GB2338874A

GB2338874A - Integrated information communications system

Info

Publication number: GB2338874A
Application number: GB9920079A
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: GB2356327B; GB2338871A; GB9920042D0; GB2338871B; GB9920084D0; GB9920079D0; GB2338874B; GB0019276D0; GB2356327A; GB9920041D0; GB2338875B; GB9920086D0; GB2338872A; GB2338873B; GB2338876A; GB2338876B; GB2338873A; GB2338872B; GB2338875A; GB9920076D0

Abstract

To provide an integrated information communication system (ICS 20000-1) 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 20010-1, 20020-1, 20030-1, for connecting a plurality of computer communication networks or information communication equipment (eg. LANs) to each, and a relay device 20080-1, 20090-1 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. Communication by telephone voice is performed by connection to a telephone 20520-1 via a telephone line 20530-1 from a telephone line conversion unit 20510-1 within the access control apparatus 20010-1.

Description

2338874 I1frEGRATED WaMTIX COMMWICATION SYSTEM

BACEMCKW OF THE INV= 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an integrated information canrunication system connecting information c=unication equipments or information camamcation systems such as and/or for personal computer, LAN (Local Area Network), telephone (including cellular phone), FAX (Facsimile), CATV (Cable Television), Internet and the like, not only via dedicated lines, but also via ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), FR (Frame Relay), ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), IPX (Integrated Packet Exchange), satellite, wireless and public lines. Here, integrated information cammication equipments perform communication provided with an address (for information camunication) for distinguishing the integrated information communication equipment with other equipment. Particularly, the present invention relates to an integrated information canrunication system which integrates data transfer services based m connection-less networks (e.g., RFC791 or RFC1883 IP (Internet Protocol) technology) and improves the averall econemics of the information canmmication system by employing a unified address system, and ensuring security to realize interactive comunications between connected terminals or systems. 2. Description of the Prior Art

In accordance with ccnWter and information canrunication 1 technology, computer commmication networks have in recent years ccm to be widely used in universities, research institutes, organizations, and intra-corporatimlinter-corporation situations. LANs are used for intracorporation communication networks, and in the event that the geographic locale is m a national basis, the fom thereof becomes such as sown in FIG. 1. In the example described in FIGA, each local LAN uses a c=non protocol, with each being connected by dedicated lines. Here, e.g., a corporation X has LAN-X 1, LAWX2 and LAN-M as IANs, a corporation Y has LAWY1, LAWY2 and LAWY3 as LANs, and both corporations X and Y use camunication address system ADX and ADY for perfonning mqmter oamnmications. Since it is necessary to lay a separate dedicated Line for each corporation with such a LAN network, system architecture beccmas costly, and in the event that connection is to be made to a LAN network of another corporation, interfacing must be matched such as the conmiunication address system, making inter-ccmection very difficult and very costly.

On the other hand. the Internet has recently beccm widespread as a globalscale computer comamication network. On the Internet, networks are connected using a router of a provider, a cammication protocol called TCP/IP (Tranmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is employed, dedicated lines or FR networks are used for connecting remote areas, and Ethernets which are 10 Mps LANs or FDDIs (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) which are 10 Mps LANs are used as communication 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 regarding 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 data) s checked, judt is made 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 mriputer, 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 i 1111 trates the information contents of a similar RFC1883, divided into a control field and a data field. In either figure, the parentheses () indicate the number of bits.

However, with the Internet, the path control is restricted by IP, so that one cannot tell whether the other party with which ccnnunication is being made is the authorized party, and the system is such that the canmmication 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, camunication quality such as 3 ccxL,LL&ziicati-m speed and comninication exror rate for the trunk lines making up the Internet conirm=cation 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 c=unication speed. n=ther, 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 tennuials are personal ccnWters (computers), and it has been difficult to use telephones, FAX and CATV in an integrated manner therein.

SUY Or THE MMION The present effbodimnt has been made in accordance with the above- described situations, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated information conTamication system capable of containing a plurality of VANs which perform IP packet transfer of which security and reliability in con=ications has been ensured, by mans of not using dedicated lines or the Internet so as to inprove economic considerations of the information canrmication system architecture. and ensuring camn=cation speed, Omm=cation qua-Uty and commication trouble countenTeasure in a unified manner. Also, it is another object of the present invention to provide an integrated information comn=deation system which uses a single information transfer which is not dependent m the type of service, 4 Such as Sound, imge (mtion and still), text, etc., so as to interconnect services which have conventionally been provided separately, such as total cam-unicatim services, analog/digital telephone line services, Internet provider services, FAX services, =iputer data exchange services, CATV services and so forth. Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide an integrated infamation cemumication -systetn which enables inter-corporatim comn=catim with very little change to the =nwter camn=iicatim address system which have been independently and separately created within each separate corporation (including universities, research institutes, goverment organizations, etc.).

The Present invention relates to an integrated informtion ccmm=catim systern, 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 cter camninication networks or informtion ccmnmicatim equit to each, and a relay device for networking the aforementioned access control apparatus, the systern having functions for Performing routing bY transfe=ing informtion by a unified address systern, and is configures such that the aforementioned plurality of mqputer cammicatIon networks or infonmtion camimcation ts can pexfonn c=nucations 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 ccuminications is indicated by solid lines, and this is replaced with the equivalent of a computer ecnmmcations network according to IP as a comTion commmication 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 adm=tration of a conversion table provided within an access control apparatus, and by being arranged such that in the case that transmission is made aver at least one VAN contained therein following rules of the aforementioned 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 aforementioned conversion table, and another external information canTunication apparatus is reached. Also, the above-described objects of the present invention are achieved by an ICS user packet having a mique ICS user address systern 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 conn=cation line. rather than using an ICS user address within the aforementioned ICS user packet based m the administration of a corriersion table provided within the access control appar-atus, and by being arranged such that in the case that transmission of the aforementioned ICS network packet is rnade 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 on the administration of a conversion table provided within the a -ementioned access control apparatus, and another external information camiunication apparatus is reached.

BRIW-DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAMINGS

In the aCKKniPanYing draWingS:

FIG.1 is a block diagram to explain a conventional LAN network; FIG.2 is a diagram illustrating a form of Internet; FIG.3 is a diagram illustrating an IP packet according to WC791 stipulation; FIG.4 is a diagram illustrating an jp packet according to RFC1883 stipulation; FIG.5 is a block diagram systematically illustrating the basic principle of the present invention; FIG.6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a network wtlerein 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 illustrating an example of configuring the relay apparatus; FIG.9 is a block diagrarn illustrating an example of configuring the inter-VAN gateway; 7 FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an exmple 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 te=anal and user c=amcation 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 embodiment (intra-corporatIon ccffmmicatim, inter-corporation camunication) according to the present irmention..

FIG.15 is a portion of a constructional block drawing illustrating a first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG-16 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table; FIG.17 is a diagram to show an example of a temporary 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 comn=cation; FIG.20 is a constructional block drawing illustrating a second embodiment (virtual dedicated line) according to the present invention; FIG.21 is a diagram 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 diagram to show an example of format of NSAP type ATM address; FIG. 24 is a diagram to show an information 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 dissolution/assembly between CPCS frame and cell; FIG.27 is a portion of a constructional block showing a Yd embodiment (embodiment using ATM network) according to the present invention; FIG. 28 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 3'd entx)dimnt according to the present invention; FIG. 29 is a diagram to show an example of an ATM address cmversion 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 l:N cammnication or N:1 cannLnication using PVC; 9 FIGs.35 and 36 are block diagrams to show N:N camninication using PVC; FIG.37 is a diagram to show an exle of FR frame address Portion; FIG. 38 is a diagram to show a variation between ICS network packet and FR frame; FIG. 39 is a portion of a constructional block showing a fourth embodimnt (embodiment using FR network) according to the present invention; FIG. 40 ls a portion of a constructional block showing a fourth embodiment according to the present invention; FIG.41 is a diagram to show an example of an FR address conversion table and a MC address conversion table; FIG.42 is a diagram to show an example of an FR address conversion table and a MC address conversion table; FIG. 43 is a flowchart to show a flow of packet using SVC and PVC; FIG. 44 ls a flowchart to show a flow of using SVC and PVC; FIGs.45 and 46 are block diagrams to show l:N camnnication or N: 1 ccmmmication using PVC; FIGs.47 and 48 are block diagrams to show N:N camnnication using PVC; FIG.49 is a portion of a constructional block showing a fifth entxxhmant(acm=dation of telephone line, ISDN line, CATV line, satellite line, IPX line, cellular phone line) according to the present invention; FIG.50 is a portion of a constructional block showing a fifth embodiment 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 diagram to show an eyle 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 ent)odiment(full-duplex c=unication including a satellite cammunication 11 path) according to the present irmention; FIG. 62 is a timing chart to show an example Of operation of a full- duPlex communication by TCP; FIG.63 is a timing chart to explain an eighth embodinimt; FIG.64 is a timing chart to explain an eighth embodiment; FIG. 65 is a timing chart to explain an eighth entKxlt; FIG. 66 is a constructional block showing a variation of an eighth entxxlt; FIG.67 is a timing chart to show an Operation of a ninth edxxbt(fullduPlex canmnication including a satellite CCXL,LLLniicat:lon path) according to the present invention; FIG.68 is a timing chart to explain a ninth entx)dinent; FIG.69 is a timing chart to explain a ninth effbodiment; FIG.70 is a timing chart to explain a tenth embodiment; FIG 71 ls a timing chart to explain a tenth enbodiment; FIG.72 is a timing chart to explain an eleventh entodt; FIG.73 s a constructional block showing a twelfth efftKKbzmt (full-duplex c=mication path) according to the present invention; FIG.74 is a timing chart to show an operation of a twelfth Elt XXliMent; FIG-75 is a constructional block to show a variation of a twelfth embodiment; FIG. 76 is a diagram to show an ele of TCP frame; FIG. 77 is a diagram to show an exmple of UDP frame; FIG. 78 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 12 j, thirteenth embodiment (control of receiving priority degree) according to the present invention; FIG. 79 is a portion of a constructional block showing a thirteenth embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 80 is a portion of a diagram to explain a thirteenth embodiment; 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 14th 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 embodiment; FIG.87 is a constructional block showing a 1Stl' embodiment (multiplex communication) 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 1Stl' embodiment; FIG.90 is a constructional block to show a variation of a 15th embodiment; FIG-91 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 16th entxdt (operation of ICS) according to the present invention; FIG.92 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 16th whodiment according to the present irtion; FIG.93 is a diagram to explain a Wh embodiment; FIG. 94 is a diagram to explain a 16th embodiment; FIG.95 is a diagram to explain a 16' entxdt; FIG.96 is a diagram to explain a 16t' entxxbzmt; FIG.97 is a diagram to explain a 16t" entxxlt; FIG. 98 is a diagram to expl ai n a 16' entxxliment; FIG. 99 is a diagram to explain a 16th embodiment; FIG. 100 is a diagram to show an exarnple of an ICS network address appropriation record table using in a 16th embodiment; FIG. 101 is a diagram to show an example of an ICS user address appropriation record table using in a 16t1' embodiment; FIG.102 1s a diagram to show an example of a conversion table using in a At" erhodiment; FIG.103 is a diagram to show an example of a convexsim table using in a 16th aTbodiment; FIG.104 is a diagram to show an example of a convexsion table using in a 16th aTbodiment; FIG.105 is a procedure chart to explain a 16t1' embodiment; FIG. 106 is a diagram to show an exwple of a conversion table using in a 16th embodiment; FIG.107 is a procedure chart to explain a At" embodiment; 14 FIG.108 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table using in a 16t1' entxxbjnent; FIG.109 is a diagram to explain a damain name server; FIG.110 is a diagram to explain a dcmain name server; FIG.111 is a diagram to explain a domain name server; FIG.112 is a diagram to explain a dcmain name server; FIG.113 is a diagram to explain a call of a dcmain name server; FIG.114 is a diagram to explain re-writing of a conversion table frcm an IP terminal; FIG.115 is a diagram to explain re-writing of a conversion table from an IP terminal; FIG.116 is a const=tional block showing a 17th embodiment (calling of a camnnicator by telephone nunber) 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 ent)odiment; FIG.119 is a diagram to show an example of an inner table using in a 17th embodiment; FIG. 120 is a diagram to show an example of an inner table using in a 17t" embodiment; FIG. 121 is a diagram to explain a call of a dcmain name server; FIG.123 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 18t" effbodiment (IP tenninal to be connected with plural access control apparatuses) according to the present invention; FIG.124 is a portion of a constructional block showing a 18th embodin-ent according to the present limention; FIG.125 is a diagram to show an example 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 hem 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 effbodiment; FIG.130 Is a diagram to show an example of an inner table using in a 18th 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 shaw a c&U of an verifying seivw; FIG.133 a portion of a constructional block diagram illi, trating a 19th embodiment (closed-zone network ccmnmication and open-zone cantunication used network discriminator) according to the present invention; FIG.134 is a portion of a constructional block diagram illustrating a 19th xliment according to the present invention; FIG.135 is a portion of a constructional block diagram illustrating a 19th embodiment according to the present invention; 16 FIG. 136 is a portion of a constructional block diagram il,lustrating a 19th embodiment according to the present invention; FIG.137 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table used in a 19th wbodiment; FIG.138 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table used in a 19th embodiment; FIG.139 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table used in a 10' wbodiment; FIG.140 is a diagram to show an example of a cormersion table used in a 19th embodiment; FIG. 141 is a flowchart to show an example of an operation of a 19th entediment; FIG.142 is a flowchart to show an example of an operation of a 19th embodiment; FIG.143 is a portion of a constructional block diagram J-11ustrating a 20th aTbodiment (IP terminal to be comected 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 20tl' entx)dini-nt according to the present invention; FIG.145 is a diagram to show an example of a verifying server used in a 20'h embodiment; FIG.146 is a diagram to show an example of a conversion table used in a 20tl' effbodiment; FIG.147 is a signal flowchart to explain an operation of a 20th embodiment; FIG. 148 is a diagram to explain a 20th effbodiment; 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 20t" embodiment; FIG.152 is a diagram to explain a 20th edxxlt; and FIG.153 is a diagram to explain a 20th embodiment.

DESCRIPTION QF = REPPM EMMINENM FIG.5 systematically illustrates the basic principle of the present invention, wherein the integrated information communication system (hereafter referred to as ICSn) 1 according to the present invention has self-appointed address providing rules as a =riputer in.o=atim/comnnicatim 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 connecting a plurality of camputer ccmmunication networks or information communication equipments, e.g., a great number of LANs (in the present example, corporation X s LAN-Xl, LAN-X2 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 conversion tables for administrating rnutual conversion between the address system ADS and the address system ADY. The cariputer cnication data (ICS packet) within the ICS 1 uses addresses according to the address system ADS of the ICS 1, and perform IP ccmmicatim such as is used m the Internet.

Now, description will be rnade regarding the operation in the case of cammication within a single corporation. The mrputer cammunication data (ICS packet) 80 transmitted frcxn the LAN-Xl of the corporation X is provided w:lth 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 rules of the address system ADS, and upon reaching the destination access control apparatus 4, is restored to the mffiputer canramication data 80 of the address system ADX under the administration of the conversion table thereof, and is sent to the LAN-M within the same corporation x. Here, the ICS frame being sent and received within the ICS 1 is refe=ed 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 entKdt.

The ICS network packet 81 is ccnprised 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 means for returning the ciphertext to the original plain-text, data empression means, and data deccnl)ression means for returning the cottsed 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 81-2 are referred to as HICS encapsulation 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 wil-1 be made regarding the operation in the case of cannanication between corporations. The ccffWter axcation 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 conversion following the address system ADS under administration of the conversion table of the access control apparatus 6 within the ICS 1, and be=es 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 camputer camn=cation data 82 of the address system ADX under the administration of the conversion table thereof, and is sent to the LAN-X2 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 means 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 conversion which is the principle idea of the present invention.

Thus, according to the present invention, both intra-corporation and inter-corporation camputer can=ications are led by unif ied address administration by the ICS 1. Generally used user teminals for wrnputer caff=ications are incorporated within the LAN within the structure of the user, and incorporated within the VAN (Value Added Network) 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 nmt)er/ISDN narkber (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 invention, address mnre=lon is performed 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 example wilerein the ICS 1 of the present invention is coaprised of a plurality of VANs (VAN- 1, VAN2, VAN3), with each VAN being administered by a VAN operator. An ICS 1 user applies to the VAN operator for a user c=amication line, and the VAN operator decides the ICS address and ICS network address for the user and registers this information 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 elements 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 servexs 50-1 and 50-2. A relay apparatus 20 such as shown in FIG.8 is provided to the comnmicat3.on path within each of the VANs, and an inter-VAN gateway 30 such as illustrated in FIG.9 ls 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 canninication 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 commmication lines frorn the user (corporations X and Y) to the ICS 1, and as shown in FIG. 7, is comprised of a processing device 11 comprised of a CPU or the Like, a conversion table 12 serving as a database for perfog address conversion and the 1 i, an input/output interface line portion 13, 22 and a temporary cormersion 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 comprised of a CPU or the like and a conversion table 22, the conversion table 22 being used for determining the communication destination when the ICS net frame is transferred within the ICS 1. The inter-VAN gateway 30 has a processing device 31 comprised of a CPU or the like and a relay table 32 for deteintning where to send ICS network packets between VANs, as shown in FIG.S.

As shown in FIG. 10, the ICS server 40 Is comprised of a processing device 41 and an ICS network database 42, the usage of the ICS network database 42 not being restricted. Eyles 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 canumication trouble within the VAN, or data not directly related to the VAN, such as an electronic library which maintains and discloses digital docmmts, public keys for a public encryptIon system using encryption technology effpl%,ed 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 and related 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 nanner, but also is capable of comnxiicating 23 with other ICS network servers and obtaining data therefrcm, by means of sending and receiving ICS network frames based m IP communication technology. Within the ICS, the ICS network server is the only component provided with an ICS network address.

According to the present invention, the address used to identify miputers, terminals and the like used within the ICS network packet is referTed to as an ICS network address, and the address used to identify the computers, terminals and the like used within the ICS user packet is referred to as an ICS user address. The ICS network ad s is used only within the ICS, one or both of the two types being used; 32-blt and/or 128-bit. Similarly, the ICS user address also uses me or both of the two types; 32-bit and/or 128-bit. The access control apparatus 10, the relay apparatus 20, the VAN gateway 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 equal-s- 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 exanple can be given for a method for deciding such:

24 VAN upper address = district ddnistration (4-bit) llcomtry (4-bit) JIVAN code(8-bit) VAN internal code = VAN district code(4-bit) ll VAN access point (8-bit) lluser logic code(4-bit) FIG.11 makes description thereof using an example of an ICS user address. Here, the syd"l mall W indicates linkage of data "au and "bu, i.e., data obtained by means 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 administration code 11 country code 11 VAN code 11 VAN district code H user logic ccxt,Ltunications line code Thus, the r apparatus can efficiently find the transfer destination by means 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 constnicted as described later, as long as Cl + C2 = 32 bits or Cl + C2 = 128 bits is kept, regardless of how the field sections for the VAN upper code and VAN internal 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, the user can a user-specific address systegn. The address values within a 32 bit address value are from address 0 to address (2Q -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 224+ 32 x 216 -1) or address (192 x 224+ 168 x 216) to address (192 x 224+ 169 x 216 -1).

A physical com=ication line can be separated into a plurality of comnmication lines and used, this being realized in ccaventional art as frame relay (FR) miltiplex cnication method, for example. According to the present invention, the user' s cam=cation line is separated into a user physical camimication line and one or more user logic con=mication 1. FIG.12 illustrates an example of the above, wherein a user physical cm=cation line 60 is separated into two user logic cemunication lines 611 and 61-2 of the c=mication rate 50. Also, separate camputer cemmication apparatuses 62-1, 62-2, 62-3, and 62-4 are each connected to respective user logic acrffm.micatim lines. and the ICS user addresses w4123.0025, 0026,4124" are provided to each of the cmWter ccmmmicatim apparatuses 621 through 62-4. The user physical c=munication line 60 is connected to the access control apparatus 63, and the point of contact between the. two is called HICS logic tenmnaln. The ICS logic te=nal is provided with an only ICS network address within the ICS. In the eyle shown in FIG.12 user logic communication lines 61-1 and 61-2 26 are connected to the access control apparatus 63, and ICS network addresses "8710' and '8711" 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 terminal or the ICS network server is the only one 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 conmnication technology. This function is referred to as wICS network server comnxiication 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 conTunication function. The ICS network server conmniication 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 exprised of a control field and a data field, and, as shown in FIG.13, the packets are comprised 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 frctn the access control apparatus, the ICS user packet becomes

27 part of the data of the ICS network packet, and the control field of the ICS network packet (network control field) is added thereto (ICS ilation). 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, follg 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 making 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 22A) and (10 x 224 + 224 - 1) for wle, 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 required, for e=ple. In this case, as described above, the lacking 32 bits are written into the option portion of the ICS network

1 i 1 28 packet control field, thus making the network address usable at 64 bits.

The fact that canmnication between the same user (called ', intracorporation comnmicationn) is possible using a private address wi11 be described in the first eat)odt. 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 example. 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. Further, 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 meens.

Embodiment-1 (Basic ICS, intra-corporation commnication and intracorporation ccmnxnicatim):

29 A f=t entxxlunent of the present irmention w-LU be described with reference to FIGs.14 and 15, regarding basic cernmnicatim wherein the transfer destination within the ICS is deteinined from 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 padcets can pass through these gateways 170-1 through 1704.

F=t, description will be rnade regarding cammication between a terminal which is connected to LAN 100-1 of a corporation X which has a unique address system ADX, and a terminal which is comected to LAN 100-2 of the same corporation X. That is, this is cunication between a terffdnal which has an ICS user address 00012" on the LAN 100-1, and a terminal which has an ICS user address n003C m the LAN 100-2. This ca=3nication is typical of camunication rnade between texminals which have set addresses based m a unique address system within a single corpor-ation (ADX in this example), the communication being inade via the ICS 100 in an interactive manner. This type of cammication is referred to as intra-corporation canmnicatlon service (or intra-corporation comxinication). Next, description will be made regarding ccanunication between a tenninal, which is connected to LAN 100-1 of a corporation X which has a unique address system ADX, and a tendnal which is connected to LAN 100-3 of a corporation Y which has a unique address system ADY. That is, this is ccmainication between a terminal which has an ICS user address "0012n m the LAN

100-1, and a terminal which has an ICS user address n1156n m the LAN 1003. This cammication is typical of communication made between temninals which have different address systems within different corporations, the commication being made using an ICS address system which can be shared between the two. This type of communication is referred to as intercorporation communication service (or intercorporation conTainication). <<Carmon preparation>> In describing the pmt entxxbzmt, the address format and so forth is determined as described below, but the specific nuw=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 number, and the sender ICS user address and the receiver ICS usex address are both represented by a 4-digit number. Of the sender ICS user address and the receiver ICS user address, addresses of which the upper two digits are not w0On are used as inter-corporation communication addresses, and these inter-corporation communication 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 "00w are used as intra- corporation communication addresses, and these intra-corporation communication addresses may be duplicate of other intra-corporation canamication addresses within the ICS 100. The ICS address administration sei-jer 150-1 is capable of uniquely identifying the inter-corporation communication addresses. Also, the cmversion 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, segrents and so forth. The request identification registered to the conversion table 113-1 is such that, e.g., "ln represents intra- corporation cemumication se=.7ice, "2' represents inter-corporation connziication service, and "3' represents virtual dedicated line connection. The speed segment is the line speed that the canwaication fram the ICS network address requires, including throughput (e.g., the nuffber 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 catatunication of the terminals connected to the LANs can perform cainunication via the VAN-1 and VAN-3. The VAN operator responds to the application and sets the aforenientioned. ICS network address, ICS user address, request identification nud:)er, 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 comected, with the ICS network address of the ICS logic terminal in this case being set as "7711R. The intracorporation c=runication address of the 32 te=ninal connected to the LAN 100-1 fran which the application was made is set as '10012", and this is used as the sender ICS usw address. The intra-corporation cammnication address used by the terminal of the address is set as ', 2212n, and this is used as the sender ICS user address. Next, the intr-a-corporation ccmmmicatim 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 "0034u, and this is used as the receiver ICS user address. The nmter "ln is set as the request identification, indicating the intracorporation communication service that was applied for, and the above is registered to the conversion table 113-1.

