JP2003229892A - Network communication system and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain communication capable of avoiding a fault even when the fault occurs in a radio repeater on a trunk line. <P>SOLUTION: Each of repeaters R1 to Rn repeats the other repeaters R1 to Rn, master repeaters MR1 to MR3 and a mobile terminal MS, constitutes a group area for efficiently repeating respective repeaters, stores and previously recognizes the identification information of a repeater to be directly wirelessly connected to the repeater itself in order to construct two different trunk lines connecting the repeater itself and the other repeater. When a fault occurs in communication between the repeater itself and the directly wirelessly connected repeater in order to construct the 1st trunk line, the repeater concerned informs a center device of the fault information of the fault. The center device receiving the fault information autonomously switches the trunk line to be used and connects the repeater corresponding to the 2nd trunk line to construct the trunk line. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network communication system for constructing a communication network using a relay device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional network communication system is composed of wire equipment having a main line network such as a local area LAN. According to this conventional system, there is a problem in that it is practically inconvenient because it is necessary to lay out a section of the entire main line network with a cable, and wiring around the cable requires wiring work.

In order to solve this problem, the present inventors have recently been developing a network communication system for constructing a main circuit network wirelessly. In this system, multiple relay devices are used to secure the reach of radio waves when constructing the main line network, considering the limitations such as the frequency that can be used independently in the closed area and the strength of radio waves.

However, in the conventional network communication system using a plurality of relay devices within the closed area as described above, the number and positions of the relay devices are fixed depending on the reach of radio waves and the communication allowance on the relay path. Since the connection between relay devices is constructed by fixedly accessing a unique relay device, failure or communication congestion may occur in the relay device arranged in the relay path of the main circuit network. When a failure such as the above occurs, there is a problem that all relay paths through the relay device are blocked or unexpectedly delayed.

[0005]

In the conventional network communication system, since the connection between the relay devices is constructed by fixedly accessing the unique relay device, the relay device on the relay path has a failure or communication. When a failure such as congestion occurs, there is a problem that all relay paths through the relay device are blocked or unexpectedly delayed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and even if a failure occurs in a relay device on a relay path, network communication capable of continuing the communication performed via the relay device. An object is to provide a system and a network communication method.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 provides a plurality of wireless relay devices for relaying by wireless communication, and a center device for managing the plurality of wireless relay devices. And a plurality of master relay devices that are connected to the center device by a wired line, are wirelessly connected to the wireless relay device, and relay between the center device and the wireless relay device. From the center device to the plurality of wireless relay devices via the master relay device to establish a relay path for performing communication via a specific communication path, and the plurality of wireless relay devices set based on the instruction. A relay path setting control unit that acquires relay path setting information, which is information about each relay path, and a center device based on the relay path setting information acquired by the relay path setting control unit. From the master relay device to the plurality of wireless relay devices, the first relay means storing the first relay route in association with the identification information of the plurality of wireless relay devices and the relay route setting control means. A second connection from a center device different from the first relay path to a plurality of wireless relay devices via the master relay device based on the relay path setting information
Communication is performed via the first relay path based on the information stored in the second storage means and the first storage means that stores the relay path of the wireless relay device in association with each identification information of the plurality of wireless relay devices. When a failure has occurred in the communication between the first selecting means for selecting that and the plurality of wireless relay devices on the first relay path selected by the first selecting means, the failure is detected. When the notification of the information indicating the occurrence of the failure is received from the wireless relay device, the second selecting means for selecting to perform the communication via the second relay path based on the information stored in the second storing means. It was equipped and configured.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of wireless relay devices that perform relay by wireless communication, a center device that manages the plurality of relay devices, a center device that is connected to the center device by a wired line, and wireless communication. What is claimed is: 1. A network communication method for a network, comprising a plurality of master relay devices that are wirelessly connected to a relay device and relay between a center device and a wireless relay device, the center device comprising: The relay path setting information, which is information about the relay path for each of the plurality of wireless relay apparatuses, which is instructed to the plurality of wireless relay apparatuses to establish a relay path for performing communication through a specific communication path, and which is set based on the instruction. Based on the relay path setting control step for acquiring the relay path setting control step and the relay path setting information acquired through the relay path setting control step. A first storage step of storing a first relay path connecting up to the line relay apparatus in association with each piece of identification information of a plurality of wireless relay apparatuses, and a first storage step based on the relay path setting information acquired by the relay path setting control means. And a second storage step of storing a second relay path connecting a plurality of wireless relay devices via a master relay device from a center device different from the relay path of the first relay device in association with each identification information of the plurality of wireless relay devices. , A first selecting step of selecting to perform communication via the first relay path based on the information stored in the first storing step, and a first selecting step selected by the first selecting means. When a failure has occurred in communication with a plurality of wireless relay devices on the relay path, and when a notification of information indicating the failure has been received from the wireless relay device that has detected the failure, it is stored in the second storage step. Via the second relay path based on the information It was set to configure and a second selection step of selecting to make a signal.

In the network communication system and the network communication method having the above-described configurations, the center device instructs the wireless relay device to establish two different relay paths for performing communication with other wireless relay devices, and each wireless relay device. The two relay path information built by the device and the identification information of the device to which the wireless relay device should be directly connected are acquired, and stored in the first storage means and the second storage means respectively to be recognized in advance, In the communication relayed through the first relay path, if a failure occurs in the communication with the wireless relay device, the second relay
Based on the information stored in the relay path storage means, the relay path is constructed by connecting with the relay device corresponding to the second relay path.

Therefore, according to the network communication system and the network communication method having the above-mentioned configuration, in each relay device that constructs a communication network, when the communication is relayed from the center device to the specific relay device via the specific route, Even if a failure occurs in the relay device, the relay device notifies the center device of the failure occurrence, and the center device can instruct the relay device to switch the relay path and switch the relay path. Communication can continue without intervention.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a network communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a center device C and master relay devices MR1, MR2.
MR3 and relay devices R1 to Rn (shown as R in FIG. 1)
And a mobile terminal MS.

The center device C functions as the center of the network communication system, performs communication control, position information management of the mobile terminal MS, data storage management, etc., and communicates with the control unit 100 as shown in FIG. Parts 101, 102, 1
03, a storage unit 104, and a remote terminal 110.

Communication units 101, 102 and 103 respectively correspond to master relay devices MR1, MR2 and MR3, which will be described later, are connected by a wired line, and communicate with the corresponding master relay devices MR1, MR2 and MR3. Is.

