of application to half duplex czmTardcatim.

(5) One-on-N or N-on-me c=unication using PVC In the above example, an entxxlt was described wherein one virtual ch&uiel was described as a communication path connecting me corporation (location) with one corporation (location), i.e., a ceffnmication path connecting me ICS logic tenninal with me ICS logic tenninal, but one PVC virtual channel can be used as a coiffainication path connecting one ICS logic tenninal with a plurality of ICS logic tenninals. Such One-on-N or N-on-one ccmxinicatim will be described with reference to FIGs.33 and 34. <Oescription of ceffponents>> In FIGs.33 and 34, regarding the access control apparatus 101010, the corporation X is connected to an ATM e)wkmge 10133-10 with an ICS logic tenrdnal within the access control apparatus 1010-10 provided with the ICS network address "7711". With the parties to be reached frain the corporation X as the corporations A through D, the corporation A is connected to an ICS logic tennuial within the access control apparatus 1010-20 provided with the ICS network address "9922", and the corporation B is comected to an ICS logic tendnal within the access control apparatus 1010-20 provided with the ICS network address R9923R. In the same manner, the corporation C is connected to an ICS logic term within the access control apparatus 1010-40 provided with the ICS network address R9944n, and the corporation D is 64 connected to an ICS logic terminal within the access control apparatus 1010-40 provided with the ICS network address "9955". The access control apparatuses 1010-20 and 1010-40 are connected to the ATM exchange 10133- 20, and the ATM exchanges 10133-10 and 10133-20 connected via a relay network. <<Preparation>> With regard to the ATM exchanges 10133-10 and AIM 10133-20, a single PVC virtual channel connecting the conversion unit 1033-10 within the ATM exchange 10133-10 and the conversion unit 1033-20 within the ATM exchange 10133-20, setting R33n as the virtual channel ID provided to the conversion unit 1033-10 of the virtual channel, and -44- as the virtual diannel ID provided to the conversion unit 1033-20 of the virtual channel. Registration such as shown in FIGs.33 and 34 is Performed regarding the VC address conversion table 1433-1 within the conversion unit 1033-10 and the VC address conversion table 143320 within the convexsim unit 1033-20. <<Packet flow for one-on-N canrunicatim>> The flow of packets for one-on-N cannunication will be described concerning packets sent from the corporation X to each of the corporations A through D. An ICS network packet sent from the corporation X toward the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address w7711n and a receiving network address n9922", is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID n33n, by means of making reference to the VC address conversion table 1433-20 in the conversion unit 1033-10. An ICS network packet sent fran the corporation X toward the corporation B, having a transmitting ICS network address w7711R and a receiving network address n9933", is also transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID '33". An ICS network packet sent fram the corporation X toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address "7711" and a receiving network address n9944n, and An ICS network packet sent fran the corporation X toward the corporation D, having a transmitting ICS network address n77110 and a receiving network address N9955" are transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID w33n in the same manner. This indicates that one-on-N (corporation X to corporations A through D) camiunication is being performed while sh aring a single PVC virtual channel. Reverse packet flaw, i.e., transfer from the corporations A through D to the corporation X, will be described in the next section. <<Padcet flow for Won-one ccmmmication>> The flow of packets for Won-one cammnication wi-11 be described concerning packets sent to the corporation X fran each of the corporations A through D. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X frem the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address w9922w and a receiving network address n7711n, is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID "44', by means of making reference to the VC address conversion table 143320 in the conversion unit 1033-20. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X frcin the corporation B, having a transmitting ICS network address n993Y and a receiving network address "7711n, is also 66 transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID R440. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X frcin the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address n9944n and a receiving network address 077111, and An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X fran the corporation D, having a transmitting ICS network address "9955" and a receiving network address R77110 are transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID R44n in the same manner. This indicates that N-on-one (corporations A through D to corporation X) camrunicatim is being pexformed while sha=g a single PVC virtual channel. (6) N-on-N ccmnziicatim using PVC Using the same rrethod as one-on-N ccm=iication. me PVC virtua.1 channel can be used as a canmnication path connecting a plurality of ICS logic terminals with a plurality of ICS logic terminals. Such Non-N CCIM1unication will be described with reference to FIGs.35 and 36. <<Description of carpments>>

The Corporation X has ICS logic ter=ial address H7711w of the access control apparatus 1010-11 as the contact point thereof, the corporation Y has ICS logic terminal address '7722n of the access control apparatus 1010-11 as the contact point thereof, and the access control apparatus 1010-11 is connected to the ATM exchange 10133-11. With the other Party which the corporation X or corporation Y is attempting to reach as the corporation A or corporation C. The corporation A has ICS logic terminal address H99220 of the access control apparatus 1010-21 as the contact point thereof, the corpo- 67 ration Y has ICS logic tenninal address R9944n of the access control apparatus 1010-41 as the contact point thereof. The access cmtrol apparatuses 1010-21 and 1010-4 are comected to the ATM exchange 10133-21, and the ATM exchanges 10133-11 and 10133-21 are comected via a relay network. <<Preparation>> With regard to the ATM exchanges 10133-11 and 10133-21, a single PVC virtual Channel Connects the conversion unit 1033-11 within the ATM exchange 10133-11 and the conversion unit 1033-21 within the ATM exchange 10133-21, setting -3399 as the virtual channel ID provided to the conversion unit 1033-11 of the virtual channel, and "4C as the virtual channel ID provided to the conversion unit 1033-21 of the virtual chamel. Registration such as shown in FIGs.35 and 36 is perf=ned regarding the VC address conversion table 1433-11 within the conversion unit 1033-11 and the VC address conversion table 1433-21 within the conversion unit 1033- 21. <<Packet flow for N-on-N canxmication>> The flaw of packets for N-m-N connunication will first be described concerning packets sent from the corporation X to each of the corporations A and C. An ICS network packet sent fran the corporation X toward the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address "7711" and a receiving network address n9922u, is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID n339', by mans of making reference to the VC address conversion table 143311 in the conversion unit 1033-1. An ICS network packet sent frarn the 68 corporation X toward the corporation C. having a transmitting ICS network address R7711n and a receiving network address "994C, Is also transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID R3311. Next, the flaw of packets will be described concerning packets sent fram the corporation Y to each of the corporations A and C. An ICS network Packet Sent frcxn the corporation Y taward the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address -7722and a receiving network address R9922u, is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID R33u, by means of making reference to the VC address conversion table 1433-11 in the conversion unit 1033-11. An ICS network packet sent frcin the corporation Y taward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address H7722' and a receiving network address -9944-, is also transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID H33n.

Next, reverse packet flow will be described concerning packets sent to each Of the corporations X and Y frcin the corporation A. An ICS network packet sent tmard the corporation X from the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address "9922" and a receiving network address w7711R, is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID R4C, by means of ng reference to the VC address conversion table 143321 in the conversion unit 1033-2. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation Y frcxn the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address n9922" and a receiving network address R7722R, is also transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID R44R, by mans of making reference to the VC 69 1 address conversion table 1433-2 in the conversion unit 1033-2. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X from the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address 09944m and a receiving network address 077110, is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a vixtual channel ID '4C. An ICS network packet sent taward the corporation Y from the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address n9944n and a receiving network address "7722w, is also transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID n4C. Thus, N-m-N camunication is performed while sharing a single PVC virtual channel.

Bxbodiment-4 (arbodiment using an FR network):

An arbodmmt will be described wherein the network inside the ICS according to the Present invention is configured using an FR network. The present ewbodunent w2-U be described In the following order: (1) supplementary explanation of FR-related conventional art, (2) description of components, (3) flow of packets using SW, (4) flaw of packets using PVC, (5) one-on-N or Won-one canumication using PVC, and (6) N-on-N cantunication using PVC. With the present entxxbzent, two types of nethods using SVC or PVC may be used separately, or these inay be used in conjunction. Description will be given regarding each of the cases of using SVC and PVC. Also, intra-corporation cxxiattziicatim service and inter-corporation camn=cation service described in Entxxlmmt-1, and virtual dedicated line service described in Embodiment-2, can both be realized with the access control apparatus according to the present invention, so there is no need to consider these separately regarding network packet camunication with the network within the ICS. Rather, In the present Mbodiment, these omm=catim services will be described integrally. (1) Supplementary explanation of FR-related conventional art:

First, supplementary expL3natim will be made regarding FR- related conventional art to the extent that is necessary to des = be the present effbodiffent.

A frame relay consists of using ceffnmicatlon information units Called packets with variable lengths to perform ccffnunicatim and to specify the ccmnlnicatim path for each packet. This is a conventional art which has been standardized in the ITU.TI.233 RecCEMendations and so forth which have realized accumilated exchange of packets within a circuit network, and also logic multiplexJng (a. technique for multiplexing a single physical line into a plurality of logic lines). The service using the above technique is referred to as Frame Mode Bearer Service (hereafter referred to as RR), and stipulated for FEBS are: the Frame switch Bearer Service (hereafter referred to as 'FSBS-) wlm the other party to which connection IS to be made is selected (SVC); and the Frame Relay Bearer Service (hereafter referred to as OFRBsw) wtl--min the 0 party to which connection is to be made is fixed (PVC). The term -Frame Relaygenerally only indicates FRBS CFrame Relay" in the narrow sense) at times, but with the present invention, "Frame Relay" is used as a term indicating all including FSBS and FRBS. In the event that only 71 MS ls to be specifically indicated, the term nframe relay using SVC will be used, and in the event that only FRBS is to be specifically indicated, the term "frame relay using PVC will be used. Hereafter, the above- defined "frame relay in the wide sense ()" will be referred to as FR, and packets transferred over an FR network will be called wFR packetsR in order to distinguish these fram ICS packets.

As described earlier, with an FR network, a plurality of logic lines can be set on a physical line, these logic lines being referred to as logic channels. Identifiers appropriated to FR terminals connecting to both ends of the logic chamels (an overall reference to Mirtunication pment Connected to the FR network and ccnmmicatJ-ng using the PR network) in order to identify the logic channels are called Data Link Connection Identifiers (hereafter referred to as ODWI"). SVC and PVC are stipulated to logic channels, depending m the way of setting. SVC perform call setting of the logic channel when necessary, and is capable of obtaining a logic line with any FR terminal for a necessary duration, at a necessary speed. Call setting of the logic Channel is performed by the FR terndlial attempting to initiate c=unication, the method thereof being standardized In IM-T. Call setting requires an address for identifying the FR terminal of the other party to which the call is to be set (hereafter referred to as "FR addressn), the FR addresses being systematized so as to be unique in the FR network, thereby enabling identification of each FR terminial. PVC is for fixedly setting a call setting to the FR exchange, and can be viewed as a virtuad dedicated line frcxn the point 72 1---. f of the FR teminal.

Regag the established logic channels, MCIs for identifying logic channels are appropriate for both SVC and PVC, and In the event of transferring an FR packet, the MCI is set at the MCI bit portion m the FR packet address portion shown in FIG.37. There are three formats stipulated for the FR packet address portion, FIG.37 showing the 2-byte format which is one of these. Logic channel capabilities (channel capabilities) of the FR network include: Conmitted Infonnation Rate (hereafter referred to as OCIRN) which is the information transfer speed guaranteed at a norml state (a state wherein there is no congestion) of the FR network.

There is the necessity to convert ICS network packets into FR packets in order to send such cominication packets over an FR network, as shown in FIG.38. Reception of an FR packet results in reverse conversion, consisting of extracting and reproducing the commication packet (ICS network packet) frcrn the FR packet as shown in FIG.38. Conversion of this FR packet has been standardized following the ITU-T Recomendatlons. Also, protocol headers within the FR packet user infonlation have been standardized in RFC1490 of IEW. (2) Description of components:

FIGs.39 and 40 show a forth effbodiment of the present invention. In the present entxxlit, the internal configuration of the access control apparatus and the operation of the processing device within the access control apparatus are basically the same in principle as the description given in Entx>dt-l.

73 Appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-5 are ICS network addresses R771lu and R7722w, serving as connection points (ICS logic terminals) for the corporations X and A which are the users of the ICS 925. Also appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-7 are ICS network addresses w7733" and M4C, serving as connection points for the corporations W and C, similarly. Appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-6 are ICS network addresses 09922n and "99330, serving as connection points for the corporations Y and B, and similarly appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-8 are ICS network addresses n9944m and "9955'0, serving as connection points for the corporations Z and D. Here. in the wbodumnt shown in FIGs.39 and 40. etc., the corporations X, Y and so forth, which are given as examples of users, may be differing locations within a single corporation which perform the intra-corporation cammication, or ffey be different corporations which perfonn the inter-corporation cenTamication.

An interface unit 1132-5 is provided in the conversion unit 1032-5 within the FR exchange 10132-5, this interface unit 1132-5 handling the processing of rectifyJng interfacing of the ccmmnicatim line 1812-5 connecting the access control apparatus 1010-5 and the FR exchange 101325, and the camunication line 1812-5 comecting the access control apparatus 1010-7 and the FR exchange 10132-5 (physical layers, data I=& 1 protocol). The conversion unit 1032-5 is cenprised of a processing device 1232-5, and also an FR address conversion table 1532-5 for call setting with SW, and a MC address 74 conversion table 1432-5 for converting addresses fran ICS network addresses used. by both SVC and PVC to logic channel. Also, the FR exchange 10132-5 connects the FR address administration server 1632-5 serving as an information processing device for storing the FR address conversion table with, in the case of using PVC, the MC address administration server 1732-5 serving as an information processing device for storing the MC address conversion table. thereby pexforming an information processing relating to address conversion. The components making up the FR exchange 10132-6 are the same as the description given regarding the FR exchange 10132-5. In the present embodiment, the accesscontrol apparatuses 1010-5 and 1010-7 are connected to the FR exchange 10132-5 via the camiunication lines 18105 and 1810-7, respectively, and also, the access control apparatuses 1010-6 and 1010-8 are connected to the FR exchange 10132-6 via the commmication lines 1810-6 and 1810-8, respectively. An FR address "2977n unique to the network is set to the conversion unit 1032-5 within the FR exchange 10132-5, and an FR address 02999n unique to the network is set to the conversion unit 1032-6 within the FR exchange 10132-6. The FR exchanges 10132-5 and 10132-6 are connected via the FR relay network, but in the present embodiment, connecting is made via the FR exchange 10132-7 representing the FR relay network. (3) Flow of packets using SW:

An embodunent wherein the network within an ICS is configured of an FR network, and SVC is applied as a camnmication path within the FR network, will be described with an example of an ICS user packet sent from a terminal of the corporation X toward a terminal of the corporation Y, with reference to FIGs.39 and 40. <<Preparation>> A receiving ICS network address indicating the destination of the ICS network packet to be transferred from the conversion unit 1032-5 to the FR network, a receiving FR address for indicating the other party for call setting of the logic channel m the FR network, and channel capabilities such as ccnmmcatim speed requested by the logic channel, are registered in the FR address conversion table 15325 within the conversion unit 1032-5 inside the FR exchange 10132. Also, s=l-ar registration is made to the FR address conversion table 1532-6.

In the eabodwrent, the values set in the FR address conversion table 15325 are as follows: "9922" which is the ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-6 is set as the c=runication address of the corporation Y, and the FR address "2999n which is uniquely appropriated to the conversion unit 1032-6 within the FR network is registered as the receiving FR address. In the present entxxt, a cenTamicatim speed of 64 is set as the channel capabilities. The contents registered to the FR address conversion table 1532-5 are also written to the FR address administration server 1632-5.

The values set in the FR address conversion table 1532-6 are as follows: value M11" which is the ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-5 is set 76 as the ccncatim address of the corporation X, and the FR address -2977' which is uniquely appropriated in the FR network to the conversion unit 1032-5 within the FR exchange 10132-5 to which the access control apparatus 1010-5 is connected ls registered as the receiving FR address. In the present embodiment, a commmication speed of 64 is set as the channel capabi 1 i ties. The contents registered to the FR address conversion table 1532-6 are also written to the FR address administration server 1632-6. <<Transferring ICS network packets fran access control apparatus>> The ICS user packet sent toward the terminal of the corporation Y connected to the access control apparatus 1010-6 via the access control apparatus 1010-5 is ICS-encapsulated upon passing through the access control apparatus 1010-5, and becoms an ICS network packet Fl having the transmitting ICS network address 07711R and the receiving ICS network address w99220 as an ICS packet header. The ICS network packet Fl is sent fran the access control apparatus 1010-5 to the FR exchange 10132-5, and reaches the conversion unit 1032-5 via an interface unit 1132-5 which processes converslon/rectifying of electric signals in the conm=cation path. The following is a description thereof made with reference to the flowchart in FIG.43. <<Obtaining a MM>

Once the conversion unit 1032-5 receives the ICS network packet FI(Step, S1701), there is the need to request a MCI of the SVC logic channel determined by the relation of the transmitting ICS network address w7711n and the receiving ICS network address 099220 in the ICS packet header, in order to correctly transfer the received packet Fl to the PR exchange 10132-5. In the case that the ccmmmicatim is based m SW, there are cases that the logic channel corresponding with the cann=cation path is established at the time of receiving the ICS network packet, and cases in which the logic channel has not yet been established. In order to find out whether or not the logic channel has been established, the processing device 1232-5 first searches whether or not a logic channel corresponding with the pair of a transmitting ICS network address n7711n and a receiving ICS network address n9922R is registered in the MC address conversion table 1432S(Step S1702), and In the event that there is registration here, establi-Rlmmt of the logic channel can be thus confinred. That is, the fact that the logic channel corresponding with the pair of trmsmitting ICS network address "7711w and receiving ICS network address "9922' is "16' is obtained, and further, it can be found that this logic dim is commmicating based on SM, from the value w1Ou of the channel type obtained at the sanne time. In the event that there is no such registration on the MC address conversion table 1432-5, the requested logic channel is established with the latterdescribed <<call setting>>, and MCI is obtained frorn the information registered to the MC address conversion table 1432-5 at that point (Step S1703). <<Call setting>> Regarding the abave-mentioned case wherein nthere is no registration of a MCI corresponding with a conmmications path 78 determined by correspondence between a transmitting ICS network address and a receiving ICS network address m the MC address conversion table 1432-5n, i.e., in the case that there is no MCI corres;ponding with this c=unications; path established yet, it becernes necessary to perform the following call setting, to establish a logic channel within the FR network ccinprising ICS 925. An ele of operation of the call setting will now be described.

The processing device 1232-5 of the conversion unit 1032-5, upon making reference to the MC address conversion table 1432-5 and finding that there is no registration of a MCI Corresponding with the pair of transmitting ICS network address w7711w and receiving ICS network address 0992211 (Step S1702), the processing device 1232-5 of the conversion unit 1032-5 refers to the MC address conversion table 1532-5, finds the receiving ICS network address n9922n registered in the MC address conversion table 1532-5 matching the receiving ICS network address w9922", and obtains transmitting FR address "2999n corresponding thereto and channel capabilities m64C corresponding thereto, and so forth (Step S1705). As described in the above <<Preparation>> section, this transmitting FR address R29990 is an address which is uniquely appropriated within the FR network to the conversion unit 1032-6 in the FR exchange 10132-6 to which the access control appar-atus 1010-6 is connected, this access control apparatus 1010-6 having the ICS logic tenninal provided with a receiving ICS network address R9922w.

The processing device 1232-5 uses the obtained transmitting FR 79 address '299C to perform a request for call setting to the FR exchange 10132-5, and also requested at this time is channel capabilities such as cammunication speed of the logic channel simultaneously obtained frczn the FR address conversion table 1532-5 and so forth(Step S1706). The FR exchange 10132-5, upon receiving the call setting request, uses a signal method which is provided standard to FR exchanges proper as knawn technique to establish a logic channel within the FR network which reaches the FR exchange 10132-6. The MCI appropriated for identification of the logic channel is notified from the FR exchanges to conversion units 1032-5 and 1032-6 therein, but in the event that this is based m stipulations of a signal method according to knawn technique, the value notified fran the calling party FR exchange 10132-5 (e.g., "W) and the value notified fran the receiving party FR exchange 10132-3 (e.g., "26") may not be the same value. At the conversion unit 1032-5, the MCI 116n which is notified frcn the FR exchange 10132-5 is registered in the FR address conversion table 1432-5 along with the transmitting ICS network address "7711n and the receiving ICS network address "9922" (Step S1707), and stores these m the FR address conversion table 1432-5 while the connection of the above logic channel is established. When the logic channel connection is no longer necessary, the conversion unit 1032-5 requests call release of the logic channel to the FR exchange 10132-5, and at the same time deletes the registration correspmcbng with MCI '116n m the FR address convexsim table 1432-5. Registration to the FR address conversion table 1432-6 in the conversion unit 1032-6 will be described later. <<Packet transfer>> The processing device 1232-5 of the conversion unit 1032-5 converts the ICS network packet Fl received fran the access control karatus 1010-5 into a FR packet sham in FIG.38 according to the logic ch&mel(DLCI 016u) established according the above description, and further perform the conversion into FR packets and transfers to the relay FR exchange 10132-7(Step S1704). <<Transfer of FR packets>>

According to the abave-described method, the FR packet S1 obtained by converting the ICS network packet F1 is transferred from the FR exchange 10132-5 to the relay FR exchange 10132-5, and further is transferTed to the FR exchange 10132-6 as FR packet S2. The following is a description thereof with reference to the flowchart in FIG.44. <<Operation following arrival of packet>>

Once the FR packet S2 reaches the FR exchange 10132-6(Step S1710), this PR packet S2 is transferred from the FR exchange 10132-6 to the conversion unit 1032-6. At the conversion unit 1032-6, as shown in FIG.38, an ICS network packet is restored fram the received FR packet (Step S1711). In FIG.40, the restored ICS network packet is shown as an ICS network packet F2, but the contents thereof are identical to that of the ICS network packet Fl. The ICS network packet F2 is transferred to an access control apparatus determined by the receiving ICS network address "9922" in the header thereof, i.e., 81 to access control apparatus 1010-6 which has an ICS logic terminal, appropriated with ICS network address "9922R(Step S1712).

At this time, at the conversion unit 1032-6, the transmitting ICS network address M11', the receiving ICS network address 09922", the channel type '10- indicating the fact this is SVC identified at the point of receiving the call, and MCI n26- appropriated at the time of call setting of the SM logic channel are registered in the FR address conversion'table 14326(Step S1714), and at this time, the itting ICS network address '7711n of the ICS network packet F2 is written to the receiving ICS network address of the FR address conversion table 1432-6, and the receiving ICS network address w9922n is written to the transmitting ICS network address of the PR address conversion table 1432- 6, i.e., these are written in reverse positions. However, if at the point of registration an item already exists within the FR address conversion table 1432-6 identical to that regarding which registration is being attempted, no registration is n-ade. The address conversion information registered in the FR address conversion table 1432-6 is stored m the MC address conversion table 1432-6 while the connection of the logic channel having a corresponding logic cbmnel (in this example, MCI N26n) is established. <<Reverse packet flow>> Now, description of the case of reverse flow of the ICS packet. i.e., flow fram the corporation Y to the corporation X. will be made with reference to FIGs.39 and 40, under the presumption that call setting of the SVC logic channel has been made according to the above

82 1 description.

An ICS user packet sent out fran the corporation Y to the corporation X is ICS-encapsulated upon passing through the access control apparatus 1010-6 and is converted into an ICS network packet F3 having the tranmdtting ICS network address N9922' and the receiving ICS network address R7711R in the header portion thereof. and is transferred to the conversion unit 1032-6 within the FR exchange 10132-6. The processing following the flow shown in FIG.43 as described above is perfmned by the processing device 1232-6 of the conversion unit 1032-6, but the FR address conversion table 1432-5 in the conversion unit 1032-6 has registered therein a MCI 026w with a channel type "10" which neans SM, corresponding with transmitting ICS network address R9922n and receiving ICS network address "7711", so the system operates following the flow (1) shown in FIG.43, thereby converting the ICS network packets F3 into an FR packet (FR packet S3) and transferring, with regard to MCI "26".

The FR packet S3 is relayed and transferred by the relay FR exchange 10132-5, becom FR packet S4 and reach the FR exchange 101325, are received via the logic channel having MCI n16n in the conversion unit 1032-6 thereof, and restored into an ICS network packet F4 having identical contents with the ICS network packet F3. In the conversion unit 1032-5, the pair of the transmitting ICS network address 09922m and the receiving ICS network address R77110 in the header of the ICS network packet F4 is already registered in the FR address conversion table 1432-5 in reverse fashion, so registration 83 to the FR address conversion table is not performed, and the ICS network packet F4 is transferred to the access control apparatus 10105. <<Example of application to half -duplex ccnnanicatim>> The above deswiption has been with reference to cases wherein an ICS packet is transfe fram the corporation X to the corporation Y, and reverse fram the corporation Y to the corporation X, with an network within ICS 925 having been configured of an FR network, being carried out with a single SW logic channel. For example, applying the transfer and reverse transfer to a request packet to a server terminal of the corporation Y to be connected to the ICS fram a client temninal of the corporation X to be connected to the ICS (transfer), and a response packet to the request packet fram the client temunal of the corporation X to server terminal of the corporation Y (reverse transfer) results in an application example of half -duplex cann=cation in which me-way =mmicatim is performed at times, and both-way cammunication is realized by switching the o=nmnication direction by time frames. <<Example of application to full-duplex mnmnication>> The logic channel set on the FR network is capable of fi "lax cemamication,:I.e., simultaneous both-way communication. due to the FR stipulations. For ele, applying the transfer and reverse transfer to request packets to a plurallty of server terminals of the corporation Y to be connected to the ICS fram a plurality of client temminals of the corporation X to be connected to the ICS 84 (transfer), and response packets to the request packets fran the irality of client terminals of the corporation X to the plurality of server terminals of the corporation Y (reverse transfer) results in asynchronous transfer of packets between the cl-lent terminals and the server te=ninals, so simultaneous both-way ccnmmication is conducted on the single SM logic channel serving as the communication path, thereby making for an application example of fill 1 -duplex camirdcation. (4) Flow of packets using PVC:

All ent)odt wtlarein the network within the ICS 925 is oonfigured with an FR network and PVC is applied as a communication Path withIn the FR network will be described with an example of an ICS user packet sent from a teminal of the corporation W to a terminal of the corporation Z. <<Preparation>> A transmitting ICS network address of an ICS network packet to be transferred to the FR network from the conversion unit 1032-5, a receiving ICS address, the MCI of the PVC fixed m the FR network (Indicating the mffmmication path between the FR exchange 10132-5 and the FR exchange 10132-6), and the channel type indicating that the MCI is PVC, are registered in the FR address conversion table 1432-5. This registration is different frorn the case of SM, in that gIstration is made in the FR address conversion table 1432-5 at the same time that the PVC logic Channel is set in the FR exchanges (10132-5, 10132-5, 10132-6) serving as the communication path, and is saved in a fixed manner while the communication path is necessary, i. e, mtil the setting of the PVC logic channel is canceled. Also, the registration is made to the MC address conversion table 1432-6 in the same nianner. Incidentally, the MCI of PVC is appropriated to the respective FR exchanges at the time that PVC is fixedly connected between the FR exchanges.

The values set in the MC address conversion table 1432-5 are as follows: value "7733" which is the transmitting ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terndnal of the access control apparatus 1010-7 is set as the camunication address of the corporation W, and value "99440 which is the receiving ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-8 is set as the caffn=ucatim address of the corporation Z. Further, PVC logic channel ID "18n which is appropriated to the FR exchange 10132-5 is set as the MCI, and value w20n is set for the channel type, indicating PVC. Also, settings for registering to the MC address conversion table 1432-5 are written to the MC address administration server 1732-5, and stored. In the same way, similw settings are made in the MC address conversion table 1432-6 in the conversion unit 1032-6 in the FR exchange 10132-6, with the transmitting ICS network address and the receiving ICS network address reversed. In this case, even if the same PVC is being iniplied, the MCI may be of a different value to the MC address conversion table 1432-5.