The items to be set for the VAN- 3 are as follows. Values necessary for reverse camunication (camiunication fran LAN 100-2 to LAN-1) are set to the converslon table of the access control apparatus 110-5 connecting the LAN 100-2 frcm 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 saffe tim, 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 R003C is set as the sender ICS user address for the intra-corporation 33 ICS user address of the terminal connected to the LAN 100-2. and the ICS user address ', 0012" of the terndnal of the other party is used as the receiver ICS user address. Also, the ICS user address "7711n of the LAN 100-1 is used as the receiving ICS network address and the value 1- is set as the request identificatim, indicating intracorporation ccm=dcatim services. The above is written to the conversion. table of the access control apparatus 110-5 and registered. <<Operation of intra-corporatim mmxinicatim>> Regarding communication between a terminal connected to LAN 100- 1 and having a sender ICS user address ', 0012n. and a terminal connected to LAN 100-2 and having a receiver ICS user address "003C, the sender "0012" sends an ICS user packet to the receiver "003C. This ICS user packet has set as the sender ICS usex address "0012', and as the receiver ICS user address has set '10034R, and the terminal with the ICS user address ', 0012n performs sending thereof.

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

The ICS usex packet P1 is sent via the user logic communication 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 "7711"(Steps S100 and S101) and the receiver ICS user address "003C of the received ICS user packet, and knows that the communication is an intra-corporation cammication from the request identification 34 value In obtained at the same time(Step S102). Then, the receiving ICS network address '9922w corresponding to the sender ICS user address "0034w is obtained (Step S103) and is ICS-encapsulated (Step S106). The above procedures:LUustrated in a flowchart are as shown in FIG.18, with the intra-corporation being flow (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 through the relay apparatus 120-1 and 120-2 based m the receiving ICS network address, and reaches the access control apparatus 110-5 of the VAN-3. The access control apparatus 110-5 remves the network control field fram the ICS network packet P4 and performs ICS revexse encapsulation, and re-creates a user data packet P5 which is the same as the ICS user packet P1 fram 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 temminal which has the ICS user address "00340. <<Preparation for inter-corporation ccmunication>>

As an example of performing inter-corporation canmnication, the ccxiaiunicatim between a terminal which has an ICS user address w0012" and is connected to a LAN 100-1 following address system ADX, and a terminal which has an ICS user address ', 1156m and is connected to a LAN 100-3 following 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 cammt=cation via VAN1 and VAN-2, and make 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 "77110, the intra corporatIon conmunication ad s held by the terminal connected to the LAN 100-1 from which there was application is made to be "0012n, and this is made to be the sender ICS user address. The Inter corporation comninication address provided to the terminal of the above ICS user address made to be "2212", 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 frm 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 "1156", 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 cann=cation 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 tenporary 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 ', 88W to which is connected the LAN 100-3 which uses the inter-corporation communication 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 communication>> A te=dnal having an ICS user address ', 0012" sends an ICS user packet Fl wherein the sender ICS user address is set as "0012' and the receiver ICS user address is set as ', 11560 as. The ICS user. packet Fl is transferred to the access control apparatus 110-1 via the user logic communications line 180-1.

The access control apparatus 110-1 refers to the conversion table 113-1 fran 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 "2n, i.e., this miammication is an inter-corporation cmcatim(Step S102). The receiving ICS network address corresponding to the receiver ICS user address '11560 is known as "8822w(Step S104), and then the sender ICS user address "0012" is converted into an inter-corporation cattioxiication address 2212"(Step S105). The access control apparatus 110-1 adds a network control field, frm the obtained transmitting ICS network address "7711w, the sender ICS user address "2212M, til,, receiver ICS user address 1156R and the receiving ICS network address - 8822-, and perform the ICS encapsulation, forming the ICS network packet F2 which is sent to the relay apparatus 120-l(Step S106). The above procedures are i-Uustrated in a flow (2) in FIG.18.

In the above inter-corporation c=nunication, in the event that the sender ICS user address within the ICS user packet Fl is made to be the inter-corporation comnmication address ', 2212%, the sender and the receiver perform the inter-corporation cmication using an intercorporation ccnmmicatim 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 "22120 into the intercorporation cammication address "2212 as such is not necessary. The above procedures are Mustrated in a flaw (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 will 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 frm the network data i 1 1 38 field(Step S111: ICs reverse encapsulation), and decides fram the receiving ics network address the logic terminal for sending(M Of Step S112) and sends it to the LAN 100-3(Step S113). At the same time, In the event that the relation amng the transmitting ICS network address ', 88221, the sender ICS usex address ', 1156u, the receiver ICS user address ', 2212" and the receiving ICS network address ', 77110 is not registered in the conversion table within the access control apparatus 110-4, a value %20 of the request identification, i.e., a designation of the Inter-corporation communication is set to the temporary conversion table 114-2((2) of Step S112). The registration contents of the temporary 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 transfexred to the terminal having the ICS user address 1156R. In a case that the column of the sender ICS user address in the

conversion table 114-2 is separated as %intra-corporationw and intercoiporatim" of the conversion table 113-1, e.g., in the case that "11ST' is described in the conversion table as the sender ICS user address %l159w which is described at the address column 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 '0023" for the intra- CorPoration OCEMUnication is Used Within LAN, the ICS %1159' for the corporations outside LAN. In mother embodin-ents,

39 the values are not set in the trary conversion table. Further, in another embodiments, the conversion table 113-1 does not include the sender ICS address Untra-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 Parred. An effect of this mbocbt is that register nmter of the conversion table is to be reduced to one of the sender ICS user address when there are many 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 cemmunication wherein ICS user packets are 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 Effibodiment-l 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 determined from 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 will now be given regarding a case in which a corporation X uses virtual dedicated line connection, and the exatunication 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 conversion table 213-1 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 "7711n of the ICS logic terninal 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 cemnmications line 240-1, and similarly determines the ICS network address "9922" 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 usex logic canmnications 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 transrnitting ICS network address ', 7711m, the receiving ICS network address ', 9922" and the request type. Illustrated in FIG.20 is an exarnple wherein the request type "30 has been made to serve as the virtual dedicated line connection. S2rd-larly, the VAN operator performs setting to the conversion table of the access control apparatus 210-5 of the following: the transmitting ICS network address ', 99220, the receiving ICS network address ', 7711' 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=unication line 240. The access control apparatus 210-1 which has received the ICS user packet F10 frcm 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 -3-(Step S202), and reads the receiving ICS network address ', 9922R(Step S203). Next, the access control apparatus 210-1 adds a network control field to the ICS user packet F10 in which the receiving ICS network address is set to n "9922n and the transmitting ICS network address is set to "7711 ' thus forming an ICS network packet Fll(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 detees the destination based m the receiving ICS network address of the ICS network packet F11, and sends an ICS network packet F12 to the relay apparatus 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 remmies the network control field fran the ICS network packet F13 (ICS reverse encapsulation), and sends the ICS network packet F14 frcin the logic ten of the ICS network address ', 9922" to the user logic ccmixmications 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 frcxn the LAN 200- 2 to the LAN 200-1, and thus, interactive canmmicatim is available. Using the same mthod, ICS user packets can be transferred fran 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 commnicatim, one-on-N camunicatim can also be perfo. For example, a plurality of ICS network addresses nay be set to the conversion- table 213-1 of the access control apparatus 210-1 shown in FIG.20, as indicated by the tranqnitting IcS network address ', 7712'. In the present example, two ICS network addresses are set, '1661P and "8822'. The access control apparatus 210-1, upon receiving the ICS user packet from the ICS logic terffunal with an ICS network address ', 7712', creates a first ICS network packet whexein a network control field set with "66111 for the receiving ICS network address is added thereto, and a second ICS network packet wherein a network control field set with "8822" for the receiving ICS network address is added thereto, these being Sent to the relay apparatus 220 1. Consequently, one-on-two communication can be perfo.

Subsequently, one-on-N cammunicatim can be perfo by transferring each ICS network packet in the same manner as described above.

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

An entxxbimnt W1.11 be described Wberein the network inside the ICS according to the present invention is configured using an ATM network. The present embodiment will be described in the following order: (1) supplementary explanation of ATM-related, conventional art, (2) description of components, (3) flaw of packets using SM, (4) flaw of packets using PVC, (5) one-on-N or Won-one ocnnunication using PVC, and (6) N-on-N canumication using PVC. Incidentally, since the present embodiment mainly discloses art regarding address conversion between ICS network packets and ATM networks, so any of the following can be applied to the present enbodiment: intra-corporatIon c=nunication service and inter-corporation cenTnunication service described in EntxxIbTent-1 and virtual dedicated line service described in Embodiment-2. (1) Supplementary explanation of ATM-related conventional art:

First, supplementary explanation will be made regarding ATM- related conventional art to the extent that is necessary to des = be the present embodiment. With an ATM network, a plurality of non-fixed logic channels which can flexibly deal with ocm=cation 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 channels stipulated according to the way of setting, SW (Switched Virtual Channel) and PVC (Pe=ment Vixtual Channel). The SM perform call setting of a virtual channel whenever necessary, and can establish a logic line having the necessary speed for a necessary 44 duration with an arbitrary ATM terminal (a general term for ccmnLmicatim devices which are connected to the ATM network and perform ccumunications using the ATM network). Call setting of the virtual charmel is performed by the ATM terminal which is attempting to initiate oomnnicatian, and the "signalmg 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 (thisaddress hereafter refe=red to as "ATM address") is necessary for call setting, and the ATM addresses are systematized so that each ATM terminal has a unique ATM address within the AIM network, in order to enable identification of the ATM temninals. There are the following address systems: E.164 format stipulated in the ITU-T RecanTtions Q.2931, and the three types of NSAP method ATM addresses such as shown in FIG. 23 following the ATM Forum UNI 3.1 Specifications. Now, regarding ICS, which of the above ATM address systems is used is decided by the specific construction of the ATM network, so description of the present embodiment w211 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 from the ATM terminal. IDs for identifying virtual channels (hereafter referred to as "virtual channel ID') are appropriated to established virtual channels for both the VC and PVC. A virtual channel ID is caq=sed of the VPI (Virtual Path Identifier) and the V= (Virtual Channel Identifier) of the cell header portion of the ATM cell format (63 bytes) shown in 1 FIG. 24.

Information communication within the A.7M 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 over an ATM network. This conversion is performed in two steps: conversion to CPCS (Cannon Part Convergence Sublayer) shown in FIG. 25, and degradation of the CKS frames to the ATM frames as shown in FIG. 26. Dividing a communication packet into AIM cells results in a pluraUty 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: assembling a CKS frame fran the ATM cell sequence shown in FIG. 26, and extracting and reproducing the communication packet (ICS network packet) fran the CKS frame shown in FIG. 25. Conversion to the CKS frame and degradation/assernbly of the ATM cells constitute known art, which has been standardized following the IM- T Recourendations. A-1so, protocol headers within the CKS frame user information have been standardized in RFC1483 of IETF. (2) Description of components:

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 shown in FIG.29, and contents of an ATM address corrjexsim table 1533-6 and a VC address conversion table 1433-6 are shown in FIG.30. In the present aTbodiment, the internal configuration of the access control apparatus and the operation of the processing device within the access control apparatus are basically the sam in principle as the description given in Effbodurent-l.

Appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-5 shown in FIG.27 are ICS network addresses 17711' and 07722n, 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 07733N and n77440, 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 "9922" and "9933m, serving as connection points for corporations Y and B, and similarly appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-8 are ICS network addresses w994C and w99550, serving as connection points for corporations Z and D. Hexe, in the ATM network entxxl=mt, the corporations X, Y and so forth, which are given as examples of users, may be differing locations within a single corporation which perform intra-corporation canrunication, or may be different corporations which perform inter-corporation conmmication.

An interface unit 1133-5 is provided in the conversion unit 1033-5 within the ATM exchange 10133-5, this interface unit 1133-5 handling the processing of rectifying interfacing (physical layers, 47 data link protocol) of the conmnication lines connecting the access control apparatus 1010-5 and the ATM exchange 10133-5. The conversion unit 1033-5 is ccinprised of a processing device 1233-5, and also an ATM address conversion table 1533-5 for call setting with the SW, and a VC address conversion table 1433-5 for converting addresses fran ICS network addresses used by both SVC and PVC to virtual channel. Also, the ATM exchange 10133-5 connects the ATM address administration se,-vw 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 infonnation processing device for storing the VC address conversion table, thereby performing the information processing relating to address conversion. The cnents 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 caiatunication line 1810-5 and comnziication line 1810-7, respectively, and also, the access control apparatus 1010-6 and the access control apparatus 1010-8 are connected to the ATM exchange 10133-6 via the canumication line 1810-6 and camiunication line 1810-8, respectively. An ATM address "3977" unique to the network is set to the conversion unit 1033-5 within the ATM exchange 10133-5, and an ATM address N399C 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 embodiment. (3) Flow of packets using SM:

An embodiment wherein SM is applied as a communication path within the ATM network will be described with an exmple of an ICS uwx packet sent from a terminal of a corporation X toward a ten 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 communication speed. requested 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 embodiment, the values set in the ATM address conversion table 1533-5 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 communication address of the corporation Y, and the ATM address "399C which is uniquely appropriated to the conversion unit 1033-6 within the ATM network is registered as the receiving ATM address. In the present ent)odimnt, a communication speed of 64 Kbps is set as the channel capabUities. 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 ArIM address conversion table 1533-6 are as follows: w7711" which is the ICS network address appropriated to the 49 ICS logic tenninal of the access control apparatus 1010-5 is set as the ccmxmicatim address of the corporation X, and the ATM address n3977" 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 effbodunent, a camiunication speed of 64 Kbps; is set as the channel capabillties. The contents registered to the AIM address cormersion table 1533-6 are also written to the ATM address administration server 1633-6. <<Transfer=g ICS network packets frem the access control apparatus>> As described in EntxKlt-1, the ICS user packets sent frem a ten of the corporation X toward the terminal 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 beemes an ICS network packet Fl having the transmitting ICS network address n7711n and the receiving ICS network address I'9922w as an ICS packet header. The ICS network packet Fl is sent fram 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 deten=ed by the relation of the transmitting ICS net address n7711n and the receiving ICS network address 099220 in the ICS.packet header, in order to correctly transfer the received packet Fl to the ATM exchange 10133-5. In the case that the cam=cation is based m the SW, there are cases that the virtual channel corresponding with the mffmnication path is established at the time of the receiving the ICS network packet, and cases in which the virtual channel has not yet been established. In order to find out whether or not the virtual Chamel has been established, the processing device 1233-5 first searches whether or not a virtual channel corresponding with the pair of a transmitting ICS network address w77110 and a receiving ICS network address '9922n is registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-5 (Step S1602), and in the event that there is registration here, establishment of the virtual channel can be thus conf=p-d. That is, the fact that the virtual channel corresponding with the pair of trwLcinitting ICS network address "7711w and receiving ICS network address 09922n is '33w is obtained, and further, it can be found that this virtual channel is cannmicating based m the SW, from the value nil' of the channel type obtained at the same time. In the event that there is no such registration on 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 frem the information registered to the VC address conversion table 1433-5 at that point (Step S1603). <<Call setting>> Regarding the above-mentioned mase wherein "therez is no regist- 51 ration of a vixtual channel ID corresponding with a comnmcat-ion path determined by correspondence between a transmitting ICS network address and a receiving ICS network address m the ve address conversion table 1433-50, i.e., in the case that there is no virtual channel ID corresponding with the ccmmcatim path established yet, it becames necessary to perform the following call setting, to establish a virtual channel within the ATM network emprising ICS 905. An exle of operation of the call setting will 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 "7711" and receiving ICS network address n9922' (Step S1602), the processing device 1233-5 of the conversion unit 1033-5 refers to the VC address conversion table 1533-5, finds the receiving ICS network address 9922w registered in the VC address conversion table 1533-5 matching the receiving ICS network address R9922n, and obtains transmitting ATM address "3999% corresponding thereto and channel capabilities "64K" corresponding thereto. and so forth. The processing device 1233-5 uses the obtained transmitting ATM address "3999m to perform a request for call setting to the ATM exchange 10133-5, and also requested at this time is channel capabilities such as cann=cation speed of the virtual channel simultaneously obtained from 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 1 1 1 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 frctn the ATM exchanges to conversion units 1033-5 and 1033-6 therein, but in the event that this is based m stipulations of a signal method according to known technique, the value notified frern the calling party ATM exchange 10133-5(e.g., R330) and the value notified frcrn the receiving party ATM exchange 101333(e.g., n44n) may not be the same value. At the conversion unit 1033-5, the virtual channel ID "33" which is notified frcm the AIM exchange 101335 is registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-5 along with the transmitting ICS network address n7711" and the receiving ICS network address "9922n (Step S1607), and stores these m the VC address conversion table 1433-5 while the connection of this virtual channel is established. When 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 same time deletes the registration coi=esponding with virtual channel ID R33w 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 fran the access control apparatus 1010-5 into a CPCS frame shown in FIG.25 according to the 53 virtual channel (virtual channel ID "33n) established according the above description, and further performs degradation into ATM cells as shown in FIG.26 and transfers to the relay ATM e=limge 10133-7(Step S1604). <<Transfer of ATM cells>>

According to the above-described method, the ATM cell series S1 mqpr of a plurality of cells obtained by omverting the ICS network packet Fl is transferred frcxn the ATM exge 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 de,scrIptIon 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 from the ATM exchange 10133-6 to the conversion unit 1033-6. At the conversion 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 fr= 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 )aratus determined by the receiving ICS network adr] ss 09922" in the header thereof, i.e., to access control apparatus 1010-6 which has an ICS logic terminal appropriated with ICS network address '99220 (Step S1612).

54 At this time, at the conversion unit 1033-6, the transmitting ICS network address R77110, the receiving ICS network address 09922w the channel type -11- Indicating the fact this is SM identified at the point of receiving the call, and the virtual channel ID 044' copriated at the tirre 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 n7711w 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 "9922m 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 attempted, no registration is made. The address conversion infonllation registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-6 is stored m 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 w44R) is established (Step S1613). <<Reverse packet flow>> Now, description of the case of reverse flow of the ICS packet, i.e., flow from a corporation Y to a corporation X, wi-U 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 the corporation X is converted into an ICS network packet F3 having the transmitting ICS network address H99220 and the receiving ICS network address '7711m in the header portion thereof, and the pr x5essing 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 exchange 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 044w with a channel type "lln which means SM, corresponding with the transmitting ICS network address n9922n and receiving ICS network address R77110, 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 "4C. The ICS network packet F3 is relayed and transferred by the relay ATM exchange 10133-5, become ATM series S4 and reach the ATM exge 10133-5, are received via the virtual Channel having virtual channel ID w33' in the conversion unit 1033-6 thereof, and restored Anto 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 "9922 and the receiving ICS network address R77110 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 transfe=red to the access control apparatus 1010-5.

56 <<Exwple of application to half -duplex commmicatim>> The above description has been made with reference to cases wherein an ICS packet is transferred frctn 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 ca=ed out with a single SM virtual channel. For examPle. applying this transfer and revexse transfer to a request packet to a server terminal of the corporation Y to be connected to the ICS frcn a client terminal of the corporation X to be connected to the ICS (tra nsfer), and a response packet to this requestpacket fram the client terminal of the corporation x to server terminal of the corporation Y (reverse transfer) results in an application ele of half -duPlex canTmnication in which one-way cammmication is performed at times, and both-way owninication, is realized by switching the canazlication direction by time frames. <<EYle of application to fill 1 -duplex canminication>> The v:Li channel set m the ATM network is capable of fi duplex c=minication, i.e., staneous both-way canTamication, to the ATM stipulations. For example, applying the transfer and revww transfer to request packets to a plurality of server terminals of the corporation Y to be connected to the ICS frcin a plurality of client terminals of the corporation X to be connected to the ICS (transfer), and response packets to the request packets frem the plurality of client terminals of the corporation X to the plurality of server te=ninals of the corporation Y (reverse transfer) results in 57 chronous transfer of packets between the client terminals and the server terminals, so simultaneous both-way camnmication is conducted m the single SM virtual channel serving as the cmmmcation path, thereby making for an application ele of full-duplex cwmmcation. (4) Flow of packets using PVC An embodiment wherein the network within the ICS 906 is Oonfigured with an ATM network and PVC is applied as a canmnication path within the ATM network will be described with an example 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 f on the ATM network (indicating the 0MVIUnication path between the ATM exchange 10133-5 and the ATM exchange 10133-6), and the channel type indicating that the vi=tual channel ID is PVC, are registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-5. This registration is different frcrn the case of SVC, 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 cannunication path, and is saved in a fixed manner e the canm=cation path is necessary, i.e., until the setting of the PVC virtual channel is canceled. Also, the registration is made to the VC address conversion table 1433-6 in the same manner. Incidentally, the PVC virtual channel ID is appropriated to the respective ATM exchanges at the time that PVC is 58 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 camunication address of the corporation W, and value w9944n which is the receiving ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-8 is set as the c=amication 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 'W is set as the channel tYPB, 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 Jnpned, the virtual channel ID inay be of a different value to the VC address conversion table 1433-5. When 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 follows: value "994C which is the transmitting ICS network address approprIated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 59 1010-8 is set as the camnnication address of the corporation Z, and value M33 which is the receiving ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-7 is set as the comnnication address of the corporation W. Further, the PVC virtual channel ID "66" which is appropriated to the ATM exchange 10133-6 is set as the virtual channel ID, and value w22n is set as the channel type, indicating PVC_. <<Transferring ICS network packets from access control apparatus>> The ICS user packet sent toward the terminal 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 beccmes an ICS network packet F5 having the transmitting ICS network address R7733n and the receiving ICS network address R9944' 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 M>> The processing device 1233-5 refers to the VC address conversion table 1433-5 using the transmitting ICS network address "7733n and the receiving ICS network address n9944n 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 exckiange 10133-6 connected to the access control apparatus 1010-8 with the ICS logic terminal provided with a n reviving ICS network address R994C is R55. At the same time, it can be found that the virtual channel is PVC, fran the value "22 R 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 e=hange 10133-7, with regard to the PVC virtual channel R55w obtained as desc=bed above. The method of ATM cell conversion is the same as that described above in the embodiment of SM. The above processing procedures of the conversion unit 1033-5 are as shown in FIG.31, and PVC always foll the flow (1) <<Transfer of ATM cells> > The ATM cell series S1 cmprised of a plurality of cells obtained by converting the ICS network packet Fl is transferred from the ATM exchange 10133-5 to the reJay ATM exchange 10133-7, and further is transferred to the ATM exchange 10133-6 as ATM cell series S2. This operation Is the sarne as with SM. <<Operation following arrival of packet>> Once the ATM cell series S2 reaches the ATM exchange 10133-6, this ATM cell series S2 is transferred frcxn the ATM exchange 10133-6 to the conversion unit 1033-6 within the ATM exchange 10133-6. The conversion unit 1033-6 assembles the received ATM cells into a CPCS 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 determined by the receiving ICS network address "9944' in the header thereof, i.e., to access control device 1010-8 which has an ICS logic R temainal appropriated with ICS network address n9944. The above processing 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 flaw of the ICS packet, i.e., flow from the corporation Z to the corporation W, will be made with reference to FIGs.27 and 28, in the same manner as above. An ICS user packet sent out fram the corporation Z to the corporation W is ICS-enca psula ted into an ICS network packet F7 having the transmitting ICS network address n9944a and the receiving ICS network address 07733n in the header portion thereof, and the processing follg the flow shown in FIG.31 as described above is perfonned 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 nW corresponding with a transmitting ICS network address N9944n and a receiving ICS network address 07733m, 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 R66 The AIM 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 055", and restored into an ICS network packet F8 having identical contents with the ICS network frame F7. Hofer, in the conversion unit 1033-5, the pair of the transmitting ICS network address n9944- and the receiving ICS network address w773Y' in the header of the ICS network packet F4 is already registered in the VC address conversion table 1433-5 in rse fashion, and information that the virtual channel ID w550 as to this transmitting/receiving address pair is channel type 022m 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 1010- 7. <<Example of application to half-duplex cammicatim>> The above description has been made with reference to an entxxbffent 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 channel. Accordingly, regarding the ICS according to the present invention, an example of application to half -duplex cammication using an ATM network PVC virtual channel is the same as an example of application to half-duplex communication using a SM network PVC virtual channel. <<Ex"le of application to full-duplex communication>>

The example of application of PVC full-duplex owm=catim is 63 equivalent to the example of application of fill 1 -duplex cmication in SM, clue to the sam reason as the exmple of application to half duplex caffmjnicatim.