The storage unit 104 stores the position information of the mobile terminal MS in the terminal management information table in association with the nearest relay devices R1 to Rn, and also stores a relay path management information table as shown in FIG. Remember.

This relay path management information table is stored in the control unit 1
00, the identification information of the master relay devices MR1, MR2, and MR3 to be used is stored in association with each relay device R1 to Rn when establishing a relay path to each of the relay devices R1 to Rn. The identification information of the master relay devices MR1, MR2, and MR3 is stored in association with each of the two relay paths of the master relay path and the slave relay path. In the following description, among these two relay paths, the relay path with the highest priority is referred to as the master relay path, and the relay path with the next highest priority is referred to as the slave relay path.

The remote terminal 110 is a terminal device which is connected to the control unit 100 and comprises a personal computer or the like for performing various settings and control of the network communication system, monitoring the operating state, and other information acquisition. . It should be noted that the remote terminal 110 does not necessarily have to be present in the center apparatus C, and can be installed in a place away from the center apparatus C.

The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Process).
sing unit), a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and the CPU collectively controls the above-described units according to a control program and control data stored in the ROM.

For example, the control unit 100 uses the remote terminal 1
In response to a request from 10, various settings and controls are performed, communication control between the communication units 101, 102, and 103, and storage unit 104 based on information received by the communication units 101, 102, and 103. Manages the location information of the mobile terminal MS stored in.

The control unit 100 also performs a relay path setting process for creating the relay path management information table and a relay path selection process for selecting or changing an optimum relay path.

Next, the master relay devices MR1, MR2, M
Each of R3 relays communication between the center device C and the relay devices R1 to Rn, and as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 200, the communication unit 201, and the wireless communication unit 20.
2 and a storage unit 203.

The communication unit 201 is connected to the center apparatus C by a wired line and communicates with the center apparatus C. The wireless communication unit 202 is a PHS (Personal Handy
The wireless communication used in the direct communication between the handset units of the phone system) is performed, and the relay device R described later is used by this wireless communication.
Wireless communication is performed with 1 to Rn.

The storage unit 203 stores a relay path management information table as shown in FIG. This relay path management information table is created by the control unit 200, and is located on this relay path and communicates directly with each relay apparatus R1 to Rn when building a relay path to each of the relay apparatuses R1 to Rn. The identification information of the relay devices R1 to Rn is stored in association with each other, and the identification information of the relay devices R1 to Rn is stored in association with each other for the two relay paths of the master relay path and the slave relay path.

The control unit 200 includes a CPU, ROM and R
It has an AM and the like, and the CPU has the R
According to a control program and control data stored in the OM, the above-mentioned respective parts are centrally controlled.

For example, the control unit 200 performs communication control for relaying communication performed through the communication unit 201 and communication performed through the wireless communication unit 202. In addition, the control unit 20
0 performs relay path setting processing for creating the relay path management information table and relay path selection processing for selecting or changing the optimum relay path.

Next, the relay devices R1 to Rn relay communication between the master relay devices MR1, MR2 and MR3 and the relay devices R1 to Rn, or between the relay devices R1 to Rn and the mobile terminal MS. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 300, the wireless communication unit 301, the terminal wireless communication unit 302, the terminal wired communication unit 303, and the storage unit 304 are included.

The wireless communication unit 301 uses the wireless communication used in the direct communication between PHS slave units to perform master relay device MR.
1, MR2, MR3 and wireless communication with other relay devices R1 to Rn existing in other group areas as described later.

The terminal wireless communication section 302 is provided with an interface such as a weak radio wave or Bluetooth, and wirelessly connects with the mobile terminal device MS through this interface for communication.

The terminal wire communication unit 303 is, for example, R
An interface such as S-232C, 10BASE, or 100BASE is provided, and the interface is used for wired connection with the mobile terminal device MS for communication.

The storage unit 304 stores group area information indicating which group area the self belongs to among the three group areas shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 1, the case where three group areas are adopted is given as an example for the sake of simplicity.
As the highest group area, the master relay devices MR1, MR2
The area where wireless communication with MR3 is possible is defined as the primary group area.

The next higher secondary group area is located outside the primary group area and belongs to the relay apparatuses R1 to R belonging to the primary group area.
n is a region in which wireless communication is possible, and the lowest tertiary group region is a region outside the primary and secondary group regions and capable of wireless communication with the relay devices R1 to Rn belonging to the secondary group region. Is.

The storage unit 304 also stores a relay path management information table as shown in FIG. This relay path management information table is provided for each relay device R1 to Rn.
To Rn, the identification information of the relay devices R1 to Rn located on the relay path and directly communicating with each other is stored in association with each other, and two relays of a master relay path and a slave relay path are stored. For each road, the relay devices R1 to Rn
The identification information of is associated and stored.

The control unit 300 includes a CPU, ROM and R
It has an AM and the like, and the CPU has the R
According to a control program and control data stored in the OM, the above-mentioned respective parts are centrally controlled.

The main control contents of the control unit 300 are as follows.
Assignment control of the wireless communication unit 301, the terminal wireless communication unit 302 or the terminal wired communication unit 303, which is a communication resource for transmitting and receiving communication, communication performed through the wireless communication unit 301, and the terminal wireless communication unit The relay communication control for relaying the communication performed through the terminal 302 or the terminal wire communication unit 303 is performed.

In order to realize the relay communication control, the control unit 300 determines a group area to which the control section 300 belongs, and relay apparatuses R1 to Rn existing in an upper group area suitable for communication. Is selected, a relay route setting process for creating the relay route management information table, and a relay route selection process for selecting or changing an optimum relay route.

Next, the operation of the network communication system having the above configuration will be described. According to the processing described below, a relay path is established between the center device C and the mobile terminal MS, as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

That is, the mobile terminal MS is connected to the relay device R1.
To Rn are connected through the terminal wireless communication unit 302 or the terminal wired communication unit 303. Relay devices R1 to Rn
In the above, the terminal wireless communication unit 302 and the terminal wired communication unit 303 are provided with unique recognition codes in advance.

The mobile terminal MS, when connected to the relay devices R1 to Rn, performs a self-diagnosis when a certain period of time elapses or a certain condition is satisfied. Here, the mobile terminal MS acquires various information (such as the unique identification code) from the relay devices R1 to Rn.