The values set in the MC address conversion table 1432-6 are as follows: value "994C which is the transmitting ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic te=nal of the access control apparatus 86 1 1010-8 is set as the camunication address of the corporation Z, and value n7733" which is the receiving ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-7 is set as the camcation address of the corporation W. Further, PVC logic channel ID '28w which is appropriated to the FR exge 10132-6 is set as the MCI, and value n20w is set as the channel type, indicating PVC. Also, settings registered to the MC address conversion table 1432-6 are also written to and store in the MC address administration server 1732-6. <<Transferring ICS network packets fran the access control device>> As described in Embodiment-1, the ICS user packet sent toward the terminal of the corporation Z connected to the access control apparatus 1010-8 via the access control apparatus 1010-7 is ICSencapsulated upon passing through the access control apparatus 1010-7, and becomes an ICS network packet PS having the transmitting ICS network address w7733n and the receiving ICS network address w9944w as an ICS packet header. The ICS network packet PS is sent fram the access control apparatus 1010-7 to the FR exchange 10132-5, and reaches the conversion unit 1032-5. <<Obtaining a MCI>> The processing device 1232-5 refers to the MC address cormersion table 1432-5 using the transmitting ICS network address M33n and the receiving ICS network address 09944w in the header of the received network packet PS, and obtains the fact that the MCI identifying the logic channel set as a cammanication path for this ICS 87 network address pair is 0180. At the sam time, it can be fomd that this logic channel is PVC, frm the value 020R of the clk=el type obtained. <<Transfer of packet>> The processing device 1232-5 converts the ICS network packet F5 received fran the access control apparatus 1010-7 into an FR fram, and transfers it to FR exchange 10132-7, with regard to the PVC logic channel R18n obtained as described above. The method of FR packet conversion is the same- as that described above in the whodiment of SW. The abOve Processing procedures of the conversion unit 1032-5 are as shown in FIG. 43, and PVC always follows the flow (l). <<Transfer of FR packet>> The FR packet S1 carp=sed of a plurality of eel-Is obtained by converting the ICS network packet F5 is transferred frorn the FR exchange 10132-5 to the relay FR exchange 10132-5, and further is transferred to the FR exchange 10132-6 as FR packet S2. This operation is the same as with SM. <<Operation following arrival of packet>> Once the FR packet S2 readies the FR exchange 10132-6, this FR packet S2 is transferred frcin the FR exchange 10132-6 to the conversion unit 1032- 6 within the FR exchange 10132-6. The conversion unit 1032-6 restored the received FR packet into an ICS network packet, which is the sam as with SM. In FIG.40, the restored ICS network packet is shown as ICS network packet F6, but the contents thereof are identical to that of the ICS network packet F5. The ICS network 88 In-a---t F6 is transferred to an access control apparatus determined by the receiving ICS network address n9944n in the he thereof, i.e., to access control apparatus 1010-8 which has an ICS logic terminal appropriated with the ICS network address n9944n. The above processing procedures of the conversion unit 1032-6 are as shown in FIG.44, and PVC always follows the flow (1). <<Reverse packet flow>> Next, description of the case of reverse flow of the ICS packet, i.e., flaw from the corporation Z to the corporation W, will be made, with an PVC logic channel as the cammunicatim path. An ICS user packet sent out from the corporation Z to the corporation W is ICSencapsulated into an ICS network packet F7 having the transmitting ICS network address "9944n and the receiving ICS network address w77330 in the header portion thereof when passing through the access control apparatus 1010-8, and is transferred to the conversion unit 1032-6 within the FR exchange 10132-6. The processing following the flow sham in FIG.43 is performed by the processing device 1232-6 of the conversion unit 1032-6. In this case, the MC address conversion table 1432-5 in the conversion unit 1032-6 has registered therein a MCI R280 corresponding with the transmitting ICS network address 09944R and the receiving ICS network address n7733m, so the systern converts the ICS network packets F7 into an FR packet and transfers, with regard to MCI "28n.

The FR packet transferred through the FR network reach the conversion unit 1032-5 of the FR exchange 10132-5, are received via 89 the logic channel having MCI "18', and restored into an ICS network packet F8 having identical contents with the ICS network packet F7. However, in the conversion unit 1032-5, the pair of the transmitting ICS network address 099441 and the receiving ICS network address "77330 in the header of the ICS network packet F8 is already registered in the MC address conversion table 1432-5 in reverse fashion, and an information that the MCI 018w as to this ting/receiving address pair is channel type 02C is obtained, so the registration to the FR address conversion table is not performed, and the ICS network packet F8 is transferred to the access control apparatus 1010- 7. <<Exarnple of application to half -duplex canmmication>> The above description has been made with reference to an embodiment of transferring an ICS packet using PVC with a network within ICS 925 having been configured of an FR network, but the difference between PVC and the earl-ler-described SVC is whether the logic channel is fixed or called and set as necessary, so there is no difference in the operation itself of transferring packets aver the set logic channel. Accordingly, regarding the ICS according to the present invention, an example of application to half-duplex conmnication using an FR network with a PVC logic channel is the same as an example of application to half-duplex communication using a SVC logic channel. <<le of application to full- duplex cmmmcatim>>

Due to the same reason as that regarding the example of application to fill 1 -duplex camiunication, an example of application to PVC fill 1 -duplex caffm=catim is the same as an ele of applIcation to SVC fill 1 -duplex c=unication. (5) One-on-N or Won-one =ninication using PVC:

In the abave example, an embodiment was described wherein one logic channel was described as a coffff=catim path connecting one corporation (location) with me corporation (location), i.e., a camInication path connecting one ICS logic te=nal with one ICS logic terminal, but me PVC logic channel can be used as a ccrmunication path connecting me ICS logic te=nal with a plurality of ICS logic termtinals. Such One-on-N or Won-one ccniminication will be described with reference to FIGs.45 and 46. <Oescription of ccmponents>> The corporation X is connected with an ICS logic texm within the access control apparatus 1010-10 provided with the ICS network address R77110, and the access control apparatus 1010-52 is connected to the FR elwbmge 10132-52. With the parties to be reached fran the corporation X as the corporations A through D, the corporation A is connected to an ICS logic temninal within the access control apparatus 1010-62 provided with the ICS network address w9922n, and the corporation B is connected to an ICS logic terminal within the access control apparatus 1010-62 provided with the ICS network address R9923n In the same rnanner, the corporation C is connected to an ICS logic tenninal within the access control apparatus 1010-82 provided with the ICS network address N9944R, and the corporation D is connected to an 91 ICS logic terminal within the access control apparatus 1010-82 provided with the ICS network address n9955n. The access control apparatuses 1010- 62 and 1010-82 are connected to the FR exchange 10132-62, and the FR exchange 10132-52 and FR exchange 10132-62 are connected via a relay network. <<Preparation>> With regard to the FR exges 10132-52 and 10132-62, a single PVC logic channel connecting the conversion unit 1032-52 within the FR exchange 10132-52 and the conversion unit 1032-62 within the FR exchange 10132-62, setting 16" as the MCI provided to the conversion unit 1032-52 of the logic channel, and "26R as the MCI provided to the conversion unit 1032- 62 of the logic channel. Registration such as shawn in FIGs.45 and 46 is performed regarding the MC address conversion table 1432-52 within the conversion unit 1032-52 and the MC address conversion table 1432-62 within the conversion unit 103262. <<Frame flaw for one-on-N conninicatim> > The flow of packet for one-on-N conminication will be described concerning packet sent from the corporation X to each of the corporations A through D. An ICS network packet sent from the corporation X toward the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address 07711" and a receiving network address R9922n, is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI 016n, by mans of making reference to the MC address conversion table 1432-62 in the conversion unit 103252. An ICS network packet sent fran the corporation X toward the 92 corporation B, having a transmitting ICS network address '7711" and a receiving network address n9933n, is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI '16n. An ICS network packet sent from the corporation X toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address R7711n and a receiving network address n9944n, and an ICS network packet sent fram the corporation X toward the corporation D, having a transmitting ICS network address R7711m and a receiving network address 09955w are transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI N16w in the same manner. This indicates that one-on-N (the corporation X to the corporations A through D) camn=cation is being perfonried while sharing a single PVC logic channel. Reverse packet flow, i.e., transfer frcm the corporations A through D to the corporation X, will be described next. <<Packet flow for Won-one cannLinication>> The flow of packet for Won-one c=inication will be described concerning packet sent to the corporation X fran each of the corporations A through D. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X fram the corporation A,having a transmitting ICS network address R9922n and a receiving network address R7711n, is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI n26n, by rreans of making reference to the MC address conversion table 1432-62 in the conversion unit 1032-62. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X frctn the corporation B, having a transmitting ICS network address n9933n and a receiving network address "7711n, is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI n2C. An ICS network 93 packet sent toward the corporation X from the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address 09944H and a receiving network address n7711n, and An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X fran the corporation D, having a transmitting ICS network address "9955n and a receiving network address 07711R are transferred to the PVC logic chamel with a MCI n26n in the same manner. This indicates that Won-one (the corporations A through D to the corporation X) cmication is being performed while sharing a single PVC logic chamel. (6) N-m-N oanmmication using PVC:

Using the same method as one-on-N comnmication, one PVC logic channel can be used as a carmun-ication path connecting a plurality of ICS logic terminals with a plurality of ICS logic terminals. Such Non-N ccm=cation will be described with reference to FIGs.47 and 48. <<Description of ccnWnents>>

* The corporation X has ICS logic terminal address "77111 of the access control apparatus 1010-13 as the contact point thereof, the corporation Y has ICS logic tezndnal address n7722w of the access control apparatus 1010-13 as the contact point thereof, and the access control apparatus 1010-13 is connected to the FR exchange 10132-13. With the other party which the corporation X or corporation Y is attempting to reach as the corporation A or corporation C, the corporation A has ICS logic terminal address n9922n of the access control apparatus 1010-23 as the contact point thereof, the corporation Y has ICS logic terminal address "994C of the access 94 I- control apparatus 1010-43 as the contact point thereof. The access control apparatuses 1010-23 and 1010-43 are connected to the FR exchange 10132-23, and the FR exchanges 10132-13 and 10132-23 dre connected via a relay network. <<Preparation>> With regard to the FR exchanges 10132-13 and 10132-23, a single PVC logic channel connects the conversion unit 1032-13 within the FR exchange 10132- 13 and the conversion unit 1032-23 within the FR exchange 10132-23, setting -16 as the MCI provided to the conversion unit 1032-13 of the logic channel, and n26w as the MCI provided to the conversion unit 1032- 23 of the logic channel. The registration such as shown in FIGs.47 and 48 is performed regarding the MC address conversion table 1432-13 within the conversion unit 1032-13 and the MC address conversion table 1432-23 within the conversion unit 103223. <<Packet flow for N-m-N conminication>> The flow of packets for N-m-N cannanication will first be des=bed concerning packets sent fram the corporation X to each of the corporations A and C. An ICS network packet sent from the corporation X toward the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address "77110 and a receiving network address w9922u, is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI 016R, by means of making reference to the MC address conversion table 1432-13 in the conversion unit 1032-13. An ICS network packet sent from the corporation X toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address 077110 and a receiving network address 09944m, is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI " 16 n. Next, the flow of packet will be described. concerning packets sent frcm the corporation Y to each of the corporations A and C. An ICS network packet sent fr'cxn the Corporation Y toward the corporation A. having a transmitting ICS network address w7722R and a receiving network address w9922% is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI 016n, by means of making reference to the DLC address conversion table 1432-13 in the conversion unit 1032-13. An ICS network packet sent frM the corporation Y toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address M22' and a receiving network address 09944R, is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI w16R.

Next, reverse packet flow will be described concerning packets sent to each of the corporations X and Y from the corporation A. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X frcrn the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address 09922m and a receiving network address "7711% is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI n26R, by means of making reference to the DLC address conversion table 1432-23 in the conversion unit 1032-2. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation Y from the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address 09922u and a receiving network address '7722a, is also ransferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI R260. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X frcm the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address w994C and a receiving network address "7711% is transferred to the PVC 96 logic channel with a MCI 0260. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation Y frcyn the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address n99440 and a receiving network address "7722', is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI '26n. Thus, N-on-N cavatunication is performed. while sharing a single PVC logic channel.

Embodirrent-5 (Containment of telephone line, ISDN line, CATV line, satellite line, M Line, cellular phone line):

AS described in Embodiment-1 and Embodiment-2, connection to access control apparatuses which serve as access points is not limited to camunication lines to LANs (dedicated lines, etc.), but rather, telephone lines, ISDN lines, CATV lines, satel-lite lines, M lines and cellular phone lines may also be contained. The following is a description of an embodiment.

FIG.49 through FIG.52 illustrate an example of a system containing telephone lines, ISDN Lines, CATV lines, satellite lines, M lines and cellular phone lines, according to the ICS 6000. The line portions 6011-1 and 6011-2 are made up of telephone line conversion units 6030-1 and 60302, ISDN line conversion units 6029-1 and 6029-2, CATV line conversion units 6028-1 and 6028-2, satellite line conversion units 6027-1 and 60272, IM Line conversion units 6026-1 and 6026-2, and cellular ne line conversion units 6025-1 and 6025-2. The telephone line conversion units 6030-1 and 6030-2 have capabilities for conversion and reverse-conversion equivalent to physical layers and data link layers (first 1 and second Layw of 97 OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) communication protocol) between the telephone lines 6160-1 and 6160-2 and the access control apparatuses 6010-1 and 6010-2. Also, the ISDN line conversion units 6029-1 and 6029-2 have i for conversion and reverse-conversion equivalent to physical layers and data 1= layers between the ISDN lines 6161-1 and 6161-2 and the access control apparatuses 6010-1 and 6010-2, and the CATV line conversion units 6028-1 and 6028-2 have capabilities for conversion and reverse-conversion equivalent to physical layers and data Unk layers between the CATV lines 6162-1 and 6162-2 and the access control apparatuses 6010-1 and 6010-2. Further, the satellite line conversion units 6027-1 and 6027-2 have capabilities for conversion and reverse-conversion equivalent to physical layers and data link layers between the satellite lmies 6163 1 and 6163-2 and the access control apparatuses 6010-1 and 6010-2, and the M conversion units 6026-1 and 6026-2 have capabilities for conversion and reverse-conversion valent to physical layers and data link layers between the M 1 6164-1 and 6164-2 and the access control apparatuses 6010-1 and 6010-2. The cellular phone conversion units 6025-1 and 6025-2 have capabilities for conversion and reverse-conversion equivalent to physical layers and data L-Lnk layers between the cell phone less lines 6165-1 and 6165-2 and the access control apparatuses 6010-1 and 6010-2. An example of the conversion table 6013-1 is shown in FIG.53.

The ICS packet interface network 6050 transfers ICS network packets following the RFC791 or RFC1883 stipulations, without change 98 1 in the ICS network packet format. The X. 25 network 6040 accepts ICS network packets and converts these to X.25 format and transfers, and at the end reverse-converts these into ICS network packet formt and outputs. The FR network 6041 accepts ICS network packets and converts these to FR formt and transfers, and at the end reverse-converts these into ICS network packet format and outputs. The ATM network 6042 accepts ICS network packets and converts these to ATM format and transfers, and at the end reverse-converts these into ICS network packet format and outputs. The satellite communication network 6043 accepts ICS network packets and transfers the information using the satellite, and at the end reversecormerts these into ICS network packet format and outputs. Also, the CATV line network 6044 accepts ICS network packets and converts into CATV format packets and transfers the contents thereof, and at the end reverseconverts these into ICS network packet format and outputs. <<Cannon preparation>> The conversion table 6013-1 within the access control apparatus 6010-1 contains the transmitting ICS network address, the sender ICS user address, the receiver ICS user address, the receiving ICS network address, the request identification and the speed as shown in FIG.53. The request identification represents services and connections, e.g., as follows: value wl" indicates intra-carporation, service, value n2R indicates inter- corporation, service, value w3" indicates virtual dedicated line connection, and value n4n indicates ICS server connection. The conversion table 6013-1 contains addresses registered 99 therein with the same method as that described in Effbodiment-1 and Embodiment-2. The ICS network server 670 has an ICS user address of w20000 and an ICS network address of "7821n, and is connected to the access control apparatus 6010-1 via ICS caffmmications line 6081-1. The conversion table 6013-1 contains the receiver ICS user address 0200OR of the ICS network server 670, receiving ICS network address of "7821w and request identification of "4n.

The operation thereof is described with reference to FIG.54. <<Cmcation frcin a telephone line to an ISDN Line>> The user 6060-1 sends out the ICS user frame F110 with a sender ICS user address w3400" and a receiver ICS user address n2500w to the access control apparatus 6010-1 via the telephone line 6160-1. The access control apparatus 6010-1 receives the ICS user packet F110 frcm the telephone line conversion unit 6030-1 with the ICS network address -7721- (Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address n7721" is registered m the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection "3n(Step S1801). In this case, the registration has not been made, so next, the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks that the receiver ICS user address 02500n is registered m the conversion table 6013-1(Step S1803) and that the request identification has been registered as intercorporation c=unication 02n(Step S1804). In this case. the registr-ation has been made, so the receiving ICS network address '5522R is obtained fran the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as bill2ng related to the inter-corporation ccnTM=Catim is performed (Step S1805), the ICS user packet F110 is ICS-encapsulated (Step S1820), converted into an ICS network packet F120, and sent to the ICS packet transfer network 6030 via ICS network cammunication line 6080-1 (Step S1825). <<Ccmnmication frctn an ISDN line to a CATV Line>> The user 6061-1 sends out the ICS user packet F111 with a sender ICS user address n3500n and a receiver ICS user address H2600n to the access control apparatus 6010-1 via the ISDN line 6161-1. The access control apparatus 6010-1 receives the ICS user packet F111 fram the ISDN line conversion unit 6031-1 with the ICS network address R77220 (Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address '77220 is registered m the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated Line connection R3R(Step S1801). In this case, the registration has been made, so the receiving ICS network address w5523n is obtained fran the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to dedicated line connection is performed(Step S1802), the ICS user packet F111 is ICS-encapsulated (Step S1820), converted into an ICS network packet F121, and sent to the ICS packet transfer network 6030 via ICS network concation line 6080-l(Step S1825).

Incidentally, regarding the virtual dedicated line connection, the sender ICS user address and receiver ICS user address written within the ICS network packet F111 do not have to be used in the access control apparatus. Next, the ICS network packet F121 reaches the access control apparatus 6010-2 via the FR network 6041 and the 101 l-.; ICS network c=unication line 6080-2 for example, is reversely ICSencapsulated and restored into the ICS user packet F111, and reaches the user 6062-2 connected to the CATV line 6162-2 via the CATV line unit 6028-2 which is provided with the transmitting ICS network address "5523". <<CcmTmication frcin a CATV line to a satellite line>> The user 6062-1 sends out the ICS user packet F112 with a sender ICS user address w3600w and a receiver ICS user address w2700n to the access control apparatus 6010-1 via the CATV line 6162-1. The access control apparatus 6010-1 receives the ICS user packet F112 frem the CATV line conversion unit 6032-1 with the ICS network address w7723w (Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address n7723w is registered m the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection w3W(Step S1801). In this case, the registration has not been made, so next, the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks that the receiver ICS user address 02700m is registered m the conversion table 6013-l(Step S1803) and that the request identificatim has been registered as intercorporation cmication 020(Step S1804). In this case. the registration has been made as inter-corporation ceffumication w2 so the receiving ICS network address w5524n is obtained fran the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intercorporation camninication is performed(Step S1805), the ICS user packet F112 is ICS- encapsulated(Step S1820), cmverted into an ICS network packet F122, and sent to the ICS packet transfer network 630 102 via ICS network communication line 6080-I(Step S1825). The ICS network packet F122 reaches the access control apparatus 6010-2 via the ATM network 6042 and the ICS network communication line 6080-2 for example, is reversely ICS-encapsulated and restored into the ICS user packet F112, and reaches the user 6063-2 with the receiving ICS network address w270On. <<Camlunicatim frcrn a satellite line to an M line>> The user 6063-1 sends out the ICS user packet F113 with a sender ICS user address 0370OR and a receiver ICS user address 02800n to the access control apparatus 6010-1 via the telephone line 6163-1. The access control apparatus 6010-1 receives the ICS user packet F113 frem the satellite line conversion unit 6027-1 with the ICS network address R772C(Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address w7724n is registered on the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection n31(Step S1801). In this case, the registration has not been rnade, so next, the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks that the receiver ICS user address "2800n is registered m the conversion table 6013-l(Step S1803) and that the request identification has been registered as inter- corporation cannunication 02n(Step S1804). In this case, the R registration has been made as inter-corporation coffffunication n2 ' so the receiving ICS network address n5525n is obtained frcin the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intercorporation commnication is performed(Step S1805), the ICS user packet F113 is ICS- encapsulated(Step S1820), converted into an ICS 103 network packet F123, and sent to the ICS frame transfer network 6030 via ICS network ccmnzdcatim line 6080-l(Step S1825). The ICS network packet F123 reaches the access control apparatus 6010-2 via the ICS packet interface 6050 and ICS network camunication Line 60802 for exanple, is reversely ICS-encapsulated and restored into the ICS user packet F113, and reaches the user 6064-2 with the receiving ICS network address "280OR. <<Camnmicatim frem an M line to a cellular telephone line>> The user 6064-1 sends out the ICS user packet F114 with a sender ICS user address "0012R and a receiver ICS user address "290C to the access control apparatus 6010-1 via the M line 6164-1. The access control apparatus 6010-1 receives the ICS user packet F114 fran the M line conversion unit 6026-1 with the ICS network address "7725% (Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address R7725n is registered on the cmversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection "3R(Step S1801). In thIs case, the registration has not been made, so next, the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks that the receiver ICS user address 92900n written in the ICS user packet F114 is registered on the conversion table 6013-l(Step S1803) and that the request Identification has been registered as inter-corporation comnmication n2EY (Step S1804). In this case, the registration has not been made as inter-corporation ccremnication "2R, so the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks whether the registration has been made as intracorporation cmmunication nl"(Step S1810). In this case, the 104 registration has been made as intra-corporation camm=cation '1N, so the receiving ICS network address w5526n is obtained fran the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intracorporation camunication is pexfonried(Step S1811), the ICS user packet F113 is ICSencapsulated(Step S1820), cmverted into an ICS network packet F124, and sent to the ICS packet transfer network 6030 via ICS network c=mication Line 6080-l(Step S1825). The ICS network packet F124 reaches the access control apparatus 6010-2 via the CATV line network 6044 and ICS network commication line 6080-2 for ele, is reversely ICS-encapsulated. and restored into the ICS user packet F114, and reaches the user 6065-2 with the receiving ICS network address "2900". <<Ccrmunication frcm a cell telephone line to a telephone ljne>> The user 6065-1 sends out the ICS user packet F115 with a sender ICS user address "3800" and a receiver ICS user address '240Ou to the access control apparatus 6010-1 via the cellular telephone line 6165-1. The access control apparatus 6010-1 receives the ICS user packet F115 frcm the cellular telephone line conversion unit 6035-1 with the ICS network address 07726n(Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address N7726n is registered on the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection w3R(Step S1801). In this case, the registration has not been made, so next, the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks that the receiver ICS user address R240C written in the ICS user packet F115 is registered on the conversion table 6013-1(Step S1803) and that the request i identification has been registered as inter-corporation com=cation "2- (Step S1804). In this case, the registration has been made as inter- corporation communication 02n, so the receiving ICS network address w5521n is obtained fran the emversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intra-corporation camunication is performed(Step S1811), the ICS user packet F115 is ICS-encapsulated (Step S1820), converted into an ICS network packet F125, and sent to the ICS packet transfer network 6030 via ICS network comnmication line 6080-l(Step S1825). The ICS network packet F124 reaches the access control apparatus 6010-2 via the satellite line network 6043 and ICS net cammication line 6080-2 for eple. is reversely ICS-encapsulated and restored into the ICS user packet F115, and reaches the user 6060-2 with the receiving ICS network address "2400n <<CzmTLmication from a cellular telephone line to an ICS network server>> The user 6066-1 sends out the ICS user packet F116 wth a sender ICS user address n398C and a receiver ICS user address n2000' to the access control apparatus 6010-1 via the cellular telephone line 6166-1. The access control apparatus 6010-1 receives the ICS user packet F116 fran the cellular telephone line conversion unit 6025-1 with the ICS network address n7726m(Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address R7726n is registered m the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection "3N(Step S1801). In this case, the registration has not been made, so next, the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks that the receiver ICS 106 user address "200OR written in the ICS user packet F116 is registered m the cormersion table 6013-l(Step S1803) and that the request identification has been registered as inter-corporation comm=cation "2'(Step S1804). In this case, the registration has not been made so the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks whether or not the request identification is registered as intr-a-corpor-ation camnmication win (Step S1810). In this case, the registration has not been made, so the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks whether or not the request identification is registered as ICS network sexvw "C(Step S1812). In this case, the registration has been made as inter-corporation camnunication R2, so the receiving ICS network address 08721m is obtained from the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intra- corporation cam=dcation is performed(Step S1813), the ICS user packet F115 is ICS-encapsulated(Step S1820), converted into an ICS network packet, and sent to the ICS network server 670 (Step S1825).

AccordIng to the above-described transferring methods, changing the ICS user address written into the ICS user packet allows for ttie sending side to select any of the following m the receiving side: telephone line, ISDN line, CATV Line, satellite line, M line, or cellul= phone line; regardless of whether the sending side is any of the following: telephone line, ISDN line, CATV line, satellite Line, M line, or cellular phone line.

Eht)odiment-6 (Dial-up router):

107 An example of using a fli al -up router wi11 be described with refexence to FIG.55 through FIG.57. A user 7400-1 within a LAN 7400 has an ICS user address w2500", and sindlarly, a user 7410-1 within a LAN 7410 has an ICS user address "3601". The administrator of the dial-up router 7110 enters in the router table 7113-1 of the dial-up router 7110 the telephone number specified fram the receiver ICS user address and the order or priority thereof fram the router table input unit 7018-1.

Now, registration to the router table 7113-1 will be described with reference to FIG.58. In the event that the receiver ICS user address 03601w has been specified, the highest m the priority list is telephone number w03-1111-1111", No.2 m the priority list Is telephone nurber "032222-2222n, and No.3 m the priority list is telephone nmber "03-33333333R. The receiver ICS user addresses "3602" and "37000 are also registered in the same manner. Here, reference will be made to the flowchart shown in FIG.59 as an example of cenTrunication from the sender ICS user address w2500" to the receiver ICS user address w3601".