(5) One-on-N or N-on-one COMMnication using PVC In the above example, an embodiment was described whexein one virtual channel was described as a conmnicat2.on path connecting one corporation (location) with me corporation (location), i.e., a cxxia,Lniication path connecting me ICS logic tenninal with me ICS logic terminal, but one PVC vi- channel can be used as a cxxt,Ltoxiication path connecting one ICS logic terniinal with a plurality of ICS logic terminals. Such One-on-N or N-on-one ccmmication wiU be described with reference to FIGs.33 and 34. <<Description of ceinpments>>

In FIGs.33 and 34, regarding the access control apparatus 101010, the corporation X is connected to an ATM exchange 10133-10 with an ICS logic terminal within the access control apparatus 1010-10 provided with the ICS network address "7711". With the parties to be reached from the corporation X as the corporations A through D, the corporation A is connected to an ICS logic tenninal within the access 1 apparatus 1010-20 provided with the ICS network address n9922n, and the corporation B is connected to an ICS logic tenn within the access control apparatus 1010-20 provided with the ICS network address 099230. In the same rnanner, the corporation C is connected to an ICS logic terminal within the access control apparatus 1010-40 provided with the ICS network address n994C, 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 ATH exchange 10133- 20, and the ATM exchanges 10133-10 and 10133-20 are connected via a relay network. <<Preparatim>> With regard to the ATM exchanges 10133-10 and ATM 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 "3391 as the virtual channel ID provided to the conversion unit 1033-10 of the virtual channel, and '4C as the virtual channel ID provided to the conversion unit 1033-20 of the virtual channel. Registration such as sh 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 conversion unit 1033-20. <<Packet flaw for one-on-N ccmunicatim>> The flaw of packets for one-on-N conmaiicatim 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 '7711" and a receiving network address "9922", is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID w33", 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 077110 and a receiving network address n9933n, is also transferred to the PVC virtual dbannel with a virtual channel ID n330. An ICS network packet sent frcin the corporation X toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address "7711n and a receiving network address "9944", and An ICS network packet sent fran the corporation X toward the corporation D, having a transmitting ICS network address "7711n and a receiving network address R9955n are transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual chatmel ID n3Y in the same manner. This indicates that one-on-N (corporation X to corporations A thrmgh D) omm=cation is being performed while sharing a single PVC virtual channel. Reverse packet flow, i.e., transfer frern the corporations A through D to the corporation X, will be described. in the next section. <<Packet flow for Won-one ocmamicatim>> The flow of packets for Won-one cemnunicatim will be described concer=g packets sent to the corporation X fram each of the corporations A through D. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X fran the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address "9922n and a receiving network address w7711n, is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual chatmel ID N44by 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 frcm the corporation B, having a transmitting ICS network address 09933n and a receiving network address 07711u. is also 66 transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID "44". An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X from the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address w9944R and a receiving network address N7711n, and An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X frcin the corporation D, having a transmitting ICS network address 09955w and a receiving network address R7711w are transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID 044w in the same manner. This indicates that N-on-one (corporations A through D to corporation X) oanminication is being perfonred e sharing a single PVC virtual channel. (6) N-m-N communication using PVC Using the same method as one-on-N camninication, one PVC virtual channel can be used as a ccm=cation path connecting a plurality of ICS logic tenninals with a plurality of ICS logic terminals. Such Non-N cam=cation will be described with reference to FIGs.35 and 36. <<Description of carpments>>

The corporation X has ICS logic terminal address "7711' of the access control apparatus 1010-11 as the contact point thereof, the corporation Y has ICS logic terminal address w7722" 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 coiporation Y is atterrpting to reach as the corporation A or corporation C. The corporation A has ICS logic terminal address R9922' of the access control apparatus 1010-21 as the contact point thereof, the corpo- 67 ration Y has ICS logic terminal address "9944w of the access control )aratus 1010-41 as the contact point thereof. Tile- access cmtrol apparatuses 1010-21 and 1010-4 are connected to the ATm exchange 10133-21, and the ATM exchanges 10133-11 and 10133-21 are connected via a relay network. <<Preparation>> With regarcl to the ATH exchanges 10133-11 and 10133-21, a single PVC vixtual channel connects the conversion unit 1033-11 within the ATM eawhange 10133-11 and the conversion unit 1033-21 within the ATM exchange 10133-21, setting 0330 as the virtual channel ID provided to the conversion unit 1033-11 of the virtual channel, and "44' as the virtual channel ID provided to the conversion unit 1033-21 of the virtual channel. Registration such as shown in FIGs.35 and 36 is PerfO 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-m-N ccnmanication>> The flow of packets for N-m-N canmnication will first be described concerning packets sent from the corporation X to each of the corporations A and C. An ICS network packet sent fram the corporation X toward the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address R7711n and a receiving network address "9922n, Is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID "33-, by means of making reference to the VC address conversion table 143311 in the conversion unit 1033-1. An ICS network packet sent fram the 68 corporation X toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address M11' and a receiving network address H994C, is also transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID N33". Next, the flow of packets will be described concerning packets sent frctn the corporation Y to each of the corporations A and C. An ICS network packet sent frctn the corporation Y toward the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address 07722R and a receiving network address n9922n, is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID 033n, by means of making reference to the VC address conversion table 1433-11 in the conversion unit 1033-11. An ICS network packet sent frcm the corporation Y toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address n7722w and a receiving network address "9944n, is also transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID 0330.

Next, reverse packet flow will be described concerning packets sent to each of the corporations X and Y frem the corporation A. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X frem the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address "9922n and a receiving network address n7711n, is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID 044n, by means of making reference to the VC address conversion table 1433-21 in the conversion unit 1033-2. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation Y frcrn the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address "9922" and a receiving network address R7722m, is also transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID "4C, by means of making reference to the VC 69 address conversion table 1433-2 in the conversion unit 1033-2. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X fran the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address 0994C and a receiving network address w7711", is transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID w44n. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation Y fram the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address R99440 and a receiving network address "7722", is also transferred to the PVC virtual channel with a virtual channel ID H4C. Thus, N-m-N caffniinicatim is perf=ted e sharing a single PVC virtual channel.

&bodt-4 (&bod:Lt using an FR network):

An embodiment will be described wherein the network inside the ICS according to the present invention is configured using an FR network. The present wbodiment will be described in the following order: (1) supplementary explanation of FR-re-lated conventional art, (2) description of cnents, (3) flow of packets using SW, (4) flow of packets using PVC, (5) one-on-N or N-on-one conninication using PVC, and (6) N-on- N canminication using PVC. With the present ent)odt, two types of methods using SVC or PVC may be used separately, or these may be used in conjunction. Description will be given regarding each of the cases of using SVC and PVC. Also, intra-corporation cxxti,Luiication service and inter-corporation camnmication service described in Effbodunent-1, and virtual dedicated llne service described in Entxxbnent-2, can both be realized with the access omtrc)l apparatus according to the present invention, so there is no need to consider these separately regarding network packet c=unication with the network within the ICS. Rather, in the present effbodimnt, these cannmication services will be described integrally. (1) Suppletary explanation of FR-related conventional art:

First, suppleffbentary explanation will be regarding FRrelated conventional art to the extent that is necessary to describe the present embDdinmt.

A frame relay consists of using cem=ication information units called packets with variable lengths to perform camn=ication and to specify the cannmication path for each packet. This is a conventional art which has been standardized in the ITUM.233 Reccmmendations and so forth which have realized accunulated exchange of packets within a circuit network, and also logic miltiplexing (a technique for nultiplexing a single physical line into a plurality of logic 1Jnes). The service using the above technique is referred to as Frame Mode Bearer Service (hereafter referred to as "FMBSw), and stipulated for FEBS are: the Frarne Switch Bearer Service (hereafter referred to as wF5BSO) wherein the other party to which connection is to be rnade is selected (SVC); and the Fraine Relay Bearer Service (hereafter referred to as nFRBSn) wherein the other party to which connection is to be rnade is fixed (PVC). The terrn RF Relay" generally only indicates FRBS (wFrarne Relay" in the narrow sense) at times, but with the present irmention, nFrarne Relayw is used as a term indicating all FM3S including and FRBS. In the event that only 71 FSBS is to be specifically indicated, the term nframe relay using SVCR w2- U 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 nframe relay in the wide sense RMBW will be referred to as FR, and packets transferred over an FR network will be called 0FR packets' in order to distinguish these from ICS packets.

As described earlier, with an FR network, a plurality of logic lines can be set m a physical line, these logic lines being referred to as logic channels. Identifiers appropriated to FR terminals connecting to both ends of the logic channels (an overal-1 reference to ccmn.inicat:lon equipment connected to the FR network and oanTaunicating using the FR network) in order to identify the logic chamels are called Data Link Comection Identifiers (hereafter referred to as "DLCIR). SM and PVC are stipulated to logic channels, depending m the way of setting. SM 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 terminal attempting to initiate communication, 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 nFR addressw), the FR addresses being systematized so as to be unique in the FR network, thereby enabling identification of each FR terminal. PVC is for fLxedly setting a call setting to the FR excimge, and can be vie as a virtual dedicated line fran the point 72 of the FR temninal.

Regarding 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 fomat which is me of these. Logic channel capabili i (channel capabilities) of the FR network include: Cammitted Infomation Rate (hereafter referred to as NCIRN) which is the infonnation transfer speed guaranteed at a nonnal 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 c=amcation packets over an FR network, as s in FIG.38. Reception of an FR packet results in reverse conversion, consisting of extracting and reproducing the cancation packet (ICS network packet) fran the FR packet as shown in FIG.38. Conversion of this FR packet has been standardized following the ITU-T RecmdatIons. Also, protocol headers within the FR packet user information have been standardized in RFC1490 of IETF. (2) Description of cnents:

FIGs.39 and 40 show a forth effbodinmt of the present invention. In the present effbodunent, the internal configuration of the access control apparatus and the operation of the processing device within the access control apparatus are basically the saw in principle as the description given in Edxxt-1.

73 Appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-5 are ICS network addresses R7711n and '7722w, 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 M3V and 07744n, serving as connection points for the corporations W and C, similarly. Appropriated to the access control apparatus 1010-6 are ICS network addresses 09922m and 09933R, serving as connection points for the corporations Y and B, and similarly appropriated to the access omtrol apparatus 1010-8 are ICS network addresses "9944' and "9955n, serving as connection points for the corporations Z and D. Here, in the whodiment 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 cammunication, or may be different corporations which perform the inter-corporation communication.

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 rectifying interfacing of the cammunication line 1812-5 connecting the access control apparatus 1010-5 and the FR exchange 101325, and the comionication line 1812-5 connecting the access control apparatus 1010-7 and the FR exchange 10132-5 (physical layers, data link layer protocol). The conversion unit 1032-5 is ccaprised 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 from 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 informtion processing device for storing the MC address conversion table, thereby perfog an information processing relating to address rersion. The components making up the FR exchange 10132-6 are the same as the description given regan. Ung the FR exdmge 10132-5. In the present embodiment, the access control apparatuses 1010-5 and 1010-7 are connectedto 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 camnxiication lines 1810-6 and 1810-8, respectively. An FR address n29770 unique to the network is set to the conversion unit 1032-5 within the FR exchange 10132-5, and an FR address R2999m unique to the network is set to the conversion unit 1032-6 within the FR exchange 10132-6. The FR exckianges 10132-5 and 10132-6 are connected via the FR relay network, but in the present enbDdmmt, connecting is made via the FR exchange 10132-7 representing the FR relay network. (3) Flow of packets using SM:

An ewbodunent wherein the network within an ICS is configured of an FR network, and SVC is applied as a communication path within the FR network, will be described with an example of an ICS user packet 0 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 oonversim 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 cemmicatian 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, sinuJ= registration is to the FR address conversion table 1532-6.

in the entxxlmmt, the values set in the FR address omversion table 1532-5 are as follows: H9922" which is the ICS network address,appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-6 is set as the c=unication address of the corporation Y, and the FR address n2999w which is uniquely appropriated to the conversim unit 1032-6 within the FR network is registered as the receiving FR address. In the present ewbodirmnt, a cc=unicat:lm speed of 64 Kbps 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 ER address cmversion 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 cemmication 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 is registered as the receiving FR address. In the present effbodiment, a canumication speed of 64 Kbps is set as the channel capabilities. 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 frm access control apparatus>> The ICS user packet sent toward the temrarial of the corporation Y comected 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 beemes an ICS network packet Fl having the transmitting ICS network address "7711" and the receiving ICS network address 09922" as an ICS packet header. The ICS network packet Fl is sent frm 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 cemmmicatim path. The following is a description thereof made with reference to the flowchart in FIG.43. <<Obtaining a MCI>>

Once the conversion unit 1032-5 receives the ICS network packet Fl(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 07711" and the receiving ICS network address 09922w in the ICS 77 packet header, in order to correctly transfer the received packet F1 to the FR exchange 10132-5. In the case that the ccnmmicatim is based on SW, there are cases that the logic channel corresponding with the =mmication 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 "7711w and a receiving ICS network address n9922" is registered in the MC address conversion table 14325(Step S1702). and in the event that there is registration here, estab]Lisbnmt of the logic channel can be thus confirffed. That is, the fact that the logic channel corresponding with the pair of transmitting ICS network address R7711n and receiving ICS network address N9922" is "16n is obtained, and further, it can be found that this logic channel is c=micating based m SM, fram the value 'RIO" of the channel type obtained at the saw time. In the event that there is no such registration m the MC address conversion table 1432-5, the requested logic channel is established with the latterdescribed <<call setting>>, and MCI is obtained frcxn the information registered to the MC address conversion table 1432-5 at that point (Step S1703). <<Call setting>> Regarding the abavenientioned case wherein nthere is no registration of a MCI corresponding with a c=uni-cations path determined by correspondence between a transmitting ICS network address and a receiving ICS network address on the MC address conversion table 1432-5', i.e., in the case that there is no MCI corresponding with this comnmications path established yet, it becames necessary to perform the following call setting, to establish a logic channel within the FR network capprising ICS 925. An example 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 "7711" and receiving ICS network address R9922w (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 09922n registered in the MC address conversion table 1532-5 matching the receiving ICS network address n9922w, and obtains transmitting FR address n2999n corresponding thereto and channel capabilities w6W corresponding thereto, and so forth (Step S1705). As described in the above <<Preparation>> section, this transmitting FR address w2999" 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 apparatus 1010-6 is connected, this access control apparatus 1010-6 having the ICS logic terminal provided with a receiving ICS network address w9922'.

The processing device 1232-5 uses the obtained transmitting FR 79 Rdl S w2999" to perform a request for call setting to the FR exchange 10132-5, and also requested at this time is channel ilities such as ccnimmication speed of the logic channel simultaneously obtained fr= 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 known 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 frm 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 known technique, the value notified fran the calling party FR exchange 10132-5 (e.g., "160) and the value notified fran the receiving party FR exchange 10132-3 (e.g., '26") may not be the sarne value. At the conversion unit 1032-5, the MCI "1C which is notified frctn the FR exchange 10132-5 is registered in the FR address conversion table 1432-5 along with the transinitting IQS network address 07711n and the receiving ICS network address "9922" (Step S1707), and stores these on 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 corr. pondLiiig with MCI n1C m the FR address conversion 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 apparatus 1010-5 into a FR packet shown in FIG.38 according to the logic chamel(DLCI u16m) established according the above description, and further performs the conversion into FR packets and transfers to the relay FR exchange 101327(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 transferred 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 FR packet S2 is transferred fran 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 fratn 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 '9922H in the header thereof, i.e., 81 to access control apparatus 1010-6 which has an ICS logic terminal appropriated with ICS network address R9922"(Step, S1712).

At this time, at the conversion unit 1032-6, the transmitting ICS network address "7711", the receiving ICS network address 09922R, the channel type "10- indicating the fact this is SM identified at the point of receiving the call, and MCI H260 appropriated at the tim of call setting of the SM logic channel are registered in the FR address conversion table 1432-6(Step S1714), and at this time. the transmitting ICS network address m7711" 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 09922w is written to the transmitting ICS network address of the FR 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 cmversion table 1432-6 identical to that regarding which registration is being attempted, no registration is made. The address conversion information registered in the FR address conversion table 1432-6 is stored m the MC address conversion table 1432-6 whi-le the connection of the logic channel having a correspmding logic channel (in this example, MCI '26') is established. <<Reverse packet flow>> Naw, description of the case of reverse flaw of the ICS packet, i.e., flow frem 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 description.

An ICS user packet sent out fran the corporation Y to the corporation X is ICS-encapsulated. upon passing through the access control - - l_q 1010-6 and is converted into an ICS network packet F3 having the transmitting ICS network address R99220 and the rving ICS network address '7711" 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 performed 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 R26w with a channel type n1ON which means SW, corresponding with transmitting ICS network address n9922R and receiving ICS network address 077110, so the system operates following the flaw (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 "261.

The FR packet S3 is relayed and transfe=red by the relay FR exchange 10132-5, becaTe FR packet S4 and r 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 "9922n and the receiving ICS network address "7711n 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 riot performed, and the ICS network packet F4 is transferred to the access control appar-atus 10105. <<Example of application to half-duplex conmmication>> The above description has been made with reference to cases wherein an ICS packet is ransferred frm the corporation, X to the corporation Y, and reverse fnn 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 SM 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 from a client terminal of the corporation X to be connected to the ICs (transfer), and a response packet to the request packet fiat the client texminal of the corporation X to server temninal of the corporation Y (reverse transfer) results in an application example of half-duplex ccmmmlcatim in which me-way ccmamcatim is performed at tims, and both-way cciatiunicatim is realized by switching the ccffnimication direction by time frames. <<Example of application to fill 1 -duplex emmmication>>

The logic channel set m the FR network is capable of fill] lax cataimication., i.e., simultaneous both-way connunication, due to the FR stipulations. For wmaple, applying the transfer and reverse transfer to request packets to a plurality of server tenmxu-dz of the corporation. Y to be connected to the ICS frcin a plurality of client teminals of the corporation X to be connected to the ICS 84 (transfer), and response packets to the request packets fran the plurality of client terndnals of the corporation X to the plurality of server terminals of the corporation Y (reverse transfer) results in asynchronous transfer of packets between the client terminals and the server terminals, so sinultaneous both-way caummication is conducted m the single SVC logic channel serving as the comminication path, thereby making for an application example of ful-l-duplex camamication. (4) Flaw of packets using PVC:

An effbodmmt wtm-ein the network within the ICS 925 is configured with an FR network and PVC is applied as a comnmication path within the FR network will be described with an example of an ICS user packet sent frcin a terminal of the corporation W toward a terminal of the corporation Z. <<Preparation>> A transmitting ICS network address of an ICS network packet to be transferred to the FR network fram the conversion unit 1032-5, a receiving ICS address, the MCI of the PVC fixed on the FR network (indicating the camenication path between the FR exc=ge 10132-5 and the FR exchange 10132-6), and the Channel type indicating that the MCI is PVC, are registered in the PR address conversion table 1432-5. This registration is different from the case of SW, in that registration is made in the FR address cmversion table 1432-5 at the same time that the PVC logic channel is set in the FR exckmges (10132-5, 10132-5, 10132-6) serving as the camumication path, and is saved in a fixed manner while the camn=cation path is necessary, i. e., until 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. manner. 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 cormersion table 1432-5 are as follows: value '773Y which is the transmitting ICS network address.appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-7 is set as the ceffnxmicatim address of the corporation W, and value "994C which is the receiving ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-8 is set as the comn=catIon address of the corporation Z. Further, PVC logic channel ID -1C which is appropriated to the FR exchange 10132-5 is set as the MCI, and value "20n 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, similar settings are made in the MC address conversion table 1432-6 in the conversion unit 1032-6 in the PR 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 impl-led, 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 terminal of the access control apparatus 86 1010-8 is set as the camimication address of the corporation, Z, and value R7733n which is the receiving ICS network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal of the access control apparatus 1010-7 is set as the camninication, address of the corporation W. Further, PVC logic channel ID w28- which is aan-op=ted to the FR wge 10132-6 is set as the MCI, and value "20" 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 fram 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 dimugh the access control apparatus 1010-7, and becomes an ICS network packet F5 having the transmitting ICS network address n7733w and the receiving ICS network address 09944n as an ICS packet header. The ICS network packet F5 is sent from the access control apparatus 1010-7 to the FR exchange 10132-5, and reaches the conversion unit 1032-5. <<Obtaining a DLCI>> The processing device 1232-5 refers to the MC address conversion table 1432-5 using the transmitting ICS network address R7733n and the receiving ICS network address R9944' in the header of the received network packet F5, and obtains the fact that the MCI identifying the logic channel set as a canmnication path for this ICS 87 network address pair is "18n. At the same time, it can be found that this logic channel is PVC, from the value w20n of the channel type obtained. <<Transfer of packet>> The processing device 1232-5 cormerts the ICS network packet F5 received frctn the access control apparatus 1010-7 into an FR frame, and transfers it to FR exchange 10132-7, with regard to the PVC logic channel "18w obtained as described above. The method of FR packet conversion is the same as that described above in the entxxlt of SW. The above processing procedures of the conversion unit 1032-5 are as shown in FIG.43, and PVC always follows the flow (1). <<Transfer of FR packet>> The FR packet S1 comprised of a plurality of cells obtained by converting the ICS network packet F5 is transferred frcin the FR exchange 10132-5 to the relay FR exchange 10132-5, and further is transferred to the FR exge 10132-6 as FR packet S2. This operation is the same as with SW. <<0tim following arrival of packet>> Once the FR packet S2 reaches the FR exchange 10132-6, this FR packet S2 is transferred fran 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 same as with SW. 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 packet F6 is transferred to an access control apparatus determined by the receiving ICS network address "994C in the header thereof, i.e., to access control apparatus 1010-8 which has an ICS logic terminal appropriated with the ICS network address w99441. The above processing procedures of the conversion unit 1032-6 are as shown in FIG.44, and PVC always follows the flaw (1). <<Reverse packet flow>> Next, description of the case of reverse flow of the ICS packet, i.e., flow fram the corporation Z to the corporation W, will be made, w-Lth an PVC logic channel as the c=tunication path. An ICS user packet sent out fram the corporation Z to the corporation W is ICSencapsulated into an ICS network packet F7 having the transmitting ICS network address R9944n and the receiving ICS network address 07733w 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 shown 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 '28w corresponding with the transmitting ICS network address 09944w and the receiving ICS network address n7733n, so the systern converts the ICS network packets F7 into an FR packet and transfers, w:lth regard to MCI w28

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 01C, 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 net address w9944% and the receiving ICS network address "7733w 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 "18n as to this address pair is channel type '20w 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. <<Eble of application to half-duplex camnmicatim>> The above description has been made w-Lth reference to an embodmrent of transferring an ICS packet using PVC with a network within ICS 925 having been configured of an FR network, but the cliTerence between PVC and the earlier-described SM 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 mmiunication using an FR network with a PVC logic channel is the same as an example of application to half -duplex communication using a SM logic channel. <<Ex"le of application to full-duplex ccminication>>