When the relay devices R1 to Rn are wirelessly connected, the radio wave condition is further monitored, and the relay devices R1 to Rn are switched depending on the radio wave condition. Then, the mobile terminal MS transmits the information acquired from the relay devices R1 to Rn and the information acquired by the self-diagnosis to the center device C through the relay devices R1 to Rn.

On the other hand, the relay devices R1 to Rn direct the data received from the mobile terminal MS to the center device C based on the group region to which the relay device R belongs, and other relays existing above the group region to which it belongs. The relay is sequentially performed to the devices R1 to Rn or the master relay devices MR1, MR2 and MR3.

On the other hand, the center device C uses the information received from the mobile terminal MS to identify the unique identification code and the relay device R1.
~ Information indicating the connection method with Rn is detected, and the code type of the data that can be handled by the mobile terminal MS is obtained based on this and the information of the various mobile terminals MS stored in advance in the storage unit 104, and The information is associated with the identification information of the mobile terminal MS, recorded in the terminal management information table of the storage unit 104, and managed.

Further, the center device C converts the data to be sent to the mobile terminal MS into a data code that the mobile terminal MS can accept according to the code type, and transmits it through a relay path as described later.

Hereinafter, a process relating to the creation of the relay path will be described.

First, the group area determination process performed by the relay devices R1 to Rn will be described. FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining this processing. The control unit 30 is provided immediately after the start-up or when there is a request from the center device C through the upper station.
Implemented by 0.

In step 9a, the radio communication unit 301 is controlled to receive radio signals (group area information) broadcast from the master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3 and the other relay devices R1 to Rn, and in step 9b. Transition.

At step 9b, the group area to which the highest relay station belongs is obtained based on the radio signal received at step 9a. Then, the group area to which the user belongs is determined from the obtained group area, and the process proceeds to step 9c.

In step 9a, for example, when a radio signal broadcast from the master relay device MR1, MR2, or MR3 is received, the group region to which it belongs is determined to be the primary group region, and all master relay devices are relayed. When the wireless signal of the device cannot be received and the wireless signal broadcast from any of the relay devices R1 to Rn belonging to the primary group region is received, the group region to which the device belongs is determined to be the secondary group region. Similarly, when the wireless signal of the master relay device or the relay devices R1 to Rn belonging to the primary group region cannot be received, and the wireless signal notified from any of the relay devices R1 to Rn belonging to the secondary group region is received. , The group to which it belongs is determined to be the third group.

In step 9c, the self is not isolated on the network communication system having the above-mentioned configuration, and the master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3, or another relay device R.
1 to Rn are detected, and the fact that the group area to which it belongs has been determined is controlled by the wireless controller 301, and the center apparatus C is notified of the group area information indicating its own group area and its own identification information. Then, the process proceeds to step d.

In step 9d, the wireless communication unit 301 is controlled to combine the group area information indicating the own group area determined in step 9b and the identification information of the user, to the surrounding relay devices R1 to Rn. It notifies by a radio signal.

By the group area determination processing as described above, starting from the master relay apparatuses MR1, MR2, MR3, the neighboring relay apparatuses R1 to Rn determine the group area to which they belong, and determine the group area information to which they belong. Relay devices R1 to Rn, and the relay devices R1 to Rn that have received the notified group area information.
Rn determines the group area to which it belongs and informs the neighboring relay devices R1 to Rn of the group area information to which it belongs.

Such processing is performed by all the relay devices R1.
To Rn, the relay devices R1 to Rn
By recognizing the group area to which n belongs, group area division as shown in FIG. 1 is performed.

Next, for communication to each of the relay devices originating from the center device C, which is performed in each of the relay devices R1 to Rn,
A relay path selection process for setting the specific relay path will be described. This relay route selection processing is performed in order to reduce traffic and interference waves on all relay routes on this system as much as possible. Specifically, the downlink data communication from the center device C destined to the unique relay device is transmitted to the relay device to be the unique destination without broadcasting to the unspecified number of relay devices. A relay path that passes through only the specified small number of relay devices shall be selected, and as a precautionary measure to avoid interruption or delay of data communication due to failure of a unique relay device existing in the relay section or congestion of data transfer. , Each relay device prepares two relay paths, a master path and a slave path.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining this processing. The control unit is executed immediately after the end of the group area determination processing shown in FIG. 9 or when there is a request from the center apparatus C through the upper station of the group area. Performed by 300.

First, in step 10a, the wireless communication unit 3
01 to receive a radio signal, detect master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3, or relay devices R1 to Rn that belong to a group area higher than itself and receive their quality (for example, received electric field strength). Is obtained and the process proceeds to step 10b.

In step 10b, of the plurality of relay devices belonging to the upper group area detected in step 10a, one relay device existing farther out of the relay devices determined to be able to transmit / receive to / from itself in reception quality is selected. The relay destination of the master relay path is selected, and the process proceeds to step 10c.

Here, in selecting a relay device, the relay device having the best reception quality is not selected among the relay devices determined to be able to transmit / receive with the self because the traffic to the specific relay device is selected. Is more likely to increase.

In step 10c, the relay device selected as the relay destination of the master relay route in step 10b is associated with the information indicating that your device exists on the master relay route and the identification information of the relay device. The relay path setting information is transmitted.

Further, in step 10d, step 10a
Of the multiple relay devices belonging to the upper group area detected in
From the plurality of relay devices different from the relay device selected in step 10b, one relay device existing farther is selected as the relay destination of the slave relay path among the relay devices determined to be able to transmit / receive to / from itself in the reception quality. Then step 10
Move to e.

In step 10e, the information indicating that your device exists on the slave relay path and the identification information of its own are associated with the relay device selected as the relay destination of the slave relay path in step 10d. The relay path setting information is transmitted, and the process ends.

Through the above-described relay path selection processing, each of the relay apparatuses R1 to Rn connects the self apparatus and the center apparatus C and is located on two relay paths suitable for communication, and the immediately upper master relay apparatuses MR1, MR2. MR3 or relay device R1
Determine Rn.

Further, the master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3 or the relay devices R1 to R, which are the next highest masters determined above, are determined.
To n, the relay path setting information indicating that the noble device exists on the relay path effective for itself is transmitted.

Next, the center device C and the master relay device MR
1, the relay path selection processing at the time of receiving the relay path setting information performed by the MR2, MR3 and the relay devices R1 to Rn will be described.