The user 7400-1 sends the ICS user packet F200 to the dial-up router 7110 via the gateway 7400-2 and the user logic communication 1Ine 7204. The dial-up router 7110 operates under the processing device 7112-1, and receives the ICS user packet F20O(Step, S1901), reads the receiver ICS user address R3601' included in the ICS user packet F200, searches the router table 7113-1 with the address "3601n included in the ICS user packet F200 as the search keyword(Step S1902), 108 and finds the telephone nuffber with high priority. In this case, the telephone nuffber highest m the priority list is R03-1111-1111', as sham in the router table in FIG.58, so the flial-up router 7110 dials the telephone nuffter -03-1111-1111w via the telephone network as the first attempt(Step S1910). As a result, a telephone commmication path 7201 with the line portion 7011-1 of the access control apparatus 7010-1 which is called by the telephone number n03-1111-1111n is established, i.e., the dial-up router 7110 and the Line portion 7011-1 are connected by a telephone line. In the event that the dial-up router 7110 and the line portion 7011-1 are not connected by a telephone line, dial-up router 7110 finds the telephone number n032222-2222- that is second in priority, and dials the telephone nuffber "03-2222-2222n via the telephone network as the first atteffpt(Step S1911). As a result, a telephone comamication path 7202 with the line portion 7011-1 of the access control apparatus 7010-1 which is called by the telephone nwher n03-2222-2222w is established. Also, in the event that the dial-up router 7110 and the line unit 7011-1 are not connected by a telephone line, the dial-up router 7110 finds the telephone nuffber n03-3333-3333" that is third in priority, and dials the telephone nu -03-3333-33330 via the telephone network as the third attempt(Step S1911). As a result, a telephone ccffnlunication path 7203 with the Line portion 7011-3 of the access control apparatus 7010-3 which is called by the telephone nmt)er n03-3333-3333n is established. In the event that the dial-up router and the access control apparatus are not connected by a telephone line regardless of 109 the above multiple attempts, the dial-up router 7110 stores the received ICS packet F200 in a memory 7117-l(Step S1913), makes reference again to the router table(Step S1902) after a certain amount of time(Step S1914), and attempts establisbment of telephone cxxtaiazlicatim path 7201, 7202 or 7203.

Next, description will be made regarding the operations following the connection of the aforementioned dial-up router 7110 and the line portion 7011-1. The dialup router 7110 enters verification procedures for detemm=g whether this is an authorized user registered in the access control apparatus 7010-1 as a user(Step S1920). Any arrangement which achieves the object of verification is agreeable for the verification procedures, but for example, an ID and password for identifying the clial- up router are sent fram the dial-up router 7110 to the line portion 7011 via the telephone line 7201 the verifying unit 7016-1 of the access control appanatus 7010-1 dubcks whether or not the received ID and password are correct, and in the event that the user is correct. the fact that the user is correct, i.e., ccnmmication data notifying naffirmative confirmation" is sent to the dial-up router 7110 via the telephone commLmication path 7210, thus completing the verification procedures. In the event that either me of the ID or password is incorrect, communication via the telephone communication path 7210 is terminated.

Upon receiving notification of waffirmtive confirmation- from the telephone line 7201 in user verification, the dial-up router 7110 sends the ICS user packet F200 to the telephone comnMication path 1 7201 (Step S1930), and when the confirmation has been made that the access control apparatus 7010-1 has received the ICS user packet F200, releases the telephone ccmTLmication path 7201 and hangs up(Step S1931), thus leting the above-described series of processes for the dial-up router.

Upon receiving the ICS user packet F200, the access control apparatus 7010-1 uses the conversion table 7013-1 under administration of the processing device 7012-1, generating an ICS network packet F301, which is sent out into the ICS network camnmication line 7301 within the ICS 7100. In the present embodiment, the transmitting Ics network address for the ICS network packet F301 is R7501" which is a network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal within the line portion 7011-1, and thereceiving ICS network address is w8601n appropriated to the ICS logic temminal within the access control apparatus 7010-2. The ICS network packet F301 is transferred across the ICS 7100 and reaches the access control apparatus 7010-2, Where it is reversely ICS-enCaPSulated and reaches the user 7410-1 with the ICS user address n3601n via the user logic comunication line 7601.

In the above description, in the event that a telephone commnication path 7202 called by the telephone number '03-2222-2222is established between the dial-up router 7110 and the line portion 7011-1 of the access control apparatus 7010-1, the ICS user packet F200 is transferred fran the dialup router 7110 to the line portion 7011-1 via the telephone =amication path 7202. In this case also, upon receiving the ICS user packet F200, the access control apparatus ill 7010-1 perform the ICS encapsulation to generate an ICS network packet F302, which is sent out into the ICS network comunication line 7301 within the ICS 7100. Now, the transmitting user address for the ICS user packet F302 is '75021, and the receiving ICS user address, n8601R.

Also, in the event that a telephone mmunication path 7203 called by the telephme nmiber '03-3333-3333w is established between the dial-up router 7110 and the line portion 7011-3 of the access control apparatus 7010-3, the ICS user packet F200 is transferred fram the dial-up router 7110 to the Line portion 7011-3 via the telephone cxxL,Ltunication path 7203. In this case, upon receiving the ICS user packet F200, the access control apparatus 7010-3 perform the ICS encapsulation to generate an ICS network packet F303, which is sent out into the ICS network conmmication line 7303 within the ICS 7100. In this case, the transmitting user address for the ICS user packet F303 is 07800w which is a network address provided to an ICS logic tend-nal within the line portion 7011-3, and the receiving ICS user address is n8601w, which is a network address provided to an ICS logic terminal within the line portion 7010-2. The ICS network packet F303 is transferred across the ICS 7100 and reaches the access control apparatus 7010-2, where it is reversely ICS-encapsulated. and reaches the user 7410-1 with the ICS user address "3601n via the user logic cottataxlication line 7601.

112 Embodiment-7 (ICS address name administration server):

In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 60, ICS address name administration servers 13000-1, 13000-2, 13000-3 and 13000-4 within the ICS 13000-1 are respectively connected to access control apparatuses 13010-1, 13010-2, 13010-3 and 13010-4. The ICS address name administration server 13000-1 has a processing device 130001-1, a co=elation table 13002-1 and an ICS name converting table 13003-1, and further is appropriated an ICS network address n9801n wbich can be uniquely distinguished within the ICS.

The other ICS address name administration servers 13000-2, 13000-3 and 13000-4 also have the same capabilities as the ICS address name administration server 13000-1, each containing a processing device, a correlation table and an ICS name conversion table, each having the respective ICS network addresses n9802n, "9803n and n9804 each camunicatIng one with another using ICS network cammmication functions, and each capable of e-xging the information that another ICS address name administration server has. The ICS address name VAN representative administration server 13020-1 has an ICS network address "9805", and another ICS address name VAN representative administration server 13020-2 has an ICS network address R9806n, these conrunicating with a great many ICS address name administration servers and other ICS address narre VAN representative administration servers using ICS network ccnTmnicatim functions, and each capable of exchanging the informtion that each other has. The ICS address nam V2W representative administration server 13020-1 has a processing 113 device 13031-1 and a database 13032-1, performs exchange of the information such as ICS addresses and ICS names with all ICS address name administration servers within the VAN 13000-1, the collected data relating to the ICS addresses and ICS names is stored in the database 13032-1. Hence the ICS address name VAN representative administration serjex 13020-1 represents the VAN 13030-1 by means of performing the above procedures.

The above ICS address name VAN administration server 13020-1 includes a processing device, a correlation table and an ICS name conversion table, and another ent)odiment may be formed by grouping the co=elation table and the ICS name conversion table into a single table, in which case me of the ICS user addresses contained in both of these two types of tables is used.

RnbOdt-8 (FUU-duPlex cammicatiM including satellite CaLILKLInication path: Part l): <<Configuration of user, data providing corporation, cmication satellite, etc.>> The present Wbodiment perform a type of full-duplex cctLmmicatim by combining a satellite's transmitting functions and jp caLiLiaziicatim functions. In the present wbodiment, -IP terminalindicates a temninal or cer which has functions of sending and receiving IP packets.

Description will be made with reference to FIG.61. The present elL Y. Ichnmlt Is cmprised of: ICS 16000-1; access control apparatuses

114 16100-1, 16110-1 and 16120-1; data prvviding corporation 16200-1; IP teiminal. 16210-1 of the data providing corporation; satellite Sim corporation 16300-1; IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite sion corporation; database 16320-1 of the satellite cusion corporation; satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 of the satellite transmission corporation; conminication satellite 164001; users 16500-1, 16510-1 and 16520-1; IP terminals 16501-1, 16511-1 and 16521-1 of each user; satellite receivers 16502-1, 16512-1 and 16522-1 of each user; satellite electric wave cacation lines 16600-1, 16610-1, 16620-1 and 16630-1; and user logic camiunication lines 16710-1, 16720-1, 16730-1 and 16740-1. The IP terminals 16210-1, 16501-1, 16511-1 and 16521-1 each have ICS user addresses u3000u, u2300u, "2400" and u2500", and are respectively connected to the access control apparatuses 16100-1, 16120-1, 16120-1 and 16110-1, via user logic camiunication Lines. The IP terndnal 16310-1 can be classified as an ICS network server, havIng an ICS special nmt)er "4300", and connected to the access control apparatus 16100-1 via the ICS network ccnmmicat:lon line within the ICS 16000-1. Electric wave transmitted fram the sateLUte transmitter 16330-1 transfer information via the satellite electric wave camnnication path 16600-1, the electr-ic wave is received by satellite rvers 16502-1, 16512-1 and 16522-1, the received data being delivered to the IP terminals 16501-1, 16511-1 and 16521-1. The present enbodiment is characterized by the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 having satellite comyunication functions.

<<Preparation: Description of conventional art>>

In order to describe the present ewbodiment, first, known Tcp and UDP communication technology will be lained. FIG.62 is an example of full-duplex communication using TCP, wherein a ccmmnicating party 1 sends a synchronous packet #1, and a communicating party 2 returns a confirming packet #2 upon receiving the first packet. Cam=ication procedures wherein such packets #1 and #2 are sent and received is referred to as MP connection establishment phase. Next, both communicating parties send and receive packets 0-1, #3-2, #3-3 and #3-4, and communication procedures wherein such sending and recelving of packets is per-formed is referred to as TCP data transfer phase. Finally, a final packet #4 is sent and a confirming packet #5 is returned to confirm the reception of the packet. Ccmumication procedures wherein such packets #4 and #5 are sent and received is referred to as MP connection ending phase. Besides the above TCP Communication procedures, there are CXXMI]nicatiM procedures Called UDP, comprised of data transfer alone. An example is shown in FIG.62, UDP is characterized in comparison with MP by the absence of the TCP connection establisbment and connection ending phases.

The ocnv=cation procedures according to the present embod-iment will be made with reference to FIGs.61 and 63. In the following procedures, the aforementioned TCP technology ful-l-duplex comn-inication is "loyed except for the cases of transmission instruction to satellite transm:Lssim equipment (#6 and #14 in FIG.63) and Odata transmission" using electric wave from the satellite transmission 116 equipment (#7 and #15 in FIG.63), however, only the TCP data transfer phase is shown in FIG. 63, and the TCP comectien establishment phase and TCP connection ending phase are emitted fran the drawing and fran descriptien thereof.

The IP terminal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 162001 obtains Hdata. to be provided" frcm the database 16220-1 thereof and sends it to the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission pui-ation 16300-1 which can be identified by the ICS special nu w4300n, using the IP frame transmission functions of the ICS (#1 In FIG.63, the same hereafter). The satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 stores the received ndata to be previdedn in its database 16320-1. The IP te=ninal 16501-1 of the user 16500-1 sends an winquiry packet" to the IP terminal 16210-1 which can be identified with the ICS user address n3000n(#2). The IP terminal 16210-1 returns a -reply packet-(#3), the IP terminal 16501-1 receives this wreply packetw, and then sends a nrequest packet" to the IP terminal 162101(#4). When the IP terminal 16210-1 receives the nrequest packetn, it sends a "transmission instruction packetn to the IP terminal 16310-1 (#5). When the IP te=dnal 16310-1 receives the -instruction packetn, it instructs transmission of the ndata to be pmvidedn saved in the database 16220-1(#6). The satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 emits the ndata to be providedn as electric wave toward the ccitatunicatim satellite 16400-1 (first half of #7), the cennimication satellite 16400-1 amplifies the received ndata to be providedn and emits it (latter half of V), the satellite receiving equipment 16502- 117 1 receives the data to be providedn as electric wave, and hands it to the IP terminal 16501-1. Thus, the IP terminal 16501-1 obtains the Odata to be provide& via the conamication satellite 16400-1, and sends a "reception confirmation packetw to the IP terminal 16210-1 of the corporation 16200-1 providing the Mata to be provided"(#8). Next, the IP terminal 16210-1 sends a "reception confirmation padcet" to the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 (#9). In the above procedures, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #8 and #9 use the above- described WP con=mcation technology, and the TCP data transfer phase alone is shown and described.

Next, the procedures #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16 and #17 shown in FIG.63 are almost the same as the above procedures, the difference in this exwple being that instead of the user 16500-1, the IP terminal 16501- 1 and the satellite receiving equipment 16502-1, another user 16510-1, IP temTdnal 16511-1 and satellite receiving equipment 16512-1 are used, and the present embodiment is capable of transferring ndata to be providedn to a plurality of users.

The above-described cam=cation procedures shall be described with reference to FIG.64. The sending of an ninquiry packet"(#2), returning a "reply packeC(#3), sending of a nrequest packetn(#4), wdata transmissionR by satellite catatunication(#7), and sending nreception confirmation packeC(#8) in FIG.64 corresponds with the sending of an ninquiry packetw(#2), returning a "reply packet" (C), sending of a wrequest packetn(#4), "data transmission" by satellite ccxtatwlicatim(#7), and sending -reception confirmation packet-(#8) in 118 FIG. 63. Mcam the above description, in the event that the satellite camiunication corporation 16300-1 and the data providing corporation 16200-1 are viewed as an integrated camunication function unit (hereafter referred to as an nintegrated camnmication entityn). The user in FIG. 64 can be considered to be performing full-duplex cmffmmicatim with the aforementioned integrated camunication entity. <<Variatim m above ent)odt> >

Next, a variation of the above enbodimnt wherein only a portion of the camunication procedures has been changed shall be described with reference to FIGs.61 and 65.

First, the IP terminal 16501-1 of the user 16500-1 sends an "inquiry packet" to the IP terminal 16210-1 which can be identified with the ICS user address '300C (#1 in FIG.65: the same hereafter). The IP terminal 16210-1 returns a "reply packetn(#2), the IP terminal 16510-1 receives the -reply packet', and then sends a Rrequest packetn to the IP terminal 16210-1(#3). When the IP terminal 16210-1 receives the Orequest packeC, it sends ndata to be providedn from the database 16220-1 thereof to the IP terminal 16310-1 which can be identified by the ICS special number n4300"(#4), and also sends a utransmission instruction packetn to the IP tendnal 16310-1(#5).

The satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 stores the received Rdata to be providedn in its database 16320-1, and instructs transmission of the saved Rdata to be provided"(#6). The satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 emits the Mata to be providedw as electric wave toward the ccmamication satellite 16400-1 (first half 119 of V), the cammnication satellite 16400-1 amplifies the received Odata to be providedw and emits it (latter half of V), the satellite receiving equipment 16502-1 receives the Odata to be provided, as electric wave. and hands it to the IP terminal 16501-1. Thus, the IP terminal 16501-1 obtains the "data to be provideW via the canainication satellite 16400-1, and sends a nreception confirmatim packetIm to the IP tenninal 16210-1 of the corporation 16200-1 providing the Odata to be prov:ldedw(#8). Next, the IP terminal 16210-1 sends a "reception confirmation packetw to the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1(#9). Next, the procedures #10, #11, #12, #13, #14. #15, #16, #17 and #18 are almost the same as the above procedures, the difference in this example being that lnstead of the user 16500-1, the IP terminal 16501-1 and satellite receiving equipment 16502-1, another user 16510-1, IP terminal 16511-1 and satellite receiving equipment 16512-1 are used. <<Another variation m above effbodiment>> In the above two entxxhffmts. TCP technology full-duplex communication is employed, and only the TCP data transfer phase is shown in the figures, with the TCP comection establishmient phase and TCP connection ending phase being cnutted from the drawings and from description thereof. In the embodiment to be described now, UDP CatatUnication technology described in FIG.62 ls applied to a part or to all, and part or all of the packet sending and receiving using the TCP data transfer phase technique is replaced with packet sending and receiving using the UDP data transfer phase technique.

<<Another variation on above embodiment>> Another version will be described with reference to FIG.66. In FIG.61, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1, the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-1 of the satellite transmission corporation, and satelli e transmission equipment 16330-1 of the satellite transmission corporation are each within the ICS 16000-1, the IP terminal 16310-1 being provided with an ICS special number w4300 As cempared. to this, In the example shown in FIG.66, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-2 the IP terminal 16310-2 of the satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-2 of the satellite transmission colporation, and the satellite transmission equipment 16330- 2 of the satellite transmission corporation are each outside of the ICS 16000-2 the IP terminal 16310-2 being provided with an ICS user address '3900' The data Providing corporation 16200-1 and users 16500-1, 16510-1, 16520-1 are capable of sending and receiving of JP packets can be performed completely regardless of whether the other party has an ICS user address or an ICS special number, so sending and receiving of JP frames can be perfo in combination with satellite cammmication with the example in FIG.66 just as with that In FIG.61.

Effibodifflent-9 (Full-duplex caffmmicatim including satellite caumnication path: Part 2):

The present embadment is another variation of Embodurent-8, with description being made with reference to FIGs.61 and 66. The

121 data providing corporation 16200-1, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1, the user 16500-1, etc. are the same; only the cantunication procedures are different. Also, TCP technology flillduplex cacation will be effployed, but FIG.67 only illustrates the TCP data transfer phase.

The IP tenninal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 162001 obtains hdata to be providedn from the database 16220-1 thereof and sends this to the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 which can be identified by the ICS special number "430Ow, using the IP frame transmission functions of the ICS (#1 in FIG.67, the same hereafter). The satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 stores the received ndata to be providedw in its database 16320-1. Next, the IP terminal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 16200-1 sends a ntransmission notification frame" to the IP terminal 16501-1 of the user 16500-1(#2). Upon receiving the ntransmission notification packetw, the IP terminal 16501-1 returns a R transmission consent packetn to the IP texminal 16210-1(#3). When the IP terminal 16210-1 receives the "transmission consent packetn, it sends a utransmission instruction packetn to the IP terminal 163101(#4). When the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satel-lite transmission corporation 16300-1 receives the ntransmission instruction packetU, it instructs transmission of the ndata to be provided" saved in the database 16220-1(#5). The satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 emits the ndata to be providedw as electric wave toward the catataxiication satellite 16400-1(first half of #6), the c=mication 122 satellite 16400-1 amplifies the received Rdata to be providedn and emits it(latter half of #6), the satellite receiving equipment 16502-1 receives the 'data to be provided" as electric wave, and hands it to the IP terminal 16501-1. Thus, the IP terminal 16501-1 obtains the "data to be provided" via the camirdcation satellite 16400-1, and sends a "reception confirmation packeC to the IP te=dxial 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 16200-1 providing the Mata to be providedw(#7).

The abave-described cammLmication procedures shall be described with reference to FIG.68. The sending of an ntransmission notification packetn(#2), the returning of a Ntransmission consent packetn(#3), ndata transmissionn by satellite communication (#6), and the sending of nreception confirmation packetn(V) in FIG. 68 correspond with the sending of an "transmission notification framen(#2), the returning of a utransmission consent packet"(#3), ndata transmission" by satellite conmmication(#6), and the sending of -reception confirmation packetw(V) in FIG.67, respectively. From the above description, In the event that the satellite ccaniunication corporation 16300-1 and the data providing corporation 16200-1 are viewed as an integrated communication function unit (hereafter referred to as an nintegrated cominication entityw), the user 16500-1 in FIG.68 can be considered to be performing full-duplex c=ninication with the aforementioned integrated camimication entity. <<Another variation on above embodwnL=nt>>

Next, a variation of the above entx)dnnent wherein only a portion 123 of the ccmmziicatim procedures has been changed sha 11 be described with reference to FIGs.61 and 69. The IP terminal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 16200-1 sends a ntransmission notification padcet- to the IP terminal 16501-1 of the user 16500-1 (#1 in FIG.69: the same. hereafter). Upon receiving the "transmission notification packet', the IP terminal 16501-1 returns a ntransmission consent packetn to the IP terminal 16210-1(#2). When the IP terminal 16210-1 receives the ntrwLcanissim consent packet", it obtains "data to be providedn from the database 16220-1 thereof and sends this to the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite tran:smission corporation 16300-1 which can be identified by the ICS special number n430On(C) and further sends a ntransmission instruction packetn to the IP terminal 16310-1(#4). When the IP terminal 16310-1 of the sateJ-Ute transmission corporation 16300-1 receives the Rtransmissim instruction packetn, it instructs transmission of the Mata to be providedn saved in the database 16220-1(#5). The subsequent c=mication procedures are the same as those described above. <<Another variation m above ent)odt>> In the above two entxxlts, MP technology fill]-duplex ccmmicatim is employed, and only the TCP data transfer phase is shom in the figures, with the TCP comection establishment phase and the Tep connection ending phase being omitted from the drawings and fran the description thereof. In the embodiment to be described now, uDp can=ication technology described in FIG.62 is applied to a part or to all, and part or all of the packet sending and receiving using

124 the TCP data transfer phase technique is replaced with packet sending and receiving using the UDP data transfer phase technique. <<Another variation m above embodunent>> Another version will be described with reference to FIG.66. In FIG.61, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1, the IP te=dnal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-1 of the satellite transmission corporation, and the satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 of the satellite transmission corporation are each within the ICS 16000-1, the IP terminal 16310-1 being provided with an ICS special number n4300 As cred to this, In the example shown in FIG.66, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-2, the IP terminal 16310-2 of the satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-2 of the satellite transmission corporation, and the satellite transmission equipment 16330-2 of the satellite transmission corporation are each outside of the ICS 16000-2 the IP terminal 16310-2 being provided with an ICS user address w39000 Embodiment-10 (Full-duplex conmnication including satellite c=unication path: Part 3):

The present embodinmt is another variation of Embodirrent-8, and will be described with reference to FIGs.61 and 70. The data providing corporation 16200-1, the satellite transmitting corporation 16300-1, the user 16500-1 are the same, with only the cemminicatim pr "dures being different. The present embodiment performs the fullduplex canTLmication of TCP technology, but only the MP data transfer nhase is shown in FIG. 70.

The IP tenmUial 16210-1 of the data Providing corporation 162001 sends a nplan notification packetn to each of the following: the IP terminal 16501-1 having an ICS user address n2300", ICS user address -2400' (165111), and ICS user address "2500n (16521-1) (#1 in FIG.70: the same hereafter). Next, the IP terminal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 16200-1 obtains -data to be providedn from the database 162201 thereof and sends this to the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 which can be identified by the ICS special number n4300n, using the IP frame transfer functions of the ICS (#2). The satel 1 i te transmission corporation 16300-1 stores the received ndata to be providedn in its database 16320-1, and also instructs transmission of the "data to be providedn (0). The satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 emits the "data to be providedn as electric wave toward the ccxiLLmicatim satellite 16400-1(first half of #4), the cenTamication satellite 16400-1 arnpl-i-fies the received n data to be providedn and emits it (latter half of #4), the satellite receiving equipment 16502-1 receives the ndata to be provide& as electric wave, and hands it to the IP terminal 16501-1.

Thus, the IP terminal 16501-1 obtains the ndata to be pruvidedn via the cannanication satellite 16400-1, and sends an "individual report packetn to the IP terminal 16210-1(#5-1). Using the same, cemn-mication procedures, the IP terminal 16511-1 obtains the Mata to be providedu, and sends an nindividual report packetn to the IP 126 terminal 16210-1(#5-2). The IP terminal 16521-1 also obtains -the "data to be provided", and sends an "individual report packet" to the IP terminal 16210-1(#5-3). The IP terminal 16210-1 sends an windividual inquiry packet' to the IP terminal 16511-1 of the user 16510-1(#6), and the IP temninal 16511-1 returns an windividual reply packetn to the IP terminal 16210-1(V).

The abave-described communication procedures will be described with reference to FIG.71. The sending of the Hplan notification framen(#1), ndata transmissionw by satellite conTamication(#4), the sending of windividual report Packet"(#5-2), the sending of nindividual inquiry packet'(#6), and the returning of -individual reply packetw(V) in FIG.71 correspond with the sending of the Oplan notification Packetn(#1), ndata transmissionn by satellite comn-mication(#4), the sending of nindividual report fram-(#5-2), the sending of -individual inquiry frame-(#6), and the returning of nindividual reply fram-(#7) in FIG.70, respectively. Fran the above description, in the event that the satellite communication corporation 16300-1 and the data providing corporation 16200-1 are viewed as an integrated conTnunication entity, the user 16500-1 in FIG.67 can be considered to be performing fill]-duplex camunication with the aforementioned integrated communication entity. <<Another variation m above effbodmmt>>

In each of the above ent)odts, the fill 1 -duplex communication of TCP technology is employed, and only the TCP data transfer phase is shown in the figures, with the TICP connection establishment phase and 127 TCP connection ending phase being cmitted fran the drawings and fran the description thereof. In the embodinv--nt to be described now, UDP cxxtiLLazlicatim technology descr in FIG.62 is applied to a part or to all, and part or all of the packet sending and receiving using the MP data transfer phase technique is replaced with packet sending and receiving using the UDP data transfer phase technique. <<Another variation m above enbodimnt>>

Another version will be described with reference to FIG.66. In FIG. 61, the satel 1 i te transmission corporation 16300-1, the IP terminal 163101 of the satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-1 of the satellite transmission corporation, and the sate] 1 i te transmission equipment 16330-1 of the satellite transmission corporation are each within the ICS 16000-1, the IP terminal 16310-1 being provided with an ICS special number 043001'. As ccopared to this, in the example shown in FIG. 66, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-2, the IP terminal 16310-2 of the satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-2 of the satellite transmission corporation, and the satellite transmission equit 16330-2 of the satellite transmission corporation are each outside of the ICS 16000-2 the IP terminal 16310-2 being provided with an ICS user address n3900m Rrbodifflent-11 (Pull-duplex camunication including satellite CaitiLuLicatiM path: Part 4):

The present entxxbnmt is another variation of Embodunent8, and will be described with reference to FIGs.61 and 72. The data 128 Providing corporation 16200-1, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1, the user 16500-1 are the same, with only the communication procedures being different. The present embodiment performs the f1111duplex cemmication of " technology, but only the TCP data transfer phase is shown in FIG.72.

The IP term 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 162001 obtains ndata to be providedn from the database 16220-1 thereof and sends this to the IP te=ninal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 which can be identified by the ICS special number w4300n, using the IP frame transfer functions of the ICS (#1 in FIG.72: the same hereafter). The satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 stores the received wdata to beprovide& in its database 16320-1.

Next, the IP terminal 16501-1 of the user 16500-1 sends an "inquiry packetn to the IP terminal 16310-1 which can be identified with the ICS user address n43000(#2). The IP te=ninal 16310-1 returns a 'reply padcetn(#3), the IP terminal 165101 receives the -reply packetu, and then sends a nrequest packetn to the IP terminal 163101(#4). When the IP terminal 16310-1 receives the nrequest packetu, it instructs satellite transmission equipment of the Rdata to be providedn saved in the database 16300-1(#5). The satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 emits the ndata to be providedn as electric wave toward the cnication satellite 16400-1 (first half of #6), the =miunication satellite 16400-1 amplifies the received ndata to be pravidedn and emits it (latter half of #6), the sate M te 129 receiving equipment 16502-1 receives the "data to be provide& as electric wave, and hands it to the IP te=dnal 16501-1. Thus, the IP terminal 16501- 1 obtains the "data to be providedw via the ccmxinication satellite 16400- 1, and sends a Oreception confirmation packetn to the IP terminal 16310-1 of the data providing corporation 16200-1 providing the "data to be providedn (V). In the above procedures, #1, #2, C, #4 and #7 use the above-dlescribed TCP caffnirdcatim technology, and the TCP data transfer phases alone are shown and described. Next, the procedures #8, #9, #10, #11, #12 and #13 shown in FIG.72 are almost the same as the above procedures, the difference in this example being that instead of the user 16500-1, the IP terminal 165011, and the satellite receiving equipment 16502-1, another corporation 16510-1, IP terrninal 16511-1, and satellite receiving equipment 165121 are used.