Due to the same reason as that regarding the example of application to full-duplex m=nication, an example of application to PVC fill 1 -duplex camimication is the same as an eple of application to SW fl 111 -duplex cmmnicatim. (5) One-on-N or Won-one camunication using PVC:

In the above example, an entxxlurL-nt was described wherein one logic channel was described as a camiunication path connecting one corporation (location) with me corporation (location), i.e., a ccratunication path connecting me ICS logic tenninal with one ICS logic tenninal, but me PVC logic channel can be used as a ccffffunication path connecting one ICS logic tenninal with a plurality of ICS logic tenninals. Such One-on-N or Won-one cammication will be described with reference to FIGs.45 and 46. <<Description of carpments>>

The corporation X is connected with an ICS logic temmnal within the access control apparatus 1010-10 provided with the ICS network address w7711m, and the access control apparatus 1010-52 is connected to the FR exchange 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 terminal within the access control apparatus 1010-62 provided with the ICS network address N9922w, and the corporation B is connected to an ICS logic term within the access control apparatus 1010-62 provided with the ICS network address R9923' In the same manner, the corporation C is connected to an ICS logic tenninal within the access control apparatus 1010-82 provided with the ICS network address '99440, 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 1010-62 and 101082 are connected to the FR exchange 10132-62, and the FR excmge 10132- 52 and FR e-xge 10132-62 are connected via a relay network. <<Preparation> > With regard to the FR exchanges 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 -16n as the MCI provided to the conversion unit 1032-52 of the logic channel, and n2C as the MCI provided to the conversion unit 1032-62 of the logic channel. Registration such as shown 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 flow for one-on-N cmTmmication> > The flow of packet for one-on-N canrunication will be described conceming packet sent frem the corporation X to each of the corporations A through D. An ICS network packet sent frcrn the corporation X toward the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address 7711n and a receiving network address R9922u, is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI H 1C, by means of making reference to the MC address conversion table 1432-62 in the conversion unit 103252. An ICS network packet sent fram the corporation X toward the 92 corporation B, having a transmitting ICS network address n7711' and a receiving network address R9933R, is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI "16w. An ICS network packet sent frem the corporation X toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address "7711" and a receiving network address 09944n, and an ICS network packet sent frcrn the corporation X toward the corporation D, having a transmitting ICS network address n7711w and a receiving network address R99550 are transferred to the PVC logic Channel with a MCI w16n in the same manner. This indicates that one-on-N (the corporation X to the corporations A through D) cnication is being performed while sharing a single PVC logic channel. Reverse packet flow, i.e., transfer frczn the corporations A through D to the corporation X, will be described next. <<Packet flow for Won-one cannmication>> The flow of packet for Won-one ccmmnication 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 fran the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS networkaddress -9922- and a receiving network address R7711n, is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI "26', by ffeans of naking 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 R993Y and a receiving network address n7711n, is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI "2C. An ICS network 93 packet sent toward the corporation X fran the corporation C, having a tz msmitting ICS network address "9944n and a receiving network address 077110, and An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X frcxn the corporation D, having a transmitting ICS network address "9955n and a receiving network address 07711n are transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI n2C in the same manner. This indicates that N-on-one (the corporations A through D to the corporation X) cat&LLniicatim is being perfonred while sharing a single PVC logic ch annel. (6) N-m-N canninication using PVC:

Using the same nethod. as one-on-N cenminication, one PVC logic channel can be used as a convunication path connecting a plurality of ICS logic terminals with a plurality of ICS logic terminals. Such Non-N c=unication will be described with reference to FIGs. 47 and 48. <<Description of cnents>>

The corporation X has ICS logic tendnal address "7711" of the access control apparatus 1010-13 as the contact point thereof, the corporation Y has ICS logic terminal address R7722n 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 w9922n of the access control apparatus 1010-23 as the contact point thereof, the corporation Y has ICS logic terminal address n994C of the access 94 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 are connected via a reJay 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 -16n as the MCI provided to the conversion unit 1032-13 of the logic channel, and n26n 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 perforwed 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 flaw for N-m-N ccnvunication>> The flow of packets for N-m-N camTunication 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 R7711n and a receiving network address w9922n, is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI "16n, by neans of making reference to the MC address conversion table 1432-13 in the conversion unit 1032-13. An ICS network packet sent frcin the corporation X toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address 07711n and a receiving network address 09944n, is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI '1V. Next, the flow of packet will be described concerning packets sent frem the corporation Y to each of the corporations A and C. An ICS network packet sent fram the corporation Y toward the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address n7722R and a receiving network address "9922", is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI R16R, by means of making reference to the MC address conversion table 1432-13 in the conversion unit 1032-13. An ICS network packet sent frern the corporation Y toward the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address R7722" and a receiving network address "994C, is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI H16R.

* Next, reverse packet flaw 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 fran the corporation A, having a transmitting ICS network address w99220 and a receiving network address 07711w, is transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI NW, by means of making reference to the MC 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 09922" and a receiving network address 07722u, is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI w26n. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation X fram the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address "994C and a receiving network address R7711m, is transferred to the PVC 96 logic channel with a MCI R26R. An ICS network packet sent toward the corporation Y frczn the corporation C, having a transmitting ICS network address R99440 and a receiving network address n7722m, is also transferred to the PVC logic channel with a MCI R26n. Thus, N-m-N cammanication is performed while sharing a single PVC logic channel.

Effibodiment-5 (Contairnent of telephone line, ISDN line, CATV Line, satellite Line, IM lin, cellular phone line):

AS described in Effibodiment-l and Embodiment-2, connection to access control apparatuses which serve as access points is not limited to ccmminication 1 to LANs (dedicated lines, etc.), but rather, telephone lines, ISDN lines, CATV lines, satellite lines, IM 1 and cell ul ar phone lines may also be contained. The foUg is a description of an embodiment.

FIG.49 thruugh 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. M line conversion units 6026-1 and 6026-2, and cellular phone line conversion units 6025-1 and 6025-2. The telephone line conversion units 6030-1 and 6030-2 have capabilities for conversion and reverse-canversim equivalent to physical layers and data Link layers (first layer and second layer of OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) c=unication 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 capabilities for conversion and reverse-cmversion equivalent to physical layers and data link 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 ties for conversion and reverse-conversion equivalent to physical layers and data Link layers between the CATV lines 6162-1 and 6162-2 and the access control apparatuses 6010-1 and 6010-2. Purther, 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 1 61631 and 6163-2 and the access control apparatuses 6010-1 and 6010-2, and the M conversion units 6026-1 and 60262 have capabilities for conversion and reverse-conversion equivalent to physical layers and data Unk layers between the M lines 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 link layers between the cellular phone wireless 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 follg the RFC791 or RFC1883 stipulations, without change 98 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 format and outputs. The FR network 6041 accepts ICS network packets and converts these to FR format 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 canmmication network 6043 accepts ICS network packets and transfers the information using the satellite, and at the end reverseconverts 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. <<Carrnm 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 nlR indicates intra-corporation service, value n2n indicates inter- corporation service, value n3n indicates virtual dedicated line connection, and value 'C indicates ICS server connection. The conversion table 6013-1 contains addresses registered 99 therein with the same method as that des= in Embodiment-1 and Effibodiment-2. The ICS network server 670 has an ICS user add ss of w2000w and an ICS network address of R7821m, and is connected to the access control apparatus 6010-1 via ICS ocmmmications line 6081-1. The conversion table 6013-1 contains the receiver ICS user address n20000 of the ICS network server 670, receiving ICS network address of -7821- and request identification of -C.

The operation thereof is described with reference to FIG.54. <<Camunication frcxn a telephone line to an ISDN line>> The user 6060-1 sends out the ICS user frame F110 with a sender ICS user address R3400n and a receiver ICS user address "2500w 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 from the telephone line conversion unit 6030-1 with the ICS network address n7721n(Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address 07721n is registered m the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated Line connection w3N(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 N250OR is registered on the cmversion table 6013-l(Step S1803) and that the request identification has been registered as intercorporation ccmnmicatim "2"(Step, S1804). In this case, the registration has been made, so the receiving ICS network address w5522n is obtained frcxn the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to the inter- corporation caffm=cation is performed, (Step S1805), the ICS user packet F110 is ICS-enmted (Step S1820), converted into an ICS network packet F120, and sent to the ICS packet transfer network 6030 via ICS network cammnication line 6080-1 (Step S1825). <<Ccffm.mication from an ISDN line to a CATV line>> The user 6061-1 sends out the ICS user packet F111 with a sender ICS user address 0350Ou and a receiver ICS user address 0260OR 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 from the ISDN line conversion unit 6031-1 with the ICS network address R7722n (Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address '7722n ls registered m the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection 13R(Step S1801). In this case, the registration has been made, so the receiving ICS network address 05523n is obtained frcxn the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to dedicated line connection is perforffed(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 canrunication, 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 ICS network ccnTmmicatim line 6080-2 for example, is reversely Icsencapsulated and restored into the ICS user packet Fill, 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". <<CcmTunication from a CATV line to a satellite lim>> The user 6062-1 sends out the ICS user packet F112 with a sender ICS user address "360OR and a receiver ICS user address '2700' 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 frcxn the CATV line conversion unit 6032-1 with the ICS network address w7723m (Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address %7723" is registered on the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection u3"(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 w27000 is registered m the conversion table 6013-l(Step S1803) and that the request identification has been registered as intercorporation communication "2w(Step S1804). In this case. the registration has been made as inter-corporatlon conamcation "2w, so the receiving ICS network address "5524" is obtained frcin the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intercorporation communication is performed(Step S1805), the ICS user packet F112 is ICS-encapsulated(Step S1820), converted into an ICS network packet F122, and sent to the ICS packet transfer network 630 102 via ICS network cammnication line 6080-l(Step S1825). The ICS network packet F122 reaches the access control apparatus 6010-2 via the ATM network 6042 and the ICS network cammunication 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 add ss n270Ow. <<Ccnwunicatim fram a satellite line to an M line>> The user 6063-1 sends out the ICS user packet F113 with a sender ICS user address N3700' and a receiver ICS user address 2800w 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 frcm the satellite line conversion unit 6027-1 with the ICS network address R772C(Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address "772C is registered m the conversion 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 02800n is registered m the conversion table 6013-l(Step S1803) and that the request identification has been registered as intercorporation camunication '20(Step S1804). In this case, the registration has been made as inter-corporation com=cation n2 so the receiving ICS network address R5525n is obtained fran the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intercorporation cammication is performed(Step S1805), the ICS user packet F113 is ICS-enca ted(Step S1820), converted into an ICS 103 network packet F123, and sent to the ICS frame transfer network 6030 via ICS network c=unication 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 communication line 60802 for example, is reversely ICS-encapsulated and restored into the ICS user packet F113. and reaches the user 6064-2 with the receiving ICS network address "28000. <<Czncation frm 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 M12" and a receiver ICS user address "2900m 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 "7725R (Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address '7725' is registered m the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection n3"(Step S1801). In this case, the registration has not been mde, so next, the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks that the receiver ICS user address "290OR written in the ICS user packet F114 is registered on the conversion table 6013-1(Step S1803) and that the request identification has been registered as inter-corporation convunication "2" (Step S1804). In this case, the registration has not been as inter-corporation ccnmrdcatim 12", so the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks whether the registration has been Made as:intra corporation canumication uln(Step S1810). In this case, the 104 I,- 0 registration has been made as intra-corporation cencation nl ' so the receiving ICS network address 0552C is obtained fran the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intracorporation a=amication is performed(Step S1811), the ICS user packet F113 is ICS- encapsulated(Step, S1820), cormerted into an ICS network packet F124, and sent to the ICS packet transfer network 6030 via ICS network mmminication 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 cammication Line 6080-2 for example, is reversely ICS-encapsulated and restored into the ICS user packet F114, and reaches the user 6065-2 with the receiv:ing ICS network address "2900". <<Ccmrunication frcm a cellular telephone line to a telephone line>> The user 6065-1 sends out the ICS user packet F115 with a sender ICS user address n3800w and a receiver ICS user address w2400" 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 cellulw telephone line conversion unit 6035-1 with the ICS network address n77260(Step S1800), and checks whether or not the ICS network address 07726m is registered on 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 n2400n written in the ICS user packet F115 is registered m the conversion table 6013-1(Step S1803) and that the request identification has been registered as inter-corporation canymmication R2"(Step S1804). In this case, the registration has been made as inter-corporation cnication, "2n, so the receiving ICS network address 05521n is obtained fran the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intra-corporation ccncation is perfomed(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 commmication 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 network commication line 6080-2 for example, is reversely ICS- ed and restored into the ICS user packet F115, and reaches the user 6060-2 with the receiving ICS network address "240On.

<<Ccimunication fran a cellular telephone line to an ICS network server>> The user 6066-1 sends out the ICS user packet F116 w:th a sender ICS user address n3980n and a receiver ICS user address n20000 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 frcxn 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 R772C is registered m the conversion table 6013-1 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection R3n(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 n2000n written in the ICS user packet F116 is registered m the conversion table 6013-l(Step S1803) and that the request identification has been registered as inter-corporation comwdcation w2w(Step S1804). In this case, the registration has not been nade so the access control apparatus 6010-1 checks whether or not the request identification is registered as intra-corporation canrunication nl" (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 server "C(Step S1812). In this case, the registration has been mde as inter-corporation camunication n2w, so the receiving ICS network address n8721" is obtained fran the conversion table 6013-1, processing such as billing related to intra-corporation comninication is perfonned(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 tfie sending side to select any of the following m the receiving side: telephone line, ISDN line, CATV line, satel 1 i te Line, M line, or cellular phone line; regardless of whether the sending side is arry of the following: telephone line, ISDN line, CATV line, satellite line, M Line, or cellular phone Line.

Embodirrent-6 (Dial-up router):

107 An example of using a dial-up router will be described with reference to FIG.55 through FIG.57. A user 7400-1 within a LAN 7400 has an ICS user address "2500", and similarly, a user 7410-1 within a LAN 7410 has an ICS user address '36010. 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 frctn the receiver ICS user address and the order or priority thereof from 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 "3601" has been specified, the highest m the priority list is telephone number "03-1111-lllln, No.2 m the priority list is telephone number "032222-2222", and No.3 m the priority list is telephone number -03-33333333'. The receiver ICS user addresses n3602w and n3700n are also registered in the same manner. Here, reference will be made to the flowchart shown in FIG.59 as an example of conmmication from the sender ICS user address "2500" to the receiver ICS user address R3601w.

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 ccmanication line 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 w3601w included in the ICS user packet F200, searches the router table 7113-1 with the address "3601" included in the ICS user packet F200 as the search keyword(Step S1902), 108 and finds the telephone number with high pr-iority. In this case, the telephone number highest m the priority list is '03-1111-1111, as Shown in the router table in FIG.58, so the dial-up router 7110 dials the telephone number -03-1111-1111' via the telephone network as the first atternpt(Step S1910). As a result, a telephone ccnmmication path 7201 with the line portion 7011-1 of the access control apparatus 7010-1 which is called by the telephone number n03-1111-1111 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 dlal-up router 7110 and the line portion 7011-1 are not connected by a telephone line, dial-up router 7110 finds the telephone number n032222-2222n that is second in priority, and dials the telephone number '03-2222-22220 via the telephone network as the first attempt(Step S1911). As a result, a telephone c^unication path 7202 with the line portion 7011-1 of the access control apparatus 7010-1 which is called by the telephone number "03-2222-2222n is established. Also, in the event that the flial-up router 7110 and the Line unit 7011-1 are not connected by a telephone line, the dial-up router 7110 finds the telephone number w03-3333-3333w that is third in priority, and dials the telephone number w03-3333-33330 via the telephone network as the third atteffpt(Step S1911). As a result, a telephone cammunication path 7203 with the Line portion 7011-3 of the access control apparatus 7010-3 which is called by the telephone number "03-3333-3333" 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 nultiple attempts, the dial-up router 7110 stores the received ICS packet F200 in a memory 7117-l(Step S1913), s reference again to the router table(Step S1902) after a certain amount of tirne(Step S1914), and attempts establLst of telephone,communication path 7201, 7202 or 7203.

Next, description will be made regard=g the operations following the connection of the aforementioned dial-up router 7110 and the line portion 7011-1. The di;g] -up router 7110 enters verification procedures for dete=dn:Lng whether this is an author:Lzed 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 dialup router are sent from the dial-up router 7110 to the Line portion 7011 via the telephone line 7201 the verifying unit 7016-1 of the access control apparatus 7010-1 checks 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,:L.e., communication data noti:fying Raffinnative confirmationn is sent to the dial-up router 7110 via the telephone communication 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 tenninated.

Upon receiving notification of 'affirmtive confinmtion" fram the telephone line 7201 in user verification, the dial-up router 7110 sends the ICS user packet F200 to the telephone communication path 7201 (Step S1930), and when the confirmation has been n that the access control apparatus 7010-1 has received the ICS user packet F200, releases the telephone ccmmaicatim path 7201 and hangs up(Step S1931), thus completing the abave-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 canytmication Iine 7301 within the ICS 7100. In the present entKKUmmt, the transmitting ICS network address for the ICS network packet F301 is 07501' which is a network address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal within the line portion 7011-1, and the receiving ICS network address is "8601n appropriated to the ICS logic texndnalwithin the access control apparatus 7010-2. The ICS network packet F301 is transferred a cro ss 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 H3601H via the user logic comurkication line 7601.

In the above description, in the event that a telephone communication path 7202 called by the telephone nwter -03-2222-2222is established between the clial -up router 7110 and the line portion 7011-1 of the access control apparatus 7010-1, the ICS user packet F200 is transferred from the dial-up router 7110 to the line portion 7011-1 via the telephone communication path 7202. In this case also, upon receiving the ICS user packet F200, the access control apparatus ill 7010-1 performs the ICS encapsulation to generate an ICS network packet F302, which is sent out into the ICS network camunication Line 7301 within the ICS 7100. Now, the transinitting user address for the ICS user packet F302 is "75020, and the receiving ICS user address, N86010.

Also, in the event that a telephone cc=nication path 7203 called by the telephone number "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 fran the flial-up router 7110 to the Line portion 7011-3 via the telephone caL,LLaziication path 7203. In this case, upon receiving the ICS user packet F200, the access oontrol apparatus 7010-3 perform the ICS encapsulation to generate an ICS network packet F303, which is sent out into the ICS network c=ramication line 7303 within the ICS 7100. In this case, the transmitting user address for the ICS user packet F303 is "78000 which is a network address provided to an ICS logic tem within the line portion 7011-3, and the receiving ICS user address is n8601n, which is a network address provided to an ICS logic tenninal within the line portion 7010-2. The ICS network packet F303 is transferred across the ICS 7100 and reaches the access control karatus 7010-2, where it is reversely ICS-encapsulated and reaches the user 7410-1 with the ICS user address R3601w via the user logic nunication line 7601.

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

In the present entxxbzmt shown in FIG. 60 0 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 nam administration server 13000-1 has a processing device 130001-1, a corre,lation table 13002-1 and an ICS name converting table 13003-1, and further is appropriated an ICS network address w9801w which can be uniquely distinguished within the ICS.

The other ICS address name administration servers 13000-2, 13000-3 and 13000-4 also have the sarne capabilities as the ICS address narne 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 R9802n, n9803n and w9804n, each c=unicating one with another using ICS network cnication functions, and each capable of exchanging the information that another ICS address nam adblinistration server has. The ICS address name VAN representative administration server 13020-1 has an ICS network address R9805n, and another ICS address nam VAN representative administration server 13020-2 has an ICS network address '9806w, these caffnunicating with a great many ICS address name administration servers and other ICS address nam VAN representative administration servers using ICS network canm=cation functions, and each capable of exchanging the information that each other has. The ICS address nam VAN representative administration server 13020-1 has a processing 113 1,--- 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 server 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 embodiment may be formed by grouping the correlation 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.

Rg)odt-8 (Full-duplex comnmication including satellite connzlication Path: Part l): <<Cmfigur,ation of user. data providing corporation, communication satellite, etc. >> The present embodiment performs a type of fill 1 -duplex cemmmication by ining a satellite's transmitting functions and IP communication functions. In the present embodiment, wIP terminalm indicates a terminal or computer which has functions of sending and receiving IP packets.

Description will be made with reference to FIG.61. The Present embodiment is ccnprised of: ICS 16000-1; access control apparatuses

114 16100-1, 16110-1 and 16120-1; data priaviding corporation 16200-1; IP terminal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation; satellite sion corporation 16300-1; IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation; database 16320-1 of the satellite transmission corporation; satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 of the satellite transmission corporation; commLmication satellite 164001; users 16500-1, 16510-1 and 16520-1; IP terminals 16501-1, 16511-1 and 16521-1 of each user; satellite rvers 16502-1, 16512-1 and 16522-1 of each user; satellite electric wave c=unication lines 16600-1, 16610-1, 16620-1 and 16630-1; and user logic commianication Lines 16710-1, 16720-1, 16730-1 and 16740-1. The IP temninals 16210-1, 16501-1, 16511-1 and 16521-1 each have ICS user addresses n3000', u2300", w2400n and "2500n, and are respectively connected to the access control apparatuses 16100-1, 16120-1, 16120-1 and 16110-1, via usex logic camamication lines. The IP terminal 16310-1 can be classified as an ICS network server, having an ICS special number "4300", and connected to the access control apparatus 16100-1 via the ICS network ammiunication Line within the ICS 16000-1. Electric wave transmitted fram the satellite transmitter 16330-1 transfer information via the satellite electric wave cnication path 16600-1, the electric wave is received by satellite receivers 16502-1. 16512-1 and 16522-1, the received data being delivered to the IP te=minals 16501-1, 16511-1 and 16521-1. The present embodiment is characterized by the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 having satellite communication functions.

<Oreparation: Description of conventional art>>

In order to describe the present embodiffent, first, known TCP and UDP cammication technology will be explained. FIG.62 ls an example of flillduplex ccffmziicatim using TCP, wherein a commicatIng party 1 sends a synchronous packet #1, and a micating party 2 returns a confirming packet #2 upon receiving the first packet. Commnication procedures wherein such packets #1 and #2 are sent and received is referred to as TCP connection establishment phase. Next, both cemmicating parties send and receive packets #3-1, C-2, #3-3 and #3-4, and conmnication procedures Win such, sending and receiving of packets is performed 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. Caff=ication procedures wherein such packets #4 and #5 are sent and received is referred to as TCP connection ending phase. Besides the above WP conTunication procedures, there are camiunication procedures called UDP, cOmprised of data transfer alone. An exarnple is shown in FIG.62, UDP is characterized in cemparison with TCP by the absence of the TCP connection establislt and connection ending phases.

The con=mication procedures according to the present embodiment will be made with reference to FIGs. 61 and 63. In the following the aforementioned TCP technology full-duplex ccmnmication is employed except for the cases of transmission instruction to satellite transmission equipment (#6 and #14 in FIG.63) and 'data transmission" using electric wave fran 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 connection establishment phase and TCP connection ending phase are omitted frcxn the drawing and fran description thereof.

The IP terminal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 162001 obtains ndata to be providedn frcxn the database 16220-1 thereof and sends it to the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 which can be identified by the ICS special number R4300%, 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 Mata to be providedn in Its database 16320-1. 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 "3000w(#2). The IP terminal 16210-1 returns a "reply packetw(#3), the IP terminal 16501-1 receives this -reply packetw, and then sends a wrequest packetn to the IP terminal 162101(#4). When the IP terminal 16210-1 receives the nrequest packetw, it sends a ntransmission instruction Packetn to the IP terminal 16310-1 (#5). When the IP terminal 16310-1 receives the ninstruction packetn, it instructs transmission of the "data to be providedw saved in the database 16220-1(#6). The satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 emits the Rdata to be providedn as electric wave toward the ccnTmmicatim satellite 16400-1 (fixst half of V), the canmnication satellite 16400-1 amplifies the received Mata to be provide& and emits it (latter half of #7), the satellite receiving equipment 16502- 117 1 receives the ndata to be provideW as electric wave, and hands it to the IP terminal 16501-1. Thus, the IP terminal 16501-1 obtains the wdata to be providedn via the camnmication satellite 16400-1, and sends a nreception confirmation packet" to the IP terminal 16210-1 of the corporation 16200-1 providing the Rdata to be pravidedn(#8). Next, the IP terminal 16210-1 sends a reception confirmation packetR 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 abave- desc=bed TCP canamication technology, and the TCP data transfer phase alone is shown and des=bed.

Next, the procedures #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16 and #17 shown in FIG.63 are almst the same as the above procedures, the difference in this example being that instead of the user 16500-1. the IP tendnal 16501-1 and the satellite receiving equipment 16502-1, another user 16510-1, IP te=dxial 16511-1 and satellite receiving equipment 16512-1 are used, and the present embodiment is capable of transferring Mata to be provided" to a plurality of users.

The above-described comiLmication procedures shall be described with reference to FIG.64. The sending of an nirtcj pacjmtgg(#2), returning a nreply packetw(#3), sending of a nrequest packetn(#4), "data transimissionn by satellite communication(V), and sending "reception confirmation packet"(#8) in FIG.64 corresponds with the sending of an "inquiry packetn(#2), returning a nreply packetn(#3), sending of a wrequest packetn(#4), ndata transmissionn by satellite ccgLamxnication(#7), and sending %reception confirmation packetw(#8) in 118 FIG. 63. From the above description, in the event that the satellite caummicatian corporation 16300-1 and the data providing corporation 162001 are viewed as an integrated camiunication function unit (hereafter referred to as an "integrated communication entityo). The user in FIG. 64 can be considered to be performing full-duplex commication with the aforementioned integrated cemn=cation entity. <<Variation m above ewbodt>>

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

First, the IP texminal 16501-1 of the user 16500-1 sends an winquiry packetn to the IP terminal 16210-1 which can be identified with the ICS user address n30000 (#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 packeto, and then sends a nrequest packetn to the IP terminal 16210-1(#3). When the IP terminal 16210-1 receives the "request packet", it sends Mata to be provide& frern the database 16220-1 thereof to the IP terminal 16310-1 which can be identified by the ICS special number n43000(#4), and also sends a "transmission instruction packet" to the IP terminal 16310-1(#5).

The satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 stores the received ndata to be providedn in its database 16320-1, and instructs transmission of the saved "data to be provided"(#6). The satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 emits the Mata to be providedn as electric wave toward the c^nication satellite 16400-1 (first half 119 of V), the ccffmjnication satellite 16400-1 amplifies the received Mata to be provideT and emits lt (latter half of #7), the satellite receiving equit 16502-1 receives the Mata to be provided" as electric wave, and hands it to the IP terminal 16501-1. Thus, the IP terminal 16501-1 obtains the Rdata to be providedn via the mmunication satellite 16400-1, and sends a nreception confirmation packetu to the IP terminal 16210-1 of the corporation 16200-1 providing the Rdata to be providedn(#8). Next, the IP tendnal 16210-1 sends a Oreception confirmation packeC 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 sane as the above procedures, the difference in this example being that instead of the user 16500-1, the IP te=dnal 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 entx)dumnt>> In the above two effibodiments, TCP technology full-duplex ceffumication is employed, 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 frem the drawings and frcxn description thereof. In the entxxbnent to be described now, UDP c^nication 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.

<<kiother variation m above entodnbent>> Another version will be described with reference to FIG.66. In FIG.61, the sateLUte 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 temninal 16310-1 being provided with an ICS special number R4300 As eaq:) to this, in the example shown in FIG.66, the satelli e 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 R3900' The data providing corporation 16200-1 and users 16500-1, 16510-1, 16520-1 are capable of sending and receiving of IP 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 IP frames can be performed in ination with satellite cammt=cation with the example in FIG.66 just as with that in FIG.61.

EffibOdiMent-9 (Full-duPlex cmmmication including satellite cmnmication path: Part 2):

The present embodiment is another variation of Embodiment-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 c=mication procedures are different. Also, TCP tology ful 1 duplex COMUMicatim will be ewployed, but FIG. 67 only illustrates the TCP data transfer phase.

The IP terminal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 162001 obtains Rdata to be providedw from the database 16220-1 thereof and sends this to the IP terminal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission poxation 16300-1 which can be identified by the ICS special number "430OR, using the IP frame transmission functions of the ICS (#1 in FIG.67, the &we hereafter). The satellite transmission cration 16300-1 stores the received Rdata 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 framen to the IP texmAnal 16501-1 of the user 16500-1(#2). Upon receiving the ntransmissiOn notification PaCkeC, the IP terminal 16501-1 returns a ' transmission consent packetn to the IP terminal 16210-1(#3). When the IP terminal 16210-1 receives the ntransmission consent packet., it sends a ntransmission instruction packetn to the IP ten 163101(#4). When the IP tendnal 16310-1 of the satellite transmission corporation 16300-1 receives the "transmission instruction packet., it instructs transmission of the ndata to be provideffl saved in the database 16220-1(#5). The satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 emits the Rdata to be provided" as electric wave toward the comninication satellite 16400-1(first half of #6), the ommljnicatim 122 satellite 16400-1 amplifies the received "data to be provideW and emits itUatter half of #6), the satellite receiving equipment 16502-1 receives the Rdata to be provideW as electric wave, and hands it to the IP terminal 16501-1. Thus, the IP terminal 16501-1 obtains the ndata to be providedw via the c=unication satellite 16400-1, and sends a wreception confirmation packetn to the IP teminal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 16200-1 providing the Rdata to be provi-dedw(#7).

The above-described ccmmrdcation procedures shall be described with reference to FIG.68. The sending of an ntransmission notification packet"(#2), the returning of a "transmission consent packet"(#3), Mata transmission" by satellite camunication (#6), and the sending of Rreception confirmation packetw(#7) in FIG.68 correspond with the sending of an "transmission notification frame"(#2), the returning of a "transmission consent packet"(#3), wdata transmissionw by satellite cammunicatim(#6), and the sending of -reception confirmation packet-(#7) in FIG.67, respectively. From 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 emm=catim function unit (hereafter referred to as an nintegrated. mmiunication entityo), the user 16500-1 in FIG.68 can be considered to be performing full-duplex communication with the aforwentioned. integrated communication entity. <<Another variation m above effbodunent>>

Next, a variation of the above embodiment wherein only a portion of the comTunication procedures has been changed shall 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 packetn to the IP tenninal. 16501-1 of the user 16500-1 (#1 in FIG.69: the same hereafter). Upon receiving the "transrnissim notification packetn, the IP terminal 16501-1 returns a "transmission consent packet- to the IP terminal 16210-1(#2). When the IP tenTdnal 16210-1 receives the ntransmission consent packetw, it obtains Mata to be providedn fran the database 16220-1 thereof and sends this to the IP teaniinal 16310-1 of the satellite transrnission corporation 16300-1 which can be identified by the ICS special nuct)er n43000(#3) and further sends a ntransmission instruction ptn to the IP terminal 16310-1(#4). When the IP texminal 16310-1 of the satellite 1 ansmission corporation 16300-1 receives the Ntransmission instruction packeC, it instructs transmission of the ndata to be provided" saved in the database 16220-1(#5). The subsequent conmzucat.ion procedures are the same as those described above. <<Another variation m above enbodin-ent>> In the above two embodiments, TCP technology full-duplex caication is enployed, and only the TCP data transfer phase is shown in the figures, with the TCP connection establishment phase and the TCP connection ending phase being emitted fram the drawings and fram the description thereof. In the entxxlt to be described new, UDP emmmication teclmology 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 padcet sending and receiving using theUDP data transfer phase technique. <<Another variation m above embodurent>> 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 the satellite transmission pment 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 04300. As mqmred to this, in the example shown in FIG. 66, the satel 1 i te 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;g each outside of the ICS 16000-2, the IP terminal 16310-2 being provided with an ICS user address w39000.

Embodunent-10 (Full-duplex ccnvunicatiLm including satellite COMMUnication path: Part 3):

The present embodimient is another variation of &bodimnt-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 c=runication procedures being different. The present effbodiment performs the fullduplex ccmamication of TCP technology, but only the TCP data transfer nh is shown in FIG. 70.

The IP tendnal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 162001 sends a "plm notification packet n to each of the following: the IP temminal 16501-1 having an ICS user address 023000, ICS user address -2400m (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 Mata to be providedw fran 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 nwiber -4300 using the IP frame, transfer functions of the ICS(#2). The satellite transmission corporaCian 16300-1 stores the received udata to be provided" in its database 16320-1, and also instructs transmission of the Odata to be providedu (C). The satellite transmission t 16330-1 emits the Rdata to be provide& as electric wave toward the cammnication satellite 16400-1(first half of #4), the cannnication satellite 16400-1 amplifies the received Mata to be provideC and emits it(latter half of #4), the satellite receiving equit 16502-1 receives the Rdata to be providedn as electric wave, and hands it to the IP terminal 16501-1.

Thus, the IP temninal. 16501-1 obtains the udata to be providedn via the communication satellite 16400-1, and sends an windividual report packet" to the IP temninal 16210-1(#5-1). Using the same commnication procedures, the IP terminal 16511-1 obtains the Mata to be providedn, and sends an "individual report packeto to the IP 126 terminal 16210-1(#5-2). The IP terminal 16521-1 also obtains.tbe Rdata to be providedo, and sends an Oindividual report packetn to the IP terminal 16210-1(#5-3). The IP terminal 16210-1 sends an "individual inquiry packetn to the IP terminal 16511-1 of the user 16510-1(#6), and the IP terminal 16511-1 returns an "individual reply packet" to the IP terminal 16210-1(V).

The abave-described ccxiLimication procedures will be described with reference to FIG.71. The sending of the Wplan notification frame"(#1), Mata transmission" by satellite cauriLinicatim(#4), the sending of "individual report packeto(#5-2), the sending of nindividual Inquiry packetu(#6), and the returning of "individual reply packet- (V) in FIG. 71 correspond with the sending of the -plm notification packet"(#1), Mata transmission" by satellite ccnvunicatim(#4), the sending of "individual report framen(#5-2), the sending of windividual inquiry framen(#6), and the returning of windividual reply framew(#7) in FIG.70, respectively. F= the above description, in the event that the satellite conamcation corporation 16300-1 and the data providing corporation 16200-1 are viewed as an integrated canTunication entity, the user 16500-1 in FIG.67 can be considered to be performing fill 1 -duplex carmunication with the aforementioned integrated camunication entity. <<Another variation on above entodinv--nt>>

In each of the above effbodiments, the full-duplex can=ication of TCP technology is employed, and only the MP data transfer phase is shown in the figures, with the TCP connection establishment phase and 127 T1CP connection ending phase being omitted fran the drawings and fran the description thereof. In the entedurent, to be described now, UDP camunication 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 variation m above embodimnt>>

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 transmisslon corporation, and the sateJ-Ute 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 nunter "4300 As compared to this, in the example shown in FIG. 66, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-2, the IP te=dnal 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 satel lite transmission corporation are each outside of the ICS 16000-2, the IP terminal 16310-2 being provided with an ICS user address "390OR abodinent-11 (Flull-duplex c=unication including satellite conTnunication Path: Part M:

The present embodiment is another variation of Embodunent-8. arid will be described with reference to FIGs-61 and 72. The data 128 providing corporation 16200-1, the satellite trarmsmission corporation 16300-1, the user 16500-1 are the same, with only the communication procedures being different. The present ent)odurent performs the fullduplex caffmmication of TC-P technology, but only the TCP data transfer phase is shown in FIG.72.

The IP terminal 16210-1 of the data providing corporation 162001 obtains Rdata 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 nmiber N4300m, 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 ndata to be providedn in its database 16320-1.

Next, the IP terminal 16501-1 of the user 16500-1 sends an -ingairypacket' to the IP terminal 16310-1 which can be identified with the ICS user address "4300"(#2). The IP terminal 16310-1 returns a Oreply Packetm(#3), the IP terminal 16510-1 receives the packeC, and then sends a Orequest packetn to the IP terminal 163101(#4). When the IP terminal 16310-1 receives the "request packet", it instructs satellite transmission equipment of the ndata to be providedn saved in the database 16300-1(#5). The satellite transmission equipment 16330-1 emits the ndata to be providedO as electric wave toward the ccmumication satellite 16400- 1 (first half of W, the communication satellite 16400-1 amplifies the received Mata to be provideW and emits it (latter half of #6), the satellite 129 reco-aiving equipment 16502-1 receives the Mata to be providedn as electric wave, and hands it to the IP terminal 16501-1. Thus, the IP terminal 16501-1 obtains the Mata to be provideW via the ccmT&mication satellite 16400-1, and sends a "reception confirmation packet" to the IP tendnal 16310-1 of the data providing corporation 16200-1 providing the udata to be providedn (V). In the above procedures, #1, C, #3, #4 and #7 use the above-described WP camnmication technology, and the WP 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 terminal 16511-1, and satellite receiving equipment 165121 are used.

The above-described cemuziication procedures shall be described with reference to FIG.64. The sending of an "inquiry packet"(#2), the returning of a wreply packet"(#3), the sending of a Rrequest packet"(#4), Mata transmissimw by satellite ccmTmication(#7), and the sending of - reception confirmation packet- (#8) in FIG. 64 correspond with the sending of an a inquiry packet 0 (#2), the returning of a "reply packetn(#3), the sending of a Orequest packetn(#4), wdata ssionn by satellite camnrdcat:lon(#7), and the sending "reception confirmation packetw(#8) in FIG.72, respectively. Frctn the above des=ption, 2n the event that the satellite cm=mcatim 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 fill I -duplex communication with the aforementioned integrated communication entity. <<Another variation on above embodirrent>> In the above two effibodiments, the fill 1 -duplex communication of TCP technology is employed, and only the TCP data transfer phase is shown in the figures, with the TCP connection establishment phase and WP connection ending phase being omitted from the drawings and from the description thereof. In the effbodiment to be described now, UDP commmication 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. <<kiother variation m above effbodunent>>

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 satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-1 of the satelli c transmission corporatlon, 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 04300 As compared 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 131 satellite transmission corporation are each outside of the ICS 16000-2 the IP terminal 16310-2 being provided with an ICS user address "39000 Embodiment-12 (Full-duplex econmicatim including satellite cxxLiL&Rzlicatim path: Part 5):

The present effbodinmt pexform a type of fill 1 -duplex ccxL&taziicatim by ining a satellite transmission function and an IP cKxL,LLLuiicatim function. A major difference between the present embodiment and Embodiment-8 is the fact that the satellite receiving pment is within the access control apparatus in the present entxxbnlent.

Description wLI1 be made with reference to FIG.73. The present embodiment Is ccffprised of: an ICS 16000-3; access control apparatuses 16100-3, 16110-3 and 16120-3; satellite reception ts 16102-3, 16112-3 and 16122-3; 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 equipment 16330-3 of the satellite transmission corporation; a ccffnunicatim satellite 16400-3; users 16500-3, 16510-3 and 16520-3; IP tenninals 16501-3, 16511-3 and 16521-3 of each user; satellite a1xwaves ccmTLmi.cation Lines 16600-3, 16610-3. 16620-3 and 16630-3; and user logic camunication 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

132 addresses "3000", "230OR, "2400" and P2500-, and are re ively connected to the access control apparatuses 16100-3, 16120-3, 16120-3 and 16110-3, via user logic ccmnLmicatim 1. The Jp tenninal 16310-3 can be classified as an ICS network server, having an ICS special nunber -4300', and comected to the access control apparatus 16100-3 via the ICS network cam=dcations line within the ICS 16000-3. Electric wave transmitted f= the satellite transmitter 16330-3 transfers inforMation via the satellite electric wave oanmnicatm path 16600-3, the electric wave is received by satellite receivers 16112-3 and 16122-3. << EXMple of camnzdcation procedures >> The cmcatim Procedures according to the present effbodiffent will be made with reference to FIG.73and 74. In the follg Procedures, the aformentioned full-duplex ccffffmlcatlon of TCp technology is employed except for the cases of tranmission instruction to satellite transmission equit (#5 and #12 in FIG.74) and "data transmissionn using electric wave flUM the satellite tram[nisSiOn equipmmt (#6 and #13 in FIG.74), however, only the TCp data transfer phase is shown in FIG.74.

The IP tendrial 16210-3 of the data providing corporation 162003 obtains Mata, to be providedn frc1M the database 16220-3 thexcof and 5 this to the IP te=dnal 16310-3 of the satellite tr&imissim corporation 16300-3 which can be identified by the ICS special nmlber n4300", using the IP Packet transfer function Of the ICS (#1 in FIG.74, the saMB hereafter). The satellite transmission corporation 16300-3 133 stores the received ndata to be providedn in its database 16320-3. The IP terminal 16501-3 of the user 16500-3 sends an Hinquiry packet" to the IP terminal 16310-3 which can be identified with the ICS user address "4300n(#2). The IP terminal 16310-3 returns a "reply packet-(#3), the IP terminal 16501-3 receives the nreply packetw, and then sends a nrequest packetn to the IP terminal 16310-3 (#4). When the IP te=dnal 16310-3 receives the " ret Pt", it converts the ndata to be providedn 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 providedn, and the destination ICS user address is address 02300n of the IP terminal 16501-3. The satellite transmission equit 16330-3 emits the ICS pt including ndata to be providedn as electric wave toward the communication satellite 16400-3 (first half of #6). the cnication sateJ- Iite 16400-3 amplifies the received Mata to be provide& and emits it (latter half of #6), the satel 1 i e receiving equipments 16502-3. 16112- 3 and 16122-3 each receive the ICS fram including the ndata to be provide& as electric wave, each check the destination of the ndata to be providedn, and since the destination of the "data to be provideW is IP terminal 16501-3, the access control apparatus 16122-3 returns the ndata to be providedn, to the ICS user framB format, and sends it to the IP terminal 16501-3(V). Upon receiving the Mata to be provided", the IP terminal 16501-3 sends a nreception confirmation packetn to the IP terminal 16310-3(0). In the above procedures, #1, #2, #3, #4, #7 and #8 use the abave-described TCP 134 conTmziication 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 satel 1 i e receiving equipment 16502-3, another company 16510-3, IP te=ninal 16511-3, and satellite receiving equipment 16512-3 are used, and the present embodt is capable of transferring wdata to be providedn to a plurality of users.

The above-described ccomunication procedures shall be described with reference to FIG. 64. The sending of an ninquiry packet" (C), the returning of a Rreply packetw(#3), the sending of a wrequest packet"(#4), '"data transmission" by satellite ccnvun:Lcation(#7), and the sending of nreception confmmtion packet" in FIG.64 correspond with the sending of an ninquiry packetn(#2), the returning of a Rreply packetu(#3), the sending of a Rrequest packet"(#4), Mata transmission" by satellite cammication(#7), and the sending of -reception confirmation packet"(#8) in FIG.74, respectively. Fratn the above description, in the event that the satellite comn=cation corporation 16300-3 and the data providing corporation 16200-3 are viewed as an nintegrated cammtnication entity, the user in FIG.64 can be considered to be performing full-duplex ccmmmicatim with the aformentioned integrated communication entity. <<Another variation on above entxxlt>>

In the above two entKxlts, the full-duplex communication of TiCP technology is emplo, and only the TCP data transfer phase is s in the figures, with the TCP comection establist phase and TCP connection ending phase being emitted frcin the drawings and frcm the description thereof. In the effbodiment to be described now. IMP caminication 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 variation m above effbodmmt>>

Another version will be described with reference to FIG.75. In FIG.73, the satellite transmission corporation 16300-3, the IP terminal 16310-3 of the satellite transmission corporation, the database 16320-1 of the satellite transrnission corporation, and the sateJ-Ute transmission equipment 16330-3 of the satellite transmission corporation are each inside the ICS 16000-3, the IP terminal 16310-3 being provided with an ICS special nurber R4300 As cred to this, in the exarnple 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 te=rdnal 16310-4 being provided with an ICS user address "3900" 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 typen, 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 J 1 port number. In the present embodiment, the following term shal 1 be used: senclw v s socket nu = sender's IP address 11 sender's]port nu; intended receiver's 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 communication line and being reversely ICSencapsulated here, this controlling the degree of priority being performed using the -protocol type- 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 conversion 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 terminals having functions for 137 sending IP user packet, wherein the ICS user addresses are: for within LAN 17200-1, -2600- and R261C; for within LAN 17200-1, 02600w and n261Ow; for within LAN 17210-1, '1230" and "1240"; for within LAN 17220-1, '2700', 02710m, and w2720n; for within LAN 17230-1, '2800' and w281Ow; for within LAN 17240-1, n1200' and "1210n; for within LAN 17250-1. -1200- and -121OR; for within LAN 17260-1, "2200 and n2210n; for within LAN 17270-1, '2300n and n23100; and for within LAN 17280-1, 02400w and w241On. Further, blocks 17291-1 and 17292-1 are each temmnals which have functions of sending and receiving IP user packets, respectively having ICS user addresses "25000 and w1250w, being connected to ICS 17000-1. <<Conversion table>> The conversion table 17113-1 within the access control apparatus 17100-1 shal 1 be described with reference to FIGs. 80 and 81. The function of the conversion table as the same as those in the other entodiments, and the present invention is Characterized in that the portion table, named Rdegree of priority of reception- code, degree of priority of protocol, degree of prionity of TCP socket, and degree of priority of UDP socket, which are =rponents 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 -7821-, the -degree of priority of receptionn code is stipulated to be pr-7821 That is, the Megree of priority of receptionw code is made to be a parameter which is dependent m the ICS network address provided to the ICS user logic terminal sent frcin the access control 138 al r -- ratus after the ICS reverse encapsulation. Looking at the other portion table of the conversion table 17113-1, e.g., in regard to apr7821m, the degree of priority of protocol is described as being mp-lo, the degree of priority of TCP socket as nt-l", and the degree of priority of UDP socket as 'SULLR. Here, nNULLR indicates wunspec:ifiedw. The degree of priority of protocol up-l" dictates that the degree of priority of is, in descending order, 'TCPw, RUDPR, RICPMO and RIGPMO.

Looking at even other portion table with regard to the degree of priority of TCP socket wt-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 'u1', the dictated order of degree of priority is, in descending order, -sk-3- and nsk-8'. Further, in the contents of the socket code ask-l" which is written in another portion table, wToN indicates the intended receiver's socket number, and indicates that the intended receiver's IP address is 02100n and that the intended receiver's port number is "30", and in the same manner, in the contents of the socket code "sk2w, nFrcmn indicates the senderys socket number, and indicates that the sender's IP address is "1240" and that the sender's port number is N32R. <<Individual description of ICS packet>>

The ICS network frame NFO1 is sent out fran the terminal 17291-1 with the ICS user address '2500", and then is ICSencapsulated at the access control apparatus 17110-1 with a transmitting ICS network 139 address "7200" and a receiving ICS network address n7821", then is transferred within the ICS 17000-1 and reaches t he 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 cancation line 17821-1. The m protocol type" of the control field of the user packet UP01 which Is within the ICS network packet NFO1 is TCP, and the nintended receiver's Port number" of the TCP packet is R30n in the example.

In the following, beginning with a packet NF02, brief des=ptim will be made in the order of NF03, NF04, NFOS, NF06, NF07, NFO8, NF09, NFlO and NF11, as sham in FIG.78.

A frame NF02 is sent out from a terminal with the ICS user address "2600n, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address "7300n and a receiving ICS network address 07821n, then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to become a frame UP02, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address "2110" via the user logic communication line 17821-1. The nprotocol typen of the packet UP02 is TCP, and the nintended receiver's port number" of the TCP packet is "30", in this example.

A frame NF03 is sent out from a terminal with the ICS user address n1230n, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address n7400" and a receiving ICS network address '7822R, then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to become a packet UF03, and reaches the terminal with the ICS usw address R120OR via the user logic canamication line 17822-1. The mi=t --ocol type- of the packet UP03 is TCP, and the -intmded receiver's port number" of the TCP packet is u30n, in this example.

A frame NF02 is sent out frcm a terminal with the ICS user address R1240R, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address '7400' and a receiving ICS network address "78221, then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to beccoe a packet UF04, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address "121OR via the user logic communication line 17822-1. The Oprotocol typen of the packet UF04 is TCP, and the nintended receivervs port number" of the TCP packet is 032u, in this example.

A frame NF05 is sent out frcin a terminal with the ICS user address "1250R, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address "750OR and a receiving ICS network address R7822" then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to became a packet UF05, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address R122V via the user logic cmcation line 17822-2. The uprotocol typen of the packet UF05 is TCP, and the nintended receiver's port numberm thereof is n32R, in this example.

A frame NF06 is sent out from a terminal with the ICS user address "261OR, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address R730OR and a receiving ICS network address 07823" then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated to became a packet UF06, and reaches the temninal with the ICS user address R2200n via the user logic communication Line 17823-1. The nprotocol type" of the packet UP06 is UDP, and the Rintended 141 p receiver's port numbern of the TCP packet is "40", in this exannple.

A frame NF07 is sent out frcxn a terminal with the ICS user address 027000, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address n7600w and a receiving ICS network address w7823w then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encalted to beccime a packet UP07, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address R221OR via the user logic camnmication line 17823-1. The "protocol typen of the packet UP07 is UDP, and the wintended receiver's port numbern thereof is w40R, in this example.

A packet NFO8 is sent out from a terminal with the ICS user 0 address "2710", and then Is ICS-encapsulated, at with a transmitting ICS network address 'n76000 and a receiving ICS network address w7824R then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encated, to beccime a packet UFO8, and reaches the temainal with the ICS user address n2300n via the user logic mication line 17824-1. The -protocol type- of the packet UFO8 is IMP, and the -intended receiver's port number' thereof is "40", in this example.

A packet NF09 is sent out frx:xn a terminal with the ICS user address R2800n, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address "7700" and a receiving ICS network address "782C, then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encated to beccm a packet UP09, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address 023lon via the user logic camiunication line 17824-1. The "protocol type" of the packet UFO9 is UDP, and the "intended receiver's port number" thereof is "42", in this example.

142 9 A packet NFlO is sent out fran a temninal with the ICS user address "27200, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address '7600' and a receiving ICS network address n7825w then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-enceated to beccoe a packet UFlO, and reaches the terminal with the ICS user address "240OR via the user logic comnmication Line 17825-1. The -protocol type- of the packet UP10 is TCP, and the -intended receiver's port number' thereof is R60R, in this example.

A frame NF11 is sent out fran a terminal with the ICS user address R281ON, and then is ICS-encapsulated at with a transmitting ICS network address '7700' and a receiving ICS network address "7825" then is transferred within the ICS and is reversely ICS-encapsulated. to beccm a packet UM, and reaches the terminal with the Ics user address "2410" via the user logic c=unication line 17825-1. The Rprotocol typen of the packet UF11 is UDP, and the wintended.receiver's port numbern thereof is 070n, in this example. <<Eyle 1 for determining the degree of priority>> 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 NFOl and NF02 frern the ICS network camn=cation, line almost at the same time (Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encapsulates each to obtain ICS user packets UFO1 and UP02(Step S1010). Frem 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 "7821n for both, i.e., 0 143 that there is a match(Step S1020). The Rdegree of priority of rtion" code for both ICS network packets NFO1 and NF02 is npr7821n, and then according to portion table of the convexsion table 17113-1, the degree of prIority of protocol for npr-782199 is specified as being Hp-1n, the degree of priority of WP socket as 'It-in, and the degree of priority of UDP socket as "NULL". Further, looking at even other portion table ccoprising the conversion table 17113-1, the degree of priority of protocol "p-ln dictates that the degree of priority of is, in descending order, TCP, UDP, XPM and IGpm, and with regard to the degree of priority of TCP socket nt-l", the dictated order of degree of priority of is, in descending order, Osk-in and usk-7n, and the contents of the socket code usk-lm indicate that the IP address c=prising the intended receiver's socket number is 0210OR and that the intended receiver's port number thereof is n3C. The protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NFO1 is Wrirwa, the intended receiver's ID address is "21001, and the intended receiver's port number is R30n. On the other hand, the protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF02 is TCP", the intended receiver's ID address is 021lon, and the intended receiverys port number is 30". In the present embodiment, 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 aforementioned socket code nsk-10. Based on the above procedures, it is determined that the ICS network packet to be sent out with higher priority is NFOl(Step S1030). Next, this ICS

144 i network packet NFO1 is sent out to the user logic tenninal via the ICS logic temninal (Step S1040). <<Example 2 for determining the degree of priority>> The access control apparatus 17100-1 receives the ICS network frames NF03, NF04 and NFOS fran the ICS network camiLmicatim Line almost at the same time(Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encapsulates each to obtain ICS user packets UP03, NF04 and W05(Step S1010). From 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 "7822n for all, i.e., that there is a match (Step S1020). The udegree of Priority of receptionn code for all of the ICS network packets NF03, NF04 and NF05 is n pr-7822n, the degree of priority of protocol thereof is specified as being "P-in, the degree of priority of TCP socket as nt-2n, and the degree of priority of UDP socket 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 "sk-2w indicate that the IP address comprising the sender's socket number is "21000 and that the sender's port number thereof is n30n. The n Protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF03 is nTCP the sender's ID address is n1230", and the sender's port number is "300. The protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF04 is nTCPn, the sender's ID address is '1240n, and the sender's port number is n32". Also, the protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NFOS is OTCPR, the sender's ID address is w12500, and the sender's port number is n321. 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 nsk-2". Based m 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). <<Exmple 3 for determining the degree of priority>>

The access control apparatus 17100-1 receives the ICS network packets NF06 and NF07 fran the ICS network caffmmication line almost at the same time (Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encapsulates each to obtain ICS user packets UP06 and UF07 (Step S1010). From the conversion table 17113-1 it can be known that the receiving ICS network address of the ICS logic terminal sending these ICS usex packets is "7823' for both, i.e., that there is a match (Step S1020). The Megree of priority of reception- code for both ICS network packets NF06 and NF07 is npr-7823-, and the degree of priority of protocol is specified as being up-2n, the degree of prior ty of TCP socket as ONULLN, and the degree of priority of UDP socket as "u-V'. Further, looking at even other portion table cising 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, WPM and IGPM, and with regard to the degree of priority of UDP socket n U- 1n, 146 the dictated order of degree of priority is, in descending order. -sk3" and msk-80, and the contents of the socket code "sk-3" indicate that the IP address carprising the intended receiver's socket number is 0220C and that the intended receiver's port number thereof is R400 The protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF06 is wUDP", the intendedreceiver's ID address is R220Ow, and the intended receiver's port number is R401. On the other hand, the protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF07 is "UDPR, the intended receiver's ID address is "2110n, and the intended receiver's port number is R40n. In the present embodinmt, 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 "sk-3". Based m the above procedures, it is deterrnined 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 texminal via the ICS logic temninal (Step S1040). <<Exwple 4 for determining the degree of priority>>

The access control apparatus 17100-1 receives the ICS network packets NF08 and NFO9 from the ICS network =munication Line almost at the same time (Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encapsulates each to obtain ICS user packets UFOB and UFO9 (Step S1010). From 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 rnatch (Step S1020).

147 The udegree of priority of receptionn code for both ICS network packets NFO8 and NF09 is "pr-7824-, and the degree of priority of protocol is specified as being "p-2n, the degree of priority of TCP socket as nNULL', and the degree of priority of UDP socket as nu-2R. The degree of priority of protocol np-2n dictates that socket code -sk-4- has the highest priority, and the contents of the socket signal Rsk-4w indicate that the IP address cising the sender's socket number is '271Ou and that the sender's port number thereof is R4C. The protocol type indicated wi the ICS network packet NFO8 is RUDPn, the sender's ID address is n2710n, and the sender's port number is 040'. On the other hand, the protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet NF09 is NUDPn, the sender's ID address is 02800n, and the sender's port number is n42n. In the present embodiment, it can be undexstood 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 "sk-40. Based m the above procedures, it is determined that the ICS network packet to be sent out with higher priority is NF08 (Step S1030). Next, this ICS network packet NFO8 is sent out to the user logic terminal via the ICS logic terminal (Step S1040). <<kle 5 for detendning the degree of priority>>

The access control apparatus 17100-1 receives the ICS network frames NFlO and NF11 fram the ICS network ccffnwnicatim line almost at the same time (Step S1000), and reversely ICS-encapsulates each to obtain ICS user packets W10 and UF11 (Step S1010). Fran 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 R7825' for both, i.e., that there is a match (Step S1020). The 'degree of priority of reception' code for both ICS network packets NF10 and NF11 is Rpr-7825', and the degree of priority of protocol is specified as being Rp-lw, the degree of priority of TCP socket as nt-3n, and the degree of priority of UDP socket as "u-3n. The degree of priority of protocol wp-ln dictates that the degree of priority of TCP is higher than that of UDP. The protocol type indicated in the ICS network packet NF10 is -TCPn, and the protocol R type indicated in the ICS network packet NFlo is nUDP. Based m the above procedures, it is determined that the ICS network packet to be sent out with higher priority is NF10 (Step S1030). Next, this ICS network packet NF10 is sent out to the user logic terminal via the ICS logic terminal (Step S1040).

Embodiment-14 (Control of transmitting priority degree):

Des=lPtlan will now be made regarding and entx>d=ent wherein user IP Packets arriving frcin outside the ICS a ICS-encapsulated with the access control apparatus, and then the order of sending out onto the ICS network comn=cation 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 conversion table 17113-2. Blocks 17240-2 through 17280-2 are corporate LANs which are each connected to the ICS 17000-2 via the ICS user logic coffnuucatim 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 functions of the cmversion table 17113-2 shown in FIGs.84 and 85 are the same as those in the other entodimnts, 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 cainponents of the cmversion table 17113-2 are used for controlling the degree of priority. In the event that the transmitting ICS network address of the conversion table is n7821-, the "transmitting priority degree" code is stipulated to be wps-7821" That is, the nreceiving priority degreen code is made to be a parameter which is dependent m the ICS network address provided to the ICS user logic terminal sent frcxn 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 nps- 7821n, 0, the the degree of priority of protocol is described as being Rp-21 degree of priority of TCP socket as wt-21-, and the degree of priority of UDP socket as INULLu. 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 s ame as that of Embodiment - 13.

<<Ex"le 1 for determining the degree of priority>> The m=er in which the degree of priority is determined will be described with refexence to the flowchart in FIG.86. The access control apparatus 17100-2 receives the ICS user Packets F01 and F02 fran the ICS network communication line almost at the same time, and obtains the ICS netwolk address appropriated to the ICS logic terminal (Step S2700). Next, the procedures for control of transmitting priority degree are as follows. The utransmitting priority degree' code for both ICS user packets F01 and F02 is nps-7821n, and then according to portion table of the cmversion table 17113-2, the degree of priority of protocol for ups-7821R is specified as being up-21 the degree of prIority of TCP socket as "t-210, 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 np-21" dictates that the degree of priority is, in descending order, TCP, UDP, WPM, and IGPM, and with regard to the degree of priority of TCP socket -t-21', the dictated order of degree of priority of is, in descending order, nsk-21" and nsk-27n, and the contents of the socket signal usk-21" indicate that the IP address =prising the sender's socket number is '21000 and that the sender's port number thereof is -30m. The protocol type indicated within the ICS user packet F01 is OMPR, the sender's ID address is 0210Ow, and the sender's port number is n30R. On the other hand, the protocol type indicated within the ICS network packet F02 is OTCP n W the sender's ID address is N211Ow, and the senderys port number is N30w 151 In the present efftcdiment, it can be understood that it is the ics network packet F01 that has the protocol type and the intended receiver's socket number that mtches with the specifications of the aforeffentioned. socket code 'nsk-21". Based m the above procedures, it is determined that the ICS user packet to be sent out with higher priority is F01 (Step S2710).

Next, the systern checks whether or not the ICS network address '7721n provided to the logic terminal which received the ICS user packet F01 is registered on the conversion table 17113-2 with the request identification as virtual dedicated line connection "3n (Step S2720). The subsequent steps are the same as the steps S2730 through S2770 described with the other effbodiments, 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 >> Regarding example 2 for determining the degree of priority wherein the access control apparatus 17100-2 receives the ICS user packets F03, F04 and FOS from the ICS logic temninal of the line portion 17111-2 provided with ICS network address n78220 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 n7823n almost at the same time; example 4 for determining the degree of priority wherein the access control apparatus 17100-2 receives the ICS user packets FOB and F09 152 from the ICS logic tendnal of the line portion 17111-2 provided with ICS network address "782C almst at the same time; and example 5 for detemnining the degree of priority wherein the access control apparatus 17100-2 receives the ICS user packets F10 and F11 frcm the ICS logic teminal of the line portion 17111-2 provided with ICS network address '7823n almost at the same tinie: the method for determining the degree of priority is the same as example 1 for determining the degree of priority, as shown in the portion table comprising the conversion table 17113-2, and description thereof will be omitted.

Egd:)t-15 (Maltiple CarrnLrdCation):

The description of the present enbodiment 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 "lo, n2w, "3n and -4n for request identification, and correspondingly, intra-corporation conrunication, inter-corporation communication, virtual dedicated line connection, and ICS network server connection can be rnade 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=unication, 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 cammication 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 =ffmmicatim line. LAN 18120-1 includes a plurality of IP teminals, 18121-1, 18122-1 and 18123-1. Now, the term "IP temninaln refers to a temninal which has the functions of sending and receiving IP user packets. The IP termjzk-ils 18150-1 and 18151-1 a each via access control apparatuses 18143-1, 18144-1, and an ICS user logic canumication. Line. The ICS network conmnicatim line 18191- 1 connects the conversion unit 18181-1 with the access control apparatus 18141-1, and the ICS network cammication, 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 one of the cammication. services of intracorporation comamication, inter-corporation canTunication, virtual dedicated line connection, or ICS network server connection, following control of the request identificatim values "1", -2n, -3n or P4listed in the conversion table 18195-1. Also, an ICS user packet sent fran the gateway 18172-1, upon arrival to the access control apparatus 18140-1, is ICS-encapoulated in order to receive virtual dedicated 154 line ccmainicatim service filling the control of the request identification "3' listed on the conversion table 18196-1, passes through the conversion unit 18181-1 via the ICS network canmmication 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 c=nmication 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 above- described procedures, transfer of ICS user packets is realized. <<Partial change to above embodiment: varJ-atim>> Descr,iption will be made with reference to FIG.90. As with ICS 18000-1, ICS 18000-2 also include multiple access control apparatuses, and are comected with LANs and IP terminals 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 commnication 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 ccmnonicatim line 18192-1 a 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 fixed connection with the o party (WC) by the FR network or ATM network.

Ehtxxbzmt-16 (Operation of ICS):

Description wil-1 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 se.-jex devices 19500-1, 19510-1, 19520-1, 19530-1 and 19540-1. Each se- 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 cammication protocol or UDP camn=cation 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 darein 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

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In the ent)odinmt, connected 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 controll-ing authority in instructing the user service servers 19711-1 and 19712-1 or requesting individual infonnation reports. the maning of superior controlling authority being illustrated in a tree-structure diagram in FIG.93. A block 19811-1 is a communication path for informiation exchange between the governing user service server 19710-1 and the user service server 19711-1, and is comprised of ICS cammunication lines and relay device, among others. The governing resource administration server 19720-1, the governing conversion table server 19730-1, the governing domain nare server 19740-1, the governing resource administration sexvw 19750-1. and the goven-dng resource administration server 19760-1 are also the same, each being shown in FIGs.94 through 98. Now, in the present entx)dmmt, there are two layers in the tree-structure hierarchy, but this can be increased to three or mre 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 server Is provided with administration functions of keeping up m mounting information 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 from, the governing user service server 19710-1, the governing conversion table server 19730-1, the governing resource administration 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 informatIon frcrn, the governing resource administration server 19720-1 and the governing domain name server 19740-1, thereby facilitating administration of addresses and the Like used in the ICS 19000-1. <<Socket number and sezver>> The ICS servers each have ICS user addresses and ICS network addresses, but an addition to the other entx)dits is that the above servers have, in addition to ICS network addresses, port numbers 159 stipulated by WP or UDP cammunication protocol. That is, each of the aforementioned servers is identified by a 32-bit ICS network address and a 16-bit port ntmib-=, making for a value with a total of 48 bits (this being referred to as "socket numbero). Each server includes ams which have peculiar functions operating within the ICS 190001, and further, there are servers among these which have "operating interface as described later. Now, the noperating interfacew is a function which perform 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. server provides access control apparatuses or relay devices, for example, with ICS network addresses, applies differ-ing port numbers to the plurality of program within these devices (i.e., servers), distinguishing by the socket number. As described in the entxxlunents, each server has ICS network cammunicatlon 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 Wplication 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 ls comprised of, e.g., request identification (classification of intra-corporation cominunication, inter-corporation cammanication, virtual dedicated line connection, or ICS network server connection), coffm=cation band conditions such as speed class and priority, billing conditions, open-zone connection conditions, payment inethod, 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 woperating interface', 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 communication 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 aforewentioned. 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 frorn the ICS authority server 19721-1 in the user database 19611-1 (procedure P150).

FIG.100 is an example of the ICS network address appropriation record table 19622-1, and in the first line of this table there is an example which states beforehand that an ICS network address R7700n has 161 been 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 exarrple which states beforehand that an ICS network address n6930R has been appropriated to port nurber -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 exmple of an ICS user address appropriation record table, and in the first line of this table there is an example which states that the ICS name address n461ON has been appropriated with an ICS name (also called an ICS demain nam) of "ddl.ocl.bbl.aal.jpw, that the request identification value is w21, that the FLpp,,r ipriate identifying code Is user- 1, and that the date of aRtion is April 1, 1998. Further, in the fourth line of this table there is an exaffple which states that the ICS name address n1200n has been appropriated with an ICS name of nrrl.qq.pp. jp", that the request identification value is -4n, 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 infonmtion to the conversion table server 19731-1 via the ICS network canuLmication function so as to write the application contents of the usage 162 am plicant 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: transrnitting ICS network address, sender ICS user address, request identification, speed class, priority, signing conditions, encryption conditions, open-zone class and so m. Also, in the event that the aforemmtioned ICS network address and ICS user address have a request value of R2n. i.e., inter-coxporation c=unication, registration is made as transmitting ICS network address and sender ICS user address. In the event that the request value is 'C, i.e., ICS network server, registration is made as receiving ICS network address and receiver ICS user address. The conversion 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 nregistration of other party of canainicationR, later described in the present entKKUn- ent.

Next, the conversion table server 19731-1 notifies the ICS dcnk-iin nam server 19641-1 of the ICS network address, the ICS user address and the ICS name (procedure P180). The ICS danain nam server 19641-1 writes the above received ICS network address, ICS user address and ICS name in the database therein and stores thern (procedure P190), and reports cwpletion of writing to the conversion table server 19731-1 (procedure P200). The conversion table server 163 19731-1 confirm this report (procedure P210), reports c=pletion of the series of procedures to the user service server 19711-1 (procedure P220), the user service seivw 19711-1 confirm this report (procedure P230), and inform the usage applicant of the appropriation results, namely, the ICS user address and ICS name (procedure P240). Incidentally, the ICS network address is used only within the ICS, so the usage applicant is not notified of this. In the event that the request value is 04n, 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-wrdLting administration of conversion table by govenung conversion table server>> Description will be made with reference to procedures 800 through 960 to the bottom of FIG.99 and FIG.91, FIG.92, FIG.95. The governing conversion table server 19730-1 instnicts 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 items 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 dmain name server 19741-1 is instructed to re-write the ICS network address and the like (procedure P820), the dmk-dn nam server 19741-1 follows the instructions and updates 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 cmversion 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 made (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 may be used wherein first, the governing conversion table server 19730-1 calls up the user service server 19711-1 and performs the aforenrentioned procedures P900 through P960, and then secondly calls up the conversion table server 19731-1 and perform the aforementioned procedures P800 through P860. With such an arrangement, 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 mid the address informtion related thereto with dmain naffe servers and ICS authority servers wtuch have administration, thereby facilitating ease of re-writing management of the contents of a conversion table with consistency, i.e., ease of updating nenagement of all conversion tables within the access control apparatuses within the ICS 19000-1. <<Registration of other party of cmminicatim>> FIG.105 will be described. A usage applicant for the ICS 19000-1 applies for regition of other party of ccrm=cation to the ICS receptionist 19940- 1 along with the dcnk-dn name of the other party of cmnunicatim (procedure P300). The ICS receptionist 19940-1 receives the dcmain riame of the other party of cnication (procedure P310), and sends it to the conversion table server 19731-1 (procedure P320). The conversion table server 19731-1 exchanges infonnation with the domain name servers 19740-1, 19742-1, etc. (procedures P330 and P331), obtains the ICS network address and the ICS user address corresponding with the donk-Lm name of the other party of c==cation 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 is registered as a receiver ICS user address. Incidentally, in the case of an ICS network servw, the spaces for the ics network address and the ICS user address remain 166 blank. <<Registration 2 to ICS of user: Intra-corporation ccnlTunicatim and virtual dedicated line>> Description will be made with reference to FIG.107. The difference with intra-corporation communication as ccnX to the above inter-corporation conmmication. is that an ICS user address is handed in and an ICS name 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 19000-1 applies to the ICS receptionist 19940-1 for ICS membership (procedure P400). The Application reception data- is a usage item of ICS Wherein the ICS network address and the ICS name has bem deleted, and is cmprised of, e.g. , ICS user address, request identification (classification of intra- corporation camirdcation, inter-COrPoration ccnTminicatim, virtual dedicated line connection, or ICS network server connection), speed class and priority, etc., the same as with the previous inter-corporation canmmication. 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 cam to the intra-corporation communication.

The ICS applicant 19940-1 enters the above Rapplication reception datan to the user service server 19711-1 via the Roperating interfacen, and stores the napplication, 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 emumication function (procedures P420). The ICS authority server 19721-1 appropriates only the ICS network address as with the above procedure P130 (procedure P430), records the appropriation results in the aforementioned appropriation tables, and further returns the approp tion results to the user service server 19711-1 (procedure P440). The user service server 19711-1 stores the appropriation results obtained fran 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 conversion table server 19731-1 adds the above contents to the conversion table 19301-1 (procedure P370), and reports completion of registration (procedures P480 and P495). FIG.108 shows and exmple of registration to the conversion table 19301 of the intracorporation emmunication and the virtual dedicated line. <<Description of danain name server>>

An exmple 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 dcffam name server in the description of FIG.105. The ICS network address of the internal table 19600-1 of the do name server which is the object of the domain name "rootn is n9500', and

168 (3(x names wc-Un, wa2n, wa3n and SO forth exist below, indicating, e.g., that the ICS network add ss of the damain name- server which handles the domain name nalw is R961Ow, and the port number is '440". The ICS network address of the internal table 19610-1 of the dcmain name server which is the object of the damain name wal" is w961OR, and dcmain names "bln, 0b2w, "b3w and so forth exist below, indicating, e.g., that the ICS network address of the dc name server which handles the daroin name nb2w is w9720n, and the port number is "440w.

The ICS network address of the internal table 19620-1 of the dcmain name server which is the object of the demain name nblR is w9720", and domain names nc4w, "c5R, nc6w and so forth exist below, indicating, e.g., that the terminal space for the demain name 0c5R is YES, ne,g that there are no more dcmain names below, and that in this example, the ICS network address of the ICS name wc5.b2.al.n is w9720w, and that the ICS user address is w451Ow. Also, the record of the internal table 19620-1 of the dcmain name server, i.e., the ICS name (ICS dcmain name), the ICS network address and the ICS user address N461ON a considered to be one group of data and referred to particularly as a wresource record" of the dcmain name server. <<Calling damain name servers>> With reference to FIG.113, description will be made regarding the procedures in which the conversion table server 19630-1 calls the dcmain name servers 19640-1, 19650-1 and 19660-1, and searches for the ICS network address and the ICS user address corresponding with the dc nanie "c5.b2.al.". The conversion table server 19630-1 enters

169 the dcmain nam RcS.W.al." in the resolver 19635-1 in the conversian table. The resolver 19635-1 sends the ICS packet 19641-1 including walN to the ICS damin name server 19640-1, and an ICS packet 19642-1 including an ICS network address 09610w of the ICS dcmain name server for walw is returned. Next, The resolver 19635-1 sends an ICS packet 19651-1 including "b2" to the ICS dc nam server 19650-1, and an ICS packet 19652-1 including an ICS network address w9720n of the ICS damain name server for wb2w is returned.

Next, the resolver 19635-1 sends an ICS packet 19661-1 including n c51 to the ICS dcmain name server 19660-1, and an ICS packet 19662-1 including an ICS network address n9820w for nc5n and an ICS user address n45200 is returned. According to the above procedures, the conversion table server 19630-1 obtains an ICS network address "9820w and an ICS user address "4520" corresponding with the darain name Wc5.W.al.n. <<Re-writing of conversion table fran an IP terminal>> Description will be made with reference to FIGs.114 and 115. An ICS user packet including the damain name wc5.b2.al.n is sent fran the IP terminal 19608-1 to the conversion table server 19731-1 (procedure P500). The conversion table server 19731-1 makes inquiry to the dc name server (procedure P510), the danain name server searches and obtains the ICS network address "9820n and the ICS user address n45201 corresponding with the domain 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

19301-1 (procedure P540), and reports to the IP terminal 19608-1 (procedure P550). In these procedures, the ICS network address '98200 is written into the conversion table as a receiving network address, and the ICS user address R452C as a receiver ICS user address, the re-written conversion table being shown in FIG.103. Incidentally, FIG.103 omits the iteffts 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 conversion table server 19731-1, including specification for changing the speed class to R2w, 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 R2R, 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). <<Moving a terminal between access control apparatuses>>

As can be seen frcin the entxxlunent of the ICS user address appropriation record table 19623-1, the first line of this table, appropriates ICS name uddl.ccl.bbl.aal.jpn to the ICS user address w4610n, and holds the ICS user address and the ICS name. For example, in the event that a te=dnal 19608-1 (FIG.91) having an ICS user address n4610w is moved frcin 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 R7821w for 171 example, the cormexsim table has registered therein a transmitting ICS network address "7821' and a sender ICS user address 1461OR as a pair. In this case, the ICS nam "ddl.ccl.bbl.aal.jpn is paired with the ICS user address "4610m as stipulated by the ICS user address appropriation record table 19623-1, and the ICS name is not changed. The resource record conpij of the ICS name "ddl.ccl.bbl.aal.jp" within the domain name server, the ICS network address '770OR, and the ICS user address n46100, is changed to that having the ICS name uddl.ocl.bbl.aal.jpw, the ICS network address "7821' and the ICS user address "4610". That is, the ICS network address "7700' is re-written to another address "7821R, but the ICS name nddl.ocl.bbl.aal.jpl and the ICS user address n461OR are not re-written. Surffrk-irizing this, the resource record of the domain name, server and ICS user address appropriation 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 terminal is =.red between access cmtrol apparatuses, there is no need to change the ICS user address and ICS name of the terminal. (Other embodiment: determinatim of ICS user address by the user) This is an arrangemmt wherein the above entx)dunent 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 appropriation record table 19623-1. According to the above method, the user can determine his/her own ICS user address, thus increasing freedom of usage.

Rbodirrent-17 (calling other party of caffmmicatim by telephone number):

The present embodiment shows an example wherein using the telephone number as the ICS domain name allows sending and receiving of ICS user IP packet with the other party of cammLinicatim, in which digitized voice is stored within the user IP packet, thereby facilitating Public camiunication using a telephone. In the present embodiment, description w11.1 be made with reference to the example wherein the telephone nmter 81-3-1234-5678 in Tokyo, Japan, is viewed as being domain name -5678.34. 12.3.8l.' Here, -3- indicates T6kyo, and "W 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, domain 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 "7800" and port number of R6000 are appropriated. The conversion table server 20040-1 is provided with an ICS user address "4600' from outside of

173 the ICS 20000-1, and appears to be an ICS server having the functions Of converting an entered demain name into an ICS user address and returning, and also registering the ICS network address in the conversion 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 teiminals having the functions of sending and receiving ICS user frams, each having ICS user addresses n4520" and n1200", and are connected to the ICS 20000-1 via the ICS user logic comimication line. IP terminal 20300-1 can be used as a telephone and thus is referred to as an -IP telephonen. The IP telephone 20300-1 includes a telephone number input unit 20310-1, IP address accating 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 convunication line. Here, the ICS user packet is the sender ICS user address m1200m and the receiver ICS user address n460OR, 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 conversion table server 20040-1 Indicated by the ICS user address n460C. Also, in the present embodin-ent, the conversion table server 174 20040-1 Is within the access omtrol apparatus 20010-1, so there is no need to user ICS network ccffnmlcation f=tions. Based m the telephone number -1234-5678- included in the data field of the ICS user packet, the conversion table server 20040-1 sequentially omtacts dcmain narne servers 20130-1, 20140-1 and 20150-1, and obtains the ICS network address "7920" and the ICS user address 04520w of the temrdna:L 20211-1 of the other party of canminication in the event that the telephone nmt)er n1234-5678n is viewed as a dcnkiin narae.

Next, the cormersion table server 20040-1 creates a cmversion table new item 20030-1 using the two addresses w7920n and n45200 obtained here, generates an ICS user packet P1202 for the ICS user address n4520n and writes the ICS user address w4520n therein and sends it to the IP telephone 20300-1. The IP telephone 20300-1 ines the ICS user address n4520w contained in the received ICS user packet P1202 with the telephone nu w1234-5678w regarding which 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' correspmding with the telephone nu R1234-5678' beccmes necessary. The aforenpantioned conversion table new itern 20030-1 correlates the IP telephone 20300-1 having the ICS network address w7820n and the ICS user address 01200n with the destination terminal 20211-1 specified by the telephone nmbw n12345678 n. The conversion table new item 20030-1 is used as a new ccffponent of the conversion table 20013-1. <<Ccmmnication using ICS user address>> 11 Voice is inputted fram 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 N12345678', i.e., to the temTdnal 202111 determined by the ICS user address w45200. After this, telephone ccmmUcatim is performied by sending and receiving ICS user packet between the two terminals 202111 and 20211-1. <<Detailed description of domain name server>>

Regarding the above descriptIon., the method of the conversion table server presenting the telephone nuffiber R123456780 to the domain name server and obtai nan g the ICS network address 079200 and the ICS user address n4520n will be described in detail.

FIG.116 is diagram illustrating an embodiment of a 6-layer hierarchy "dmdn name tree, with root domain name wroot-tel- being provided m Level 1 of the tree, domain names nlR - R44m... N81-... R 9W existing m Level 2 which is lower m the tree, and do names "3" --- "6"... for example existing m Level 3 beneath domain name H81n, and dot nams nlln, n12n, 113n,... for example existing m Level 4 beneath domain name 030, and further domain nwes .. W33%, "3C, R35', - for example existing m Level 5 beneath do name 0120, and domain names - "5677", "5678", "5679" existing m Level 6 beneath do name w3C.

FIG.119 illustrates the internal table 20131-1 of the damin name server 20130-1 handling the domain name "30, and indicates that, 176 e.g., under domain name R3R the danain server 20140-1 which handles dcnain name "12" has an ICS network address of "8720' and a port number of R440n. FIG.120 illustrates the internal table 20141-1 of the dicmain name server 20140-1 handling the damain name R12R, and indicates that, e. g., under dcmain name 012" the domain server 20150-1 which handles domain name 03C has an ICS network address of R8820N and a port number of "440". Also, FIG.121 illustrates the internal table 20151-1 of the dcmain name server 20150-1 handling the damain name R12", and indicates that the endpoint for the domain name R567C in the internal table 20151-1 is YES, meaning that there are no more dcmain names below, and in this example, the ICS network address corresponding to the domain name "5678.34.12.3.18. " is 08920n, and the ICS user address thereof is "4520R. <<Calling domain name server>> With reference to FIG.122, description will be made of the procedures for the conversion table server 20040-1 calling the dcmain name servers 201301, 20140-1 and 20150-1, and searching for the ICS network address and the ICS user address corresponding with the dcmain name R5678.34.12.3.8l.". Now, the resolver 20041-1 has therein the ICS network address of a dcmain name server handling the Level 1 damain wroot-tel" shown in FIG.119. Also, in the event that there is a great deal of ccnT=lcatim with the denic= name server which handle the Level 2 and Level 3 dwains, the ICS network addresses of the upper darain name servers thereof are stored in the resolver 20041-1.

The corwersion table server 20040-1 inputs domain name 5678.34.12." into the internal resolver 20041-1. The resolver 200411 has the ICS network address w8610w of the server handling the dcmain name 03. 81.m which indicates "810 for Japan and 030 for T, and sends an ICS packet 20135-1 including the dcmain name "12' which is under the dcmain name "3w to the ICS demain name server 20130-1 using the ICS network can=mcation function, in response to which an ICS frame 20136-1 including the ICS network address '8720" of the ICS demain name server 20140-1 which handles the dcmain name "12n is returned. Next, the resolver 20041- 1 sends an ICS packet 20145-1 Including the dcmain name 034a to the ICS dcmain name server 20140-1, in response to which an ICS packet 20146-1 including the ICS network address 08820m of the ICS damain nam server 20146-1 which handles the dc name w34n is returned.

Next, the resolver 20041-1 sends an ICS packet 20155-1 including the dmmin name w5678n to the ICS dc name server 20150-1, in response to which an ICS packet 20156-1 including the ICS network address 07920w and nICS user address 452C of the ICS darain name server 20156-1 corresponding with the dcmain name "5678n is returned. According to the above procedures, the conversion table 20040-1 obtains the ICS network address w7920' and the ICS user address '4520R corresponding to the demain name w5678.34.12.3.81.". << Telephone line connection >> 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 enbodiments, and generates an ICS user packet sorted in the data field, as will as converting voice sent frcin the telephone line 20530-1 into digitized voice. Also, ICS user packet which is sent in reverse, i.e., fran 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, cmverted into digitized voice. According to such an arrangement, the IP terminal 20300-1 provided with an ICS damain name and the telephone 20520-1 can perform canTunication by telephone voice. (Connecting to a public telephone network)

Further, the telephone line conversion unit 20510-1 and the private exchange 20600-1 are connected by a telephone line 20530-2. Telephones 20520-2 and 20520-3 are connected with a private telephone line 20540-1 extending from the private exchange 20600-1, and a telephone cann=cation can be carried out between the telephone 20520-2 and the telephone 203001. Also, connection can be rnade via the private exchange 20600-1 to public telephone networks/ international telephone network 20680-1. Such an arrangenya-nt enables the telephone canminication between the telephones 20520-4 and 20300-1.

Enbodiment-18 (IP terminal capable of connecting to plural access control apparatuses):

The present entx)dt does not fix the IP terminal having the 179 functions for sending and reo,-m,1v:Lng ICS user IP packets to a specific access control apparatus; rather, It realizes an IP tenninal which can be moved and connected to other access control apparatuses and used, i.e., capable of roaming. Roaming is realized based on the ICS domain name provided to the IP teamdnal. <<Password transmission technique using cipher>> The present embodiment includes procedures for ciphering a secret password PW and sending it fran the sender (encoding (ciphering) side) to the receiver (decoding side). First, a ciphering function E2. and a decoding function Di will be desc=bed. 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 plain-text, "klw and %k2w are keys, and nil' represents cipher numbers (i m 1, 2, -) detenrdning 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' $9 99.

X 1(r (wherein r is a random number), and discarding the random number r fram the plain-text x' 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 nuffibear, and it is said that such is less susceptible to code cracIcing. (Example of cipher number i = 1) <<Preparation>> The sender m discloses the dcmain name thereof (DUn) to the public including the receiver. The receiver calculates Km = Hash- 1 (DMn) using the secret data compression 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-e" for realizing the ciphering function E1, and a cipher key Yin. The cipher key Km is a secret value which the sender and receiver share. The receiver has the 'decoding 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 "hash function <<Ciphering by sender>> The sender sets the secret password PW as x = PW, and ciphers as y m DES- eWin, x) with the ciphering module DES-e and the cipher key Km being held, thereby sending the ciphertext y and domain name Wm. <<Decg 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(Rn, y) using the decoding module. The plain-text x is password PW, and the receiver can obtain the secret pasrd 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. (EmMle of cipher number i m 2) <<Preparation>> The present example is an example of employing RSA encoding, wherein the sender generates ciphering function y = -e mod n and decoding function y = x4 mod n. Here, e d holds, the key d being a secret value. The sender hands to the receiver the disclosable keys e and n, and ciphering module RSA-e for realizing y 3emod 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 =lule RSA-e for realizing y =)e mod n. <<Ciphering by sender>> The sencler encodes the secret password PW, own domain name DNm, and time of sending (year/mmth/day/hour/minute/se=d) as x = PW 11 xl 11 x2 (wherein xl: do name Wm, and x2: yearlrnonth/day/how/ minute/seomd) 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 mlule RSA-d held beforehand and the decoding key. The result is x = PW 1 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 ciplg, dmk-iin name xl and year/month/day/hour/ffunute/second x2 are used as randcrn numbers. A third party does not know the secret key dand thus cannot calculate the secret password PW. In the above E0IbMt, as stipulations of the ci 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>> De,ScriPtim 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 - E(k, x), y represents ciphertext, k represents ciphering key, and x represents plain-text). Specific procedures for terminal verification will new be described. The terminal of the user to receive verification decides upon a randam number R using appropriate weans. calculates Yl = F(PW, R) using the password PW and function y F(PW, R) and Sends both the randam number R and the function Yl to the verifying entity. The verifying entity receives the randarn number R and the function Y1, and calculates Y2 = F(FW, R) using the received randam number R, the password PW held within, and the function F, and checks whether or not Yl - Y2 holds. In the event that there is a match, verification can be made that the er of the terminal which 183 1 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 randam number R but rather the random number R is restricted to depending on tn-e- (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 coqn-essim function Hj may be used instead, for Y1, Y2 - (PW, R). <<ove.r.all configuration>> FIGs.123 and 124 illustrate an overview of the roaming technique according to the present effbo&nent, 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 servers 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 comection server 21018-1. The access control apparatus 21020-1 is provided with a conversion table 21023-1, a cmversion 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 determined as necessary to the IP terminal, or to connect thereto.

* 184 The conversion table server 21016-1 has a function for rewriting the contents of the conversion table 21013-1, and the cormersion 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 tendnal, and is identified by ICS domain name ncl.bl.al." provided uniquely within the ICS 21000-1. <<Application for use of roaming ten=al>> The owner of a roaming terminal 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 domain name and an ICS user address. The payment method represented by billing class RMNY', e.g., in the event that MNY - 1, the charges are billed to the home IP (i. e., an IP ten=tal duch 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 dc name "cl.bl.al." for using the roaming terminal 21200-1, and an ICS user address 0120OR. 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 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 081150 and the ICS user address "1200n 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 ckx name Ecl.bl.al.n, ICS user address n1200n, special ICS address for roaming terminals (called wroaming special numbern) '100Ow, ICS user address w6300w for registration server, and ICS user address w6310" for connecting server, and further effibeds inside the interior 21202-1 of the roaming tenninal 21200-1 the ciphering function Ei and decoding related data RP1. Now, RP1 = Hj (domain name 11 RPO) 11 RPO (wherein RPO NKY 11:1 H j) holds, and the &x name Is ncl.bl. al. 0. MNY is the above-described billing class, win is a cipher number for typifying the cipher Ei, and win determines the type of Hash function Hj. Data carpression, 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 empression function Hj, and does not even know Hj, and thus is incapable of generating code related data RP1. <<Registration procedure frcrn home IP tenydnal>> Description will be made with reference to FIG.127. The roaming teininal user connects the roaming terminal 21200-1 to the position of the hcme IP teaminal 21151-1. Next, the roaming terminal user decides on a password (M) and enters this fram the input unit 21204-1, and also generates an ICS user packet W01 using the ciftiering 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 m logic ccomunication line 21152-1 (procedures T10). The destination of the ICS user packet M01 is "6300" which points to the roaming registration server, and includes own ICS damain name mcl.bl.al. cipher parameter PR1, ICS user address w12000, expiration data N98-1231 ciphertext nym which is the password that has been ciphered, Otgn (wherein tg = 1 in order to display registration procedures), and wYesu or 0Non for roaming connection specification. The generation method employed for the ciphertext "y" is the coding technique described earlier. For example, in the event that the cipher number 2, ciphertext wy" is generated with y =)e wcd n (wherein x = PW 11 cl.bl.al. llyL- ar/month/day/ho=/minutelsecond). The access control apparatus 21010-1 looks at the conversian table 21013-1 and transfers the ICS user packet W01 to the registration server 21017-1 with the destination 06300n (procedure T15). The registration server 21017-1 uses the dcmain name ncl. bl.al." 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 dc name is the same as the method by which the cannection server 21028-1 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the dcmain name, the details thereof being described in detail later. The verifying server 21100-1 checks the contents of the received ICS user packet M01, and decodes the ciphertext "yw using the earlier-described technique, thereby calculating the password PW. For example, in the event that the cipher nuffiber = 2, the ciphertext "y" is decoded with x = yd mod n. This yields x - PWIlcl.bl.al. llyear/mnth/day/hourlrninutelsecond, 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 dcmaJn name 'cl.bl. al. m to e t = Hj (damain name 11 RPO) 11 RPO), and checks whether or not t RP1 holds for the received RP1. If it holds, judgment is passed that the damain name wcl.bl.al.", the billing class MNT, and the cipher numbers "i" and njw have not been tan 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 verification table 21100-2; registration is not made in the event there are insufficient registration contents.

Mis is illustrated in the verifying table 21100-2 in the line with the administration number 1, with the dcmain name as ncl.bl.al.", cipher number 02", billing class (MNY) '1", value of calculated password PW "224691", expiration date "98-12-31u, roaming connection of "Yesw, 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 = 2 and roaming connection set to nNon. 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 210171 (procedure T30), then the access control apparatus 21010-1 (procedure T35), and reported to 188 the roaming IP temninal (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 camninication line 21152-1, after the above procedure T40 has been cmpleted. Incidentally, a method which can be ernployed for changing the password involves specifying the prior password. <<Sending and receiving user IP packet e travelmg>> An example will 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 damain name "cl.bl.al." of the roaming terminal 21200-1 and the other party of communication with a domain name "c2. W. a2. n. The user inputs the following from the input unit 21204-1: the damain name nc2.b2.a2." of other party of comnmicatim, Rtgn which has been set to tg = 5 for specifying sending and receiving of user IP packet, own password PW, and R5R which specifies the roaming connection period in days (represented by TrL). 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 W01, M02, M03, M04 and so forth.

Next, the roaming terminal 21200-1 generates a user IP packet PK02, and sends it to the access control apparatus 21020-1 via the ICS user logic ccmmmication line 21210-1 (procedure T50). The user IP packet W02 includes the sender darein name mcl.bl.al.w, receiver 189 do rume "c2.b2.a2.0, 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/dayl second wyy-m-dd-ssssso is generated and used as a time random number TR (TR = yy- rffn-dd-sssss), and the clock of inside 21202-2 and the cipher function Ei is used to calculate RP2 = Ei(PW, TR) JITR.

The access control apparatus 21020-1 receives the user IP packet W02, obtains the ICS network address "78000 provided to the ICS logic terminal, and since the request identification from the conversion table 21023-1 is nC and further the sender ICS user address written to the user IP packet W02 Is n10000 (i.e., roaming special number), the above ICS network address 078001 is held, and is delivered with the ICS user packet M02 to the connection server 21028-1 pointed to by the receiver ICS user address m6310n (procedure T60). The ICS network address n7800m obtained in this procedure w M be used after the later-described prooess T130.

<<Function of connection server>> Next, the connection server 21028-1 calls the verifying server 21100-1 using the damin nam wcl.bl.al.0, and transfers the do naMe ncl.bl.al.n 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 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) 11 TR, so the time randan nmter which is to the latter half of the RP2 is used to calculate t = Ei(IPW, 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 temninal 21200-1 is correct. The time function TR includes the yearlrnmth/day (i.e., TR = yy- mrn-dd-sssss), so unauthorized access can be ddscovexed in the case that the received year/month/day does not match that time of processing.

Next, the verifying server 21100-1 reports the follg itens written in the verifying table 21100-2 to the connection server 210281 (procedure T80): ceMletion of roaming registration, billing class, and verifying server calling information (procedure T80). In the present embodiment, the billing class is MW = 1, and the verifying server calling information is the ICS network address n79W of the verifying server 21100-1, port number n71OR and administration number "ln of the verifying administration table. The connection server 21028-1 presents the do name ncl.bl.al.m to the damain name server, requests the ICS user address and the ICS network address associated with the dcniam name (procedure T90), and obtains the ICS user address n1200n and the ICS network address '8115n (procedure T100). In the same way, the connection server presents the dcmain name wc2.b2.a2.n to the damain name server, requests the ICS user address and the ICS network address associated with the darain name (procedure T110), and obtains the ICS user address R2500n and the ICS network address N8200n (procedure T120).

Next, the connection server 21028-1 informs the conversion table 191 sex 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 u1200", ICS user address R25000, and ICS network address n8200", just obtained fran the dc name server; and also the cmpletion of roaming registration, billing class, and verifying server calling infonnation 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-, neaning inter-corporation camrdcation by roaming. In the event that the billing class is MNY = 1, the ICS network address "8115" and the ICS user address "120C just obtained fram the domain narne server are forwarded to the billing notification destination of the conversion table 21023-1. 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 21013-1. Further, 05n which specifies the roaming connection period in days is also written to the conversion table 21013-1. the writing to the conversion table 21023-1 is c " leted, the conversion table server 21026-1 reports the results to the connection server 21028-1 (procedure T140). This empletion report is sent via the access control apparatus 21020-1 (procedure T150) to the roarning tenninal 21200-1 with the ICS user packet P03 (procedure T160).

Now, the ICS user packet W03 includes the ICS user address "1200" associated with the domain name n cl.bl.al.n of the roaming 192 terminal 21200-1, and the CS user address 02500w associated with the dc name "c2.b2.a2.w of the other party of cammunication. The corporation operating the access control apparatus can charge the awner 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 W02 up to returning the ICS user packet PK03, and w5w which specifies the roaming connection period in days. <<Using the roaming terminal>> The roaming terminal 21200-1 can use the conversion table 210231 created following the abave-described procedures, to perform intercorporation comTmicatim (procedures T170 through T220). In the event that "S" 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 biLlJng>> The access control apparatus 21020-1 notifies the billing notification destination registered in the conversion table 21023-1 of the ccnmmicatim charges (procedure T300 or T310). <<Method for accessing the verifying server>> On the abave description, detailed description vi-11 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 damain name ncl.bl.al. n to a plurality of verifying servers including verifying server 21100-1 is correct, i.e., whether

A or not the do name "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. 128. A demain name wroot" is provided on Level 1 of the tree, and d(m r nc-ilw@, Pa2N, wa3n... and so forth exi-st m Level 2 below, danain naffes Oblu, 0b2n, OWn, and so forth exist m Level 3 below 'aP for example, and domain names "cl", nc2R, "c3w-and so forth exist m Level 4 below "bl" for example.

FIG.129 illustrates the internal table 21102-2 of the verifying server 21102-1 handling the dc wrootn, indicating,,e.g., that the ICS network address of the dcr narm server 21101-1 which handles the domain name "alm below the domain name wrootn is "79710, and the port number is w710. Also, FIG.130 illustrates the internal table 21101-2 of the verifying server 21101-1 handling the do nal", indicating, e.g., that the ICS network address of the domain name server 21100-1 which handles the dc name "bl" below the damain name naln is "7981w, and the port number is "71On.

FIG.131 illustrates the internal table 21100-2 of the verifying server 21100-1 handling the darain wbl", indicating, e.g., that the damain name "cl" below the do name "bl" shows wYES% in the endpoint in the internal table 21100-2, meaning that there are no rnore diamain names below, and that in this exmple, the demain narne Wcl.bl.al" has been registered with the verifying server, and facts such that the password PW is w224691n, that the date of expiration is "98-12-31", 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 domain name "cl.bl. al. 0, and checks whether or not the damain name "cl.bl.al." 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 dcmain Orootn m Level 1 shown in FIG. 128. Also, in the event that there is a great deal of ccnTnmicatim with the verifying servers which handle the Level 2 and Level 3 damains, the ICS network addresses of the verifying servers thereof are held therein.

The connection server 21028-1 enters the domain name "cl.bl.al.' in the internal resolver 21029-1. The resolver 21029-1 sends the ICS frame 213351 including "alm under the domain name Orooto and the cipher parameter RP2 to the verifying server 21102-1, and an ICS packet 21336-1 including an ICS network address "7971" of the ICS daffmn name server for "al" is returned. Next, the resolver 21029-1 sends an ICS packet 21345-1 including ubl" to the verifying server 21101-1, and an ICS packet 21346-1 including an ICS network address '7981n of the verifying server for wblw is returned. Next, the resolver 21029-1 sends an ICS packet 21355-1 including "clu to the verifying server 21100-1, and regarding the darain name "clo, the space for the endpoint of 21100-1 is wYesw this time, so it can be judged that verification information has been registered. In this way, wrootn, "alm and "blw have been followed in order, so it can be understood that the verification information for the reversed domain name mcl.bl.al.n is registered in the internal table 21100-2.

The vexifying server 21100-1 checks the received cipher parameter RP, and checks that the expiration date n98-12-31n 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) 11 TR, so the time random nmt)er TR to the latter half of RP2 is used to calculate t = Ei (M TR). In the event that the value of this twporary variable t calculated here mat the flmt half El(PW, TR) of the received RP2, confirmation can be made that the password PW entered into the tenninal 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 the billing class MNY. <<Other entodiment of roaming without a hems IP teamlml>> In the above ent)odinmt, in the event that the ICS receptionist does not set a home IP terminal, the earlier-described "Registration procedures from home IP terminaln are performed via the usw service server 21250-1. In this case, the billing record "120" within the verifying table 21100-2 within the verifying server 21100-1, and the information 07981-710-1% of the verifying server presented to the billing notification destination within the conversion table 21023-1, are used. <<Another embodiment of roan-ting 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 vex fying server 21110-1 is the same as the domain name trees that are the object of domain name servers in other effibodiments. 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 vex2úying server. That is, this other method of carrying out roaming is realized by integrating the verifying server described in the present entxxbxmt with the domain name server described in other embodinbents. <<Acoess control apparatus and IP terminal connecting with wireless transceiver>> A wireless transceiver 21620-1 is pruvided within the ICS 21000-1, and the wireless transceiver 21620-1 and a wireless transceiver 21640-1 can exchange information me with another via a wireless commLmication path 21625-1. The terminal 21630-1 includes the less transceiver 21640-1, and as with the case of the earlierdescribed IP terminal 21200-1, the terminal 21200-2 has functions for inter-corporation commication using an ICS domain name. There is an information canninication path 21620-1 between the access control apparatus 21020-1 and the wireless transceiver 21620-1. The information communication path 21610-1 is like the ICS user logic c=unication line in that it has functions for sending and receiving ICS user packet, 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 functions for receiving the ICS user packet, converting the InfomatIon within the ICS user packet into ICS user packet information in waveform formt and transmitting them, and also reverse function, i.e., receiving ICS user packet information in waveform format and reverse-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 comnunication path 21625-1, wireless transceiver 21620-1, and information conmnication path 21610-1, and is provided to the access control apparatus. Also, an ICS packet sent out in the reverse e&Ion,:L.e., sent from the access control apparatus 21020-1 passes through the information cammication path 21610-1, the wireless transceiver 21620-1, the wireless conTunication path 21625-2, the wireless transceiver 21640-1, and is delivered to the IP terminal 21200-2.

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

A method for using a network identifier to restrict virtual dedicated line service, intra-corporation communication service and inter- corporation communication 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 communication 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. R1500n and '15100; for within LAN 22102-1. w5200n, n52100, and 052500; for within LAN 22103-1, '1900" and "1910"; for within LAN 22104-1, "1100w and w111Ow; for within LAN 22105-1, 04200" and w421Ow; for within LAN 22106-1, 01800n and n1810n; for within LAN 22107-1, "1920' and '1930w; for within LAN 22108-1, n5410n and n5420n; for within LAN 22109-1, -1430" and 01440w; for within LAN 22110-1, n6500w and "1960w; for within LAN 22111-1, "1820R and w1830n; and for within LAN 22112-1, n4410n and "1420".

In the above description, values w100OR through w1999n for the ICS user address indicate the ICS user addresses for the intra-corporation communication, values 0200OR through n6999u for the ICS user address indicate the ICS user addresses for the inter-corporation communication, and values w700OR through n9999w for the ICS network address indicate the ICS network addresses. The ICS network server uses the ICS user address range (R10000 through "1999n) when performing the intra-corporation communication, and the ICS user address range (n20000 through 06999n) when performing the inter-corporation communication. Also. the ICS user addresses used for the intra-corporation communication can also be used for the intercorporation communication. <<Conversion table line and network identifier>>

Description will be made regarding nlinesn 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 Olm, the value oftransmitting ICS network address is "810OR, the value of sender ICS user address (intra-corporation) is w150Ow, sender ICS user address (intercorporation) is blank, the value of receiver ICS user address is n1100m, the value of receiving ICS network address is w710ON, the value of the network identifier is wAOOlw, and other items are unfilled. Here, a blank space may mean NNul1R. The Rlinew in the conversion table is also referred to as a Rrecordw 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 wOpenw, as shown in conversion table 22033-1.

The operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGs. 141 and 142. <<Closed-zonelintra-corporation communication>> An ICS user frame S01 is sent out from an IP terminal having an address "1100' within the LAN 22104-1, and reaches the access control apparatus 22020-1 via the ICS user logic 201 -I- communication line. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S01 from the IC9 logic terminal with the address "71000 of the line portion 22021- 1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address 07100", and further obtains the sender ICS user address ullOOR and the receiver ICS user address "1500' from the ICS user packet S01 (Step SP100), and cheeks whether the transmitting ICS network address n7100n is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as w3R (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 "7100%, the sender ICS user address '1100", 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 111100u, confirmation is made that the space for the sender ICS user address (inter-corporation) is blank, following which receiving ICS network address '18100w is obtained (Step SP160).

Next, an ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address "7100" thus obtained and the receiving ICS network address "8100" (Step SP180), and the ICS network packet TO1 thus obtained is sent out onto the ICS 202 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 H810OR written within the network control field (ICS capsule) of the ICS network packet TO1 is registered as the transmitting ICS network address "810OR 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 n8100n 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 n1100' within the LAN 22104-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S02 from the ICS logic terminal with the address w710OR of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address 07100n, and further obtains the sender ICS user address n1100n and the receiver ICS user address n6100n 203 from the ICS user packet S02 (Step SP100), and checks whether the ICS network address 07100' is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as '3w (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 '7100", the sender ICS user address 0110C and the receiver ICS user address 16100n, 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 n6100" from one or more records in the conversion table with a network identifier the same as the network identifier 'W01n having the request identification value wC in the conversion table 22023-1 with the aforementioned ICS network address of n710OR and the sender ICS user address of 011000 (in this case, the third record from the top in the conversion table 22023-1), and the receiving network address "9100' written to the record is found (Step SP170). Next, the ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address 07100n and the receiving ICS network address w9100w 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 '111C 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 "42000 within the LAN 22105-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user frame S04 from the ICS logic terminal with the address w7200w of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address n720ON, and further obtains the sender ICS user address R4200n and the receiver ICS user address n5200" from the ICS user packet S04 (Step SP100), and checks whether the address n72001' is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as w3n (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 R7200n, the sender ICS user address '420Ou and the receiver ICS user address n5200", 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, confirmation is made that the sender ICS user address (intercorporation) alone is recorded as n4200w (Step SP160).

Next, the ICS encapsulation is perfoimv-.d using the transmitting ICS network address n7200w thus obtained and the receiving ICS network address "8200w (Step SP180), and the ICS network packet T04 thus obtained is sent out onto the network communication 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), confirm that the receiving ICS network address 08200' written within the network control field (ICS encapsule) of the ICS network frame T04 is registered as the transmitting ICS network address n8200" 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 R820Ou (Step ST130). <<Closed-zone/inter- corporation communicationlaccess to network server>>

An ICS user packet S05 is sent out from an IP terminal having an address n4200n within the LAN 22105-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S05 from the ICS logic terminal with the address n7200' of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 220201 obtains the transmitting 206 ICS network address 0720OR, and further obtains the sender ICS user address "420On and the receiver ICS user address n6200" from the ICS user packet SOS (Step SP100), and checks whether the ICS network address "7200n is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as n3" (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 w720OR, the sender ICS user address n420On and the receiver ICS user address 0620C. 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 "610On from one or more records in the conversion table with a network identifier the same as the network identifier wBOO10 having the request identification value "4w (ICS network server specification) in the conversion table 22023-1 with the aforementioned receiver ICS network address of n7200" and the sender ICS user address of "4200" (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 w7200n and the receiving ICS network address "9200w thus obtained (Step SP180), and the ICS 207 network packet T05 thus obtained is sent out onto the ICS network communication line (Step SP190). The ICS network packet T05 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 "4210' within the LAN 22105-1, the network identifier is wBO02", 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 HICS external servern, 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 '5250", 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 "Null". 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 "8200n, the ICS reverse 208 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 "1800w within the LAN 22106-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S07 from the ICS logic terminal with the address 0730OR of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address R7300', and further obtains the sender ICS user address "1800w and the receiver ICS user address w1900' from the ICS user packet S07 (Step SP100), and checks whether the ICS network address n730OR is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as w3", 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 R190Ow, these having been obtained as described above (Step SP140). In this case, such does not exist, so the receiver ICS network address w8300n of the record wherein the receiver ICS 209 user address space is blank (or "Null") with the ICS network address n730ON 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 n8300n (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 R83000 written within the network control field (ICS capsule) of the ICS network packet T07 is registered as the transmitting ICS network address n8300n 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 n8300n 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 w1820n within the LAN 22111-1, the network identifier is nCO02n, 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 w1920w within the LAN 22107-1. <<Closed-zone/virtual dedicated linelaccess to network server>> An ICS user packet S08 is sent out from an IP terminal having an address 0181C within the LAN 22106-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S08 from the ICS logic terminal with the address 0730OR of the line portion 22021-1, the access control apparatus 22020-1 obtains the ICS network address '73000, and further obtains the sender ICS user address w1810" and the receiver ICS user address R63000 from the transmitting ICS user packet S08 (Step SP100), and cheeks whether "7300" is registered on the conversion table 22023-1 with the request identification as 113" (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 "7300n and the receiver ICS user address R6300u, these having been obtained as described above (Step SP140). In this case, such does exist, and the receiving network address R930OR written to the record is found (Step SP145). Next, the ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address n7300w and the receiving ICS network address R9300n thus obtained (Step SP180), the transmitting ICS network address "7300w 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 "18300 within the LAN 22111-1, the network identifier is "CO02%, 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-zone/inter-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 w1420R within the LAN 22112-1. At the time of receiving the ICS user packet S13 from the ICS logic terminal with the address 07405n of the line portion 22041-1, the access control apparatus 22040-1 obtains the transmitting ICS network address n74050, and further obtains the sender ICS 212 user address "1420" and the receiver ICS user address n5420n from the ICS user packet S13 (Step SP100), and checks whether the ICS network address '7405" 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 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 n7405", the sender ICS network address 0142on and receiver ICS user address n54200, 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 N1420w and the sender ICS user address (inter-corporation) is w5420n (in this case, the fifth record from the top on conversion table 220431). Next, the received sender ICS user address (intracorporation) 01420m is re- written to a inter-corporation address "4420n, and the receiving ICS network address R8400n registered to this record is obtained (Step SP160). Next, the ICS encapsulation is performed using the transmitting ICS network address "74050 and the receiving ICS network address R8400w 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 n84000 written within the network control field (ICS capsule) of the ICS network packet is registered as the transmitting ICS network address 084000 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 communication line connected to the address "8400' (Step ST130).

An ICS user packet S11 sent out from an IP terminal having an ICS user address w4410m 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 n541C within the LAN 22108-1. As another example, an ICS user packet S12 sent out from an IP terminal having an ICS user address "4410n 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 05430' written within the ICS user packet S12 is an ICS user address (inter-corporation), the address value 15430' is re-written to an ICS user address (intra-corporation) '1430n (Step ST120), an ICS user packet S120 is generated, and delivered to the IP terminal having the ICS user address 01430w within the LAN 22109-1. As another example, an ICS user packet S14 sent out from an IP terminal having an ICS user address w14200 within the LAN 22112-1 has a sender ICS user address w1420" and a receiver ICS user address "5440", is transferred through the ICS 22000-1 and is delivered to the IP terminal within the LAN 22109 with an ICS user address of w1440" and a sender ICS user address "4420", having been converted to an ICS user packet S140 with a receiver ICS user address N1440'. <<Open-zonelinter-corporation communication/access 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. <<Conmmication 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 wICS 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 "650OR and w1960", 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) n1960', and further, is provided with a sender ICS user address (inter-corporation) R6960n. Also, the ICS internal server 22086-1 has ICS user address w660Ow, 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 (10peno) 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 closedzonelintra-corporation communication which can be commanded by the network identifier 'A001n. Incidentally, the hierarchical structure of the domain name in the example is shown to be a single-layer structure specifying, e.g., domain name naln, but this may be made to be 2- or 3layer hierarchy such as "bl.al.w or ncl.bl.al.n. Further, the network server 22083-1 for closed-zone/inter-corporation

217 communication may be used as a domain name server for closedzone/inter- corporation communication which can be commanded by the network identifier 'BOO10. 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 "CO010. 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 waln, but this may be made to be 2- or 3-layer hierarchy such as nbl.al.n or Wcl.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 "in 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' -- xlir (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 m 1) <<Preparation>> The sender m discloses the domain name thereof (DNm) to the public including the receiver. The receiver calculates Km m 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 Wciphering module DES-en 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-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 nhash function". <<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 DNffi. <<Decoding by receiver>> The receiver receives the ciphertext y and the domain name DNffi, 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 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 embodiment, as stipulation of the cipher number i = 3, the cipheringfunction 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 = xOmod n and a decoding function y = x%od 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%od n. <<Ciphering by sender>> The sender ciphers the secret password PW, own domain name DNm, and time of sending (year/month/day/hour/minute /second) as x m PW 11 xl 11 x2 (wherein Xl: domain name DNm, and x2: year/month/day/hour/minutel second) and encodes as y = x%od n using the ciphering module RSA-e, thus sending the clphertext Y. <<Decoding by receiver>> The receiver receives the ciphertext y and calculates y xdmod n using the decoding module RSA-d held beforehand and the decoding key. The result is x = PW H xl U 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/dayl 221 hour/minute/second 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 = 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 Yl to the verifying entity. The verifying entity receives the random numbers R and Y1, and calculates Y2 = P(FW, R) using the received random number R, the password PW held

222 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 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 mcl. bl.al.n 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 nMNYn, e.g., in the event that MNY = 1. the charges are billed to the home IP (i.e., an IP terminal which Is 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.w for using the roaming terminal 21200-1, and an ICS user address "1200". 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 w8115w and the ICS user address n12000 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 wcl.bl.al.w, ICS user address 0120Ow, special ICS address for roaming terminals (called wroaming special number") 1,1000u, ICS user address w6300" for registration server, and ICS user address R6310w 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 = Hj (domain il name RPO) 11 RPO (wherein RPO = NMY II.i j 11 NID) holds, and the domain name is ncl.bl. al. n. MNY is the above- described billing class, "i" is a cipher number for the cipher Ei, and Njw determines the type of Hash function Hj, and NIDR is a network identifier 'BOOlu. 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 M01 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 M01 is "630ON which points to the roaming registration server, and includes own ICS domain name ncl. bl.al.", cipher parameter PR1, ICS user address w1200", expiration data n98-12-

3n 1, ciphertext ny' which is the password that has been ciphered, ntgo (wherein tg = 1 in order to display registration procedures), and nYesm or nNo" for roaming connection specification. The generation method employed for the ciphertext "y" is the ciphering technique described earlier.

226 For example, in the event that the cipher number = 2, ciphertext wyw 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 w6300w (procedure T15). The registration server 21017-1 uses the domain name Wcl. bl.al." 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 M01, and decodes the ciphertext wy" using the earlierdescribed technique, thereby calculating the password PW. For example, in the event that the code number = 2, the ciphertext nyw is decoded with x - ydmod 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 m MNY U i 11 j U 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 0 cl. bl. al. R to calculate t = Hj (domain name 11 RPO) 11 RPO), 227 and checks whether or not t m RP1 holds for the received RP1. If it holds, judgment is passed that the domain name Mcl.bl.al.n, billing class MNT, cipher numbers "i" and "j", and the network identifier ONID' 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 ncl.bl.al.w, cipher number w2n, billing class (MNY) '10, value of calculated password PW n224691n, expiration date n98- n 12-31, roaming connection of nYes'. i.e., acceptance of a roaming connection. At the time of generating the PM1 in procedure T10, the aforementioned value of tg may be set to tg = 2 and roaming connection set to wNo'. 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 mcl.bl.al.' of the roaming terminal 21200-1 and the other party of communication with a domain name wc2.b2.a2.n The user inputs the following from the input unit 21204-1: the domain name nc2.b2.a2.m of other party of communication, utgn which has been set to tg = 5 for specifying sending and receiving of user IP packet, own password PW, and n5w 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-sssss' 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 M02, obtains the ICS network address w78000 provided to the ICS logic terminal, and since the request identification from the conversion table is R4n and further the sender ICS 229 user address written to the user IP packet PM2 is "1000" (i.e., roaming special number), the above ICS network address B7800n 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 n6310n (procedure T60). The ICS network address '7800" 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.al", and transfers the domain name mcl.bl. al" 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) 11 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 21100-2 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 R7981n of the verifying server 21100-1, port number R710m and administration number R1M of the verifying administration table. The connection server 21028-1 presents the domain name Ncl.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 n120OR and ICS network address w8115n, (procedure T100). In the same way, the connection server presents the domain name nc2.b2.a2.0 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 w2500w and the ICS network address "8200" (procedure T120).

Next, the connection server 21028-1 informs the conversion table server 21026-1of the following (procedure T130): the ICS network address '7800w of the ICS logic terminal which has input the ICS user packet (held in procedure T60); the ICS user address w1200", ICS user address n250Ow, and ICS network address 08200m, just obtained from the domain name 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 01Ow. meaning the inter-corporation communication by roaming. The network identifier (NID) is NBOO1w. In the event that the billing class is MNY = 1, the ICS network address n8115m and the ICS user address w120OR 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, n5n 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 01200m associated with the domain name ncl.bl.al.n of the roaming terminal 212001, and the CS user address "2500' 232 associated with the domain name nc2.b2.a2.w 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 M02 up to ret urn ing the ICS user packet PK03, and n5" which specifies the roaming connection period in days. The above embodiment is an example of the network identifier (NID) nBO01", and is applied to closed-zone networks described in other embodiments. Also, as another embodiment, the network identifier (NID) may be set as ROpenw and applied to an open-zone network. In this case, the roaming technique is the same as that of the aforementioned closed-zone network nBOOll. <<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 comimmication the same as with that described in other embodiments (procedures T170 through T220). In the event that 05w 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 communication 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 "cl.bl.al." to a plurality of verifying servers including verifying server 21100-1 is correct. i.e., whether or not the domain name acl.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 walu, na2", RaY' and so forth exist on Level 2 below, domain names nblI, nb20, nb3w... and so forth exist on Level 3 below "al' for example, and domain names 'cl", "c2", nc3"... and so forth exist on Level 4 below "bln for example.

FIG.149 illustrates the internal table 21102-2 of the verifying server 21102-1 handling the domain nroot", indicating, e.g., that the ICS network address of the domain name server 21101-1 which handles the domain name 'al" below the domain name "rooC is w7971R, and the port number is n71OR Also, FIG.150 illustrates the internal table 21101-2 of the 234 verifying server 21101-1 handling the domain "alw, indicating, e.g., that the ICS network address of the domain name server 21100-1 which handles the domain name wblw below the domain name Wal' is N7981n, and the port number is w71Ow. 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 nclw below the domain name nb10 shows nYESn 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 wcl.bl. al" has been registered with the verifying server, and facts such that the password PW is '224691n, that the date of expiration is 098-12-31n, 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 Mcl.bl.al.w, and checks whether or not the domain name n cl.bl.al.n 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 nroot" 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.

235 The connection server 21028-1 enters the domain name n cl.bl.al.w in the internal resolver 21029-1. The resolver 21029-1 sends the ICS packet 21335-1 including "all under the domain name "root" and the cipher parameter RP2 to the verifying server 21102-1, and an ICS packet 21336-1 including an ICS network address R79710 of the ICS domain name server for Wall is returned. Next, the resolver 21029-1 sends an ICS packet 21345-1 including nblo to the verifying server 21101-1, and an ICS packet 21346-1 including an ICS network address 07981m of the verifying server for "bl" is returned. Next, the resolver 21029-1 sends an ICS packet 21355-1 including ncln to the verifying server 21100-1, and regarding the domain name ncln, the space for the endpoint of 21100-1 is nYes" this time, so it can be judged that verifying information has been registered. In this way, "root", "al", and wbln have been followed in order, so it can be understood that the verification information for the reversed domain name acl.bl.al.n 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 "98-12-31" 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 Ei(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 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, in the event that the ICS receptionist 21271-1 does not set a home IP terminal, the earlier-described wRegistration procedures from home IP terminal" 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 R7981-710-1" 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 1n 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 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 me with another via a wireless =runication 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 nication using an ICS damain name. There is an information cammication path 21620-1 between the access control apparatus 21020-1 and the wireless transceiver 21620-1. The information comnnication path 21610-1 is Like the ICS user logic comenication line in that it has a function for sending and receiving ICS user packets, and these are different in that the information camunication 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 frame 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 frcm the IP terminal 21200-2 passes through the wireless transceiver 21640-1, wireless camunication path 21625-1, wireless transceiver 21620-1, and information canmmication path 21610-1, and is provided to the access control apparatus. Also, ICS frame sent out in the reverse direction, i.e., sent fram the access control apparatus 21020-1 passes through the information camiunication path 21610-1, wireless transceiver 21620-1, wireless caffrunication path 21625-2, wireless transceiver 21640-1, and is delivered to the IP te=rdnal 21200-2.

Thus, according to the present irmention, administration of informtion commmication is performed with a unified address system, and various services can be provided, without using dedicated lines or the Internet, thus enabling structuring a large-scale camimmication system with high security and with relatively law costs. Also, interCorporation MiatuniCatiM Can be perf=ted between individual corporations (including goverrrent organizations, universities, and so forth) which had conventionally been services separately with practically no change to the address system for =Wter cammunications. 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 inproving 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 wherein a communication due to telephone voice is capable by connecting to a telephone via telephone line from telephone line conversion portion within the access control apparatus.

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