In the center device C, this processing is carried out by the control unit 100 receiving the relay path setting information from the master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3 through the communication unit 101, 102, or 103.
From the relay device to each relay device is recorded in the relay path management information table described in FIG.

Further, the master relay devices MR1, MR2, M
In R3, this processing is performed by the control unit 200 receiving the relay path setting information from the relay devices R1 to Rn through the communication unit 202, and is used when the relay communication from the center device C to each relay device is performed. It is recorded in the relay path management information table shown in FIG.

Further, the master relay devices MR1, MR2, M
In R3, the center device C adds the own device identification information to the relay path setting information received from the relay devices R1 to Rn.
To the relay route setting information.

In the relay devices R1 to Rn, this processing is carried out by the control unit 300 when the communication unit 301 receives the relay path setting information.

Here, referring to FIG. 11, the relay device R
The relay path selection processing executed in 1 to Rn will be described.

First, in step 11a, the wireless communication unit 3
01 to receive the relay path setting information from the relay devices R1 to Rn belonging to the lower group area, and
Move to b.

Next, in step 11b, step 11
Based on the relay path setting information received in a, the main relay path or the slave relay path is determined, and the processing for creating the relay path management information table according to the type of the relay path is executed.
The process moves to step 11c or step 11f. In step 11c as the processing of the main relay path, it is recorded in the relay path management information table shown in FIG. 5 as the main relay path for the specific relay device based on the relay path setting information received in step 11a, and in step 11d. Move to.

In step 11d, the master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3 or the relay devices R1 to Rn belonging to a group area higher than the self are detected, and their reception quality (for example, reception electric field strength) is obtained. Move to 11e.

At step 11e, the master relay devices MR1 and M located at the upper level of the group area detected at step 10d.
Among R2, MR3, or the relay devices R1 to Rn, one relay device existing farther is selected as the relay destination of the master relay path among the relay devices determined to be able to transmit / receive to / from itself in reception quality. At this time, one relay device that is located farther is the relay device that has the relay destinations in the upper direction that do not overlap as much as possible as compared with the relay path setting information of another relay device that is already managed in the own relay device. Set as the master relay path for the relay device that has transmitted the path setting information. After the selection, the process proceeds to step 11i.

In step 11i, step 11
e or master relay device MR1, MR2, MR3 or relay device R1 selected in step 11h.
To Rn, the relay path setting information indicating that the noble device exists on the relay path effective for itself is transmitted, and the processing ends.

Further, steps 11f to 11h
For the step 11 in the master relay path described above.
It is worth the case of a slave relay path for the processing from step c to step 11e.

The selection of the relay device for this slave relay path is performed by the relay device in which the relay destinations in the upper direction do not overlap as much as possible, as compared with the relay path setting information of other relay devices which are already managed in the own relay device. One relay device existing farther from the relay devices not selected as the master relay route already selected is set as the slave relay route for the relay device that has transmitted the relay route setting information.

By the relay path selection processing as described above, the relay path management information table for individually constructing each master relay path or each slave relay path for the relay path from the center device C to each of the relay devices R1 to Rn is created. Created.

Next, the center device C and the master relay device MR
1, the relay path selection processing performed by MR2, MR3, and the relay devices R1 to Rn will be described. In the center device C, this process is for selecting the master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3 to be used in this communication prior to communication control when it becomes necessary to start communication with a specific relay device. Carried out by department 100.

Further, the master relay devices MR1, MR2, M
In R3, this process is to select the relay devices R1 to Rn to be used in this communication prior to communication control when it becomes necessary to relay the communication to a specific relay device.
It is implemented by the control unit 200.

Then, in the relay devices R1 to Rn, this process selects the relay devices R1 to Rn to be used in this communication prior to the communication control when the communication needs to be relayed to a certain specific relay device. It is implemented by the control unit 300.

When the downlink connection is made from the center device C to the mobile terminal MS, the center device C refers to the position information of the mobile terminal MS stored in the storage unit 104 and refers to the relay device accommodating the mobile terminal MS. R1 to Rn are obtained, and communication is started with the identification information indicating the relay devices R1 to Rn as the destination.

Since the center apparatus C, the master relay apparatuses MR1, MR2 and MR3, and the relay apparatuses R1 to Rn are similar to each other in the relay path selection processing here,
With reference to FIG. 12, the relay path selection processing performed by the relay devices R1 to Rn will be described.

First, in step 12a, based on the identification information of the relay devices R1 to Rn which are the destinations of communication, the master relay devices MR1, MR2 of the next relay destination corresponding to the master relay path.
The MR3 or the relay devices R1 to Rn are obtained by referring to the relay path management information table, and the process proceeds to step 12b. Thereby, the communication control relays the communication to the next relay destination obtained in step 12a.

In step 12b, it is determined whether or not a failure has occurred in the next relay destination obtained in step 12a. Here, if a failure has occurred, the process proceeds to step 12c, while if no failure has occurred, the processing ends.

In step 12c, failure avoidance processing is performed when a failure is detected. The master relay device MR1,
In the MR2, the MR3, or the relay devices R1 to Rn, the communication fault report for the detected fault is returned to the center device C, and the center device C switches the communication again to the relay route using the slave relay route. Request to start communication, and the process ends.

When the center device C detects a failure in communication with the master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3 on the master relay path, a failure avoidance process is performed, and the process is performed by the master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3, or. In the same way as when the failure report is received when the failure is detected in the relay devices R1 to Rn, in step 12a, the next relay destination corresponding to the slave relay path is determined based on the identification information of the relay devices R1 to Rn that are the communication destinations. The relay route management information table is referred to, the communication is switched to the slave relay route, and the communication is started.

The relay path selection processing executed by the center apparatus C and the master relay apparatuses MR1, MR2, MR3 is similar to the above, but in the relay path selection processing of the center apparatus C, the selection target is selected. Is the master relay device MR
1, MR2, MR3 only.

Next, the operation of transmitting data from the mobile terminal MS to the center device C will be described. FIG. 13 schematically shows the situation. When the mobile terminal MS transmits the data to the nearest relay device R31, the relay device R31 belonging to the tertiary group area is a master relay device MR1, MR2, M belonging to a group area higher than itself.
R3 or the relay devices R1 to Rn are detected, the reception quality (for example, the received electric field strength) is obtained, and the detection result is located in the secondary group area. One existing relay device R2
1 as a relay destination of data received from the mobile terminal MS,
Communication is relayed to this.