The abave-described canTunication procedures shall be described with reference to FIG.64. The sending of an ninquiry packet"(#2), the returning of a "reply packet"(#3),, the sending of a Rrequest packetn(#4), wdata transmissionn by satellite ccmxinicatim(#7), and the sending of "receeption confirmation packet-(#8) in FIG.64 correspond with the sending of an ninquiry packetw(#2), the retur=g of a wreply packetn(#3), the sending of a wrequest packetn(#4), ndata. ssionn by satellite axcation(#7), and the sending "reception confirmation packet-(#8) in FIG. 72, respectively. From the above description, in the event that the satelli e caumnication corporation 16300-1 and the data providing corporation 16200-1 are viewed as an integrated communication entity, the user 16500-1 in FIG. 64 can be considered to be performing full-duplex catmunication with the aforementioned integrated camunication entity. <<Another variation m above embodumnt>> - In the above two embodiments, the filll-duplex cammication of TCP technology is "loyed, and only the TCP data transfer phase is shown in the figures, with the TCP connection establishment phase and TCP connection ending phase being cmitted frcin the drawings and frcin the description thereof. In the ewbodiment to be described now, UDP cmication technology described in FIG.62 is applied to a part or to all, and part or all of the packet sending and receiving using the TCP data transfer phase technique is replaced with packet sending and receiving using the UDP data transfer phase technique. <<Another va=ation m above embodunent>>

Another version will be described with reference to FIG.66. In FIG.61, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1, the IP teiminal 16310-1 of the sateJ-lite transmission corporation, the database 16320-1 of the satellite transmission corporation, and the satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 of the satellite transmission corporation are each within the ICS 16000-1, the IP terminal 16310-1 being provided with an ICS special ninber R4300 As carq5 to this, in the exarrple shown in FIG. 66, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-2, the IP terminal 16310- 2 of the satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-2 of the satellite transmission corporation, and the satellite transmission equipment 16330-2 of the 131 1 - satellite transmission corporation are each outside of the ICS 16000-2 the IP ten 16310-2 being provided with an ICS user address n390011 Efi30d1MBnt-12 (Full-dLIPlex camurucatlm including satel lite cxxia&Luiication path: Part 5):

The Present aTbodiment perform a type of fiili-duplex caffiLrlication by ining a satellite transmission function and an Jp COMMUnicatim function. A major difference between the present embOdt and Effibodt-8 is the fact that the satellite receiving equipmmt is within the access control apparatus 2n the present entodiment.

Description will be made with reference to FIG.73. The present diment is caffprIsed. of: an ICS 16000-3; access control apparatuses 16100-3, 161103 and 16120-3; satellite reception equipments 16102-3, 16112-3 and 161223; a data providing corporation 16200-3; an IP terminal 16210-3 of the data providing corporation; a satellite transmission corporation 16300-3; an IP terminal 16310-3 of the satellite transmission corporation; a database 16320-3 of the satellite transmission corporation; a satellite transmission equj-t 16330-3 of the satellite transmission corporation; a cannanication satellite 16400-3; users 16500-3, 16510-3 and 16520-3; IP terminals 16501-3, 16511-3 and 16521-3 of each user; sate M te, airwaves amunication lines 16600-3, 16610-3, 16620-3 and 16630-3; and user logic ownmication lines 16710-3, 16720-3, 16730-3 and 16740-3. The IP terminals 16210-3, 16501-3, 16511-3 and 16521-3 each have ICS user addresses w30001, 123000, '2400n and "2500n, and are respectively connected to the access control apparatuses 16100-3, 16120-3, 16120-3 and 16110 - 3, via user logic omication, lines. The IP terminal 16310-3 can be classified as an ICS network server, having an ICS special number R4300u, and connected to the access control apparatus 16100-3 via the ICS network canxinications line within the ICS 16000-3. Electric wave transmitted from the satel-lite transmitter 16330-3 transfers information via the satel-lite electric wave communication path 16600-3, the electric wave is received by satellite receivers 16112-3 and 16122-3. << Ele of communication procedures >> The communication procedures according to the present embodinmt will be made with reference to FIG.73and 74. In the following Procedures, the af orementioned fi 111 -duplex commication of TCP technology is employed except for the cases of transmission, instruction, to satellite transmission equipment (#5 and #12 in FIG.74) mid wdata transmission" using electric wave frctn the satellite transmission, pmmt (#6 and #13 in FIG.74), however, only the TCP data transfer phase is shown in FIG.74.

The IP terminal 16210-3 of the data providing corporation 162003 obtains wdata to be providedw from the database 16220-3 thereof and sends this to the IP terminal 16310-3 of the satellite transmission corporation 16300-3 which can be identified by the ICS special number '4300n, using the IP packet transfer function of the ICS (#1 in FIG.74, the same hereafter). The satel-lite transmission corporation 16300-3 133 stores the received 'data to be provided" in its database 16320-3. The IP terminal 16501-3 of the user 16500-3 sends an "inquiry packet" to the IP terminal 16310-3 which can be identified with the ICS user ad] S '4300- (#2). The IP terminal 16310-3 returns a wreply packet'(#3), the IP terminal 16501-3 receives the wreply packetw, and then sends a nrequest packet" to the IP terminal 16310-3 (#4). When the IP tenninal 16310-3 receives the nrequest packet", it converts the ndata to be provideT saved in the database 16320-3 into ICS packet format and instructs transmission thereof (#5). Here, the data portion of the ICS packet is the ndata to be providedu, and the destination ICS user address is address n2300w of the IP terminal 16501-3. The satellite transmission equipment 16330-3 emits the ICS packet including ndata to be providedn as electric wave toward the c=unication satellite 16400-3 (first half of #6), the comunication satellite 16400-3 amplifies the received udata to be providedn and emits it (latter half of #6), the satellite receiving equipments 16502-3, 16112- 3 and 16122-3 each receive the ICS frame including the Mata to be providedn as electric wave, each cheek the destination of the Odata to be provideC, and since the destination of the Rdata to be providedn is IP terminal 16501-3, the access control apparatus 16122-3 returns the Mata to be providedn, to the ICS user frame format, and sends it to the IP terminal 16501-3(V). Upm receiving the ndata to be provideT, the IP terminal 16501-3 sends a nreception confiniation packetn to the IP terminal 16310-3(#8). In the above procedures, #1, #2, #3, #4, #7 and #8 use the above-described TCP 134 camiunication technology, and the TCP data transfer phase alone is shown and described.

Next, the procedures #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14 and #15 shown in FIG.74 are almost the same as the above procedures, the difference in this example being that instead of the user 16500-3, the IP terminal 16501-3, and the satellite receiving pment 16502-3, another company 16510-3, IP terminal 16511-3, and satellite receiving equipment 16512-3 are used, and the present embodiment is capable of transferring udata to be provided" to a plurality of users.

The abave-described communication procedures shall be described with reference to FIG.64. The sending of an ninquiry packetn(#2), the returning of a nreply packet"(#3), the sending of a "request packet"(#4), ndata transmissimn by satellite ccmxnication(#7), and the sending of wreception confirmation padcet" in FIG.64 correspond with the sending of an "inquiry packetn(#2), the returning of a "reply packet"(#3), the sending of a "request packet"(#4), Mata transmission" by satellite cammunicatim(#7), and the sending of "reception confirmation packet"(#8) in FIG.74, respectively. Frem the above description, in the event that the satellite communication corporation 16300-3 and the data providing corporation 16200-3 are viewed as an ":integrated communication entity, the user in FIG.64 can be considered to be performing full-duplex communication with the aforementioned integrated communication entity. <<Another variatim m above embodmmt>>

In the above two embodiments, the full-duplex communication of TCP technology is employed, and only the WP data transfer phase is shown in the figures, with the TCP connection est phase and TW cormection ending phase being cmitted frcxn the drawings and frcin the description thereof. In the embodiment to be described now, UDP c=unication technology described in FIG.62 is applied to a part or to all, and part or all of the packet sending and receiving using the MP data transfer phase technique is replaced with packet sending and r 5eiving using the UDP data transfer phase technique.

<<Another variation m above entxxlunent>> Another version will be described with reference to FIG.75. In FIG.73, the satellite transmissim corporation 16300-3, the IP terminal 16310-3 of the satelli e transmission corporation, the database 16320-1 of the satellite transmission corporation, and the satellite transmission equipffent 16330-3 of the satellite transmission corporation are each inside the ICS 16000-3, the IP temrdnal 16310-3 being provided with an ICS special number N430Ow. As cam to this, in the example shown in FIG.75, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-4, the IP terminal 16310-4 of the satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-2 of the satellite transmission corporation, and the satellite transmission equipment 16330-4 of the satellite transmission corporation are each outside of the ICS 16000-4 the IP terminal 16310-4 being provided with an ICS user address '390OR Embodiment-13 (Control of receiving priority degree):

In the control field of the IP packet shown in FIG. 3, there is a

136 transmitting IP address and a destination IP address in addition to the - protocol type-, and in the TCP packet shown in FIG.76 and the UDP frame Shown in FIG.77 there are defined a sender's port number and an intended receiver's port number, respectively. The 48 bits of data consisting of the IP address (32 bits) and the port number (16 bits) laid out is called a socket number. That is, socket number = IP address 11 port nwiber. In the present embodiment, the following terms shall be used: sender's socket number = sender's IP address sender's Port number; intended receivers socket number = intended receiver's IP address 11 intended receiver's port number. The present embodiment iS an example of controlling the degree of priority of the ICS user frame which is obtained by reaching the access control apparatus fram the ICS network c=amication Line and being reversely ICSencapsulated here, this controlling the degree of priority being performed using the Rprotocol typen which is displayed in the ICS user frame, and the socket number thereof.

AS shown in FIGs.78 and 79, an ICS 17000-1 includes access control apparatuses 17100-1, 17110-1, 17120-1, 17130-1, 17140-1, 17150-1 and 17160-1, and the access control apparatus 17100-1 includes a line unit 17111-1, a processing device 17112-1 and a cormersion table 17113-1. Blocks 17200-1, 17210-1, 17220-1, 17230-1, 17240-1, 17250-1, 17260-1, 17270-1 and 17280-1 are each corporation LANs, and are each connected to the ICS 17000-1 via the respective gateways 17201-1, 17211-1, 17221-1, 17231-1, 17241-1, 17251-1, 17261-1, 17271-1 and 17281-1. Each LAN has 2 to 3 tenninals having functions for 137 sending IP user packet, wherein the ICS user addresses are: for within LAN 17200-1, -2600- and -2610-; for within LAN 17200-1, "2600" and m261ON; for within LAN 17210-1, n1230R and 012400; for within LAN 17220-1, w2700n, "2710", and w2720n; for within LAN 17230-1, '2800' and '2810; for within LAN 17240-1, "1200" and "1210"; for within LAN 17250-1, '1200n and n1210n; for within LAN 17260-1, "220OR and n221Ow; for within LAN 17270-1, n2300m and n2310"; and for within LAN 17280-1. -2400- and -241On. Further, blocks 17291-1 and 17292-1 are each terminals which have functions of sending and receiving IP user packets, respectively having ICS user addresses n2SOW' and n12501, being connected to ICS 17000-1. <<Cmversim table>> The conversion table 17113-1 within the access control apparatus 17100-1 shall be described with reference to FIGs.80 and 81. The function of the conversion table as the same as those in the other entxdmmts, and the present invention is characterized in that the portion table, named - degree of priority of receptionn code, degree of priority of protocol, degree of priority of TCP socket, and degree of priority of UDP socket, which are mrponents of the cmversion table 17113-1 are used for controlling the degree of priority. In the event that the transmitting ICS network address of the conversion table is n7821n, the -degree of priority of receptionn code is stipulated to be n 13 pr-7821. That is, the Megree of priority of receptionn code is made to be a parameter which is dependent on the ICS network address provided to the ICS user logic terminal sent fran the access control 138 apparatus after the ICS reverse encapsulation. Looking at the other portion table of the conversion table 17113-1, e.g., in regard to 'Npr782110, the degree of priority of protocol is described as being up- lm, the degree of priority of TCP socket as wt-lw, and the degree of priority of UDP socket as nNULLR. Here, uNULLR indicates RunspecIfiedn. The degree of priority of protocol wp-ln dictates that the degree of priority of Is, in descending order, -TCPR, wUDPn, RICPMO and "IGPM".

Looking at even other portion table with regard to the degree of priority of TCP socket nt-l', the dictated order of degree of priority of is, in descending order, 'sk-l- and -sk-7 Looking at even other portion table with regard to the degree of priority of UDP socket nuin, the dictated order of degree of priority is, in descending order, "sk-3" and "sk-8u. Further, in the contents of the socket code nsk-lu which is written in another portion table, nTon indicates the intended receiver's socket number, and indicates that the intended receiver's IP address is w2100" and that the intended receiver's port number is R30R, and in the same manner, in the contents of the socket code usk2w, "Fli:xnn indicates the sender's socket number, and indicates that the sender's IP address is 012400 and that the sender's port number is R32R. <<Individual description of ICS packet>>

The ICS network frame NFO1 is sent out fran the terminal 17291-1 with the ICS user address R250Ow, and then is ICS-encapsulated at the access control apparatus 17110-1 with a transmitting ICS network 139 address 07200w and a receiving ICS network address w7821", then is transferred within the ICS 17000-1 and reaches the access control apparatus 17100-1, where it is reversely ICS-encapsulated to become an ICS user frame UFOl, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address "2100" via the user logic comninication line 17821-1. The Rprotocol type'm of the control field of the usex packet UFOl which is within the ICS network packet NFO1 is TCP, and the -intended receiver's port nuw of the TCP packet is w30n in the example.

In the following, beginning with a packet NF02, brief description will be made in the order of NF03, NF04, NFOS, NF06, NF07, NFO8, NFO9, NF10 and NF11, as shown in FIG.78.

A frame NF02 is sent out from a terminal with the ICS user address "2600", and then is ICS-encapsulated, at with a transmitting ICS network address "73000 and a receiving ICS network address n7821 then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated. to became a frame UF02, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address 0211Ou via the user logic comamication line 17821-1. The nprotocol type" of the packet UF02 is TCP, and the nintended receiver's port number" of the TCP packet is "30", in this example.

A frame NF03 is sent out frcxn a terminal with the ICS user address "1230", and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address w7400" and a receiving ICS network address R7822" then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to become a packet UP03, and reaches the terminal with the ICS USex address n12000 via the user logic conTunication line 17822-1. The F -protocol type' of the packet UF03 is TCP, and the 'intended receiverys port number" of the TCP packet is '30n, in this example.

A frame NF02 is sent out frcim a temninal with the ICS user address R1240m, and then is ICS-encapsulated, at with a transmitting ICS network address "7400n and a receiving ICS network address n7822" then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to beccime a packet UP04, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address R1210n via the user logic c=nunication line 17822-1. The "protocol typew of the packet UP04 is TCP, and the Hintended rvervs port number" of the TCP packet is R32w, in this example.

A frame NFOS is sent out fram a terminal with the ICS usex address '1250", and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address "7500" and a receiving ICS network address R7822n, then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapated to bemme a packet UF05, and rea the terminal with the ICS user address R1220n via the user logic camunication line 17822-2. The -protocol typen of the packet UF05 2-s TCP, and the nintended receiver's port numbern thereof is n32m, in this example.

A frame NF06 is sent out fran a terminal with the ICS user address n2610m, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address '7300n and a receiving ICS network address w7823w then is transferred within the ICS and Is reversely ICS-encapsulated. to beccime a packet UF06, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address R2200n via the user logic cmication line 17823-1. The -protocol type- of the packet UP06 is UDP, and the -intended 141 r receiverrs port numbern of the TCP packet is 040n, in this wcwTle.

A frame NF07 is sent out fram a terminal with the ICS user address "2700", and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address '7600- and a receiving ICS network address u7823R then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to became a packet UF07, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address "22100 via the user logic ccnmiziicatim line 17823-1. The Rprotocol typen of the packet UF07 is UDP, and the "intended receiver's port narber" thereof Is N40w, in this example.

A packet NFO8 is sent out from a terminal with the ICS user address n27100, and then Is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address 07600w and a receiving ICS network address w782C then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to became a packet UFO8, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address R230C via the user logic ccnmanicatim line 17824-1. The "protocol type" of the packet UF08 is UDP, and the "intended receiver's port nuffibern thereof Is "40w, in this example.

A packet NFO9 is sent out from a terminal with the ICS user address n28000, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address w7700n and a receiving ICS network address "782C then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to become a packet UF09, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address n231C via the user logic ccmninication line 17824-1. The "Protocol typew of the packet UF09 is UDP, and the "intended receiver's port number" thereof Is "42', in this example.

142 I, 01 A packet NF10 is sent out frctn a terminal with the ICS user address H2720n, and then Is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address n7600" and a receiving ICS network address '7825" then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to became a packet W10, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address 02400m via the user logic ccmnziicatim line 17825-1. The nprotocol type of the packet W10 is TCP, and the Rintended receiver's port nuffiterR thereof is n6C, in this example.

A frame NF11 is sent out frem a terminal with the ICS user address n2810n, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address n7700n and a receiving ICS network address N7825n then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated. to become a packet UM, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address '241C via the user logic canninication line 17825-1. The Rprotocol type" of the packet UF11 is UDP, and the "intended receiver's port narLber" thereof is n70R, in this example. <<Eyle 1 for determining the degree Of priOr2-ty>> The manner in which the degree of priority is determined will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.82. The access control apparatus 17100-1 receives the ICS network packets NFO1 and NF02 fran the ICS network caummication line almost at the same time (Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encapsulates each to obtain ICS user packets UFO1 and W02(Step S1010). Frcn the conversion table 17113-1 it can be known that the receiving ICS network address of the ICS logic terminal sending these ICS user packets is 078210 for both, i.e., 143 p r that there is a match(Step S1020). The ndegree of priority of reception" code for both ICS network packets NFO1 and NF02 is "pr7821', and then according to portion table of the cmversion table 17113-1, the degree of priority of protocol for "pr-7821w is specified as being np-l", the degree of priority of TCP socket as nt-111, and the degree of priority of UDP socket as nNULLO. Further, looking at e 0 POrtim table MT=ing the conversion table 17113-1, the degree of priority of protocol up-ln dictates that the degree of priority of is, in descending order, TCP, UDP, WPM and WPM, and with regard to the degree of priority of TCP socket -t- 1-, the dictated order of degree of priority of is, in descending order, Osk-l- and nsk-7m, and the contents of the socket code -sk-l. indicate that the IP address =prising the intended receiver's socket number is 02100n and that the Intended receiver's port number thereof is "30n. The protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NFO1 is OTCP-, the intended receiver's ID address is "2100", and the intended receiver's port number is R3V. On the other hand, the protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF02 Is -TCP-, the intended receiver's ID address is n2110n, and the intended receiver's port nwt)er is w30n. In the present embodinent, it can be understood that it is the ICS network packet NFO1 that has the protocol type and intended receiver's socket number that matches with the specifications of the aforwmtioned socket code "sk-l". Based m the above procedures, it is determined that the ICS network packet to be sent out with higher priority is NF01(Step S1030). Next, this ICS

144 r_ network packet NFO1 is sent out to the user logic terminal via the ICS logic terminal (Step S1040). <<Eyle 2 for determining the degree of priority>> The access control apparatus 17100-1 receives the ICS network frames NF03, NF04 and NFOS frcin the ICS network cnication line almost at the same time(Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encapsulates each to obtain ICS user packets UP03, NF04 and UFOS(Step S1010). F11= the conversion table 17113- 1 it can be known that the receiving ICS network address of the ICS logic terminal sending these ICS user packets is w78220 for all, i.e., that there is a rnatch (Step S1020). The ndegree of priority of receptionn code for all of the ICS network packets NF03, NF04 and NFOS is npr-7822", the degree of priority of protocol thereof is specified as being nP-1R, the degree of priority of TCP socket as nt-2n, and the degree of priority of UDP sor-ket as NNULLn. The contents of the degree of priority of protocol np-ln dictates that TCP has the hIghest degree of priority, and with regard to the degree of priority of TCP socket nt-2n, "sk-2" has the highest degree of Priority, and the contents of the socket code Isk-2n indicate that the IP address ccnprising the sender's socket number is "2100" and that the sender's port number thereof is "30". The protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF03 is nTePn, the sender's ID address is n1230R, and the sender's port number is n300. The protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF04 is nTCPn, the sender's ID address is "1240", and the sender's port number is R32". Also, the protocol type indicated within the ICS i network packet NF05 Is wTCPw, the sender's ID address is H125C, and the sender's port number is 032w. In the present embodiment, it can be understood that it is the ICS network packet NF04 that has the protocol type and the intended receiver's socket number that matches with the specifications of the aforementioned socket code "sk-2'. Based on the above procedures, it is determined that the ICS network Packet to be sent out with hIgher priority is NF04 (Step S1030). Next, this ICS network packet NF04 is sent out to the user logic terminal via the ICS logic terminal (Step S1040). <<Example 3 for determining the degree of prior:Lty>>

The access control apparatus 17100-1 receives the ICS network packets NF06 and NF07 frcm the ICS network ccmnzdcation LUm almost at the same time (Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encapsulates each to obtain ICS user packets UF06 and UF07 (Step S1010). Frcm the conversion table 17113-1 it can be known that the receiving ICS network address of the ICS logic terminal sending these ICS user packets is "7823u for both, i.e., that there is a match (Step S1020). The ndegree of priority of reception" code for both ICS network packets NF06 and NF07 is wpr-7823", and the degree of priority of protocol is specified as being up-2", the degree of priority of TCP socket as nNULLw, and the degree of priority of UDP socket as mu-1u. Further, looking at even other portion table comprising the conversion table 17113-1, the degree of priority of protocol "p-2" dictates that the degree of priority is, in descending order, UDP, TCP, ICPM and IGPM, and with regard to the degree of priority of UDP socket n U-l", 146 the dictated order of degree of priority is, in descending order, nsk3R and "sk-8w, and the contents of the socket code Osk-3w indicate that the IP address emprising the intended receiver's socketnumber is w2200w and that the intended receiver's port number thereof is 040w The protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF06 is RUDPO, the intended rieceiver's ID address is n2200n, and the intended receiver's port number is N400. On the other band, the protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF07 is OUDPn, the intended receiver's ID address is R2110m, and the intended receiver's port number is w40n. In the present embodiment, it can be understood that it is the ICS network packet NF06 that has the protocol type and the intended receiver's socket number that matches with the specifications of the aforementioned socket code nsk-3n. Based on the above procedures, it is determined that the ICS network packet to be sent out with higher priority is NF06 (Step S1030). Next, this ICS network packet NF06 is sent out to the user logic terminal via the ICS logic tenninal (Step S1040). <<Eyle 4 for determining the degree of priority>>

The access control apparatus 17100-1 receives the ICS network packets NFO8 and NF09 fram the ICS network c=runication line almost at the same time (Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encates each to obtain ICS usex packets UFO8 and UF09 (Step S1010). Fran the conversion table 17113-1 it can be known that the receiving ICS network address of the ICS logic terminal sending these ICS user packets is 07824n for both, i.e., that there is a match (Step S1020).

147 The 'degree of priority of reception- code for both ICS network packets NFO8 and NF09 is "pr-7824-, and the degree of priority of protocol Is specified as being wp-2n, the degree of priority of TCP socket as %ULW, and the degree of priority of IMP socket as "u-2'. The degree of priority of protocol "p-2n dictates that socket code nsk-4m has the highest priority, and the contents of the socket signal "sk-4" indicate that the IP address comprising the sender's socket number is "2710' and that the sender's port number thereof is "40'. The protocol type indicated wi the ICS network packet NF08 is nUDPw, the sender's ID address Is w2710n, and the sender's part number is "40". On the other hand. the protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF09 is -UDPn, the sender's Ib address is '2800u, and the sender's port number is "42". In the present embodiment, it can be understood that it is the ICS network packet NFO8 that has the protocol type and the sender's socket number that matches with the specifications of the aforementioned socket code usk-4m. Based m the above procedures, it is determined that the ICS network packet to be sent out with higher priority is NFOB (Step S1030). Next, this ICS network packet NFO8 is sent out to the user logic terminal via the ICS logic terminal (Step S1040). <<Erle 5 for determining the degree of priority>>

The access control apparatus 17100-1 receives the ICS network frarrpas NFlO and NF11 frc[n the ICS network ccunmication line almost at the same time (Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encapsulates each to obtain ICS user packets UFlO and UF11 (Step S1010). F:xn the 148 conversion table 17113-1 it can be known that the receiving ICS network address of the ICS logic terminal sending these ICS user packets is w782W' for both, i.e., that there is a match (Step S1020). The Odegree of priority of receptionn code for both ICS network packets NFlO and NF11 is npr-7825R, and the degree of priority of protocol is specified as being up-10, the deg" of priority of TCP socket as nt-3n, and the degree of priority of UDP socket as 'u-31. The degree of priority of protocol "p-l" dictates that the degree of priority of TCP is higher than that of UDP. The protocol type indicated in the ICS network packet NFlO is -TCP'R, and the protocol n type indicated in the ICS network packet NFlO is OUDP. Based m the above procedures, it is determined that the ICS network packet to be sent out with higher priority is NFlO (Step S1030). Next, this ICS network packet NFlO is sent out to the user logic terminal via the ICS logic texminal (Step S1040).

Embodime_nt-14 (Control of transmitting priority degree):

Description will now be made regarding and entxxlt whexcin user IP packets arriving frm outside the ICS are ICS-encapsulated with the access control apparatus, and then the order of sending out onto the ICS network camnunication line is decided. <<Configuration>>

As shown in FIG.83, an CS 17000-2 includes access control apparatuses 17100-2 through 17190-2, and the access control apparatus 17100-2 includes a line unit 17111-2, a processing device 17112-2 and 149 a cmversion table 17113-2. Blocks 17240-2 through 17280-2 is corporate LANs which are each connected to the ICS 17000-2 via the ICS user logic coffmmcatim line. Each of the LANs includes a plurality of IP terminals and blocks 17401-2 and 17411-2 are both IP terminals. <<Conversion table>> The fmetions of the cmversion table 17113-2 shown in FIGs.84 and 85 are the same as those in the other embodimients, and the present invention is characterized in that the portion table. named Megree of priority of receptionn code, degree of priority of protocol, degree of priority of TCP socket, and degree of priority of UDP socket, which are canponents of the cormersion table 17113-2 a used for controlling the degree of prior- ity. In the event that the transmitting ICS network address of the conversion table is n7821", the "transmitting priority degree" code is stipulated to be "ps-7821R. That is, the Rreceiving priority degreen code is made to be a rameter which is dependent m the ICS network address provided to the ICS user logic texndxial sent from the access control apparatus after the ICS reverse encapsulation. Looking at the other portion table of the conversion table 17113-1, e.g., in regard to ups-7821n, the degree of priority of protocol is described as being VIP-21", the degree of priority of TCP socket as nt-21", and the degree of priority of UDP socket as RNULL". The method of describing the degree of priority of protocol, the degree of priority of TCP socket, and the degree of priority of UDP socket, etc - is the same as that of Embodiment-13.

a <<nle 1 for determining the degree of priority>> The manner in which the degree of priority is determined win be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 86. The access control apparatus 17100-2 receives the ICS user packets F01 and F02 from the ICS network commaication line almost at the same time, and obtains the ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal (Step S2700). Next, the procedures for control of transmitting priority degree are as follows. The 'transmitting priority degree" code for both ICS user packets F01 and F02 is "ps-7821n, and then according to portion table of the conversion table 17113-2, the degree of priority of protocol for "ps-782P is specified as being np-21n, the degree of priority of TCP socket as 't-21", and the degree of priority of UDP socket as nNULLn. Further, looking at other portion table comprising the conversion table 17113-2, the degree of priority of protocol "p-21n dictates that the degree of priority is, in descending order, TCP, UDP, 1CPM, and IGPM, and with regard, to the degree of priority of T1CP socket Ot-21n, the dictated order of degree of priority of is, in iJe-cx=ding order, "sk-21n and "sk-27n, and the contents of the socket signal nsk-21" indicate that the IP address comprising the sender's socket number is '2100n and that the sender's port number thereof is '30 The protocol type indicated within the ICS user packet F01 is HTCPn, the sender's ID address is n2100", and the sender's port number is "30n. On the other hand, the protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet F02 is W1WO, the sender's M address is "2110", and the sender's port number is 0300.

151 In the present entxxbzmt, it can be understood that it is the ICS network packet F01 that has the protocol type and the intended receiver's socket nuffiber that matches with the specifications of the aforementioned socket code 'sk-21R. Based m the above procedures, it is deteam that the ICS user packet to be sent out with higher prior-lty is F01 (Step S2710).

Next, the system checks whether or not the ICS network address w77210 provided to the logic terminal which received the ICS user packet F01 is registered m the conversion table 17113-2 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection R3R (Step S2720). The subsequent steps are the same as the steps S2730 through S2770 described with the other entxxbffmts, and at the end ICS encapsulation is performed (Step S2780), and the ICS network packet NFO1 is sent into the ICS 17000-2 with priority (Step S2790). << Another example for determining the degree of priority >> Regag ele 2 for determining the degree of priority wherein the access control apparatus 17100-2 receives the ICS user packets F03, F04 and F05 from, the ICS logic terminal of the line portion 17111-2 provided with ICS network address '7822 almost at the same time; example 3 for determining the degree of priorIty wherein the access control apparatus 17100-2 receives the ICS user packets F06 and F07 from the ICS logic terminal of the line portion 17111-2 provided with ICS network address n782Y' almost at the same time; example 4 for determining the degree of priority wiberein the access control apparatus 17100-2 receives the ICS user packets F08 and F09 152 fran the ICS logic terminal of the line portion 17111-2 provided with ICS network address '782C almst at the same time; and example 5 for determining the degree of priority wherein the access control apparatus 17100-2 receives the ICS user packets F10 and F11 frcm the ICS logic terminal of the line portion 17111-2 provided with ICS network address "7823n almost at the same time: the method for determining the degree of priority is the same as example 1 for detemng the degree of priority, as shown in the portion table comprising the conversion table 17113-2, and description thereof will be emitted.

Embodiment-15 (Multiple comnunication):

The description of the present embodiment will be made with reference to FIG.85 through FIG.87. An ICS 18000-1 includes access control apparatuses 18140-1, 18141-1, 18142-1, 18143-1 and 18144-1, a conversion table within the access control apparatus 18140-1 being 18195-1 and the conversion table within the access control apparatus 18141-1 being 18196-1. The conversion table 18195-1, as with the conversion table 6013-1, contains specified values "lm, R2n, N3m and R4n for request identification, and correspondingly, intra-corporation cominication, inter-corporation conn=cation, virtual dedicated line connection, and ICS network server connection can be made within a single access control apparatus. The conversion table 18196-1, contains only the specified value n3n for request identification, enabling virtual dedicated line connection. The ICS network server

153 18160-1 is connected to the access control apparatus 18140-1 via an ICS network c=mication Line. A block 18184-1 is an FR network or an ATM network; in the event that 18184-1 is an FR network.

LANs 18110-1 and 18130-1 are each connected with access control apparatuses 18140-1 and 18142-1 via an ICS user logic canTLu-iicatim line. The gateways 18171-1 and 18172-1 are connected to the access control apparatus 18140-1 or 18141-1, via an ICS user logic catitaxlication line. IAN 18120-1 includes a plurality of IP teamiinals, 18121-1, 18122-1 and 18123-1. Now, the term "IP terminaln refers to a terminal which has the functions of sending and receiving IP user packets. The IP terminals 18150-1 and 18151-1 are each via access control apparatuses 18143-1, 18144-1, and an ICS user logic ccti,LiLviicatim Line. The ICS network ccmmzdcatim line 18191-1 connects the conversion unit 18181-1 with the access control apparatus 18141-1, and the ICS network c=unication line 18192-1 connects the conversion unit 18182-1 with the access control apparatus 18141-2.

ICS user packet sent fran the LAN 18120-1 or LAN 18110-1 is, upon arrival to the access control apparatus 18140-1, ICS-encapsulated in order to receive me of the cmication services of intracorporation cemamication, inter-corporation camianication, virtual dedicated line connection, or ICS network server connection, following control of the request identification values ul", R2ly, R3R or nC listed in the conversion table 18195-1. Also, an ICS user packet sent frctn the gateway 18172-1, upon arrival to the access control apparatus 18140-1. is ICS-encapsulated in 0 to receive virtual dedicated 154 line commnication service filling the control of the request identification n30 listed m the conversion table 18196-1, passes through the conversion unit 18181-1 via the ICS network cammication line 18191-1, further passes through the FR network or ATM network 18184-1, passes through the conversion unit 18182-1, passes through the ICS network camunication Line 18192-1, and is delivered to the access control apparatus 18142-1. For the FR network or ATM network 18184-1 here, fixed connection with the other party (PVC) which is a known art is used as the function of the FR network or ATM network. Thus, according to the abovedescribed procedures, transfer of ICS user packets is realized. <<Partial change to above embodiment: variation>> Description will be made with reference to FIG.90. As with ICS 18000-1, ICS 18000-2 also include nultiple access control apparatuses, and are connected with LANs and IP tenninals through the access control apparatuses. The FR network or ATM network 18184-1 in FIG.87 is replaced with FR network or ATM network 18200-1; the access control apparatus 18141-1, the conversion unit 18181-1, and the ICS network mmunication line 18191-1 are replaced with PVC interface conversion unit 18210-2; the access control apparatus 18142-1, the conversion unit 18182-1, and the ICS network commication Line 18192-1 are replaced with PVC interface conversion unit 18220-2; and further, the gateways 18171-1 and 18172-1 are replaced with a gateway 18230-2. Now, in the event that a block 18200- 2 is an FR network, the PVC interface conversion units 18210-2 and 18220- 2 are functions for converting the

ICS user packet into the FR packet format, and reverse-converting thereof. In the event that 18200-2 is an ATM network, the PVC interface conversion units 18210-2 and 18220-2 are functions for converting the ICS user packet into the ATM frame format, and reverseconverting thereof. Transfer of ICS use packet according to this variation is realized by using the functions of f comection with the other party (PVC) by the FR network or ATM network.

Ehtx)diment-16 (Operation of ICS):

Description will be made with reference to FIGs.91 and 92. The ICS 190001 includes: VAN 19010-1, VAN 19020-1, access control apparatuses 19300-1. 19310-1, 19320-1 and 19330-1, relay devices 19400-1, 19410-1, 19420-1 and 19430-1, inter-VAN gateway 19490-1, and sexvw devices 19500-1, 19510-1, 19520-1, 19530-1 and 19540-1. Each server is provided with an ICS network address, and has a plurality of ICS network servers therein. These plurality of ICS network servers are distinguished by port numbers used with TCP comn=cation protocol or UDP ccnmniication protocol. The access control apparatuses 19300-1, 19310-1, 19320-1 and 19330-1 each include conversion tables 19301-1, 19311-1, 19311-1 and 19311-1, each includes conversion table servers 19731-1, 19732-1, 19733-1 and 19734-1, and also includes dcmain name servers 19741-1, 19742-1, 19743-1 and 19744-1, and also includes resource administration servers 19751-1, 19752-1, 19753-1 and 19754-1, the relay device 19400-1 includes a path information server 19761-1 and resource administration server 19755-1, the relay device 19410-1

156 includes a path information server 19762-1, the relay device 19420-1 includes a path information server 19763-1, the relay device 19430-1 includes a path information server 19764-1, the server device 19500-1 includes a user service server 19711-1 and ICS authority server 197211, the server device 19510-1 includes a governing resource administration server 19750-1 and gaverning resource dministration server 19760-1. the server device 19520-1 includes a user service server 19712-1 and ICS authority server 19722-1, the server device 19530-1 includes an ICS network server 19980-1 which has an ICS user address R120OR and perform electronic library services, and an ICS network server 19981-1 which has an ICS user address u130OR and perform travel information services, the server device 19540-1 includes a governing resource administration server 19720-1, governing domain name server 19740-1, governing corrie=im table server 19730-1, and governing user service server 19710-1.

The abave-described. access control apparatuses, relay device, server devices, and VAN gateways are connected by the ICS network communication Lines 19040-1, 19041-1, 19042-1 and 19043-1, so as to be able to exchange information one with another using ICS network cammunication functions. The server devices are formed by, e.g., giving the ICS network ccffnmication function to a =puter, with programs running therein for realizing server functions.

A block 19110-1 is an FR network, and the conversion units 19111-1 and 19112-1 are for performing interface conversion with the c=mmicat.im lines of the FR exchange network and the ICS 157 cxxtcatim lines transferring ICS network packets. Also, a block 19900-1 is an ATM network, and the conversion units 19901-1 and 199021 are for performing interface cmversion with the comn=cation lines of the ATM exchange network and the ICS c=unication lines transferring ICS network packets.

In the entxxbzmt, oomected outside of the ICS 19000 are LANs 19600-1, 19601-1, 19602-1, 19603-1, 19604-1 and 19605-1, and IP terminals 19606-1 and 19607-1 having functions for sending and receiving ICS network packets. <<Hierarchical structure of the ICS network server>> Description will be made with FIGs.93 through 98. The governing user server 19710-1 has superior controlling authority in instructing the user service servers 19711-1 and 19712-1 or requesting individual information reports, the meaning of superior controlling authority being i I Iii trated in a tree-structure diagram in FIG. 93. A block 19811-1 is a communication path for information exchange between the arning user service server 19710-1 and the user service server 19711-1, and Is comprised. of ICS cnication lines and relay device, among others. The governing resource administration server 19720-1, the governing conversion table server 19730-1, the governing dc name server 19740-1, the governing resource administration server 19750-1, and the governing resource administration server 19760-1 are also the same, each being shown in FIGs.94 through 98. Now, in the present embodiment, there are two layers in the tree-structure hierarchy, but this can be increased to three or more layers by

158 increasing the name of access control apparatuses, relay devices, servers devices, etc., places within the ICS. The path information service is provided with the functions of sending and receiving inside the ICS, a path table used by the relay devices and access control apparatuses. The resource administration sex is provided with administration functions of keeping up m nvunting informatim or Obstruction information of the relay devices, access control apparatuses and server devices. <<Operation of ICS 19000-1 by ICS operator>> The ICS operators 19960-1 and 19961-1 provide instructions such as operation start-up to, or request reports of individual information fran, the governing user service server 19710-1, the governing cOnVexsim table server 19730-1, the governing resource adninistration server 19750-1, and the governing resource administration server 19760-1, thereby facilitating operation of the ICS 19000-1. <<Operation of ICS 19000-1 by ICS authority>> The ICS authority 19950-1 provides instructions such as the operation start-up to, or request reports of individual informtion from, the governing resource adrninistration server 19720-1 and the governing damain name server 19740-1, thereby facilitating admnistration of addresses and the like used in the ICS 19000-1. <<Socket nu-r and server>> The ICS servers each have ICS user addresses and ICS network addresses, but an addition to the-other entodbmts is that the above servers have, in addition to ICS network addresses, port numbers 159 stipulated by TCP or UDP communication protocol. That is, each of the aforementioned servers is identified by a 32-bit ICS network address and a 16-bit port number, making for a value with a total of 48 bits (this being referred to as "socket number"). Each server includes progr- which have peculiar functions operating within the ICS 19000 1, and further, there are servers among these which have noperating interface", as described later. Now, the "aperating interface' is a function which performs exchange of information, and sends and receives instructions such as operation of the various server functions or start-up or operation, with the operator via a keyboard or the Like. Each server provides access control apparatuses or rel" devices, for example, with ICS network addresses, applies differing port numbers to the plurality of program within these devices (i.e., secvers), distinguishing by the socket number. As described in the embodinmts, each server has ICS network communication functions, and can exchange information one with another using the ICS network address and the port numbers.

<<Registration 1 to ICS of user: Inter-corporation communication and ICS network server>> Description will be made with reference to FIG.91, FIG.92 and FIG.99. An applicant 19200-1 to the ICS 19000-1 applies to the ICS receptionist 19940-1 for ICS membership (procedure P100). The "Application reception data" is a usage item of ICS wherein the ICS user address, the ICS network address, and the ICS name has been deleted, and is comprised of, e.g., request identification (classification of intra-corporation cnication, inter-corporation cammication, virtual dedicated line connection, or ICS network server connection), cominication band conditions such as speed class and priority, billing conditions, open-zone connection conditions, payment method, name and address of user (personal ID data), signing conditions, encryption conditions and so m.

The ICS receptionist 19940-1 enters the above "application reception datan to the user service server 19711-1 via the noperating interfacen, and stores the wapplication reception datan in the user database 19611-1 (procedure P110). Next, the user service server 19711-1 requests of the ICS authority server 19721-1 the ICS user address, ICS network address and ICS name, using the ICS network cannunication functions (procedures P120). The ICS authority server 19721-1 appropriates the requested aforementioned ICS address and ICS name- using the ICS network address appropriation record table 19622-1 (FIG.100) and the ICS user address appropriation record table 19623-1 (FIG.101) stored within the database 19621-1 (procedure P130), stores the appropriation results in the aforementioned appropriation tables, and further returns the appropriation results to the user service server 19711-1 (procedure P140). The user service server 19711-1 stores the appropriation results obtained from the ICS authority server 19721-1 in the user database 19611- 1 (procedure P150).

FIG.100 is an exarnple of the ICS network address appropriation record table 19622-1, and in the first line of this table there is an exarnple which states beforehand that an ICS network address R7700w has 161 appropriated to ICS logic terminal identifying code LT-001 of the node identifying code ACU-1, that the appropriate identifying code is user-1, that the date of appropriation is April 1, 1998, and that the node identifying code ACU-1 points to the access control apparatus 19300-1. Also. in the third line Of this table there is an example which states beforehand that an ICS network address '6930m has bem appropriated to port number "620" of the node identifying code SW-1, that the appropriate identifying code is Sc-001, that the date of appropriation is February 1, 1998, and that the node identifying code SW-1 points to the server device 19530-1.

FIG.101 Is an example of an ICS user address appropriation record table, and in the first line of this table them is an example which states that the ICS name address 0461C has been appropriated with an ICS name (also called an ICS dmiain name) of uddl.ocl.bbl.aal.jp", that the request identification value is w2", that the appropriate identifying code is user-1, and that the date of appropriation is April 1, 1998. Furthar, in the fourth line of this table there Is an example which states that the ICS name address w12001 has been appropriated with an ICS name of wrrl.qq. pp.jp", that the request identification value is w4n, that the appropriate identifying code is Sv-001, and that the date of appropriation is February 1, 1998.

The user service server 19711-1 provides information to the cormersion table server 19731-1 via the ICS network communication function so as to write the application contents of the usage applicant 19200-1 and the obtained ICS network address into the. conversion table 19301-1 in the access control apparatus 19300-1 (procedure P160). The contents to be provided are: transmitting ICS network address, sender ICS user address, request identification, speed class, priority, signing conditions, encryption conditions, open-zone class and so m. A-1m, in the event that the aforementioned ICS network address and ICS user address have a request value of n2", I.e., inter- corporation c=unication, registration is made as transmitting ICS network address and sender ICS user address. In the event that the request value is R40, i.e., ICS network server, Stration is made as receiving ICS network address and receiver ICS user address. The convexsion table server 19731-1 adds the above contents to the conversion table 19301-1 (procedures P170). The receiving ICS network address and the receiver ICS user address are not registered in the conversion table 19301-1 at this time, but are registered in the conversion table 19301-1 at the time of RregIstration of other party of camunicationn, later described in the present entxxbinent.

Next, the conversion table server 19731-1 notifies the ICS do name server 19641-1 of the ICS network address, the ICS user address and the ICS name (procedure P180). The ICS daffk-dn name server 19641-1 writes the above received ICS network address, ICS user address and ICS name in the database therein and stores them (Procedure P190), and reports cmpletion of writing to the conversion table server 19731-1 (procedure P200). The conversion table server 163 19731-1 confirm this report (procedure P210), reports completion of the series of procedures to the user service server 19711-1 (procedure P220), the user service server 19711-1 confirms this report (procedure P230), and infoim the usage applicant of the appropriation results, namaly, the ICS user address and ICS narm (procedure P240). Incidentally, the ICS network address is used only within the ICS, so the usage applicant 1s not notified of this. In the event that the request value is mC, i.e., ICS network server, the user service server 19711-1 notifies all conversion table servers within the ICS 19000-1 at the time of the procedure P160, and requests registration to the conversion table of all access control apparatuses. <<Re-writing adffunistration of conversion table by governing conversion table server>> Des=ption will be made with reference to procedures 800 through 960 to the bottem of FIG.99 and FIG.91, FIG.92, FIG.95. The acning conversion table server 19730-1 instructs the conversion table server 19731-1 to re-write the contents of the conversion table 19301-1, e.g., speed class priority, transmitting ICS network address, a part or all of other iterns in the conversion table (procedure P800), and the conversion table server 19731-1 changes the contents of the conversion table 19301-1 according to the instructions (procedure P810). Also, the danain name server 19741-1 is instructed to re-write the ICS network address and the like (procedure P820), the &xnain name ser.rex 19741-1 follaws the instructions andupdates the internal table (procedure P830), reports the results to the conversion table server 164 19731-1 (procedure P840), the conversion table server 19731-1 confirm (procedure P850), and reports to the governing conversion table server 19730-1 (procedure P860). Also, the governing conversion table server 19730-1 instructs the user service server 19711-1 to re-write the contents of the user database 19611-1, such as speed class. ICS network address, etc. (procedure P900), and the user service server 19711-1 follows the instructions and updates the contents of the user database 19611-1 (procedure P910). Also, the ICS network addresses, ICS user address, and ICS names which have became unnecessary to the ICS authority server 19721-1 are returned, or new requests are rnade (Procedure P920), the ICS authority server 19721-1 follows these Instructions and updates the ICS network address appropriation record table 19622-1 and the ICS user address approprIation record table 19623-1 (procedure P930), reports the results thereof to the user service server 19711-1 (procedure P940), the user service server 19711-1 confirm the report (procedure P950), and reports to the governing conversion table server (procedure P960).

In the above description, an arrangement rnay be used whexein first, the governing conversion table server 19730-1 calls up the user service server 19711-1 and perfonns the aforementioned procedures P900 through P960, and then secondly calls up the conversion table server 19731-1 and perform the aforemmtioned procedures P800 through P860. With such an arrangaTent, the ICS operator 19960-1 instructing rewriting of the contents of the access control table to the governing conversion table server 19730-1 enables exchanging of the conversion table within the access control apparatus and the address infonnation related thereto with do name servers and ICS authority servers duch have administration, thereby facilitating ease of re-writing management of the contents of a conversion table with consistency, i.e., ease of updating rmmgenmt of all conversion tables within the access control apparatuses within the ICS 19000-1<<Registration of other party of camnmicatim>> FIG.105 will be described. A usage applicant for the ICS 19000-1 applies for registration of other party of caffamcation to the ICS receptionist 19940-1 along with the domain name of the other party of =ammication (procedure P300). The ICS receptionist 19940-1 receives the do narne of the other party of cann=cation (procedure P310), and sends it to the conversion table server 19731-1 (procedure P320). The conversion table server 19731-1 exchanges infonnation with the dmk-dn name servers 19740-1, 19742-1, etc. (procedures P330 and P331), obtains the ICS network address and the ICS user address corresponding with the domain narae- of the other party of caummication regarding which there was inquiry, updates the contents of the conversion table 19301-1 (procedure P340), and reports the results (procedures P350 and P360). The updated results are shown to the conversion table 19301-2. The ICS network address obtained here is registered in a conversion table such as shown in FIG. 106 as a receiving ICS network address, and the ICS user address obtained here ls registered as a receiver ICS user address. Incidentally, in the case of an ICS network server. the spaces for the ICS network address and the ICS user address remain 166 blank. <<Registration 2 to ICS of user: Intra-corporation, camunication and virtual dedicated line>> Description will be made with reference to FIG.107. The difference with intra-corporation cmication as cred. to the above inter-corporatim cnication is that an ICS user address is handed in and an ICS narne cannot be used, accordingly, there is no.appropriation of the ICS names, and there are no procedures for using ICS names (procedures P180, P190 and P200). First, an applicant 19200-1 to the ICS 190001 applies to the ICS receptionist 19940-1 for ICS ffentership (procedure P400). The "Application reception data" is a usage itern of ICS wherein the ICS network address and the ICS name has been deleted, and is compri-sed. of, e.g., ICS user address, request identification (classification of intracorporation. communication, inter-corporation ccffn-enication, virtual dedicated line connection, or ICS network server connection), speed class and priority, etc., the same as with the previous inter-corporation cammunication. The ICS user address further shows a plurallty of pairs for both sender ICS user address and receiver ICS user address. Also, in the case of a virtual dedicated line connection, the sender ICS user address and the receiver ICS user address are not shown; this is what is different as ca"red to the intra-corporation cenminication.

The ICS applicant 19940-1 enters the above napplication reception dataw to the user service server 19711-1 via the noperating interface", and stores the wapplication reception datan in the user 167 database 19611-1 (procedure P410). Next, the user service server 19711-1 requests of the ICS authority server 197231-1 the ICS user address, the ICS network address and the ICS name. using the ICS network cormamication function (procedures P420). The ICS authority server 19721-1 appropriates only the ICS network address as with the abave procedure P130 (procedure P430), records the appropriation results in the aforementioned appropriation tables, and further returns the appropriation results to the user service server 19711-1 (procedure P440). The user service server 19711-1 stores the,appropriation results obtained fr= the ICS authority server 19721-1 in the user database 19611-1 (procedure P450).

The user service server 19711-1 notifies the conversion table server 19731-1 of the application contents and the obtained ICS network address (procedure P460), the conversim table server 19731-1 adds the above contents to the conversim table 19301-1 (procedure P370), and reports cmpletion of registration (procedures P480 and P495). FIG.108 shaws and example of registration to the conversion table 19301 of the intracorporation cemiLmication and the virtual dedicated line. <<Description of dc name server>>

An example of 4-layer hierarchy will be described with reference to FIG. 109 and FIGs.110 to 112, regarding the procedures P330 and P331 regarding the dcma:Ln name server in the description of FIG.105. The ICS network address of the internal table 19600-1 of the danain name servex which is the object of the dcmain name "root" is "9500", and

168 daTain rumes Raln, na2n, na3" and so forth exist below, indicating, e - g -, that the ICS network address of the dicmain name server which handles the dcmain name waln is n9610n, and the port number is "440" The ICS network address of the internal table 19610-1 of the dcmain name server wtuch is the object of the damain name naln is R961Ow, and dcmain names mblu, "b2n, nb3" and so forth exist below, indicating, e.g., that the ICS network address of the domain name server which handles the domain name nb2n is n9720R, and the port number is n440n The ICS network address of the internal table 19620-1 of the dcmain name server which is the object of the domain name nblR is "9720", and domain names "cC, nc5n, ncV and so forth exist below, indicating, e.g., that the terminal space for the domain name 0c5n is YES, meaning that there are no more domain namas below, and that in this example, the ICS network address of the ICS name nc5.b2.al." is "9720n, and that the ICS user address is R451OR. Also, the record of the internal table 19620-1 of the domain name server, i.e., the ICS name (ICS damain name), the ICS network address and the ICS user address n4610n are considered to be one group of data and referred to particularly as a nresource remrd" of the domain nam server. <<CaLling damain name servers>> With reference to FIG.113, description will be made regarding the procedures in which the cormersion table server 19630-1 calls the domain name servers 19640-1, 19650-1 and 19660-1, and searches for the ICS network address and the ICS user address corresponding with the domain name "c5.b2.al.n. The conversion table server 19630-1 enters

169 the demain name "c5.b2.al.n in the resolver 19635-1 in the conversion table. The resolver 19635-1 sends the ICS packet 19641-1 including nalm to the ICS domo-in name server 19640-1, and an ICS packet 19642-1 including an ICS network address n9610" of the ICS damin name server for naln is returned. Next, The resolver 19635-1 sends an ICS packet 19651-1 including nb2R to the ICS domain name server 19650-1, and an ICS packet 19652-1 including an ICS network address n9720n of the ICS dmk-Lin name server for nb2n is returned.

Next, the resolver 19635-1 sends an ICS packet 19661-1 including n c5n to the ICS dwein name server 19660-1, and an ICS packet 19662-1 including an ICS network address "9820" for nc5n and an ICS user address n4520w is returned. According to the above procedures, the conversion table server 19630-1 obtains an ICS network address n982C and an ICS user address n4520R corresponding with the domain name ncS.b2.al.R. <<Re-writing of conversion table fran an IP tenninal>> Description will be made with reference to FIGs.114 and 115. An ICS user packet including the danain name nc5.b2.al.0 is sent fran the IP tenninal 19608-1 to the conversion table server 19731-1 (procedure P500). The conversion table server 19731-1 makes inquiry to the danain narne server (procedure P510), the demin name server searches and obtains the ICS network address N9820n and the ICS user address w4520R corresponding with the don name nc5.b2.al." (procedure P520), and returns this to the conversion table server 19731-1 (procedure P530), the conversion table server writes this to the conversion table v.

19301-1 (procedure P540), and reports to the IP terminal 19608-1 (procedure P550). In these procedures, the ICS network address N98200 is written into the conversion table as a receiving network address, and the ICS user address n4520w as a receiver ICS user address, the re-written conversion table being shown in FIG.103. Incidentally, FIG.103 emits the item listed in the conversion table corresponding with the request identification included in FIG.102.

Next, the IP terminal 19608-1 sends an ICS user packet to the convex,sion table server 19731-1, including specification for changing the speed class to 02n, with regard to the registered contents of the conversion table 19301-1X (procedure P600). The conversion table server 19731-1 re- writes the registration contents of the conversion table 19301-1X so that the speed class is '2n, according to the specification (procedure P610), and reports to the IP terminal 19608-1 (procedure P620). The conversion table re-written by these procedures is shown as 19301-Y (FIG.104). <<bbving a tenninal between access control apparatuses>>

As can be seen from the entxydmrent of the ICS user address appropriation record table 19623-1, the first line of this table appropriates ICS name "ddl.ccl.bbl.aal.jp" to the ICS user address '4610", and holds the ICS user address and the ICS name. For exarqple, in the event that a terminal 19608-1 (FIG.91) having an ICS user address R46100 is moved from the access control apparatus 19300-1 to the access control apparatus 19320-1 (FIG.92), and in the event that this terminal is appropriated a new ICS network address R78210 for 171 example, the cmversim table has registered therein a transmitting ICS network address R7821" and a sender ICS user address 04610w as a pair. In this case, the ICS name nddl.ccl.bbl.aal.jp" is paired with the ICS user address 046101 as stipulated by the ICS user address,appropriation record table 19623-1, and the ICS nam is not changed. The resource record camprised of the ICS name nddl.ccl.bbl.aal.jpn within the demain name server, the ICS network address w7700", and the ICS user address R4610n, is changed to that having the ICS name "ddl.ccl.bbl.aal.jp", the ICS network address w78210 and the ICS user address n4610". That is, the ICS network address 07700m is re-written to another address n7821n, but the ICS name "ddl.ccl.bbl.aal.jpn and the ICS user address "4610m are not re- written. Sumk-a-izing this, the resource record of the demain name server and ICS user address ion record table of the ICS authority server hold the ICS user address and the ICS name, and there is no case in which only one is changed. Accordingly, in the event that a teaminal is nx between access control apparatuses, there is no need to change the ICS user address and ICS name of the terminal. (Other embodiment: determination of ICS user address by the user) This is an arrangement wherein the above embodiment has been changed so that the user determines the ICS user address. That is, when the user (usage applicant 19200-1) applies to the ICS 19000-1, an ICS user address is added. The ICS receptionist 19940-1 includes the ICS user address in the application reception data. Also, the ICS authority server 19711-1 stores the ICS user address that the user has 172 applied for in the ICS user address appropr atlon record table 19623-1. Accog to the above method, the user can determine his/her own ICS user address, thus increasing freedan of usage.