On the other hand, the relay device R21 has the master relay devices MR1 and MR1 belonging to a group area higher than itself.
2, MR3, or the relay devices R1 to Rn are detected, their reception quality (for example, received electric field strength, etc.) is obtained, and it is determined from the detection result that they are located in the primary group area and can be transmitted and received to and from themselves in the reception quality. One relay device R11 existing at a distant place is set as a relay destination of the data received from the relay device R31, and communication is relayed to this. Similarly, the relay device R11 is a master relay device MR1, MR2, MR3 or a relay device R1 belonging to a group area higher than itself.
~ Rn are detected, the reception quality (for example, received electric field strength) is obtained, and the master relay device MR is obtained from the detection result.
One of the master relay devices MR2, which is present at a distance and which is judged to be capable of transmitting / receiving to / from itself from the MR1, MR2 and MR3, is set as the relay destination of the data received from the relay device R21, and the communication relay is performed for this. I do. On the other hand, the master relay device MR2 uses the center device C as the relay destination of the data received from the relay device R11, and relays the communication to this.

As described above, the data from the mobile terminal MS to the center device C is transmitted at the appropriate time and through the optimum route.

As described above, when performing uplink data communication from the mobile terminal MS to the center apparatus C, unlike the case where downlink data communication is performed from the center apparatus C to the mobile terminal MS, the center apparatus C and the master relay apparatus are used. MR1, MR2, M
The master relay path and the slave relay path are not stored and managed by R3 and the relay devices R1 to Rn. This is different from the case of the downlink data communication in which the communication destination is always converged to the center device C in the case of the uplink data communication, and therefore the communication destination is communicated to each mobile terminal MS and the communication destination is not simply converged. This is because it is more efficient to select a higher-level relay device for each communication.

Here, in the above communication, the relay device R1
1 becomes unable to communicate with the relay device R21, the relay device R21 performs master failure devices MR1, MR2, MR3 belonging to a higher-ranking group area different from that of the relay device R11 as an avoidance operation by failure detection. Alternatively, among the relay devices that detect the relay devices R1 to Rn, determine the reception quality thereof (for example, the received electric field strength, etc.), and are located in the primary group area based on the detection result, and judge that it is possible to perform transmission / reception with the relay device itself. , One relay device R12 existing farther away
As a relay destination of the data received from the relay device R31,
Communication is relayed to this. Similarly, the relay device R1
2 is a master relay device M that belongs to a higher group area than itself.
R1, MR2, MR3 or the relay devices R1 to Rn are detected, the reception quality (for example, the received electric field strength) is obtained, and the master relay devices MR1, MR are detected from the detection results.
2, one of the master relay devices M, which is present at a distance from the MR3 and is judged to be able to transmit / receive to / from itself in terms of reception quality
R3 is set as the relay destination of the data received from the relay device R21, and the communication is relayed to this. On the other hand, the master relay device MR3 sets the center device C to the relay device R12.
The received data is used as a relay destination, and the communication is relayed to this.

As described above, the relay device R21 bypasses the relay device R11 which cannot communicate due to the failure and transmits the data from the mobile terminal MS to the center device C.

Next, the operation of transmitting data from the center device C to the mobile terminal MS will be described. FIG. 14 schematically shows the situation. When the center device C needs to transmit data to the mobile terminal MS, it refers to the position information stored in the storage unit 104 and detects that the relay device accommodating the mobile terminal MS is R31. To do.

Then, the center device C refers to the relay route management information table stored in the storage unit 104 and detects that the master relay device corresponding to the master relay route of the relay device R31 is MR2.

Further, the center device C transmits the data to be transmitted to the master relay device MR2, the identification information of the relay device R31 and the identification information of the mobile terminal MS.

On the other hand, the master relay device MR2 is
By referring to the relay route management information table stored in the storage unit 203, the relay device R11 in the primary group area corresponding to the master relay route of the relay device R31 is detected.

Then, the master relay device MR2 transmits the data to be transmitted to the relay device R11, the identification information of the relay device R31 and the identification information of the mobile terminal MS.

On the other hand, the relay device R11 refers to the relay route management information table stored in the storage unit 304 and determines the relay device R22 of the secondary group area corresponding to the master relay route of the relay device R31. To detect.

Then, the relay device R11 transmits the data to be transmitted to the relay device R22, the identification information of the relay device R31 and the identification information of the mobile terminal MS.

Similarly, the relay device R22 has a storage unit 304.
By referring to the relay route management information table stored in, the relay device R31 in the third group area corresponding to the master relay route of the relay device R31 is detected.

Then, the relay device R22 transmits the data to be transmitted to the relay device R31 and the identification information of the mobile terminal MS. On the other hand, the relay device R31 transmits data to the mobile terminal MS.

As described above, the data is transmitted from the center device C to the mobile terminal MS through the optimum route.

However, in the above communication, the relay device R
When communication between 11 and the relay device R22 becomes impossible,
The relay device R11 returns a communication fault report for the detected fault to the center device C as an avoidance operation by fault detection, and the center device C switches the relay route again for the relay route using the slave relay route. Request to start communication.

The operation for transmitting the fault report to the center device is the same as the transmission method described with reference to FIG.

The center device C which has received the above-mentioned failure report
Recognizes that a failure has occurred in the communication path via the master relay path and performs communication switched to the slave relay path. Therefore, referring to the relay path management information table stored in the storage unit 104, It is detected that the master relay device corresponding to the slave relay path of the relay device R31 accommodating the terminal MS is MR3.

Further, the center device C transmits the data to be transmitted to the master relay device MR3, the identification information of the relay device R31 and the identification information of the mobile terminal MS.

On the other hand, the master relay device MR3 is
By referring to the relay route management information table stored in the storage unit 203, the relay device R12 in the primary group area corresponding to the master relay route of the relay device R31 is detected.

Then, the master relay device MR3 transmits the data to be transmitted to the relay device R12, the identification information of the relay device R31 and the identification information of the mobile terminal MS.

On the other hand, the relay device R12 refers to the relay route management information table stored in the storage unit 304 and determines the relay device R21 of the secondary group area corresponding to the master relay route of the relay device R31. To detect.

Then, the relay device R12 transmits the data to be transmitted to the relay device R21, the identification information of the relay device R31 and the identification information of the mobile terminal MS.

Similarly, the relay device R21 has a storage unit 304.
By referring to the relay route management information table stored in, the relay device R31 in the third group area corresponding to the master relay route of the relay device R31 is detected.