Embodiment-17 (calling other party of ccmanicatim by telephone number):

The present ewbod=rhent shows an example wherein using the telephone number as the ICS dcmain name allows sending and receiving of ICS user IP packet with the other party of camnmication, in which digitized voice is stored within the user IP packet, thereby facilitating public communication using a telephone. In the present embodiment, des=ptim will be made with reference to the example wherein the telephone number 81-31234-5678 in Tokyo, Japan, is viewed as being domain name n5678.34.12.3. 8l." Here, n3" indicates Tokyo, and "81n indicates Japan.

Description will be made with reference to FIG.116. An ICS 20000-1 includes access control apparatuses 20010-1, 20020-1 and 20030-1, relay devices 20080-1 and 20090-1, dcmain name servers 201101, 20120-1, 20130-1, 20140-1 and 20150-1, and the access control apparatus 20010-1 includes line portion 20011-1, a processing device 20012-1, a conversion table 20013-1 and a conversion table server 20040-1. The conversion table server 20040-1 is within the access control apparatus 20010-1, and an ICS network address of 078000 and port number of w60OR are appropriated. The conversion table server 20040-1 is provided with an ICS user address n46000 frm outside of

173 the ICS 20000-1, and appears to be an ICS server having the functions of converting an entered damain name into an ICS user address and returning, and also registering the ICS network address in the conversim table 20013- 1 within the access control apparatus 20010-1.

A block 20210-1 is a LAN, blocks 20211-1 and 20300-1 are both IP temdnals having the functions of sending and receiving ICS user frames, each having ICS user addresses R452C and "1200", and are connected to the ICS 20000-1 via the ICS user logic c=mication line. IP terminal 20300-1 can be used as a telephone and thus is referred to as an -IP telephonew. The IP telephone 20300-1 includes a telephone number input unit 20310-1, IP address accunilating unit 20320-1, voice data sending/receiving unit 20330-1, input buttons 20340-1, and voice input/output unit 20350-1. <<Obtaining ICS user address by telephone number>> The telephone number -1234-5678' is entered into the telephone number input unit 20310-1 by the input buttons 20340-1. The telephone number input unit 20310-1 generates the ICS user packet P1201, and delivers this to the access control apparatus 20010-1 via the ICS user logic communication line. Here, the ICS user packet is the sender ICS user address "1200' and the receiver ICS user address "4600", and the telephone number '1234-5678" entered by the input buttons 20340-1 is included in the data. The processing device 20010-1 looks at the conversion table 20013-1, and sends the ICS user packet P1201 to the conversim table server 20040-1 indicated by the ICS user address '4600'. Also, in the present embodinlent, the Conversion table servW 174 20040-1 is within the access control apparatus 20010-1, so there is no need to user ICS network camimication functions. Based m the telephone number '1234-5678w included in the data field of the ICS user packet, the conversion table server 20040-1 sequentially contacts domain name servers 20130-1, 20140-1 and 20150-1, and obtains the ICS network add S "7920R and the ICS user address '45200 of the terminal 20211-1 of the other party of communication in the event that the telephone number '1234-5678w is viewed as a domain name.

Next, the conversion table server 20040-1 creates a conversion table new itern 20030-1 using the two addresses w7920n and w45200 obtained here, generates an ICS user packet P1202 for the ICS user address w4520w and writes the ICS user address w4520m therein and sends it to the IP telephone 20300-1. The IP telephone 20300-1 c amb ines the ICS user address n4520n contained in the received ICS user packet P1202 with the telephone number "1234-5678w regarding wInch InquIry has already been made, and stores these in the IP address storage unit 20320-1, and uses it at a later day at the point that the ICS user address "4520" corresponding with the telephone number '1234-56780 becomes necessary. The aforementioned conversion table new itern 20030-1 correlates the IP telephone 20300-1 having the ICS network address N7820m and the ICS user address "1200w with the destination teminal 20211-1 specified by the telephone number w12345678m. The conversion table new item 20030-1 is used as a new cnent of the conversion table 20013-1. <<Ccnminicatim using ICS user address>> Voice is inputted from the voice input/output unit 20350-1, the voice is converted into digital data at the voice data sending/receiving unit 20330-1, stored in the ICS user packet P1210, and sent to the destination specified by the telephone number w123456780, i.e., to the terminal 20211- 1 deteed by the ICS user address 04520'. After this, telephone conmmication, is performed by sending and receiving ICS user packet between the two terminals 202111 and 20211-1. <<Detai-led description of domain nam server>>

Regarding the above descriptim, the method of the conversion.

table server presenting the telephone number "1234-5678w to the domain name server and obtal = g the ICS network address w79201 and the ICS user address "45200 will be described in detail.

FIG.116 is diagran j-Uustrating an embodirmnt of a 6-1 hierarchy ndamain name tree,, with root do name wroot-teln being provided m L 1 of the tree, domain names n1N... w44n... n81n... 090w existing m Level 2 which is loww m the tree, and dc names w351... R 6 R for example existing m Level 3 beneath domain nam 81'n, and domain names - "lln, u12n, n13u,... for example existing m Level 4 beneath domain name "Y, and further domain names... W3V, "34% 0350, for example existing m Level 5 beneath dc name "12", and domain names - 05677", w56780, "5679" existing m Level 6 beneath do name "3C.

FIG.119 illustrates the internal table 20131-1 of the dc name server 20130-1 handling the domain name w3H, and indicates that.

176 e.g., under domain namp- "X' the domain server 20140-1 which handles domain name w12n has an ICS network address of '872T and a port number of '440n. FIG.120 illustrates the internal table 20141-1 of the domain nam server 20140-1 handling the domain name n12n, and indicates that, e.g., under domain name n12n the domain server 20150-1 which handles domain name n3C has an ICS network address of "8820' and a port number of "4401. Also, FIG.121 illustrates the internal table 20151-1 of the domain name server 20150-1 handling the domain name 012n, and indicates that the endpoint for the domain name n567C in the internal table 20151-1 is YES, meaning that there are no more damain names below, and in this example, the ICS network address corresponding to the domain name 05678.34.12.3.18. n is N8920n, and the ICS user address thereof is n4520R. <<CaLling domain name server>> With reference to FIG.122, description will be made of the PrOCe&wes for the conversion table server 20040-1 calling the domain name servers 20130- 1, 20140-1 and 20150-1, and searching for the ICS network address and the ICS user address corresponding with the dcma2-n name "5678.34.12.3.81.u. Now, the resolver 20041-1 has therein the ICS network address of a domain name server handling the Level 1 domain Rroot-teln shown in FIG.119. Also, in the event that there is a great deal of communication with the domain mme server which handle the Level 2 and Level 3 deffains, the ICS network addresses of the upper domain name servers thereof are stored in the resolver 20041-1.

The conversion table server 20040-1 inputs domain name 177 N5678.34.12. n into the internal resolver 20041-1. The resolver 200411 has the ICS network address '8610w of the server handling the damain narre n3.81.1 which indicates "81" for Japan and w3n for Tokyo, and sends an ICS packet 20135-1 including the domain name "120 which is under the dcmain name "3n to the ICS dcmain narre server 20130-1 using the ICS network camiunication. function, in response to which an ICS frame 20136- 1 including the ICS network address w8720n of the ICS dcmain narre server 20140-1 which handles the domain name N12n is returned. Next, the resolver 20041-1 sends an ICS packet 20145-1 including the darain name N3C to the ICS domain name server 20140-1, in response to which an ICS packet 20146-1 including the ICS network ad] S 0882C of the ICS domain name server 20146-1 which handles the darain name n34n Is returned.

Next, the resolver 20041-1 sends an ICS packet 201551 including the danain name "5678n to the ICS dare-in name server 20150-1, in response to which an ICS packet 20156-1 including the ICS network address "7920" and nICS user address 4520w of the ICS danain name server 20156-1 corresponding with the damain name n5678R i_s returned. According to the above procedures, the conversion table 20040-1 obtains the ICS network address "7920" and the ICS user address "4520" corresponding to the danain name w5678.34.12.3.81.R. << Telephone Line cormection >> There is a telephone line conversion unit 20510-1 within the line portion 200011-1, and the telephone 20520-1 is connected to the telephone line conversion unit 20510-1 via the telephone line 20530-1.

178 The telephone line conversion unit 20510-1 has the same function as those described in the other entxxlurents, and generates an ICS user packet sorted in the data field, as will as converting voice sent from the telephone line 20530-1 into digitized voice. Also, ICS user packet which is sent in reverse, i.e., from the ICS network to pass through the access control line portion, have the digitized voice stored therein converted into analog voice in the telephone Line conversion unit 20510-1, or in the event of an ISDN line, converted into digitized voice. According to an arrangement, the IP tenninal 20300-1 provided with an ICS domain ram and the telephone 20520-1 can perform comninication by telephone voice. (Connecting to a public telephone network)

Further, the telephone line conversion unit 20510-1 and the private exchange 20600-1 a connected by a telephone line 20530-2. Telephones 20520-2 and 20520-3 are connected with a private telephone line 20540-1 extending frctn the private exge 20600-1, and a telephone =nunication can be carried out between the telephone 20520-2 and the telephone 20300-1. A. 1so, connection can be rnade the private exchange 20600-1 to public telephone networks/ international telephone network 20680-1. Such an arrangement enables the telephone communication between the telephones 20520-4 and 20300-1.

Embodiment-18 (IP terminal capable of connecting to Plural access control apparatuses):

The present effbodinmt does not fix the IP terminal having the functions for sending and receiving ICS user IP packets to a specific access control apparatus; rather, it realizes an IP tenninal which can be n and connected to other access control apparatuses and used, i.e., capable of roaming. Roaming is realized based m the ICS domain name provided to the IP terminal. <<Pasrd transmission technique using cipher>> The present embodiment includes procedures for ciphering a secret password PW and sending it from the sender (encoding (ciphering) side) to the receiver (decoding side). First, a ciphering function E1 and a decoding function Di will be described. The ciphering function Ei is represented by y El(kI, x), and the decoding function Di Is represented by x Di(k2, y). Here, "y" denotes the ciphertext, "x" denotes plain-text, %klw and "k2R are keys, and nin represents cipher numbers (i - 1, 2,.--) determining the secret key code and the public key code, including how the value of the cipher key is to be used. In the above, an arrangement may be used wherein plain-text xl is ciphered instead of plain-text x with x' = X 11 r (wherein "r" is a random nud:)er), and discarding the random number r fran the plain-text xl upon decoding, thus obtaining the plain-text x. Such an arrangement generates a different ciphertext each time the same pLain-text is ciphered, owing to the random number, and it is said that such is less susceptible to code cracking. (Example of cipher number i = 1) <<Preparation>> The sender m discloses the domain name thereof (DNm) to the public including the receiver. The receiver calculates Km = Hash- 1 (DNm) using the secret data campression function Hash-1, and hands over only the cipher key Km using a safe method so as to be unnoticed by a third party. This example is an example of using DES ciphering, and the sender holds an 'ciphering module DES-en for realizing the ciphering function El, and a cipher key Km. The cipher key Km is a secret value which the sender and receiver share. The receiver has the Mecoding module DES-d' for realizing the decoding function Di, and the data compression function Hash-1. What is used for the data compression function Hash-1 is determined separately for each cipher number. A data compression function is also referred to as a whash function <<Ciphering by sender>> The sender sets the secret password PW as x = PW, and ciphers as y - DES- e(Y5m, x) with the ciphering module DES-e and the cipher key Km being held, thereby sending the ciphertext y and domain name Wm. <<Decoding by receiver>> The receiver receives the ciphertext y and the domain name DNm, calculates the secret cipher key Km as Km = Hash-l(DNm) using the receiver's secret data compression function Hash-1, and the obtains the plaintext x as x = DES-d(Km, y) using the decoding module. The plain-text x is password PW, and the receiver can obtain the secret password PW. A third party does not know the data compression function Hash-1 and thus cannot calculate the cipher key Km, and accordingly, cannot calculate the secret password PW. In the above 181 embodiment, as stipulation of the cipher number i =3, the ciphering functions and the decoding functions can be replaced with ciphering functions and decoding functions other than DES code. (Exwple of cipher number i - 2) <<Preparation>> The present example is an exanple of employing RSA encoding, wherein the sender generates ciphering function y =,emod n and decoding function y =)e mod n. Here, e d holds, the key d being a secret value. The sender hands to the receiver the disclosable ciphering keys e and n, and ciphering nxxlule RSA-e for realizing y -emod n. The sender holds the ciphering keys and the ciphering nxxlule RSA-e. The sender does holds neither the secret ciphering modale nor secret data. On the other hand, the receiver holds n and the secret key d, and the ciphering module RSA-e for realizing y =.emod n. <<Ciphering by sender>> The sender encodes the secret password PW, awn domain name DNm, and time of sending (yearlmnth/day/hour/rrdnute/seamd) as x = PW 11 xl 11x2 (wherein xl: domain name Wm, and x2: yearlmnth/day/hour/ minute/second) and ciphers as y =)e mod n using the ciphering module RSA-e, thus sending the ciphertext y. <<Decoding by receiver>> The receiver receives the ciphertext y and calculates x - yd mod n using the decoding ne RSA-d heldbeforehand and the decoding key. The result is x = PW 11 xl 11 x2, so the data which is at a certain position from the head of x is used as the password PW. In the above 182 I ciphering, domain name xl and yp-ar/mc)nth/day/ho=/minute/second x2 are used as random numbers.

* A third party does not know the secret key d and thus camot calculate the secret password PW. In the above embodiment, as stipulations of the cipher number i = 4, the values of the cipher keys e, d and n can be changed. Also, as stipulations of the cipher number i = 5, the RSA ciphering technique can be replaced with a different public key ciphering technique. <<Terminal verification technique using pass and random number>> Description will be made regarding ver-ification technique for determining whether or not the password PW used by a roaming terminal agrees with the password registered in the verifying server. As prerequisite conditions, the verifying server of the verifying entity and the terminal of the user to receive verification have a password PW that is secret to a third party, with a ciphering function E (wherein y = E(k, x), y represents ciphertext, k represents ciphering key, and x represents plain-text). specific procedures for terminal verification will now be described. The terminal of the user to receive verif Ication decides upon a random number R using appropriate means, calculates Yl = F(PW, R) using the password PW and function y F (PW, R) and sends both the random nmiber R and the function Yl to the verifying entity. The verifying entity receives the random nwbw R and the function Y1, and calculates Y2 = F(FW, R) using the received random nur R, the password PW held within, and the function F, and checks whether Or not Yl m Y2 holds. In the event that there is a match, verification can be made that the owner of the terminal which

183 is being verified is using the correct password PW, i. e., verification of the temwnal can be made. In the above technique, an arrangement in which the user to be verified cannot freely select the random number R but rather the random nu-r R is restricted to depending m time (called a time random number) further increases difficulty of a third party calculating the password. Instead of the ciphering function used above. the secret data compression function Hj may be used instead, for Y1, Y2 - (PW, R). <<Overall configuration>> FIGs.123 and 124 Ulustrate an overview of the roaming technique according to the present embodiment, wherein the ICS 21000-1 includes access control apparatuses 21010-1, 21020-1, 21030-1, 21040-1, 21050-1 and 21060- 1, relay devices 21080-1, 21080-2 and 21080-3, verifying serjers 21100-1, 21101-1, 21102-1 and 21103-1, domain name servers 21130-1, 21131-1, 21132- 1 and 21133-1, a user service server 21250-1 and an ICS authority server 21260-1. The access control apparatus 21010-1 is provided with a conversion table 21013-1, a conversion table server 21016-1, a registration server 21017-1 and a connection semer 21018-1. The access control apparatus 21020-1:Is provided with a conversion table 21023-1, a conversion table server 21026-1, a registration server 21027-1 and a connection server 21028-1. The connection servers 21018-1 and 21028-1 are provided with an ICS user address "6310", and has the function to register access control apparatuses detexni as necessary to the IP terminal, or to connect thereto.

The conversion table server 21016-1 has a function for rewriting the contents of the conversion table 21013-1, and the conversion table server 21026-1 has a function for re-writing the contents of the conversion table 21023-1. Also, the LAN 21150-1 has an IP terminal 21151-1, the LAN 21160-1 has an IP terminal 21161-1, and a block 21171-1 is an IP terminal. A block 21200-1 is a portable roaming terminal, and is identified by ICS domain name "cl.bl.al." provided uniquely within the ICS 21000-1. <<Application for use of roaming tennmal>> The owner of a roaming temninal 21200-1 indicates as an ICS usage applicant 21270-1 a payment method for the roaming terminal 21200-1, and applies to the ICS authority server 21260-1 via user service server 21250- 1 for an ICS dcmain name and an ICS user address. The payment method represented by billing class 'MY", e.g., in the event that MY - 1, the charges are billed to the hcme IP (i.e., an IP terminal which is connected to the access control apparatus in a fixed manner), in the event that MY = 2, the charges are paid according to the record of the verifyIng server. The ICS authority server 21260-1 sets an ICS domain name cl.bl.al." for using the roaming terminal 21200-1, and an ICS user address "1200". Further, in order to be connected to the access control apparatus 21010-1 in a fixed manner and use it, the owner of the IP terminal 21200-1 applies for an ICS network address to the ICS authority server 21260-1 via the user service seivw 21250-1. The user service server 21250-1, upon obtaining the ICS network address, makes a request to the conversion 1 table server 21016-1 to set the ICS network address 08115m and the ICS user address "12001 in the conversion table 21013-1.

The ICS receptionist 21271-1 m inside the interior 21201-1 of the roaming terminal 21200-1 the following: ICS domain name, Mcl.bl.al.w, ICS user address 012000, special ICS address for roaming te=dnals (called wroaming special nun) 010000, ICS user address n6300n for registration server, and ICS user address '6310n for connecting server, and further ent inside the interior 21202-1 of the roaming terminal 21200-1 the ciphering function Ei and decoding related data RP1. Now, RP1 = Hj (dmk-dn name H RPO) RPO (%tb-- RPO MY i j) holds. and the domain name is "cl. bl. al. MNY is the above-described billing class, ni" is a cipher number for typifying the cipher Ei, and "j n determines the type of Hash function Hj. Data mipression function Hj is a secret dedicated function used only by the verifying server and the user service server. The user does not hold the data compression function Hj, and does not even know Hj, and thus is m capable of generating code related data RP1. <<Registration procedure from hcffe IP tenwaial>> Description will be made with reference to FIG.127. The roaming terminal user connects the roaming terminal 21200-1 to the position of the hcffe IP tendnal 21151-1. Next, the roaming terminal user decides m a password (PW) and enters this fran the input unit 21204-1, and also generates an ICS user packet W01 using the ciphering function and the coding-related data stored within the inner portion 21202-1, and sends it to the access control apparatus 21010-1 via the ICS user

186 logic camiunication line 21152-1 (procedures T10) - The destinatim of the ICS user packet W01 is -630C which points to the roaming registration server, and includes awn ICS damain name ncl.bl.al.", cipher parameter PR1, ICS user address "1200", expiration data "98-1231", ciphertext "y" which is the password that has been ciphered, "tg" (wherein tg - 1 in order to display registration procedures), and wYesu or RNON for roaming connection specification. The generation method employed for the ciphertext wyn is the coding technique described earlier. For example, in the event that the cipher number 2, ciphertext "y" is generated with y =. e mod n (wherein x = PW 11 cl.bl.al. llyear/mnth/day/hour/minute/seoond). The access omtrol apparatus 21010-1 looks at the conversion table 21013-1 and transfers the ICS user packet W01 to the registration server 21017-1 with the destination "6300w (procedure T15). The registration server 21017-1 uses the damain name hcl.bl.al.w to call the verifying server 21100-1 (procedure T20). Also, the method by which the registration server 21017-1 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the dcmain name is the same as the method by which the comection server 21028-1 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the dmmin name, the details thereof being described in detail later. The verifying server 21100-1 Ck the contents of the received ICS user packet W01, and decodes the ciphertext ny" using the earlier-described technique, thereby calculating the password PW. For example, in the event that the cipher number = 2, the ciphertext "y" is decoded with x = ydmod n. This yields x - PW 11 cl. bl. al. 11 year/nmth/day/hour/minutelseamd, so

187 the password PW can be obtained.

Next, the contents of the cipher parameter PP1 is RP1 = Hj (damain name 11 RPO) 11 RPO (wherein RPO - MNY 11 i 11 j), so the verifying server 21100-1 uses the secret Hash function Hj held within the verifying server 21100-1 and the obtained dcmain name "cl.bl.al.n to calculate t - Hj (damain name 11 RPO) 11 RPO), and checks whether or not t m RP1 holds for the received RP1. If it holds, judgment is passed that the dcmain name "cl.bl.al.", the biLling class MW, and the cipher nud -i- and -j" have not been tampered with. The verifying serjer 21100-1 checks for excessive or insufficient registration contents, and in the event that the contents are normal, the registration results are registered in the verification table 21100-2; registration is not made in the event there are insufficient registration contents.

This 1s L1lustrated in the verifying table 21100-2 in the line with the administration number 1, with the dcmain name as wcl.bl.al.", cipher number "2n, billing class (MNY) l", value of calculated password PW 0224691", expiration date 098-12-310, roaming connection of nYesw, i.e., acceptance of a roaming connection. At the time of generating the W01 in procedure T10, the aforementioned value of tg may be set to tg m 2 and roaming connection set to 0Non. The password will not leak to a third party, due to application of the abovedescribed ciphexing method. Roaming registration is reported by passing through the registration server 210171 (procedure T30), then the access control apparatus 21010-1 (procedure T35), and reported to 188 the roaming IP terminal (procedure T40). Further, an ICS user packet for changing the value of the password M with tg = 3 or changing the date of expiration with tg = 4 can be sent frem the terminal 21200-1 via the ICS user logic Ommanication line 21152-1, after the above Procedure T40 has been cmpleted. Incidentally, a method which can be employed for changing the password involves specifying the prior password. <<Send:Lng and receiving user IP packet W1ule travellng>> An example wJ-11 be described regarding connecting a roaming terminal 21200-1 to the access control apparatus 21020-1 and sending and receiving Of user IP packet between darain name ncl.bl.al.w of the roaming terminal 21200-1 and the other party of ccmxmication with a dc name nc2.b2.a2.w. The user inputs the following fran the input unit 21204-1: the damain name "c2.b2.a2.n of other party of camunication, Rtgw which has been set to tg = 5 for iD ying sending and receiving of user IP packet, own password PW, and w5R which specifies the roaming connection period in days (represented by TTL). The inside 21201-1 and 21202-1 of the roaming terminal 21200-1 is used to this end. Also, the IP frame field 21203-1 is used for generating, , and sending and receiving ICS user IP packets M01, M02, M03, M04 and so forth.

Next, the roaming terminal 21200-1 generates a user IP packet M2, and sends it to the access control apparatus 21020-1 via the ICS user logic ownrLicatim line 21210-1 (procedure T50). The user IP Packet M2 includes the sender dark-dn name 'cl.bl.al.n, receiver 189 1 1--- domain name Rc2.b2.a2.n, cipher parameter RP2 and connection period (represented by TTL). The cipher parameter RP2 is data calculated with the password PW and the inside 21202-2. That is, year/month/day/ second nyy-mm-dd-sssss" is generated and used as a time randorn nuntw TR (TR = yy-rrm-dd-sssss), and the clock of inside 21202-2 and the cipher function E1 is used to calculate RP2 = Fi(PW, TR) JITR.

The access control apparatus 21020-1 receives the user JP packet W02, obtains the ICS network address "7800n provided to the ICS logic tenninal, and since the request identification fran the conversion table 21023-1 is 'C and further the sender ICS user address written to the user JP packet PK02 is.1000n (1.e., roaming special nuffiber), the above ICS network address "7800n is held, and is delivered with the ICS user packet PK02 to the connection server 21028-1 pointed to by the receiver ICS user address n631ON (procedure T60). The ICS network address n7800" obtained in this procedure will be used after the later-described process T130. <<Function of connection server>> Next, the connection server 21028-1 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the domain name wcl.bl.al. n, and transfers the daTain name Wcl.bl. al." and the cipher parameter RP2 to the verifying server (procedure T70). The verifying server 21100-1 reads the values of the password PW and cipher nwter written to the verifying table 21100-2, and selects cipher f=tion E1 and reads the password PW., the cipher parameter RP is RP2 = Ei (M TR) 11 TR, so the time random nunber which is to the latter half of the RP2 is used to calculate t = Ei (PW, TR). In the event that the value of this temporary variable t calculated here matches the first half Ei(PW, T) of the received RP2, confirmation can be made that the password PW entered into the tenninal 21200-1 is correct. The time function TR includes the year/month/day (i.e., TR = yymm-dd-sssss), so unauthorized aca-ess can be discovered in the case that the received year/month/day does not match that time of processing.

Next, the verifying server 21100-1 reports the following items written in the verifying table 21100-2 to the connection server 210281 (procedure T80): canpletion of roaming registration, billing class, and verifying server calling information (procedure T80). In the present enbodiment, the billing class is MNY = 1, and the verifying server Calling information is the ICS network address 07981w of the verifying server 21100-1, port nmLber -71V and administration nu Olw of the verifying administration table. The connection server 21028-1 presents the dcmain name ncl.bl.al." to the dcmain name server, rets the ICS user address and the ICS network address associated with the dcmain name (procedure T90), and obtains the ICS user address '120C and the ICS network address w8115w (procedure T100). In the same way, the connection server presents the dcmain name nc2.b2.a2.n to the damain nam server, requests the ICS user address and the ICS network address associated with the danain name (procedure T110), and obtains the ICS user address "250C and the ICS network address w8200n (procedure T120).

Next, the connection server 21028-1 inform the conversion table 191 se mer 21026-1 of the following (procedure T130): the ICS network address "7800" of the ICS logic tenninal which has input the ICS user packet (held in procedure T60); the ICS user address "1200", ICS user address 025000, and ICS network address "8200", Just obtained fran the datigi n name server; and also the campletion of roaming registration, billing class, and verulying server calling inforimation received fram the verifying server 21100-1.

The conversion table server 21026-1 writes the four address to the conversion table 21023-1 as received. The value of the request identification is "10", ning inter-corporation canmmication by roaming. In the event that the billing class is MNY = 1, the ICS network address "8115R and the ICS user address 01200w just obtained fram the damain name server are forwarded to the billing notification destination of the conversion table 21023-1. Also, in the event that the billing class is MY m 2, verifying server calling infonnation is forwarded to the billing notification destination of the conversion table 21013-1. Further, n5" which specifies the roaming connection period in days is also written to the conversion table 21013-1. When the writing to the conversion table 21023-1 is cmpleted. the conversion table server 21026-1 reports the results to the connection server 21028-1 (procedure T140). This letion report is sent via the access control apparatus 21020-1 (procedure T150) to the roaming tenninal 21200-1 with the ICS user packet M03 (procedure T160).

Now, the ICS user packet W03 includes the ICS user address 012001 associated with the dwain name ncl.bl.al.' of the roaming terminal 21200-1, and the CS user address n2500w associated with the dwain name Rc2. W. a2. n of the other party of camunication. The corporation operating the access control apparatus can charge the owner of the roaming terminal 21200-1 for the above usage of the connection server 21028-1, i.e., the procedures for receiving the ICS user packet PK02 up to returning the ICS user packet W03, and w5n which specifies the roaming connection period in days. <<Using the roaming tendnal>> The roaming terminal 21200-1 can use the amversion table 210231 created following the abave-described procedures, to perform intercorporation com:Tmication (procedures T170 through T220). In the event that w5" which specifies the roaming connection period in days elapses, the conversion table server 21026-1 can delete the above roaming connection written in the inside of conversion table 21023-1. <<Notification of biLling>> The access control apparatus 21020-1 notifies the billing notification destination registered in the conversion table 21023-1 of the conmmication charges (procedure T300 or T310). <<Method for accessing the verifying server>> On the above description, detailed des=ption will be made regarding the method for judging whether or not the verification request contained in the ICS network packet PK02 generated by the roaming terminal 21200-1 due to the connection server 21028-1 presenting the domain name "cl.bl.al." to a plurality of verifying servers including verifying server 21100-1 is correct, i.e., whether

193 or not the dcmain name "cl.bl.al." of the roaming terminal 21200-1 is xtered with the verifying server.

An ele of 4-1 hierarchy will be described with reference to FIG. 128. A dcmain name OrooC is provided m Level 1 of the tree, and demain names "al", 'a2N, wa3n and so forth exist on Level 2 below, demain names nblu, nb20, 'b3", and so forth exist m Level 3 below "all for example, and damain names "cl", "c2", "c3"... and so forth exist on Level 4 below ublu for example.

FIG.129 illustrates the internal table 21102-2 of the verifying server 21102-1 handling the dc lrootR, indicating,-e.g., that the ICS network address of the damain name server 21101-1 which handles the date= name "al" below the domain name nrootl 2-s R7971m, and the R port number is 0710. Also, FIG.130 illustrates the internal table 21101-2 of the verifying server 21101-1 handling the dcmain Ral", indicating, e.g. , that the ICS network address of the dcmain name server 21100-1 which handles the do name "bl' below the domain name nall is l7981R, and the port number is l710l.

FIG.131 illustrates the internal table 21100-2 of the verifying server 21100-1 handling the damain Oblo, indicating, e.g., that the damain name "cl" below the dcmain name "bl" shows "YES" in the endpoint in the internal table 21100-2, meaning that there are no more dcmain names below, and that in this example, the dc name ncl.bl.al" has been registered with the verifying server, and facts such that the password PW is n224691n, that the date of expiration is n98-12-310, etc., are recorded therein.

194 <<CaLling verifying server>> With reference to FIG.132, description will be made regarding the Procedures in which the connection server 21028-1 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the demain name mcl.bl.al.0, and checks whether or not the dc name ocl.bl.al.n has been registered in the VCrifYing server. Now, the connection server 21028-1 has therein the ICS network address of the verifying server handling the danain nrootn m Level 1 shown in FIG. 128. A1SO, in the event that there is a great Of cammicatim with the verifying servers which handle the 1 2 and Level 3 demains, the Ics network addresses of the verifying servers thereof are held therein.

The connection server 21028-1 enters the daToin name "cl.bl.al.' in the internal resolver 21029-1. The resolver 21029-1 sends the ICS frame 213351 including "al' under the dcmain name "rootn and the cipher Parameter RP2 to the verifying server 21102-1, and an ICS packet 21336-1 including an ICS network address n7971R of the ICS dcnmn name server for naln is returned. Next, the resolver 21029-1 sends an ICS packet 21345-1 including -bl- to the verifying server 21101-1, and an ICS packet 21346-1 including an ICS network address "79810 of the verifying server for "blw is returned. Next, the resolver 21029-1 sends an ICS packet 21355-1 including mclw to the verifying server 21100-1, and regarding the domain name RciR, the space for the endpoint of 21100-1 is nYesw this time, so it can be judged that verification infonmtim has registered. In this way, Rrootu, "aln and wbln have been followed in order, so it can be i understood that the verification information for the reve domain r Wcl.bl. al.% is registered in the internal table 21100-2.

The verifying server 21100-1 checks the received cipher er RP, and checks that the expiration date w98-12-31" has not expired. Next, the verifying server 21100-1 reads the password PW and the value of the cipher nuffiber written in the verifying table, and selects cipher function Ei. The cipher parameter RP is RR2 = Ei(PW, TR) 11TR, so the time random number TR to the latter half of RP2 is used to calculate t = Ei (PW, TR). In the event that the value of this temporary va=able t calculated here mat the first half El(PW, TR) of the received RP2, confirmation can be made that the password PW entered into the terminal 21200-1 is correct. The above results are reported to the connectim server 21028-1. Consequently, the connection server 21028-1 can know the verification results (authorized or denied) and the billing class MNY. <<Other entxxlunent of roaming w- Lthout a home IP termuial>> In the above aiment, in the event that the ICS receptionist does not set a home IP terminal, the earlier-described "Registration procedures from heme IP tendnal' are performed via the usex service server 21250-1. In this case, the billing record u120' within the verifying table 21100-2 within the verifying server 21100-1, and the information 07981710-1w of the verifying server presented to the billing notification destination within the conversion table 21023-1, are used. <<Another ewbodunent of roaming wherein the verifying server is 196 included in the domain name server>> The structure of the domain name tree shown in FIG.128 that is the object of verifying server 21110-1 is the same as the domain name trees that are the object of domain name servers in other entKxts. Accordingly, each domain server is capable of storing the data of the verifying server described in the present embodiment, and include the function of a verifying server. That is, this other method of carrying out roaming is realized by integrating the verifying server described in the present embodiment with the domain name server described in other entxxlts. <<Access control apparatus and IP terminal cormecting with wireless transceiver>> A wireless transceiver 21620-1 is provided within the ICS 21000-1, and the wireless transceiver 21620-1 and a wireless transceiver 21640-1 can exchange information one with another via a wireless canmmication path 21625-1. The terminal 21630-1 includes the wireless transceiver 21640-1, and as with the case of the earlierdescribed IP tenninal 21200-1, the te=ainal 21200-2 has functions for inter-corporation communication using an ICS domain name. There is an information cemamication path 21620-1 between the access control ar. -kratus 21020-1 and the wireless transceiver 21620-1. The information conmmication path 21610-1 is like the ICS user logic omm=catim line in that it has functions for sending and receiving ICS user packet, and these are different in that the informiation communication path 21610-1 is within the ICS 21000-1. The wireless transceiver 21620-1 and the wireless transceiver 21640-1 both have functions for receiving the ICS user packet, converting the information within the ICS user packet into ICS user packet information in waveform format and transmitting them, and also reverse function, i.e., receiving ICS user packet information in waveform format and reverse-cormerting into ICS packet format and transmitting these. Accordingly, the ICS user packet sent out from the IP terminal 21200-2 passes through the wireless transceiver 21640-1, wireless can=ication path 21625-1, wireless transceiver 21620-1, and information camiLmication path 21610-1, and is provided to the access control apparatus. Also, an ICS packet sent out in the reverse direction, i.e., sent from the access control apparatus 21020- 1 passes through the information camilnication path 21610-1, the wireless transceiver 21620-1, the wireless camiunication path 21625-2, the wireless transceiver 21640-1, and is delivered to the IP terminal 21200-2.

Embodiment-19 (Closed-zone network communication using network identifier, and open-zone communication):

A method for using a network identifier to restrict virtual dedicated line service, intra-corporation communication service and inter- corporation conounication service to within the closed-zone, and a method for non-specifying the closedzone specification of the network identifier, i.e., specifying open-zone, will be described. Here, the network identifier is

198 appropriated corresponding with the ICS user address. <<Configuration>> As shown in FIGs.133 to 136, an ICS 22000-1 includes access control apparatuses 22010-1, 22020-1, 22030-1 and 220401, and the access control apparatus 22010-1 includes a line portion 22011-1, a processing device 22012-1 and a conversion table 22013-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 includes a line portion 22021-1, a processing device 22022-1 and a conversion table 22023-1, the access control appartus 22030-1 includes a line portion 22031-1, a processing device 22032-1 and a conversion table 22033-1, the access control apparatus 22040-1 includes a line portion 22041-1, a processing device 22042-1 and a conversion table 22043- 1, and blocks 22060-1, 22061-1, 22062-1, 22063-1 and 22064-1 are each relay devices, and are interconnected and also connected to one of the access control apparatuses, via the ICS network communication line. Blocks 22101-1, 22102-1, 22103-1, 22104-1, 22105-1, 22106-1, 22107-1, 22108-1, 22109-1, 22110-1, 22111-1 and 22112-1 are each corporation LANs, and are each connected to the line portions of one of the access control apparatuses via the respective gateways and the ICS user logic communication line. Here, a block 22120-1 is a gateway for LAN 22101-1, a block 22121-1 is an ICS user logic communications line, and the other gateways and ICS user logic commiunication lines are also in similar positions, as shown in FIGs.133 through 136.

199 Each LAN has 2 to 3 IP terminals having function for sending an IP user packet, wherein the ICS user addresses are: for within LAN 22101-1, "1500" and "1510"; for within LAN 22102-1, '520ON, 05210", and n525C; for within LAN 22103-1, '1900' and "1910"; for within LAN 22104-1, n1100n and '1110n; for within LAN 22105-1, '4200" and '4210"; for within LAN 22106-1, 180OR and 11810n; for within LAN 22107-1, N1920n and N1930n; for within LAN 22108-1, 05410" and n54200; for within LAN 22109-1, '1430' and "1440n; for within LAN 22110-1, 06500n and w19600; for within LAN 22111-1, '1820n and "1830"; and for within LAN 22112-1, 04410n and w14200.

In the above description, values n1000n through "1999" for the ICS user address indicate the ICS user addresses for the'intra-corporation communication, values w20W through "6999n for the ICS user address indicate the ICS user addresses for the inter-corporation communication, and values 07000" through n9999' for the ICS network address indicate the ICS network addresses. The ICS network server uses the ICS user address range ("10OW' through n1999n) when performing the intra-corporation communication, and the ICS user address range (n2000a through n6999n) when performing the inter-corporation comumication. Also, the ICS user addresses used for the intra-corporation communication can also be usedfor the intercorporation communication. <<Conversion table line and network identifier>>

Description will be made regarding "linesu in the conversion table. For example, in conversion table 22013-1, the example is that wherein: in the first line, the value of request identification is nll, the value of transmittingICS network address is w8100n, the value of sender ICS user address (intra-corporation) is n15000, sender ICS user address (intercorporation) is blank, the value of receiver ICS user address is w1100", the value of receiving ICS network address is "7100w, the value of the network identifier is "A001n, and other items are unfilled. Here, a blank space may mean "Nulln. The nline' in the conversion table is also referred to as a Rrecord" of the conversion table. The network identifier is a symbol provided for sectoring off a section of the ICS network and making that portion a net, and distinguishing the net, and may be a numeral or a code. The network identifiers are provided per line in the conversion table. Incidentally, in the event that the network is not to be a closed-zone network, this is indicated in each line in the conversion table with nOpenw, as shown in conversion table 22033-1.

The operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGs. 141 and 142. <<Closed-zone/intra-corporation communication>> An ICS user frame S01 is sent out from an IP terminal having an address n1100n within the LAN 22104-1, and reaches the access control apparatus 22020-1 via the ICS user logic 201 connunication line. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S01 from the ICS logic terminal with the address 071000 of the line portion 22021- 1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address "7100M, and further obtains the sender ICS user address "110C and the receiver ICS user address "1500n from the ICS user packet S01 (Step SP100), and checks whether the transmitting ICS network address w7100n is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as n3n (Step SP110). In this case, it is not registered, so next the access control apparatus 22020-1 checks whether or not there is a record in the conversion table 22023-1 that contains all of the ICS network address n7100", the sender ICS user address n11000. and the receiver ICS user address n1500', these having been obtained as described above (Step SP120). In this case, the existence of such is confirmed (Step SP130), and next, the sender ICS user address (intra-corporation) of this record alone is recorded as u1100", confirmation is made that the space for the sender ICS user address (inter-corporation) is blank, following which receiving ICS network address N810C is obtained (Step SP160).

Next, an ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address w7100w thus obtained and the receiving ICS network address 08100w (Step SP180), and the ICS network packet TO1 thus obtained is sent out onto the ICS network communication line (Step SP190). The ICS network packet TO1 passes through the relay devices 22062-1, 22061-1 and 22060-1, and reaches the access control apparatus 22010-1. The access control apparatus 22010-1, upon receiving the ICS network packet TO1 (Step ST100), confirms that the receiving ICS network address N8100n written within the network control field (ICS capsule) of the ICS network packet TO1 is registered as the transmitting ICS network address "81000 within the conversion table 22013-1 (Step ST110), and then performs the ICS reverse encapsulation (Step ST120), and sends the obtained ICS user packet S01 to the ICS logic communication line 12121-1 connected to the address n8100w within the line portion 22011-1 (Step ST130). Incidentally, in the event that the receiving ICS network address n8100n is not registered within the conversion table 22013-1, the ICS network packet TO1 is discarded (Step ST115). <<Closed-zone/intra-corporation communication/access to network server>>

An ICS user packet S02 is sent out from an IP terminal having an address R110C within the LAN 22104-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S02 from the ICS logic terminal with the address w7100n of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address R710OR, and further obtains the sender ICS user address 01100n and the receiver ICS user address R610C 203 from the ICS user packet S02 (Step SP100), and checks whether the ICS network address n710C is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as '3n (Step SP110). In this case, it is not registered, so next the access control apparatus 22020-1 checks whether or not there is a record in the conversion table 22023-1 that contains all of the ICS network address H7100n, the sender ICS user address n1100" and the receiver ICS user address n6100n, these having been obtained as described above (Step SP120). In this case, the non-existence of such is confirmed (Step SP130) Next, search is made for a record identical to the above receiver ICS user address w6100n from one or more records in the conversion table with a network identifier the same as the network identifier nAO01" having the request identification value 0C in the conversion table 22023-1 with the aforementioned ICS network address of "7100n and the sender ICS user address of 01100n (in this case, the third record from the top in the conversion table 22023-1), and the receiving network address "9100n written to the record is found (Step SP170). Next, the ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address R7100n and the receiving ICS network address "9100n thus obtained (Step SP180), and the ICS network frame T02 thus obtained is sent out onto the network communication line (Step SP190). The ICS network packet T02 passes through the relay devices 22062-1 and 22061-1, and 204 reaches the ICS network server 22081-1. The same is true for the ICS user packet S03 sent out from the IP terminal having the address w1110' within the LAN 22104-1, the network identifier is 0A002n, and is ICS- encapsulated to become the ICS network packet T03, and passes through the relay devices 220621 and 22061-1, and reaches the ICS network server 22082-1. <<Closed-zone/inter-corporation communication>> An ICS user packet S04 is sent out from an IP terminal having an address n4200' within the LAN 22105-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user frame S04 from the ICS logic terminal with the address n7200w of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address n720OR, and further obtains the sender ICS user address R420C and the receiver ICS user address n5200" from the ICS user packet S04 (Step SP100), and checks whether the address "7200" is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as 03n (Step SP110). In this case, it is not registered, so next the access control apparatus 22020-1 checks whether or not there is a record in the conversion table 22023-1 that contains all of the transmitting ICS network address 07200n, the sender ICS user address w4200" and the receiver ICS user address R520Ow, these having been obtained as described above (Step SP120). In this case, the existence of such is confirmed (Step SP130), and next, the sender ICS user address (intra-corporation) of this record is blank, 205 confirmation Is made that the sender ICS user address (intercorporation) alone is recorded as 04200' (Step SP160).

Next, the ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address "7200w thus obtained and the receiving ICS network address n8200' (Step SP180), and the ICS network packet T04 thus obtained is sent out onto the network connunication line (Step SP190). The ICS network packet T04 passes through the relay devices 22062-1, 22061-1 and 22060-1, and reaches the access control apparatus 22010-1. The access control apparatus 22010-1, upon receiving the ICS network packet T04 (Step ST100), confirms that the receiving ICS network address n8200w written within the network control field (ICS encapsule) of the ICS network frame T04 is registered as the transmitting ICS network address '8200" within the conversion table 22013-1 (Step ST110). and then performs the ICS reverse encapsulation (Step ST120), and sends the obtained ICS user packet S04 to the ICS logic communication line connected to the address n820On (Step ST130). <<Closed-zonelinter- corporation communication/access to network server>>

An ICS user packet SOS is sent out from an IP terminal having an address "4200" within the LAN 22105-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S05 from the ICS logic terminal with the address n7200w of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the transmitting 206 ICS network address n7200n, and further obtains the sender ICS user address n4200n and the receiver ICS user address n6200n from the ICS user packet SOS (Step SP100), and checks whether the ICS network address R720OR is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as n3n (Step SP110). In this case. it is not registered, so next the access control apparatus 22020-1 checks whether or not there is a record in the conversion table 22023-1 that contains all of the transmitting ICS network address 07200n, the sender ICS user address 0420On and the receiver ICS user address n620Ow, these having been obtained as described above (Step SP120). In this case, the non-existence of such is confirmed (Step SP130), and next, search is made for a record identical to the above receiver ICS user address n6100n from one or more records in the conversion table with a network identifier the same as the network identifier nBOOln having the request identification value nC (ICS network server specification) in the conversion table 22023-1 with the aforementioned receiver ICS network address of n7200n and the sender ICS user address of '4200n (in this case, the seventh record from the top in the conversion table 22023-1), and the receiving network address 092000 written to the record is found (Step SP170).

Next, the ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address "72000 and the receiving ICS network address R920C thus obtained (Step SP180), and the ICS 207 network packet TOS thus obtained is sent out onto the ICS network cormiunication line (Step SP190). The ICS network packet TO5 passes through the relay device 22062-1 and reaches the ICS network server 22083- 1. The same is true for the ICS user packet S06 sent out from the IP terminal having the address 04210n within the LAN 22105-1, the network identifier is wBO02n, and is ICS-encapsulated to become the ICS network frame T06, and passes through the relay device 22062-1 and reaches the ICS network server 22084-1. <<Communication from network server within ICS to network server outside of ICS>> The IP terminal 22092-1 within the LAN 22102-1 is an RICS external server", comprised of an IP terminal placed outside the ICS 22000-1 and so forth. The ICS external server 22092-1 has an ICS user address w5250R, and is registered in the conversion table 22013-1 (ninth record from the top In the in the conversion table 22013-1). However, the receiver ICS user address and the receiving ICS network address spaces are blank, and are registered as being 0Nulln. At the time that the ICS internal server 22084-1 sends out an ICS network packet T22, the ICS network packet T22 passes through the relay devices 22062-1, 22061-1 and 22060-1, and reaches the access control apparatus 22010-1 (Step SP100), confirmation is made that the transmitting IC network address is not registered within the conversion table 22013-1 as '8200", the ICS reverse 208 A encapsulation is performed (Step SP120) in order to form the ICS user packet S22, which is sent toward the ICS external server 22092-1 (Step SP130). For reverse direction communication, the ICS encapsulation is performed using the conversion table 22013-1, and delivery is made to the ICS internal server 22084-1. <<Closed-zone/virtual dedicated line>> An ICS user packet S07 is sent out from an IP terminal having an address "1800n within the LAN 22106-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S07 from the ICS logic terminal with the address n730C of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address "7300n, and further obtains the sender ICS user address n18000 and the receiver ICS user address n19000 from the ICS user packet S07 (Step SP100), and checks whether the ICS network address "73000 is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as 13n, i.e., as a virtual dedicated line connection (Step SP110). In this case, it is registered. Next the access control apparatus 22020-1 checks whether or not there is a record in the conversion table 22023-1 that contains the transmitting ICS network address w7300w and the receiver ICS user address '1900n, these having been obtained as described above (Step SP140). In this case, such does not exist, so the receiver ICS network address N8300n of the record wherein the receiver ICS 209 user address space is blank (or uNulln) with the ICS network address 07300n in the conversion table 22023-1 is found (Step SP145), the ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address 7300" thus obtained and the receiving ICS network address "830OR (Step SP180), and the ICS network packet T07 thus obtained is sent out onto the network communication line (Step SP190). The ICS network packet T07 passes through the relay devices 22062-1, 22061-1 and 22060-1, and reaches the access control apparatus 22010-1. The access control apparatus 22010-1, upon receiving the ICS network packet T07 (Step ST100), confirms that the receiving ICS network address 830On written within the network control field (ICS capsule) of the ICS network packet T07 is registered as the transmitting ICS network address n8300' within the conversion table 22013-1 (Step ST110), and then performs the ICS reverse encapsulation (Step ST120), and sends the obtained ICS user packet S07 to the ICS logic communication line 12121-1 connected to the address "830OR within the line portion 22011-1 (Step ST130).

This is the same for ICS user packet S09 sent out from the IP terminal having the ICS user address "1820' within the LAN 22111-1, the network identifier is RC002n, the ICS encapsulation is performed and transferred through the ICS 22000-1, the ICS reverse encapsulation is performed at the access control apparatus 22030 to form an ICS user packet S09, 210 which reaches the IP terminal having the ICS user address "1920n within the LAN 22107-1. <<Closed-zone/virtual dedicated linelaccess to network server>> An ICS user packet SOB is sent out from an IP terminal having an address R1810' within the LAN 22106-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S08 from the ICS logic terminal with the address R73001 of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the ICS network address R73001, and further obtains the sender ICS user address "181On and the receiver ICS user address R6300n from the transmitting ICS user packet S08 (Step SP100), and checks whether R7300w is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as w3R (virtual dedicated line) (Step SP110). In this case, it is registered. Next the access control apparatus 22020-1 checks whether or not there is a record in the conversion table 22023-1 that contains the transmitting ICS network address '7300" and the receiver ICS user address 063000, these having been obtained as described above (Step SP140). In this case, such does exist, and the receiving network address '930OR written to the record is found (Step SP145). Next, the ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address n73000 and the receiving ICS network address w930OR thus obtained (Step SP180), the transmitting ICS network address R730On thus obtained and the receiving ICS network are used to perform the ICS encapsulation 211 (Step SP180), and the ICS network packet TO8 thus obtained is sent out onto the ICS network communication line (Step SP190). The ICS network packet TO8 passes through the relay devices 22062-1 and 22064-1, and reaches the ICS network server 220871.

The same is true for the ICS user packet S10 sent out from the IP terminal having the address w18300 within the LAN 22111-1, the network identifier is wCO02n, and is ICSencapsulated to become the ICS network packet T10, and passes through the relay device 22064-1 and reaches the ICS network server 22089-1. <<Open-zonelinter-corporation communication>> Open-zone/inter-corporation communication is almost the same as the aforementioned closed-zonelinter-corporation communication; the difference is that checking has been added for registration of both the sender ICS user address (intracorporation) and the sender ICS user address (intercorporation) in searching the records in conversion tables 22013-1 and 22043-1, as described below.

An ICS user packet S13 is sent out from an IP terminal having a user address "1420" within the LAN 22112-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S13 from the ICS logic terminal with the address w7405n of the line portion 22041-1, the access control apparatus 22040-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address 07405n, and further obtains the sender ICS 212 1 user address w1420R and the receiver ICS user address '5420R from the ICS user packet S13 (Step SP100), and checks whether the ICS network address w7405n is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as '3' (Step SP110). In this case, it is not registered, so next the access control apparatus 22040-1 checks whether or not there is a record in the conversion table 22043-1 that contains all of the transmitting ICS network address R74050, the sender ICS network address m14200 and receiver ICS user address R5420n, these having been obtained as described above (Step SP120), the existence of such is confirmed (Step SP130), and next, a record is found recorded in the conversion table 22043-1 wherein the sender ICS user address (intra-corporation) is w1420" and the sender ICS user address (inter-corporation) is n5420R (in this case, the fifth record from the top on conversion table 220431). Next, the received sender ICS user address (intracorporation) n1420" is re- written to a inter-corporation address "4420", and the receiving ICS network address n8400n registered to this record is obtained (Step SP160). Next, the ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address 07405n and the receiving ICS network address w8400w thus obtained (Step SP180), and the ICS network packet thus obtained is sent out onto the ICS network communication line (Step SP190). The ICS network packet passes through the relay devices 22064-1 and 22063-1, and reaches the access 213 control apparatus 22030-1. The access control apparatus 220301, upon receiving the ICS network packet (Step ST100), Confirms that the receiving ICS network address n8400" written within the network control field (ICS capsule) of the ICS network packet is registered as the transmitting ICS network address 0840C within the conversion table 22033- 1 (Step ST110), and then performs the ICS reverse encapsulation (Step ST120), and sends the obtained ICS user packet S130 to the ICS logic commication line connected to the address "8400" (Step ST130).

An ICS user packet S11 sent out from an IP terminal having an ICS user address n4410n within the LAN 22112-1 is ICS-encapsulated by the access control apparatus 22040-1 by the same procedures as described above with regard to closedzone/inter-corporation commication, transferred through the ICS 22000-1, reversely ICS-encapsulated in the access control apparatus 22030-1, and delivered to an IP terminal having an ICS user address "5410" within the LAN 22108-1. As another example, an ICS user packet S12 sent out from an IP terminal having an ICS user address w4410n within the LAN 22112-1 is ICS-encapsulated by the access control apparatus 22040-1 by the same procedures as described above, transferred through the ICS 22000-1, delivered to the access control apparatus 22030- 1, and at the time of the ICS reverse encapsulation, reference to the record in conversion table 22033-1 (in this case, the fifth 214 record from the top on the conversion table) reveals that the address "5430R written within the ICS user packet S12 is an ICS user address (inter-corporation), the address value 05430' is re-written to an ICS user address (intra-corporation) 01430n (Step ST120), an ICS user packet S120 is generated, and delivered to the IP terminal having the ICS user address "1430R within the LAN 22109-1. As another example, an ICS user packet S14 sent out from an IP terminal having an ICS user address '1420" within the LAN 22112-1 has a sender ICS user address w1420n and a receiver ICS user address "5440n, is transferred through the ICS 22000-1 and is delivered to the IP terminal within the LAN 22109 with an ICS user address of R1440R and a sender ICS user address "4420n, having been converted to an ICS user packet S140 with a receiver ICS user address 01440w. <<Open-zone/inter-corporation communicationlaccess to network server>> ICS user packets S15 and S16 sent out from within the LAN 22112-1 are delivered to the ICS network server 22085-1 that is the destination of each, following the same procedures as that described above. <<Communication from network server within ICS to network server outside of ICS>> A block 22086-1 is an ICS network server is an within the ICS 22000-1, and is an "ICS external servern, comprised of a database placed outside the ICS 22000-1. and so forth. The 215 ICS external servers 22090-1 and 22091 have ICS user addresses w6500" and "1960", and are registered in the conversion table 22033-1 (in this case, the eighth and ninth records from the top in the in the conversion table 22033-1). However, the receiver ICS user address and the receiving ICS network address spaces are blank, and are registered as being "Null". The ICS external server 22091-1 has sender ICS user address (Intracorporation) "1960n, and further, is provided with a sender ICS user address (inter-corporation) 06960w. Also, the ICS internal server 22086-1 has ICS user address n660ON, ICS network address "9500", these being registered in the conversion table 22033-1 (in this case, the tenth record from the top in the in the conversion table 22033-1).

At the time that the ICS internal server 22086-1 sends out the ICS network packet T20, the ICS network packet T20 passes through the relay devices 22063-1 and reaches the access control apparatus 22030-1, the ICS reverse encapsulation is performed using the conversion table 22033-1 in order to form the ICS user packet S20, which is delivered to the ICS external server 22090-1. For reverse direction communication, the ICS reverse encapsulation is performed in the access control apparatus 22030- 1 to form the ICS user packet S21, and delivery is made to the ICS external server 22086-1. Summarizing the above, an ICS external server is placed outside of the ICS 22000-1, and communication between internal servers within the 216 ICS 22000-1 and external servers outside the ICS 22000 is enabled.