Then, the relay device R21 transmits the data to be transmitted to the relay device R31 and the identification information of the mobile terminal MS. On the other hand, the relay device R31 transmits data to the mobile terminal MS.

As described above, the data is transmitted from the center device C to the mobile terminal MS through the optimum route.

As described above, in the network communication system having the above configuration, the center device C and the master relay device MR
1, MR2, MR3, and the relay devices R1 to Rn each store a relay path management information table.

The relay path management information table is stored in each relay device R.
1 to Rn, the relay devices R1 to Rn or the master relay device MR1, which are to be directly connected to the relay device R1 to Rn.
The identification information of MR2 and MR3 is stored, and the above identification information is associated with each of the two relay paths of the master relay path and the slave relay path.

When relaying the communication from the center device C to the mobile terminal MS, the center device C, the master relay devices MR1, MR2 and MR3, and the relay devices R1 to Rn.
Respectively refer to the above-mentioned relay path management information table,
As a connection partner, the relay devices R1 to R1 corresponding to the master relay path
Rn or the master relay devices MR1, MR2 and MR3 are selected.

Further, when a failure occurs in the selected relay path, the center relay device MR1, MR1
Fault report from MR2, MR3 and relay devices R1 to Rn, or master relay device MR with which it communicates
Based on the communication result of 1, MR2, MR3, switching to the slave relay path to be the avoidance path at the time of failure, center device C, master relay devices MR1, MR2, MR3, and relay device R1
.. to Rn switch the reference condition of the relay route management information table in detecting the connection partner to the slave relay route.

Therefore, according to the network communication system having the above configuration, even when a failure occurs on the relay path, the communication can be continued through the slave relay path instead of the master relay path.

Further, the center device C and the master relay device MR
Since the relay path management information tables of 1, MR2, MR3, and the relay devices R1 to Rn are updated by the periodic monitoring operation of the center device C,
Since it is not necessary for humans to analyze the regional characteristics where the system is introduced and the network configuration as in the past, introduction and maintenance of the system are extremely easy.

When introducing the system into an amusement park or a theme park, the relay devices R1 to R
Since it is expected that a large amount of n will be laid, it is suitable for such an environment.

Further, since each of the relay devices R1 to Rn autonomously divides itself into a group area and the relay path does not reach a plurality of relay devices R1 to Rn in the same group area, the center device C and the mobile terminal are not connected. It can be efficiently relayed to the MS, and also from this point, it can be said that it is extremely suitable when a large number of relay devices R1 to Rn are installed.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, in the relay devices R1 to Rn, the communication performed by the terminal wireless communication unit 302 with the mobile terminal MS has been described as direct communication between PHS handset units, but BT (Bluetooth) communication, Other weak radio wave communication may be used, and further, a plurality of these communication methods may be possible and may be selectively used.

Further, in the network communication system of the above embodiment, it is possible to perform data polling from the mobile terminal MS to the center device C. FIG. 15 illustrates the above data polling.

First, the mobile terminal MS asks the center device C to obtain the data stored in the center device C or confirm the data stored in the center device C.
Communication data indicating a polling request is transmitted.

Here, as the relay path to the center device C, for example, the relay devices R31, R21, R11 and the master relay device MR1 are selected as described with reference to FIG. It is transmitted to the center device C.

When the center apparatus C receives the polling request (S1), the center apparatus C updates the information of the source mobile terminal MS (S2), and the identification information of the relay apparatus R31 in which the mobile terminal MS is accommodated. The location information and the like in the terminal management information table of the storage unit 104 are updated based on the above.

Then, the center device C carries out a response destination editing process (S3) for editing the information for identifying the response destination of the polling request based on the updated position information of the terminal management information table.

After that, the response data editing process (S4) of editing the information according to the request to create the response data and editing the information in accordance with the data code permitted by the mobile terminal MS is executed.

Then, the center apparatus C executes the above-mentioned relay path selection processing (S5), selects the relay path for the polling response, and transmits the response data (S6). As a result, the response data includes the master relay device MR2, the relay device R12, and the master relay device MR2, as described with reference to FIG.
It is transmitted to the mobile terminal MS via R21 and R31.

That is, since the response to the polling request is newly selected from the side of the center device C toward the mobile terminal MS regardless of the relay path at the time of the polling request, the mobile terminal MS in the network communication system concerned. The polling operation to the center device C becomes possible.

Further, in the above embodiment, the center device C
The description has been centered on the network communication system in which the transmitting side or the receiving side is the center device C.
The present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the relay devices R1 to R1
Rn and the other relay devices R1 to Rn may be connected via the center device C to form a relay path between the two mobile terminals MS.

Further, in the above embodiment, the master relay path and the slave relay path are obtained for each of the relay devices R1 to Rn, but it is not always necessary to obtain two relays, and the relay device is arranged. Depending on the position
It is possible that there is only one relay path. Other,
It goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0131]

As described above, according to the present invention, the relay device forms a group area and the optimum relay destination for communication can be dynamically selected based on the group area. At the time of relaying to a device, in order to connect the relay device to itself and another relay device, a relay path is established with an optimum relay device existing in a higher group area to be directly wirelessly connected to itself.

Therefore, according to the present invention, in each relay device constructing the communication network, the relay route of the communication from the relay device to the center device can be autonomously switched, so that the relay device on the relay route can be switched. It is possible to provide a network communication system and a network communication method capable of continuing the communication performed through the relay device even when a failure occurs in the network.

Further, at the time of relaying from the center device to the relay device, the identification information of the relay device to be directly wirelessly connected by itself to establish two different relay paths connecting the relay device to the relay device is stored in the first storage. Means and the second storage means, which are respectively stored and recognized in advance, and when a failure occurs in the communication with the relay device directly wirelessly connected to establish the first relay path, the failure is transmitted to the center device. By providing a means for detecting the relay path, the relay path used in the center apparatus is autonomously switched, and based on the information stored in the second storage means, the relay apparatus corresponding to the second relay path is connected. I try to build a relay route.

Therefore, according to the present invention, in the center device constructing the communication network, the relay route of the communication from the center device to the relay device can be autonomously switched, so that the relay device on the relay route can be used. It is possible to provide a network communication system and a network communication method capable of continuing communication from a center device via another relay path even when a failure occurs.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a network communication system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram showing a configuration of a center device of the network communication system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a relay path management information table stored in a storage unit of the center device shown in FIG.