An arrangement may be used wherein all or a plurality of records in the conversion table 22013-1 within the access control apparatus 22013-1 are selected as necessary, stored within a conversion table record file 220141, and extracting as necessary for performing the ICS encapsulation and the ICS reverse encapsulation. This also is true for the conversion table 22020-1 within the access control apparatus 22023-1 and so forth. In the access control apparatus, the portion of the conversion table 21033-1 in which specification of the network identifier is that for open-zone connection (nopenn) is usually not held within the access control apparatus, and instead an arrangement may be used in which address information to be registered to the conversion table is obtained from the domain name server 22095-1 and temporarily used as a conversion table 22030-1. Also, the network server 22081-1 for closedzone/intracorporation communication may be used as a domain name server for closedzone/intra-corporation conmmication which can be commanded by the network identifier NA001n. Incidentally, the hierarchical structure of the domain name in the example is shown to be a single-layer structure specifying, e. g., domain name waln, but this may be made to be 2- or 3layer hierarchy such as "bl.al.n or ncl.bl.al.". Further, the network server 22083-1 for closed-zonelinter-corporation

217 connunication may be used as a domain name server for closedzone/inter- corporation communication which can be commanded by the network identifier "BOW. The network server 22087-1 for closed-zone/virtual dedicated line may be used as a domain name server for closed- zonelvirtual dedicated line which can be commanded by the network identifier 0C001n. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the hierarchical structure of the domain name in the example is shown to be a single-layer structure specifying, e.g., domain name nalo, but this may be made to be 2- or 3-layer hierarchy such as nbl.al." or n cl.bl.al.".

Embodiment-20 (IP terminal capable of connecting to plural access control apparatuses with identifiers):

The present embodiment does not fix the IP terminal having the functions for sending and receiving ICS user IP packet to a specific access control device; rather, it realizing usage of an IP terminal which can be moved and connected to other access control apparatuses and used, i.e., capable of roaming. using identifiers. Roaming is realized based on the ICS domain name provided to the IP terminal. <<Password transmission technique using cipher>> The present embodiment includes procedures for ciphering a secret password PW and sending this from the sender (ciphering side) to the receiver (decoding side). First, the 218 ciphering function Ei and the decoding function Di will be described. The ciphering function Ei is represented by y = Ei(kl, x), and the decoding function Di is represented by x Di(k2, y). Here, y denotes the ciphertext, x denotes plaintext, kl and U are keys, and "i" represents cipher numbers (i - 1, 2, -.) determining the secret key code and public key code, including how the value of the cipher key is to be used. In the above, an arrangement may be used wherein plain-text xl is ciphered instead of the plain- text x with x 1 = x 11 r (wherein r is a random number), and discarding the random number r from the plain-text xl upon decoding, thus obtaining the plain-text x. Such an arrangement generates a different ciphertext each time the same plain-text is ciphered, owing to the random number, and it is said that such is less susceptible to cipher cracking. (Example of cipher number i = 1) <<Preparation>> The sender m discloses the domain name thereof (DNm) to the public including the receiver. The receiver calculates Km = Hash-l(DNm) using the secret data compression function Hash1, and hands over only the cipher key Km using a safe method so as to be unnoticed by a third party. This example is an example of using DES ciphering, and the sender holds an aciphering module DES-ew for realizing the ciphering function Ei, and a cipher key Km. The cipher key Km is a secret value 219 which the sender and receiver share. The receiver has the n ciphering module DES-W for realizing the decoding function Di and the data compression function Hash-1. What is used for the data compression function Hash-1 is determined separately for each cipher number. A data compression function is also referred to as a "hash functionn. <<Ciphering by sender>> The sender sets the secret password PW as x = PW, and ciphers as y = DES- e(Km,x) with the ciphering module DES-e and the cipher key Km being held, thereby sending the ciphertext and domain name DNm. <<Decoding by receiver>> The receiver receives the ciphertext y and the domain name DNm, calculates the secret cipher key Km as Km = Hash1(DNm) using the receiver's secret data compression function Hash-1, and the obtains the plain-text x as x = DES - d(Km,y) using the decodingmodule. The plain- text x is password PW, and the receiver can obtain the secret password PW. A third party does not know the data compression function Hash-1 and thus cannot calculate the cipher key Km, and accordingly, cannot calculate the secret password PW. In the above embodiment, as stipulation of the cipher number i = 3, the ciphering function and the decoding function can be replaced with coding function and decoding function other than DES code (Example of cipher number i = 2) 220 <<Preparation>> The present example is an example of employing RSA ciphering, wherein the sender generates a ciphering function y - xernod n and a decoding function y = xImod n. Here, e w d holds, the key d being a secret value. The sender hands to the receiver the discloseable ciphering keys e and n, and the ciphering module RSA-e for realizing y = x%od n. The sender holds the ciphering keys and the ciphering module RSA-e. The sender does holds neither the secret ciphering module nor secret data. On the other hand, the receiver holds n and the secret key d and the ciphering module RSA-e for realizing y x'mod n. <<Ciphering by sender>> The sender ciphers the secret password PW, own domain name DNffi, and time of sending (year/month/day/hour/minute /second) as x = PW li xl 11 x2 (wherein Xl: domain name DNm, and x2: year/month/day/hour/minute/ second) and encodes as y = x%od n using the ciphering module RSA-e, thus sending the ciphertext Y. <<Decoding by receiver>> The receiver receives the ciphertext y and calculates y X%od n using the decoding module RSA-d held beforehand and the decoding key. The result is x - PW il xl 11 x2, so the data which is at a certain position from the head of x is used as PW. In the above ciphering, domain name xl and year/month/day/ hour/minutelsecond x2 are used as random numbers. A third party does not know the secret key d and thus cannot calculate the secret password PW. In the above embodiment, as stipulations of the cipher number i = 4, the values of the cipher keys e, d and n can be changed. Also, as stipulations of the cipher number i = 5, the RSA ciphering technique can be replaced with a different public key ciphering technique. <<Terminal verification technique using password and random number>> Description will be made regarding verification technique for determining whether or not the password PW used by a roaming terminal agrees with the password registered in the verifying server. As prerequisite conditions, the verifying server of the verifying entity and the terminal of the user to receive verification have a password PW that is secret to a third party, with a ciphering function E (wherein y m E(k,x), y represents ciphertext, k represents ciphering key, and x represents plain-text). Specific procedures for terminal verification will now be described. The terminal of the user to receive verification decides upon a random number R using appropriate means. calculates Yl = F(M R) using the password PW and the function y = F(PW, R) and sends both the random number R and Y1 to the verifying entity. The verifying entity receives the random numbers R and Y1, and calculates Y2 F(FW, R) using the received random number R, the password PW held

222 1 within, and function F, and checks whether or not Yl = Y2 holds. In the event that there is a match, the verification can be made that the owner of the terminal which is being verified is using the correct password PW, i.e., verification of the terminal can be made. In the above technique, an arrangement in which the user to be verified cannot freely select the random number R but rather the random number R is restricted to depending on time (called a time random number) further increases difficulty of a third party calculating the password. Instead of the ciphering function used above, the secret data compression function Hj may be used instead, for Y1, Y2 = Hj(W, R). <<Overall configuration>> FIGs.143 and 144 illustrate an overview of the roaming technique according to the present embodiment, wherein an ICS 21000-1 includes access control apparatuses 21010-1, 21020-1, 21030-1, 21040-1, 21050-1 and 21060-1, relay devices 21080-1, 21081-1, 21082-1 and 21083-1, verification servers 21100-1, 21101-1, 21102-1 and 21103-1, domain name servers 21130-1, 21131-1, 21132-1 and 21133-1, user service server 21250- 1 and an ICS authority server 21260-1. The access control apparatus 21010- 1 is provided with a conversion table 21013-1, a conversion table server 21016-1, a registration server 21017-1 and a connection server 21018-1. The access control apparatus 21020-1 is provided with a conversion table 21023-1, a 223 conversion table server 21026-1. a registration server 21027-1 and a connection server 21028-1. The connection servers 210181 and 21028-1 are provided with an ICS user address "6310", and has the function to register access control apparatuses determined as necessary to the IP terminal, or to connect thereto. The verifying server 21100-2 is shown in FIG.145 and the conversion table 21023-1 is shown in FIG.146.

The conversion table server 21016-1 has a function for re-writing the contents of the conversion table 21013-1, and the conversion table server 21026-1 has a function for rewriting the contents of the conversion table 21023-1, which is the same as described in other embodiments. Also, the LAN 21150-1 has an IP terminal 21151-1, the LAN 21160-1 has an IP terminal 21161-1, and a block 21171-1 is an IP terminal. A block 21200-1 is a portable roaming terminal, and is identified by the ICS domain name ncl.bl.al." provided uniquely within the ICS 21000-1. <<Application for use of roaming terminal>> The owner of a roaming terminal 21200-1 indicates as an ICS usage applicant 21270-1 the payment method for the roaming terminal 21200-1, and applies to the ICS authority server 21260-1 via user service server 21250-1 for an ICS domain name and an ICS user address. The payment method is represented by billing class RMNYw, e.g., in the event that MNY = 1, the charges are billed to the home IP (i.e., an IP terminal which 224 is connected to the access control apparatus in a fixed manner), in the event that MNY = 2, the charges are paid according to the record of the verifying server. The ICS authority server 21260-1 sets an ICS domain name: "cl.bl.al.n for using the roaming terminal 21200-1, and an ICS user address R1200m. Further, in order to be connected to the access control apparatus in a fixed manner and use it, the owner of the IP terminal 21200-1 applies for an ICS network address to the ICS authority server 21260-1 via the user service server 21250-1. The user service server 21250-1, upon obtaining the ICS network address, makes a request to the conversion table server 21016-1 to set the ICS network address "8115' and the ICS user address "1200n in the conversion table 21013-1.

The ICS receptionist 21271-1 embeds inside the interior 21201-1 of the roaming terminal 21200-1 the following: ICS domain name ncl.bl.al.1, ICS user address "1200n, special ICS address for roaming terminals (called nroaming special numbern) '100C, ICS user address n6300n for registration server, and ICS user address "6310' for connecting server, and further embeds inside the interior 21201-1 of the roaming terminal 21200-1 the ciphering function Ei and the decoding related data RP1. Now, RP1 = Hi (domain 11 name RPO) 11 RPO (wherein RPO = NMY 11 i 11j IINID) holds, and the domain name is "cl.bl.al.o. MNY is the above-described billing class, win is a cipher number for the cipher Ei, and nj" determines the type of Hash function Hj, and 225 7: 1 A ONIDO is a network identifier wBO01". Network identifies are named to distinguish between closed-zone networks and open-zone networks. Data compression function Hj is a secret dedicated function used only by the verifying server and the user service server. The user does not hold the data compression function Hj, and does not even known Hj, and thus is incapable of generating cipher related data RP1. <<Registration procedures from home IP terminal>> Description will be made with reference to FIG.147. The roaming terminal user connects the roaming terminal 21200-1 to the position of the home IP terminal 21151-1. Next, the roaming terminal user decides on a password (PW) and enters this from the input unit 21204-1, and also generates an ICS user packet PKO1 using the ciphering function and the codingrelated data stored within 21202-1, and sends it to the access control apparatus 21010-1 via the ICS user logic communication line 21152-1 (procedures T10). The destination of the ICS user packet PKO1 is n6300n which points to the roaming registration server, and includes own ICS domain name "cl. bl.al.w, cipher parameter PR1, ICS user address n1200n, expiration data n98-1231 ciphertext nym which is the password that has been ciphered, "tgu (wherein tg = 1 in order to display registration procedures), and wYesn or nNon for roaming connection specification. The generation method employed for the ciphertext nyR is the ciphering technique described earlier.

226 For example, in the event that the cipher number = 2, ciphertext ny" is generated with y = x%od n (wherein x = PW cl.bl.al. 11 year/month/day/hour/minute/ second). The access control apparatus 21010-1 looks at the conversion table 21013-1 and transfers the ICS user packet M01 to the registration server 31017-1 with the destination n6300n (procedure T15). The registration server 21017-1 uses the domain name Wcl. bl.al.n to call the verifying server 21100-1 (procedure T20). Also, the method by which the registration server 210171 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the domain name is the same as the method by which the connection server 21028-1 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the domain name, the details thereof being described in detail later. The verifying server 21100-1 checks the contents of the received ICS user packet PK01, and decodes the ciphertext ny" using the earlierdescribed technique, thereby calculating the password PW. For example, in the event that the code number = 2, the ciphertext Wyn is decoded with x = y%od n. This yields x = PW 111. bl. al. year/month/day/hour/minute/second, so the password PW can be obtained.

Next, the contents of the cipher parameter PP1 is RP1 HJ (domain name 11 RPO) 11 RPO (wherein RPO - MNY 11 i 11 j 11 NID), so the verifying server 21100-1 uses the secret Hash function Hj held within the verifying server 21100-1 and the obtained domain name n cl. bl. al. n to calculate t = Hi (domain name 11 RPO) 11 RPO), 227 and checks whether or not t = RP1 holds for the received RP1. If it holds, judgment is passed that the domain name Mcl.bl.al.", billing class MNT, cipher numbers "i" and "j", and the network identifier INIDn have not been tampered with. The verifying server 21100-1 checks for excessive or insufficient registration contents, and in the event that the contents are normal, the registration results are registered in the verifying table 21100-2; registration is not made in the event there are insufficient registration contents.

This is illustrated in the verifying table 21100-2 in the line with the administration number 1, with the domain name as n cl.bl.al.n, cipher number 02n, billing class (MNY) "1R, value of calculated password PW R224691n, expiration date "9812-31 roaming connection of 'Yesn, i.e., acceptance of a roaming connection. At the time of generating the M01 in procedure T10, the aforementioned value of tg may be set to tg = 2 and roaming connection set to nNo'. The password will not leak to a third party, due to application of the abovedescribed ciphering method. Roaming registration is reported by passing through the registration server (procedure T30), then the access control apparatus 21010-1 (procedure T35), and reported to the roaming IP terminal (procedure T40). Further, an ICS user packet for changing the value of the password PW with tg = 3 or changing the date of expiration with tg = 4 can be sent from the terminal 21200-1 via the ICS user logic 228 communication line 21152-1, after the above procedure T40 has been completed. Incidentally, a method which can be employed for changing the password involves specifying the prior password. <<Sending and receiving user IP packet while traveling>> An example will be described regarding connecting a roaming terminal 21200-1 to the access control apparatus 210201 and sending and receiving of the user IP packet between domain name Ocl.bl.al.' of the roaming terminal 21200-1 and the other party of communication with a domain name nc2.b2.a2.w The user inputs the following from the input unit 21204-1: the domain name nc2.b2.a2.0 of other party of commiunication, tgn which has been set to tg = 5 for specifying sending and receiving of user IP packet, own password PW, and "5' which specifies the roaming connection period in days (represented by TTL). The cipher parameter RP2 is data calculated with the password PW and the inside 21202-2. That is, year/month/day/second "yy-mm-dd-sssssn Is generated and used as a time random number TR (TR = yy-mm-dd-sssss), and the clock of inside 21202-2 and the cipher function Ei is used to calculate RP2 = Ei (PW, TR) 11 TR.

The access control apparatus 21020-1 receives the user IP packet PK02, obtains the ICS network address w7BOOR provided to the ICS logic terminal, and since the request identification from the conversion table is '4n and further the sender ICS 229 user address written to the user IP packet PK02 is n1000n (i.e., roaming special number), the above ICS network address w7800w is held, and is delivered with the ICS user packet PK02 to the connection server 21028-1 pointed to by the receiver ICS user address "6310n (procedure T60). The ICS network address n7800w obtained in this procedure will be used after the laterdescribed process T130. <<Function of connection server>> Next, the connection server 21028-1 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the domain name ncl.bl.alm, and transfers the domain name ncl.bl. aln and the parameter RP2 to the verifying server (procedure T70). The verifying server 21100-1 reads the values of the password PW and the cipher number written to the verifying table 21100-2, and selects cipher function Ei and reads the password PW. Next, the cipher parameter RP is RP2 = Ei (PW, TR) H TR, so the time random number which is to the latter half of the RP2 is used to calculate t Ei(PW, TR). In the event that the value of this temporary variable t calculated here matches the first half Ei(PW, T) of the received RP2, confirmation can be made that the password PW entered into the terminal 21200-1 is correct. The time function TR includes the year/month/day (i.e., TR = yy-mm-ddsssss), so unauthorized access can be discovered in the case that the received year/month/day does not match that time of processing.

230 Next, the verifying server 21100-1 reports the following items written in the verifying table 211002 to the connection server 21028-1 (procedure T80): completion of roaming registration, billing class, and verifying server calling information (procedure T80). In the present embodiment, the billing class is MNY = 1, and the verifying server calling information is the ICS network address 07981' of the verifying server 21100-1, port number w710n and administration number ul" of the verifying administration table. The connection server 21028-1 presents the domain name wcl.bl.al.' to the domain name server, requests the ICS user address and ICS network address associated with the domain name (procedure T90), and obtains the ICS user address "12000 and ICS network address "8115n (procedure T100). In the same way, the connection server presents the domain name 0c2.b2.a2.n to the domain name server, requests the ICS user address and the ICS network address associated with the domain name (procedure T110), and obtains the ICS user address R2500n and the ICS network address n8200m (procedure T120).

Next, the connection server 21028-1 informs the conversion table server 21026-1 of the following (procedure T130): the ICS network address n7800w of the ICS logic terminal which has input the ICS user packet (held in procedure T60); the ICS user address '120Ow, ICS user address w2500n, and ICS network address R82000, just obtained from the domain name 231 server; and also the completion of roaming registration, billing class, and verifying server calling information received from the verifying server 21100-1. The conversion table server 2120-6 writes the four address to the conversion table 21023-1 as received. The value of the request identification is nlon, meaning the inter-corporation communication by roaming. The network identifier (NID) is OB001n. In the event that the billing class is MNY = 1, the ICS network address w81150 and the ICS user address 11200n just obtained from the domain name server are forwarded to the billing notification destination of the conversion table 210231. Also, in the event that the billing class is MNY = 2, verifying server calling information is forwarded to the billing notification destination of the conversion table 210131. Further, n5" which specifies the roaming connection period in days is also written to the conversion table 21013-1. When the writing to the conversion table 21023-1 is completed, the conversion table server 21026-1 reports the results to the connection server 21028-1 (procedure T140). This completion report is sent via the access control apparatus 21020-1 (procedure T150) to the roaming terminal 21200-1 with the ICS user packet M03 (procedure T160).

Now, the ICS user packet PK03 includes the ICS user address n1200n associated with the domain name ncl.bl.al.m of the roaming terminal 212001, and the CS user address u2500" 232 associated with the domain name "c2.b2.a2." of the other party of communication. The corporation operating the access control apparatus can charge the owner of the roaming terminal 21200-1 for the above usage of the connection server 21028-1, i.e., the procedures for receiving the ICS user packet PK02 up to returning the ICS user packet M03, and "50 which specifies the. roaming connection period in days. The above embodiment is an example of the network identifier (NID) "BO01n, and is applied to closed-zone networks described in other embodiments. Also, as another embodiment, the network identifier (NID) may be set as wOpeno and applied to an open-zone network. In this case, the roaming technique is the same as that of the aforementioned closed-zone network BO01n. <<Using the roaming terminal>> The roaming terminal 21200-1 can use the conversion table 21023-1 created following the above-described procedures, to perform the inter- corporation communication the same as with that described in other embodiments (procedures T170 through T220). In the event that w5R which specifies the roaming connection period in days elapses, the conversion table server 21026-1 can delete the above roaming connection written in the inside of conversion table 21023-1. <<Notification of billing>> The access control apparatus 21020-1 notifies the billing notification destination registered in the conversion 233 table 21023-1 of the connunication charges (procedure T300 or T310). <<Method for accessing the verifying server>> Of the above description, detailed description will be made regarding the method for judging whether or not the verification request contained in the ICS network packet PK02 generated by the roaming terminal 21200-1 due to the connection server 21028-1 presenting the domain name Bel.bl.al." to a plurality of verifying servers including verifying server 21100-1 is correct, i.e., whether or not the domain name n cl.bl.al." of the roaming terminal 21200-1 is registered with the verifying server.

An example of 4-layer hierarchy will be described with reference to FIG. 173. A domain name "root" is provided on Level 1 of the tree, and domain names Haln, na2", "a3n... and so forth exist on Level 2 below, domain names nbln, wb2n, nb3n... and so forth exist on Level 3 below waln for example, and domain names nclI, "c2n, I'c3n - and so forth exist on Level 4 below nbln for example.

FIG.149 illustrates the Internal table 21102-2 of the verifying server 21102-1 handling the domain "root", indicating, e.g., that the ICS network address of the domain name server 21101-1 which handles the domain name nalN below the domain name nrooC is R7971n, and the port number is "710' Also, FIG.150 illustrates the Internal table 21101-2 of the 234 verifying server 21101-1 handling the domain "alm, indicating, e.g., that the ICS network address of the domain name server 21100-1 which handles the domain name "bln below the domain name naln is 07981m, and the port number is n71On. FIG.151 illustrates the internal table 21100-2 of the verifying server 21100-1 handling the domain "bl", indicating, e.g., that the domain name "cl" below the domain name nbln shows nYESm in the terminal space in the internal table 21100-2, meaning that there are no more domain names below, and that in this example, the domain name ncl.bl. aln has been registered with the verifying server, and facts such that the password PW is n224691n, that the date of expiration is u98-12310, etc., are recorded therein <<Calling verifying server>> With reference to FIG.152, description will be made regarding the procedures in which the connection server 21028-1 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the domain name ncl.bl.al.", and checks whether or not the domain name Pcl.bl.al.0 has been registered in the verifying server. Now, the connection server 21028-1 has therein the ICS network address of the verifying server handling the domain nrootn on Level 1 shown in FIG.153. Also, in the event that there is a great deal of communication with the verifying servers which handle the Level 2 and Level 3 domains, the ICS network addresses of the verifying servers thereof are held therein.

2 3 'a The connection server 21028-1 enters the domain name acl.bl.al.m in the internal resolver 21029-1. The resolver 21029-1 sends the ICS packet 21335-1 including mal" under the domain name mrootn and the cipher parameter RP2 to the verifying server 21102-1, and an ICS packet 21336-1 including an ICS network address 07971" of the ICS domain name server for Walw is returned. Next, the resolver 21029-1 sends an ICS packet 21345-1 including nblw to the verifying server 21101-1, and an ICS packet 21346-1 including an ICS network address "79810 of the verifying server for nblo is returned. Next, the resolver 21029-1 sends an ICS packet 21355-1 including "cl" to the verifying server 21100-1, and regarding the domain name n cl", the space for the endpoint of 21100-1 is "Yes" this time, so it can be judged that verifying information has been registered. In this way, mrootn, nalm, and nblo have been followed in order, so it can be understood that the verification information for the reversed domain name cl.bl.al.' is registered in the internal table 21100-2.

The verifying server 21100-1 checks the received cipher parameter RP2. and checks that the expiration date "98-12-31n has not expired. Next, the verifying server 21100-1 reads the password PW and the value of the cipher number written in the verification table, and selects cipher function Ei. The cipher parameter RP is RR2 = Ei (M TR) 11 TR, so the time random number TR to the latter half of RP2 is used to calculate t = Ei(PW, 236 TR). In the event that the value of this temporary variable t calculated here matches the first half EiRW, TR) of the received RP2, confirmation can be made that the password PW entered into the terminal 21200-1 is correct. The above results are reported to the connection server 21028-1. Consequently, the connection server 21028-1 can know the verification results (authorized or denied) and billing class MNY. <<Other embodiment of roaming without a home IP terminal>> In the above embodiment, 1n the event that the ICS receptionist 21271-1 does not set a home IP terminal, the earlier-described "Registration procedures from home IP terminaln are performed via the user service server 21250-1. In this case, the billing record n12C within the verifying table 21100-2 within the verifying server 21100-1, and the information n7981-710-ln of the verifying server presented to the billing notification destination within the conversion table 21023-1, are used. <<Another embodiment of roaming wherein the verifying server is included in the domain name server>> The structure of the domain name tree shown in FIG.153 that is the object of verifying server 21110-1 is the same as the domain name trees that are the object of domain name servers in other embodiments. Accordingly, each domain server is capable of storing the data of the verifying server 237 described in the present embodiment, and include the functions of a verifying server. That is, this other method of carrying out roaming is realized by integrating the verifying server described in the present embodiment with the domain name server described in other embodiments. <<Access control apparatus and IP terminal connecting with wireless transceiver>> A wireless transceiver 21620-1 is provided within the ICS 21000-1, and the wireless transceiver 21620-1 and a wireless transceiver 21640-1 can exchange information one with another via a wireless cammmication path 21625-1. The terminal 21630-1 includes the wireless transceiver 21640-1, and as with the case of the earlierdescribed IP terminal 21200-1, the terminal 21200-2 has a function for the inter-corporation camniicatim using an ICS demain name. There is an information cammmication path 216201 between the access control apparatus 21020-1 and the wireless transceiver 21620-1. The information =Tamication path 21610-1 is Like the ICS user logic cemmnication line in that it has a function for sending and receiving ICS user packets, and these are different in that the information communication path 21610-1 is within the ICS 21000-1. The wireless transceiver 21620-1 and the wireless transceiver 21640-1 both have a function for receiving ICS user packets, converting the information within the ICS user fram into ICS user packet information in waveform format and transmitting them, and also reverse functions, i.e., receiving IcS user packet information in waveform format and reverse- 238 converting into ICS packet format and transmitting these. Accordingly, the ICS user packet sent out from the IP terminal 21200-2 passes through the wireless transceiver 21640-1, wireless cammnication path 21625-1, wireless transceiver 21620-1, and information camunication path 21610-1, and is provided to the access control apparatus. Also, ICS frame sent out in the reverse direction, i.e., sent from the access control apparatus 21020-1 passes through the information omnmication path 21610-1, wireless transceiver 21620-1, wireless caminication path 21625-2, less transceiver 21640-1, and is delivered to the IP terminal 21200-2.

Thus, according to the present invention, administration of information MMUnication is performed with a unified address system, and various services can be provided, without using dedicated 1 or the Internet, thus enabling structuring a large-scale camunication system with high security and with relatively low costs. ALso, intercorporation comnnication can be performed between individual corporations (including govermrent organizations, unive=sities, and so forth) which had conventionally been services separately with practically no change to the address system for =nputer cmmmcations. Further, since the network administrator holds the network control authority, the overall administration of the network beccmes clear, increasing ease of securing reliability and also markedly Improving security.

239

Claims

1. In an integrated information communications system; wherein an ICS user packet having a unique ICS user address system ADX is converted into an ICS network packet having an address system ADS, based on the administration of a conversion table provided within an access control apparatus; and wherein in the case that transmission is made over at least one VAN contained therein following rules of said address system ADS, and the destination other access control apparatus is reached, conversion is made to said ICS user address system ADX based on the administration of said conversion table, and another external information communications apparatus is reached, characterized in that said system includes plural user service servers, plural concerned ICS servers and plural conversion table servers, respectively, an application of ICS entry is received at said user service server, and said concerned ICS servers allot ICS user address, ICS network address and ICS name and said conversion table servers rewrite conversion table in said access control apparatus.

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2. An integrated information communication system according to Claim 1, wherein said conversion table server, said ICS user address, said ICS network address and said ICS name are notified to domain name server.

3. An integrated information communication system according to Claim 2, wherein ICS user address distribution administration table of said concerned ICS server and resources of domain name server hold a pair of said ICS user address and ICS name, only one is not changed, and ICS user address and ICS name of the present terminal are not changed when the terminal is removed to said access control apparatus.

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