4 is a circuit block diagram showing a configuration of a master relay device of the network communication system shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of a relay path management information table stored in a storage unit of the master relay device shown in FIG.

6 is a circuit block diagram showing a configuration of a relay device of the network communication system shown in FIG.

7 is a diagram showing an example of a relay path management information table stored in a storage unit of the relay device shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram for explaining a relay operation of the network communication system shown in FIG.

9 is a flowchart for explaining a group area determination process of the relay device of the network communication system shown in FIG.

10 is a flowchart for explaining a process of setting a unique relay path in each relay device of the network communication system shown in FIG.

11 is a flowchart for explaining a relay path selection process of the relay device, the master relay device, and the center device of the network communication system shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining relay path selection processing of the relay device, the master relay device, and the center device of the network communication system shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a relay path switching operation of the network communication system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a relay path switching operation of the network communication system shown in FIG.

15 is a diagram for explaining a polling operation of the network communication system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... Control unit 101, 102, 103 ... Communication unit 104 ... Storage unit 110 ... Remote terminal 200 ... Control unit 201 ... communication section 202 ... Wireless communication unit 203 ... storage unit 300 ... Control unit 301 ... Wireless communication unit 302 ... Wireless communication unit for terminal 303 ... Wired communication unit for terminal 304 ... Storage unit C ... Center device MR1, MR2, MR3 ... Master relay device MS ... Mobile terminal R1 to Rn ... Repeater

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5K030 HC01 HC09 JL01 JL07 JT09                       KA01 KA05 LB05                 5K067 AA26 BB04 DD17 DD44 EE02                       EE06 EE16 FF18

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of wireless relay devices that relay by wireless communication, a center device that manages the plurality of wireless relay devices, a wired line connection with the center device, and a wireless connection with the wireless relay device. And a plurality of master relay devices for relaying between the center device and the wireless relay device, wherein the center device includes the plurality of master relay devices from the center device via the master relay device. The wireless relay device is instructed to establish a relay path for performing communication via a specific communication path, and relay path setting information, which is information related to the relay path for each of the plurality of wireless relay devices set based on this instruction, is transmitted. Based on the relay route setting control means to be acquired and the relay route setting information acquired by the relay route setting control means, from the center device via the master relay device. A first relay path connecting up to the plurality of wireless relay devices in association with each piece of identification information of the plurality of wireless relay devices, and a relay path acquired through the relay path setting control means. Based on the setting information, a second relay path connecting the center apparatus different from the first relay path to the plurality of wireless relay apparatuses via the master relay apparatus is used as identification information of the plurality of wireless relay apparatuses. A second storage unit that stores the data in association with each other; a first selection unit that selects to perform communication via the first relay path based on the information stored in the first storage unit; When a failure occurs in communication with the plurality of wireless relay devices on the first relay path selected by the first selecting means, the wireless relay device that has detected the failure notifies the failure occurrence information. When receiving the second Network communication system, characterized by comprising a second selecting means for selecting to communicate via the second relay path based on the information storing means stores. 2. The wireless relay device includes a communication unit that wirelessly connects to and communicates with another wireless relay device; a reception control unit that receives the relay path setting information from the other wireless relay device through the communication unit; A detection unit that controls the communication unit according to an instruction from the relay path setting control unit to detect another wireless relay device that satisfies a predetermined communication quality capable of communicating with itself; a detection result of the detection unit; Based on the relay path setting information received from the wireless relay apparatus, the identification information of another wireless relay apparatus to be directly wirelessly connected by itself to establish the first relay path and the second relay path is obtained. Connection destination setting means, identification information of another wireless relay device to be directly wirelessly connected to itself for establishing the first relay path and the second relay path obtained by the connection destination setting means, and self identification Correspond with information Transmission control means for transmitting to the other wireless relay device through the communication means as the relay path setting information, and the direct connection by itself for establishing the first relay path obtained by the connection destination setting means First connection destination storage means for storing the identification information of the wireless relay device in association with each identification information of the plurality of wireless relay devices, and for establishing the second relay path obtained by the connection destination setting means Second connection destination storage means for storing the identification information of the other wireless relay device to be directly wirelessly connected to itself in association with the respective identification information of the plurality of wireless relay devices, and the instruction of the first selecting means. According to the instructions of the first connection destination selection means for selecting to perform communication via the first relay path based on the information stored in the first connection destination storage means, The second connection destination The network communication system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a second connection destination selecting means for selecting to communicate via the second relay path based on the information stored in the unit. 3. The wireless relay device controls the communication means in accordance with an instruction from the relay path setting control means to notify another wireless relay device of a group area to which the wireless relay device belongs, and the relay path. When the communication means is controlled by the instruction of the setting control means to communicate with the master wireless relay device or another wireless relay device, and when communication with the master wireless relay device is possible, the group area to which the self belongs is primary. Judgment as a zone, on the other hand,
When it is not possible to communicate with the master wireless relay device and a group area is notified from another wireless relay apparatus, a determination control unit that determines that it belongs to a group area next to the notified group area. And the connection destination setting means includes the first relay path or the second relay path.
When obtaining the identification information of another wireless relay device that should be directly wirelessly connected to establish a relay route of the other, a relay route through another wireless relay device in a group area different from the group area to which the user belongs is obtained. The network communication system according to claim 2. 4. The connection destination setting means detects the identification information of another wireless relay device to be directly wirelessly connected by itself for establishing the first relay path, and the higher rank detected by the detecting means. One of a plurality of wireless relay devices belonging to the group, which is judged to be capable of transmitting / receiving to / from itself regarding the reception quality, and which does not overlap as much as possible in comparison with the wireless relay device information, and which exists farther away. Of the wireless relay device of the first relay path is selected as the relay destination of the first relay path, and when the identification information of the other wireless relay apparatus to be directly wirelessly connected to itself for establishing the second relay path is obtained, Compared with the relay path setting information of another wireless relay apparatus managed in the relay apparatus, the relay destinations belonging to the upper group area are as close to each other as possible, and the first relay path is already selected. Wireless relay not selected 4. The network communication according to claim 3, wherein one wireless relay device existing farther from the storage device is selected as a second relay path for the wireless relay device that has transmitted the relay path setting information. system. 5. When the mobile terminal device that can be connected to the wireless relay device via a wireless line is provided, the center device is configured to identify the wireless relay device and a mobile terminal that directly communicates with the wireless relay device. Center information storage means for storing mobile terminal device management information for managing the position of the mobile terminal device, the mobile terminal device storing the device identification information in association with the mobile terminal device; When transmitting the data indicating the polling request to the center device via the device and the master relay device, the detection unit selects the reception quality from among a plurality of wireless relay devices belonging to a group higher than the own wireless relay device. The wireless relay device that is determined to be capable of transmitting and receiving with itself detects one wireless relay device or master relay device that is present farther away, and the communication means detects The polling request data is transmitted to the wireless relay device or the master relay device, and the center device is stored in the center device storage means based on the data indicating the polling request received from the mobile terminal device. A means for updating mobile terminal device management information, and transmitting data corresponding to the data indicating the polling request to the mobile terminal device via the wireless relay device based on the updated information. The network communication system according to claim 3 or claim 4. 6. A plurality of wireless relay devices that relay by wireless communication, a center device that manages the plurality of wireless relay devices, a wired line connection with the center device, and a wireless connection with the wireless relay device. And a network communication method of a network including a plurality of master relay devices that relay between the center device and the wireless relay device, wherein the center device is configured to perform the master relay device from the center device through the master relay device. An instruction is given to a plurality of wireless relay devices to establish a relay route for communication via a specific communication route, and a relay route setting is information relating to the relay route for each of the plurality of wireless relay devices set based on this instruction. A relay path setting control step of acquiring information, and the master relay from the center device based on the relay path setting information acquired through this relay path setting control step. A first storage step of storing a first relay path connecting the plurality of wireless relay apparatuses via a device in association with each piece of identification information of the plurality of wireless relay apparatuses; and acquiring through the relay path setting control means. Based on the relay path setting information, a second relay path connecting the center apparatus different from the first relay path to the plurality of wireless relay apparatuses via the master relay apparatus is connected to each of the plurality of wireless relay apparatuses. A second storage step of storing the information in association with identification information; and a first selection of selecting to perform communication via the first relay path based on the information stored in the first storage step. When a failure occurs in the process and the communication with the plurality of wireless relay devices on the first relay path selected by the first selecting means, the wireless relay device that has detected the failure causes the failure to occur. When you receive a notification of the information shown It said second network communication method characterized by comprising a second selection step of selecting to communicate via the second relay path based on information stored in the storage step. 7. The detection step of the wireless relay device detecting another wireless relay device satisfying a predetermined communication quality capable of communicating with itself according to an instruction of the relay path setting control process, and a detection result of the detection process. Of the other wireless relay device to be directly wirelessly connected to itself in order to build the first relay path and the second relay path based on the relay path setting information received from the other wireless relay device. Connection destination setting step for obtaining identification information, and identification information of another wireless relay device to be directly wirelessly connected by itself to build the first relay path and the second relay path obtained in the connection destination setting step And a self-identification information in association with each other, the transmission control step of transmitting to the other wireless relay device as the relay path setting information, and the self direct radio in order to build the first relay path obtained by the connection destination setting step. Other to connect To establish a first connection destination storing step of storing the identification information of the line relay device in association with each identification information of the plurality of wireless relay devices and the second relay path obtained by the connection destination setting step. A second connection destination storing step of storing the identification information of the other wireless relay apparatus to be directly wirelessly connected to itself in association with the respective identification information of the plurality of wireless relay apparatuses, and following the instruction of the first selecting step. According to an instruction of a first connection destination selecting step of selecting to perform communication through the first relay path based on the information stored in the first connection destination storing step, and an instruction of the second selecting step. A second connection destination selection step of selecting to perform communication via the second relay path based on the information stored in the second connection destination storage step. 6. The network communication method according to item 6. 8. The wireless relay device according to an instruction of the relay path setting control step, a notification control step of notifying another wireless relay apparatus of a group area to which the wireless relay apparatus belongs, and an instruction of the relay path setting control step, When communicating with the master wireless relay device or another wireless relay device and being able to communicate with the master wireless relay device, the group region to which it belongs is determined to be the primary group region, while the master wireless relay device is connected to the master wireless relay device. When communication is not possible and a group area is notified from another wireless relay device, a determination control step of determining that it belongs to a group area next to the notified group area is provided, and the connection destination The setting step includes the first relay path or the second relay path.
Step of obtaining a relay path through another wireless relay device in a group area different from the group area to which the user belongs, when obtaining identification information of another wireless relay apparatus to be directly wirelessly connected to build the relay path of The network communication method according to claim 7, further comprising: 9. The connection destination setting step, when the identification information of another wireless relay device to be directly wirelessly connected to itself for establishing the first relay path is obtained, the higher rank detected by the detecting step is set. One of a plurality of wireless relay devices belonging to the group, which is judged to be capable of transmitting / receiving to / from itself regarding the reception quality, and which does not overlap as much as possible in comparison with the wireless relay device information, and which exists farther away. The step of selecting the wireless relay device as the relay destination of the first relay path, and the step of selecting the identification information of the other wireless relay apparatus to be directly wirelessly connected by itself to build the second relay path. The first relay that has already been selected is a wireless relay device in which the relay destinations belonging to the upper group area do not overlap as much as possible compared with the relay path setting information of other wireless relay devices managed in the own wireless relay device. Not selected for the road Selecting one wireless relay device existing farther from the line relay device as a second relay path for the wireless relay device that has transmitted the relay path setting information. Item 9. The network communication method according to Item 8. 10. When the mobile terminal device that is connectable to the wireless relay device via a wireless line is provided, the center device is provided with identification information of the wireless relay device and a mobile terminal that directly communicates with the wireless relay device. A center device storing step of storing device identification information in association with each other and storing mobile terminal device management information for managing the position of the mobile terminal device, wherein the mobile terminal device is wirelessly relayed from the mobile terminal device. When transmitting the data indicating the polling request to the center device via the device and the master relay device, the detecting step of the wireless relay device is performed by a plurality of wireless relay devices belonging to a group area higher than the own wireless relay device. A step of detecting one wireless relay device or master relay device existing farther out of the wireless relay devices determined to be capable of transmitting and receiving with itself in reception quality Transmitting the data indicating the polling request to the detected wireless relay device or master relay device, the center device based on the data indicating the polling request received from the mobile terminal device. Updating the mobile terminal device management information stored in the storing step, and transmitting data corresponding to the data indicating the polling request to the mobile terminal device via the wireless relay device based on the updated information. The network communication method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein