JP2008017265A - Information outlet device, network concentrator, and network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recognize the physical position of information equipment connected through an information outlet device to a network without making the information have any special function. <P>SOLUTION: This information outlet device 1 is provided with: a bridge function part 31 for transmitting a frame between a first network 11 and a second network 12; a communication monitoring part 41 for monitoring a frame to be transmitted, and for detecting the frame to be transmitted from the second network 12 to the first network 11; an ID storage part 61 for storing information outlet ID; and a notification frame transmission instruction part 51 for, when the frame to be transmitted from the second network 12 to the first network 11 is detected, acquiring the information outlet ID, and for generating the notification frame including the acquired information outlet ID, and for instructing the transmission of the notification frame. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes an information outlet device for connecting a first network laid in advance and a second network including one or more information devices, a plurality of ports, and one or more via the ports. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network concentrator that connects information devices so that they can communicate with each other, and a network system that connects a plurality of information devices so that they can communicate with each other. The present invention relates to an information outlet device having a function for managing the physical position of digital information devices connected via a network, a network concentrator, and a network system including these as constituent elements.

Conventionally, a network system in which a plurality of digital information devices are communicably connected to each other is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a digital information device connected to a network acquires an identification number generated by an information outlet device, and compares the identification number of the information outlet device with data indicating the physical position of the information outlet device. Thus, a network system capable of recognizing its physical position is disclosed.
Japanese Patent No. 3257015

  However, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, the digital information device compares the function of acquiring the identification number of the information outlet device with the data indicating the identification number of the information outlet device and the physical position of the information outlet device. If a digital information device that does not have these functions is connected, the physical location of the digital information device is determined in any component of the network system that includes the digital information device. We have a problem that we cannot recognize.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and is capable of recognizing the physical position of the information device without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device. An object of the present invention is to provide an outlet device, a network concentrator, and a network system.

  An information outlet device according to the present invention is an information outlet device that connects a first network laid in advance and a second network including one or more information devices, the first network and the A frame transmission unit that transmits a frame to and from the second network, and a communication that monitors a frame transmitted by the frame transmission unit and detects a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network A monitoring unit, an outlet identification information holding unit holding outlet identification information for identifying an information outlet device, and a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network are detected by the communication monitoring unit The outlet identification information is acquired from the outlet identification information holding unit, and the acquired It creates broadcast frame including a cement identification information, and a notification frame transmission instruction unit that instructs the transmission of the notification frame.

  According to this configuration, the frame transmission unit transmits a frame between a first network laid in advance and a second network including one or more information devices. The communication monitoring unit monitors a frame transmitted by the frame transmission unit and detects a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network. The outlet identification information holding unit holds outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device. The notification frame transmission instructing unit acquires the outlet identification information from the outlet identification information holding unit when the communication monitoring unit detects a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network, and stores the acquired outlet identification information. A broadcast frame including the broadcast frame is generated, and transmission of the broadcast frame is instructed.

  Therefore, when a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected, a notification frame including outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device is generated and transmitted. The physical position of the information outlet device can be specified based on the information outlet device, and the physical position of the information device can be recognized without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device.

  In the above information socket device, the frame is transmitted to the first network, the first frame transmitting / receiving unit that receives the frame from the first network, and the frame is transmitted to the second network. A second frame transmission / reception unit for receiving a frame from the second network, wherein the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit instructs the frame transmission unit to transmit the broadcast frame, and the frame transmission unit Preferably, the broadcast frame is transmitted only to the first frame transmitting / receiving unit based on the broadcast frame transmission command from the broadcast frame transmission command unit.

  According to this configuration, the first frame transmission / reception unit transmits a frame to the first network and receives a frame from the first network, and the second frame transmission / reception unit transmits the frame to the second network. Transmit and receive a frame from the second network. The broadcast frame transmission instruction unit instructs the frame transmission unit to transmit a broadcast frame, and the frame transmission unit transmits a broadcast frame transmission instruction from the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit to the first frame transmission / reception unit. Only transmit broadcast frames. Therefore, since the notification frame is transmitted only to the first frame transmission / reception unit, the notification frame can be transmitted to a device connected to the first network.

  The information outlet device may further include a network interface unit that performs communication with the first network, and the notification frame transmission instruction unit is configured to transmit the notification network transmission instruction unit from the second network to the first network. When a frame transmitted to the network is detected, the outlet identification information is acquired from the outlet identification information holding unit, a notification frame including the acquired outlet identification information is generated, and the notification frame is transmitted to the network interface unit. Is preferably indicated.

  According to this configuration, the network interface unit communicates with the first network. The notification frame transmission instructing unit acquires the outlet identification information from the outlet identification information holding unit when the communication monitoring unit detects a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network, and stores the acquired outlet identification information. A broadcast frame including the broadcast frame is generated, and the network interface unit is instructed to transmit the broadcast frame.

  Therefore, a notification frame can be transmitted to the first network via the network interface unit, and an address unique to the network interface unit can be added to the notification frame and transmitted.

  In the information outlet device, the frame transmission unit preferably has a repeater function. According to this configuration, since the frame transmission unit has a repeater function, the broadcast frame can be transmitted from the second network to the first network.

  In the information socket apparatus, it is preferable that the communication monitoring unit detects by waveform monitoring that a frame is transmitted from the second network to the first network. According to this configuration, the communication monitoring unit detects that a frame is transmitted from the second network to the first network by waveform monitoring, and thus detects a change in waveform when the frame passes through the frame transmission unit. Thus, it is possible to easily detect that a frame is transmitted from the second network to the first network.

  In the information outlet device, the communication monitoring unit preferably detects passage of a UDP unicast frame. According to this configuration, since the communication monitoring unit detects the passage of the UDP unicast frame, the communication monitoring unit can transmit the notification frame only when the UDP unicast frame passes through the frame transmission unit.

  In the information outlet device, the communication monitoring unit preferably detects passage of a TCP handshake frame. According to this configuration, since the communication monitoring unit detects the passage of the TCP handshake frame, the communication monitoring unit can transmit the notification frame only when the TCP handshake frame passes through the frame transmission unit.

  In the information outlet device, it is preferable that the notification frame transmission instruction unit generates a notification frame further including a transmission source MAC address included in a frame passing through the frame transmission unit.

  According to this configuration, the broadcast frame transmission instructing unit generates a broadcast frame that further includes a transmission source MAC address included in a frame that passes through the frame transmission unit. Therefore, the information device is specified by the transmission source MAC address included in the broadcast frame. can do.

  In the information outlet device, it is preferable that the notification frame transmission instruction unit generates a notification frame further including a transmission source IP address included in a frame passing through the frame transmission unit.

  According to this configuration, the broadcast frame transmission instructing unit generates a broadcast frame that further includes a transmission source IP address included in a frame that passes through the frame transmission unit. Therefore, the information device is specified by the transmission source IP address included in the broadcast frame. can do.

  An information outlet device according to the present invention is an information outlet device that connects a first network laid in advance and a second network including one or more information devices, the first network and the A frame transmission unit that transmits a frame to and from the second network, and a communication that monitors a frame transmitted by the frame transmission unit and detects a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network A monitoring unit, an outlet identification information holding unit holding outlet identification information for identifying an information outlet device, and a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network are detected by the communication monitoring unit The outlet identification information is acquired from the outlet identification information holding unit, and the acquired The cement identification information and a frame rewrite instruction unit for instructing to the frame transmitting unit so as to apply to the frame.

  According to this configuration, the frame transmission unit transmits a frame between a first network laid in advance and a second network including one or more information devices. The communication monitoring unit monitors a frame transmitted by the frame transmission unit and detects a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network. The outlet identification information holding unit holds outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device. The frame rewriting instruction unit acquires the outlet identification information from the outlet identification information holding unit when the communication monitoring unit detects a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network, and the acquired outlet identification information is framed. To the frame transmission unit.

  Accordingly, when a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected, the outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device is attached to the frame and transmitted. The physical position of the information outlet device can be specified, and the physical position of the information device can be recognized without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device.

  Further, in the information outlet device, when the frame transmission unit is instructed by the frame rewriting instruction unit to give the outlet identification information to a frame to which the outlet identification information has already been given, the outlet identification information It is preferable not to give.

  According to this configuration, the frame transmission unit does not add the outlet identification information when instructed by the frame rewriting instruction unit to give the outlet identification information to the frame to which the outlet identification information has already been given. Therefore, since the outlet identification information is not newly assigned to the frame to which the outlet identification information has already been assigned, the process of giving the outlet identification information can be omitted, and the transmission speed of the frame can be improved. it can.

  Further, in the information outlet device, when the frame transmission unit is instructed by the frame rewriting instruction unit to give outlet identification information to a frame to which outlet identification information has already been given, the frame is It is preferable to add the outlet identification information while leaving the outlet identification information already included.

  According to this configuration, when the frame rewriting instruction unit instructs the frame transmission unit to add the outlet identification information to the frame to which the outlet identification information has already been added, the frame transmission unit includes the outlet identification information already included in the frame. Leave the outlet identification information. Therefore, since the outlet identification information is newly added to the frame to which the outlet identification information has already been assigned, the latest outlet identification information can be transmitted.

  Further, in the information outlet device, the frame rewriting instruction unit, from the outlet identification information holding unit, when the communication monitoring unit detects a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network. It is preferable to instruct the frame transmission unit to acquire the outlet identification information and replace a part of the frame passing through the frame transmission unit with the outlet identification information.

  According to this configuration, the frame rewriting instruction unit acquires the outlet identification information from the outlet identification information holding unit when the frame transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected by the communication monitoring unit. The frame transmission unit is instructed to replace a part of the frame passing through the transmission unit with the outlet identification information.

  Accordingly, since a part of the frame passing through the frame transmission unit is replaced with the outlet identification information, it is possible to transmit the frame including the content identification information without increasing the data amount of the frame.

  Further, in the information outlet device, when the frame transmission unit is instructed by the frame rewriting instruction unit to replace the outlet identification information with respect to a frame that has already been replaced with the outlet identification information, It is preferable not to replace the outlet identification information.

  According to this configuration, when the frame rewriting instruction unit instructs the frame transmission unit to replace the outlet identification information with respect to a frame that has already been replaced with the outlet identification information, Do not replace. Therefore, since the outlet identification information is not replaced again for a frame in which the outlet identification information has already been replaced, the process of replacing the outlet identification information can be omitted, and the transmission speed of the frame can be improved. .

  The information outlet device preferably further includes an outlet identification information updating unit that updates the outlet identification information held in the outlet identification information holding unit according to an instruction from the outside.

  According to this configuration, the outlet identification information update unit updates the outlet identification information held in the outlet identification information holding unit according to an instruction from the outside, so the latest outlet identification information is always held in the outlet identification information holding unit. can do.

  A network line concentrator according to the present invention is a network line concentrator that includes a plurality of ports and connects one or a plurality of information devices via the ports so as to communicate with each other, and includes at least a LAN switch that performs frame switching, A frame transmission unit configured to transmit a frame between the LAN switch and a network including one or more information devices between the one or more ports and the LAN switch; A communication monitoring unit that monitors a frame and detects a frame transmitted from the network to the LAN switch, a port identification information holding unit that holds port identification information for identifying the port, and the communication monitoring unit When a frame transmitted from the network to the LAN switch is detected It acquires the port identification information from the port identification information holding unit, generates a notification frame including the obtained port identification information, and a notification frame transmission instruction unit that instructs the transmission of the notification frame.

  According to this configuration, the LAN switch performs frame switching, and the frame transmission unit, the communication monitoring unit, the port identification information holding unit, and the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit are provided between at least one port and the LAN switch. Each is provided. The frame transmission unit transmits a frame between the LAN switch and a network including one or more information devices. The communication monitoring unit monitors the frame transmitted by the frame transmission unit and detects the frame transmitted from the network to the LAN switch. The port identification information holding unit holds port identification information for identifying a port. The broadcast frame transmission instructing unit acquires port identification information from the port identification information holding unit and generates a broadcast frame including the acquired port identification information when a frame transmitted from the network to the LAN switch is detected by the communication monitoring unit. And instruct the transmission of the broadcast frame.

  Therefore, when a frame transmitted from the network to the LAN switch is detected, a notification frame including port identification information for identifying the port is generated and transmitted, so that the physical properties of the network concentrator can be determined based on the port identification information. The physical position of the information device can be recognized without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the network concentrator.

  A network system according to the present invention is a network system that connects a plurality of information devices in a communicable manner, and includes one or a plurality of information outlet apparatuses according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and the outlet identification information. And an information presenting unit that presents information related to the relationship between the information outlet device and the information device connected via the information outlet device to the user.

  According to this configuration, the one or more information outlet devices are notified including the outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device when a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected. Generate and send a frame. The information presenting unit receives a notification frame or a frame including the outlet identification information, and presents information related to the relationship between the information device connected to the information outlet device and the information outlet device to the user. Therefore, information related to the relationship between the information equipment connected via the information outlet device and the information outlet device can be presented to the user.

  In the above network system, it is preferable that the information presenting unit associates the outlet identification information with position information where the information outlet device is installed. According to this configuration, the information presentation unit associates the outlet identification information with the position information where the information outlet device is installed, and thus presents the outlet identification information and the position information where the information outlet device is installed to the user. be able to.

  A network system according to the present invention is a network system that connects a plurality of information devices in a communicable manner, and the network concentrator according to claim 16 and one or more connected to each port of the network concentrator. Information that receives a plurality of information outlet devices and a notification frame including the port identification information, and presents information related to the relationship between the information outlet device and the information outlet device connected via the information outlet device to the user And a presentation unit.

  According to this configuration, when a frame transmitted from the network to the LAN switch is detected, the network concentrator generates and transmits a notification frame including port identification information for identifying the port. The information outlet device is connected to each port of the network concentrator, and the information presentation unit receives the notification frame including the port identification information, and the relationship between the information device and the information outlet device connected through the information outlet device Information about the user is presented to the user. Therefore, information related to the relationship between the information equipment connected via the information outlet device and the information outlet device can be presented to the user.

  In the above network system, it is preferable that the information presenting unit associates the port identification information with position information where the information outlet device is installed. According to this configuration, the information presentation unit associates the port identification information with the position information where the information outlet device is installed, and therefore presents the port identification information and the position information where the information outlet device is installed to the user. be able to.

  In the network system, the information presentation unit preferably transmits a broadcast frame for prompting transmission of a unicast packet from the information device to the information presentation unit.

  According to this configuration, the information presenting unit transmits a broadcast frame for urging transmission of a unicast packet from the information device to the information presenting unit. Therefore, the information device receives the broadcast frame from the information device to the information presenting unit. A packet is sent. At this time, when a frame (unicast packet) transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected, a notification frame including outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device is generated and transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to identify the physical location of the information outlet device based on the outlet identification information, and recognize the physical location of the information device without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device. can do.

  In the above network system, it is preferable that the information presentation unit transmits a multicast frame for prompting transmission of a unicast packet from the information device to the information presentation unit.

  According to this configuration, the information presenting unit transmits a multicast frame for urging transmission of the unicast packet from the information device to the information presenting unit. Therefore, the information device receives the multicast frame from the information device to the information presenting unit. A packet is sent. At this time, when a frame (unicast packet) transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected, a notification frame including outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device is generated and transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to identify the physical location of the information outlet device based on the outlet identification information, and recognize the physical location of the information device without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device. can do.

  In the above network system, it is preferable that the information presenting unit transmits a unicast frame to the information device in order to prompt transmission of a unicast packet from the information device to the information presenting unit.

  According to this configuration, the information presentation unit transmits a unicast frame to the information device in order to prompt transmission of a unicast packet from the information device to the information presentation unit. Therefore, the information device that has received the unicast frame A unicast packet is transmitted from to the information presentation unit. At this time, when a frame (unicast packet) transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected, a notification frame including outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device is generated and transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to identify the physical location of the information outlet device based on the outlet identification information, and recognize the physical location of the information device without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device. can do.

  In the above network system, it is preferable that the information presentation unit periodically transmits a frame for prompting transmission of a unicast packet from the information device to the information presentation unit.

  According to this configuration, the information presentation unit periodically transmits a frame for prompting transmission of the unicast packet from the information device to the information presentation unit. You can check whether there is any change.

  In the above network system, the information presenting unit includes a database that stores associations between device information acquired from the information device and candidates for a place where the information device is installed, and operates the information presenting unit. It is preferable to present a candidate for the installation location of the information device to the user who performs the above operation.

  According to this configuration, the information presentation unit includes a database that stores the association between the device information acquired from the information device and the candidate location where the information device is installed, and provides information to the user who operates the information presentation unit. Present the candidate location of the equipment. Therefore, the installation location candidate of the information device can be presented to the user, and the user can select an appropriate installation location from the presented candidates and set it in association with the device information.

  In the network system described above, the information presentation unit may use a device information of another information device connected to the same information outlet device as the information device to a user who operates the information presentation unit. It is preferable to present a candidate for an installation location of the information device.

  According to this configuration, the information presenting unit uses the device information of another information device connected to the same information outlet device as the information device, to the user who operates the information presenting unit of the installation location of the information device. Present candidates. Therefore, it is possible to present the installation location candidate of the information device to the user using the device information of the other information device, and the user selects an appropriate installation location from the presented candidates and corresponds to the device information. It can be set.

  According to the present invention, when a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected, a notification frame including outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device is generated and transmitted. The physical location of the information outlet device can be specified based on the outlet identification information, and the physical location of the information device can be recognized without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device. Can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information socket device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the information outlet device 1 is installed on a wall surface in a house, and is connected to a network wiring in the wall previously laid in the house and an indoor digital information device.

  The information socket device 1 includes a first frame transmission / reception unit 21, a second frame transmission / reception unit 22, a bridge function unit 31, a communication monitoring unit 41, a notification frame transmission instruction unit 51, and an ID holding unit 61. It is connected to the first network 11 via 91 and connected to the second network 12 via the port 92.

  The first network 11 and the second network 12 are, for example, networks based on Ethernet (registered trademark). The first network 11 is a network segment in a wall that is laid in advance in a house. The first network 11 is a network that transmits data (frames) using, for example, a LAN cable or a power line. The 2nd network 12 is a network segment by the resident having connected digital information equipment.

  The information outlet device 1 is, for example, an outlet for connecting network wiring in a wall previously laid in a house and an indoor digital information device, or an outlet for supplying electric power to the digital information device. . Digital information devices include, for example, home appliances such as TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, and rice cookers, cooking appliances, gas water heaters, central heating systems, electric water heaters, and household cogeneration devices. This is a device that can be connected to a network, including home appliances, sensors that measure and detect the living environment, and meters such as gas meters, water meters, and power meters.

  The first frame transmission / reception unit 21 receives a MAC (Media Access Control) frame from the first network 11 and notifies the bridge function unit 31 of the MAC (Media Access Control) frame. Further, the first frame transmission / reception unit 21 transmits a MAC frame to the first network 11 according to an instruction from the bridge function unit 31. A frame represents data divided in a predetermined unit.

  Similarly, the second frame transmission / reception unit 22 receives a MAC frame from the second network 12 and notifies the bridge function unit 31 of the MAC frame. Further, the second frame transmission / reception unit 22 transmits a MAC frame to the second network 12 according to an instruction from the bridge function unit 31.

  The bridge function unit 31 selectively transfers a MAC frame to be transferred to the second network 12 among the MAC frames received by the first frame transmission / reception unit 21 to the second frame transmission / reception unit 22. Instructs frame transmission. The bridge function unit 31 selectively transfers a MAC frame to be transferred to the first network 11 among the MAC frames received by the second frame transmission / reception unit 22 to the first frame transmission / reception unit 21. And instructing the transmission of the MAC frame. The bridge function unit 31 transfers the received MAC frame unconditionally in a situation in which it is impossible to determine which of the first network 11 and the second network 12 is specified by the transmission destination MAC address.

  The information socket device 1 has a function as a bridge by the configuration including the first frame transmission / reception unit 21, the second frame transmission / reception unit 22, the bridge function unit 31, and the ports 91 and 92. The bridge function unit 31 determines whether or not to transfer the MAC frame using the source MAC address and the destination MAC address included in the MAC frame. Further, the bridge function unit 31 transfers a notification frame (described later) instructed from a notification frame transmission instruction unit 51 (described later) to the first frame transmitting / receiving unit 21 and instructs transmission of the notification frame.

  The communication monitoring unit 41 monitors communication by the bridge function unit 31. Then, when the bridge function unit 31 determines that the bridge function unit 31 should transfer from the second network 12 to the first network 11 and transfers the MAC frame, the communication monitoring unit 41 includes the transmission source MAC included in the MAC frame. The address is notified to the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51. The communication monitoring unit 41 notifies the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51 of the transmission source MAC address when the bridge function unit 31 transfers the MAC frame in a situation where it cannot be determined which network the transmission destination MAC address designates. do not do.

  The ID holding unit 61 holds an information outlet ID (outlet identification information) that is an identification code unique to the information outlet device. The information outlet ID may be stored in a read-only memory, or may have a function that can be set or updated by an external instruction.

  When the notification from the communication monitoring unit 41 is received, the notification frame transmission instruction unit 51 is a notification that is a multicast MAC frame including the transmission source MAC address included in the notification and the information outlet ID acquired from the ID holding unit 61. A frame is generated, and transmission to the bridge function unit 31 is instructed.

  In the present embodiment, the first network 11 corresponds to an example of a first network, the second network 12 corresponds to an example of a second network, and the bridge function unit 31 is an example of a frame transmission unit. The communication monitoring unit 41 corresponds to an example of a communication monitoring unit, the ID holding unit 61 corresponds to an example of an outlet identification information holding unit, and the notification frame transmission instruction unit 51 corresponds to an example of a notification frame transmission instruction unit. The first frame transmission / reception unit 21 corresponds to an example of the first frame transmission / reception unit, and the second frame transmission / reception unit 22 corresponds to an example of the second frame transmission / reception unit.

  Next, the operation of the information outlet device 1 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the information socket device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  First, in step S1, the second frame transmission / reception unit 22 receives a MAC frame transmitted by a digital information device. The second frame transmission / reception unit 22 outputs the received MAC frame to the bridge function unit 31. Next, in step S <b> 2, the bridge function unit 31 determines whether to transfer the MAC frame received by the second frame transmission / reception unit 22 to the first network 11.

  The bridge function unit 31 includes a transmission address table that stores the MAC addresses of all the nodes connected to the network (segment) and the network to which the MAC address is associated with each other. The bridge function unit 31 refers to the transmission address table and determines whether or not the network associated with the same MAC address as the transmission destination MAC address included in the MAC frame is the first network 11. When the network corresponding to the transmission destination MAC address is the first network 11, the bridge function unit 31 determines to transfer the received MAC frame to the first network 11, and the network corresponding to the transmission destination MAC address is If it is not the first network 11, it is determined that the received MAC frame is not transferred to the first network 11. If it is determined that the MAC frame is not transferred to the first network 11 (NO in step S2), the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined to transfer the MAC frame to the first network 11 (YES in step S2), in step S3, the communication monitoring unit 41 acquires the transmission source MAC address included in the MAC frame. Next, in step S <b> 4, the bridge function unit 31 outputs the MAC frame to the first frame transmission / reception unit 21. The first frame transmission / reception unit 21 transmits the MAC frame output by the bridge function unit 31 to the first network 11.

  Next, in step S <b> 5, the communication monitoring unit 41 notifies the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51 of the acquired transmission source MAC address. Next, in step S <b> 6, the notification frame transmission instruction unit 51 acquires the information outlet ID from the ID holding unit 61.

  Next, in step S <b> 7, the notification frame transmission instruction unit 51 creates a notification frame in which the transmission source MAC address notified by the communication monitoring unit 41 is associated with the information outlet ID acquired from the ID holding unit 61. The broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51 outputs the created broadcast frame to the bridge function unit 31.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the bridge function unit 31 outputs the notification frame created by the notification frame transmission instruction unit 51 to the first frame transmission / reception unit 21. The first frame transmission / reception unit 21 multicasts the notification frame output by the bridge function unit 31 to the first network 11.

  According to the information outlet device having the above-described configuration, a notification frame in which the MAC address of the digital information device connected to the second network 12 and the information outlet ID are associated with each other is multicast-transmitted to the first network 11. It becomes possible to do.

  Note that the communication monitoring unit 41 in this embodiment determines that the bridge function unit 31 should transfer from the second network 12 to the first network 11 and transfers an arbitrary MAC frame. A network in which the source MAC address included in the MAC frame is notified to the notification frame transmission instruction unit 51, but the transmission source MAC address is notified to the notification frame transmission instruction unit 51 only when a specific MAC frame is transferred. It may be designed according to the communication characteristics and traffic. Examples of the specific MAC frame include a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) unicast frame, a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) handshake frame, and the like.

  Further, the communication monitoring unit 41 notifies the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51 of a source IP (Internet Protocol) address included in the MAC frame, and the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51 includes the transmission source IP address and the information outlet included in the notification. A notification frame including an ID may be generated.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of information outlet device 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the information outlet device 2 has the same configuration as that of the information outlet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  In the information socket device 2, the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 52 is different from the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51 included in the information socket device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, not the bridge function unit 31 and the network interface unit. 71 is instructed to transmit a notification frame.

  The network interface unit 71 can have a MAC address and an IP address, is connected to the first network 11 via the port 91, and has a function of communicating with the network as one independent network node.

  According to the information outlet device configured as described above, the MAC address and the information outlet ID of the digital information device connected to the second network 12 are determined in the same manner as the information outlet device 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The associated notification frame can be multicasted to the first network 11. At this time, the broadcast frame includes the MAC address and IP address assigned to the network interface unit 71 as the source MAC address and source IP address, respectively. Note that the MAC address of the network interface unit 71 can be used as the information outlet ID.

  In the present embodiment, the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 52 corresponds to an example of a broadcast frame transmission instruction unit, and the network interface unit 71 corresponds to an example of a network interface unit.

  Next, the operation of the information outlet device 2 in the second embodiment will be described. The operation of the information outlet device 2 is almost the same as the operation of the information outlet device 1 shown in FIG. 2, and only the processes in steps S7 and S8 are different. Therefore, in the following description, only the processes in steps S7 and S8 will be described.

  In step S <b> 7, the notification frame transmission instruction unit 51 creates a notification frame in which the transmission source MAC address notified by the communication monitoring unit 41 is associated with the information outlet ID acquired from the ID holding unit 61. The broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51 outputs the created broadcast frame to the network interface unit 71.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the network interface unit 71 multicasts the broadcast frame created by the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51 to the first network 11. At this time, the network interface unit 71 transmits a notification frame including the MAC address and IP address assigned to the network interface unit 71 as the source MAC address and source IP address.

  According to the information outlet device 2 configured as described above, as in the information outlet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the MAC address and the information outlet ID of the digital information device connected to the second network 12 Can be multicast-transmitted to the first network 11.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information socket apparatus 3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the information outlet device 3 has the same configuration as the information outlet device 2 shown in FIG. 3 which is the second embodiment of the present invention, but the first frame transmitting / receiving unit 21 in FIG. The configuration is different in that a repeater function unit 33 is provided instead of the second frame transmission / reception unit 22 and the bridge function unit 31.

  The repeater function unit 33 performs a process of transmitting frames received from the first network 11 and the second network 12 to the second network 12 and the first network 11, respectively. The repeater function unit 33 monitors the transmission waveform and performs this process without interpreting the contents of the MAC frame. At this time, it is desirable to perform transmission with waveform shaping processing.

  The communication monitoring unit 42 monitors communication by the repeater function unit 33, and when the repeater function unit 33 transfers a MAC frame from the second network 12 to the first network 11, the transmission source included in the MAC frame The MAC address is extracted and the source MAC address is notified to the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 52. The communication monitoring unit 42 performs this process by monitoring the transmission waveform.

  In the present embodiment, the repeater function unit 33 corresponds to an example of a frame transmission unit, and the communication monitoring unit 42 corresponds to an example of a communication monitoring unit.

  Next, the operation of the information outlet device 3 in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the information socket device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  First, in step S11, the repeater function unit 33 receives a MAC frame transmitted by a digital information device. Next, in step S <b> 12, the communication monitoring unit 42 extracts the transmission source MAC address included in the MAC frame based on the transmission waveform passing through the repeater function unit 33.

  Next, in step S <b> 13, the repeater function unit 33 transmits the MAC frame to the first network 11. Next, in step S <b> 14, the communication monitoring unit 42 notifies the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 52 of the extracted transmission source MAC address. Next, in step S <b> 15, the notification frame transmission instruction unit 52 acquires the information outlet ID from the ID holding unit 61.

  Next, in step S <b> 16, the notification frame transmission instruction unit 52 creates a notification frame in which the transmission source MAC address notified by the communication monitoring unit 42 is associated with the information outlet ID acquired from the ID holding unit 61. The broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 52 outputs the created broadcast frame to the network interface unit 71.

  Next, in step S <b> 17, the network interface unit 71 multicasts the broadcast frame created by the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 52 to the first network 11. At this time, the network interface unit 71 transmits a notification frame including the MAC address and IP address assigned to the network interface unit 71 as the source MAC address and source IP address.

  According to the information outlet device configured as described above, the MAC address and the information outlet ID of the digital information device connected to the second network 12 are determined in the same manner as the information outlet device 2 in the second embodiment of the present invention. The associated notification frame can be multicasted to the first network 11.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of information outlet device 4 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the information outlet device 4 has the same configuration as that of the information outlet device 1 shown in FIG. 1, which is the first embodiment of the present invention. Instead, the configuration is different in that a frame rewriting instruction unit 81 is provided.

  When the notification from the communication monitoring unit 41 is received, the frame rewriting instruction unit 81 generates ID tag data including the information outlet ID acquired from the ID holding unit 61 as information, and the ID corresponding to the frame corresponding to the notification is generated. The bridge function unit 32 is instructed to insert tag data. The bridge function unit 32 assigns ID tag data to the frame specified by the frame rewriting instruction unit 81, transfers the frame to the first frame transmission / reception unit 21, and instructs transmission.

  In the present embodiment, the bridge function unit 32 corresponds to an example of a frame transmission unit, and the frame rewriting instruction unit 81 corresponds to an example of a frame rewriting instruction unit.

  Next, the operation of the information outlet device 4 in the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the information socket device in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The processing in steps S21 to S23 in FIG. 7 is the same as the processing in steps S1 to S3 in FIG. In step S24, the communication monitoring unit 41 notifies the frame rewrite instruction unit 81 of the acquired transmission source MAC address. Next, in step S <b> 25, the frame rewriting instruction unit 81 acquires the information outlet ID from the ID holding unit 61.

  Next, in step S <b> 26, the frame rewriting instruction unit 81 creates ID tag data including the information outlet ID acquired from the ID holding unit 61. The frame rewriting instruction unit 81 instructs the bridge function unit 32 to insert the ID tag data into the MAC frame having the transmission source MAC address notified by the communication monitoring unit 41. Next, in step S27, the bridge function unit 32 inserts ID tag data into the MAC frame based on an instruction from the frame rewriting instruction unit 81.

  Next, in step S <b> 28, the bridge function unit 31 outputs the MAC frame in which the ID tag data is inserted to the first frame transmission / reception unit 21. The first frame transmission / reception unit 21 transmits the MAC frame output by the bridge function unit 31 to the first network 11.

  According to the information outlet device configured as described above, an ID tag including an information outlet ID as information for a MAC frame transmitted from the digital information device connected to the second network 12 to the first network 11. Data can be attached and transmitted.

  The bridge function unit 32 is designed not to add ID tag data when the frame rewriting instruction unit 81 instructs to add ID tag data to a frame to which ID tag data has already been added. Alternatively, the ID tag data included in the frame may be left and the ID tag data may be added.

  Further, when receiving a notification from the communication monitoring unit 41, the frame rewriting instruction unit 81 generates ID data including the information outlet ID acquired from the ID holding unit 61 as information, and a part of the frame corresponding to the notification The bridge function unit 32 replaces a part of the frame designated by the frame rewrite instruction unit 81 with ID data, and the first frame transmitting / receiving unit 21. It is also possible to design so that the first network 11 is instructed to transmit data.

  The bridge function unit 32 may be designed not to replace ID data when the frame rewriting instruction unit 81 instructs the frame rewriting instruction unit 81 to replace a frame in which a part of the frame is already replaced with ID data. The ID data included in the frame may be replaced and overwritten.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of network concentrator 5 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the network concentrator 5 is installed together with the network wiring preliminarily laid in the house, and a plurality of network wirings to the information outlet device having no feature according to the present invention installed in each room are provided. It is assumed that it is a device that collects and relays communication.

  The network line concentrator 5 includes frame transfer units 101 and 102, a LAN (Local Area Network) switch 200, and ports 93, 94, and 95. A frame transfer unit 101 is connected between the LAN switch 200 and the port 94, and a frame transfer unit 102 is connected between the LAN switch 200 and the port 95. Each of the frame transfer units 101 and 102 has the same configuration as that of the information socket device 1 in the first embodiment, and includes a first frame transmission / reception unit 21, a second frame transmission / reception unit 22, a bridge function unit 31, a communication monitoring unit 41, A broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 51 and an ID holding unit 62 are provided. A frame transfer unit is not connected between the LAN switch 200 and the port 93, and the LAN switch 200 and the port 93 are directly connected.

  The LAN switch 200 receives a frame from a connected network and selectively transfers the frame to a network that is a path to a transmission destination node.

  In the frame transfer unit 101 arranged between the LAN switch 200 and the port 94, the ID holding unit 62 holds a port ID (port identification information) that is an identification code unique to the port 94. The port ID may be stored in a read-only memory or may have a function that can be set or updated by an external instruction. The first frame transmission / reception unit 21, the second frame transmission / reception unit 22, the bridge function unit 31, the communication monitoring unit 41, and the notification frame transmission instruction unit 51 have the same functions as the information outlet device 1 in the first embodiment. .

  The frame transfer unit 102 arranged between the LAN switch 200 and the port 95 has the same configuration as the frame transfer unit 101 arranged between the LAN switch 200 and the port 94 except for a different port ID.

  By using the network concentrator having the above configuration, the function realized by the information socket device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can be realized in the network concentrator. That is, it is possible to multicast a notification frame in which the MAC address and the port ID of the digital information device connected through the port and the information outlet device connected from the port are associated with each other to the home network.

  In addition, although the network concentrator 5 shown in FIG. 8 has a configuration having three ports, the present invention is not particularly limited to this and may have a configuration having an arbitrary number of two or more.

  Further, in the network line concentrator 5 shown in FIG. 8, the frame transfer unit having the function of the information socket apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is not provided between the LAN switch 200 and the port 93. Is not particularly limited to this. A configuration may be adopted in which a frame transfer unit having the function of the information socket device 1 in the first embodiment is provided between the LAN switch 200 and all the ports, or between the LAN switch 200 and some ports. It is good also as a structure which is not provided with the frame transfer part which has the function of the information socket apparatus 1 in the form 1.

  Moreover, it is good also as a design provided with the functional block which has a function which performs the routing process to a high-order segment instead of the LAN switch 200, and it is good also as a design provided with the functional block which has the function of a high-order repeater hub instead of the LAN switch 200. .

  Furthermore, the network line concentrator 5 shown in FIG. 8 includes frame transfer units 101 and 102 having the same functions as those of the information outlet apparatus 1 in the first embodiment between the LAN switch 200 and the ports 94 and 95. The present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the frame transfer units 101 and 102 may have the same functions as the information outlet devices 2, 3, and 4 in the second, third, and fourth embodiments of the present invention. Good.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a broadcast frame in which a source MAC address and a port ID are associated is created and the created broadcast frame is multicast transmitted. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the port ID is not limited to this. A broadcast frame including only the broadcast frame may be created and the created broadcast frame may be multicast.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the network system 6 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 9 also shows an example of connection of digital information equipment to the network system 6.

  The network system 6 in the sixth embodiment is a network system laid in advance in a house, and includes a configuration information management node 7, information outlet devices 111, 112, and 113, a configuration information management node 7, and information outlet devices 111, And a LAN switch 201 that collects network wiring to 112 and 113 and relays communication. Information outlet devices 111, 112, and 113 are installed in the living room, kitchen, and entrance, respectively, and have the same configuration as information outlet device 1 of the first embodiment.

  The configuration information management node 7 has a function of acquiring correspondence information between the MAC address and the IP address of each digital information device by ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) technology, and the name of each device by UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) technology. It has a function of acquiring correspondence information between information and an IP address, and a function of presenting detailed information of each acquired digital information device to the user.

  Further, the configuration information management node 7 receives a notification frame multicast by the information outlet devices 111, 112, and 113. The configuration information management node 7 has a function of acquiring correspondence information between the MAC address of the digital information device connected to the information outlet device and the information outlet ID of the information outlet device to which each digital information device is connected, the information outlet ID For holding correspondence information between the physical information and the physical location information where the information socket device is installed, and the function for presenting the physical location information of each digital information device connected to the network system 6 to the user Have In the present embodiment, the configuration information management node 7 corresponds to an example of an information presentation unit.

  In the following description, as shown in FIG. 9, a television 301 and a DVR (digital video recorder) 302 are connected to an information outlet device 111 installed in a living room via a LAN switch 202 and installed in a kitchen. The embodiment will be described by taking as an example a configuration in which a refrigerator 303 is connected to the information outlet device 112 and a camera 304 is connected to the information outlet device 113 installed at the entrance.

  When the television 301 transmits a unicast frame to the configuration information management node 7, the frame reaches the configuration information management node 7 via the LAN switch 202, the information outlet device 111, and the LAN switch 201. In this case, the information outlet device 111 detects the passage of the frame, generates a notification frame including the information outlet ID unique to the information outlet device 111 and the MAC address of the television 301, and transmits it to the network on the LAN switch 201 side. Multicast transmission. The notification frame reaches the configuration information management node 7 via the LAN switch 201 and reaches the refrigerator 303 and the camera 304 via the LAN switch 201 and the information outlet devices 112 and 113, but receives the notification frame. This is only the configuration information management node 7.

Similarly, when the television 301 transmits a unicast frame to the camera 304,
The frame reaches the camera 304 via the LAN switch 202, the information outlet device 111, the LAN switch 201, and the information outlet device 113. In this case, the information outlet device 111 detects the passage of the frame, generates a notification frame including the information outlet ID unique to the information outlet device 111 and the MAC address of the television 301, and multicasts it to the network on the LAN switch 201 side. Send. The notification frame reaches the configuration information management node 7 via the LAN switch 201 and reaches the refrigerator 303 and the camera 304 via the LAN switch 201 and the information outlet devices 112 and 113, but receives the notification frame. This is only the configuration information management node 7.

  When another digital information device transmits a unicast frame, the same processing as described above is performed, and the configuration information management node 7 receives the notification frame. When the television 301 transmits a unicast frame to the DVR 302, the LAN switch 202 normally transmits the unicast frame only to the DVR 302, so that the unicast frame does not reach the information outlet 111. In addition, when the configuration information management node 7 transmits a unicast frame, the notification frame is not transmitted due to a difference in direction in which the unicast frame passes through the information outlet devices 111, 112, and 113.

  The configuration information management node 7 extracts the MAC address and information outlet ID of the digital information device included in the received notification frame, and separately stores detailed information such as the IP address and name of the digital information device that is held separately. It associates with the information on the physical location where the information outlet device is held and displays it to the user via the user interface.

  By using the network system configured as described above as a network system laid in a house in advance, the physical position of the digital information device can be determined without giving a special function to the digital information device connected to the network via the information outlet device. It can be presented to the user.

  The network system 6 includes information outlet devices 111, 112, and 113 having the same configuration as that of the information outlet device 1 according to the first embodiment and a LAN switch 201 that is a line concentrator, but is not limited to this configuration. It is not something. Information outlet devices 111, 112, and 113 may have, for example, the same configuration as information outlet devices 2 to 4 in Embodiments 2 to 4 of the present invention. The network system 6 may be configured by a general-purpose information outlet device different from the information outlet devices 1 to 4 in the first to fourth embodiments and the network line concentrator 5 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this case, depending on the configuration of the information outlet devices 111, 112, 113 and the network concentrator 5, the configuration information management node 7 does not have a function of receiving and interpreting the notification frame, but ID tag data or ID added to the frame. It must have a function to extract and interpret data.

  Further, the number of information outlet devices to be installed and the network topology are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 9, and any configuration can be adopted as long as the network topology is appropriate as a network in a house. .

  The configuration information management node 7 has a function of transmitting a broadcast frame such as an ARP request, a multicast frame such as a UPnP discovery search request, or an already broadcast frame in order to prompt frame transmission from the digital information device. In order to prompt the frame transmission for the purpose of confirming whether or not the connection position of the acquired digital information device has been changed, it may have a function of transmitting a unicast frame, or to prompt the transmission of these frames. Frames may be transmitted periodically.

  The configuration information management node 7 holds physical location information where each information outlet device is installed. The physical location information may be set by user input. In this case, furthermore, the relation between the detailed information such as the name of the digital information device connected to the information outlet device and the candidate of the place where the digital information device is installed is stored as a database, and the information outlet device is informed to the user. A function of presenting physical position candidates can be provided. As an example of a database, it is conceivable to store correspondence information that associates a TV with a living room, correspondence information that associates a refrigerator with a kitchen, correspondence information that associates a camera with an entrance and a veranda, and the like. It may be a database that can limit candidates using detailed information of a plurality of digital information devices. Further, the configuration information management node 7 uses the detailed information of other digital information devices connected to the same information outlet device as a “room with a television” as a candidate for physical location information. It can also have a function.

  The information outlet device according to the present invention can recognize the physical position of the information device without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device, and is configured in advance as a first network. It is useful as an information outlet device that connects a second network including one or more information devices.

  Further, the network concentrator according to the present invention can recognize the physical position of the information device without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device, and includes a plurality of ports. The present invention is useful as a network line concentrator or the like that connects one or a plurality of information devices via a port so that they can communicate with each other.

  In addition, the network system according to the present invention can recognize the physical position of the information device without giving a special function to the information device connected to the network via the information outlet device, and can communicate a plurality of information devices. It is useful as a network system connected to the network.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the information socket apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the information socket apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the information socket apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the information socket apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the information socket apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the information socket apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the information socket apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the network concentrator in Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the network system in Embodiment 6 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3, 4, 111, 112, 113 Information outlet device 5 Network concentrator 6 Network system 7 Configuration information management node 11 First network 12 Second network 21 First frame transmission / reception unit 22 Second frame Transmission / reception unit 31, 32 Bridge function unit 33 Repeater function unit 41, 42 Communication monitoring unit 51, 52 Broadcast frame transmission instruction unit 61, 62 ID holding unit 71 Network interface unit 81 Frame rewrite instruction unit 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 Port 101, 102, 103 Frame transfer unit 200, 201, 202 LAN switch

Claims (26)

An information outlet device for connecting a first network laid in advance and a second network including one or more information devices,
A frame transmission unit for transmitting a frame between the first network and the second network;
A communication monitoring unit that monitors frames transmitted by the frame transmission unit and detects frames transmitted from the second network to the first network;
An outlet identification information holding unit for holding outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device;
When the communication monitoring unit detects a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network, the outlet identification information is acquired from the outlet identification information holding unit, and the notification including the acquired outlet identification information is acquired. An information socket device comprising: a notification frame transmission instruction unit that generates a frame and instructs transmission of the notification frame. A first frame transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting a frame to the first network and receiving a frame from the first network;
A second frame transmission / reception unit for transmitting a frame to the second network and receiving a frame from the second network;
The broadcast frame transmission instruction unit instructs the frame transmission unit to transmit the broadcast frame;
The frame transmission unit transmits the notification frame only to the first frame transmission / reception unit based on a transmission instruction of the notification frame from the notification frame transmission instruction unit. Information outlet device. A network interface unit for communicating with the first network;
The notification frame transmission instruction unit acquires the outlet identification information from the outlet identification information holding unit and acquires the frame when the frame transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected by the communication monitoring unit. The information outlet device according to claim 1, wherein a notification frame including the outlet identification information is generated, and the network interface unit is instructed to transmit the notification frame.   4. The information socket apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the frame transmission unit has a repeater function.   5. The information socket device according to claim 4, wherein the communication monitoring unit detects, by waveform monitoring, that a frame is transmitted from the second network to the first network. 6.   6. The information socket device according to claim 1, wherein the communication monitoring unit detects passage of a UDP unicast frame.   The information socket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication monitoring unit detects passage of a TCP handshake frame.   The information notification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification frame transmission instruction unit generates a notification frame further including a transmission source MAC address included in a frame passing through the frame transmission unit.   9. The information socket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the broadcast frame transmission instruction unit generates a broadcast frame further including a transmission source IP address included in a frame passing through the frame transmission unit. An information outlet device for connecting a first network laid in advance and a second network including one or more information devices,
A frame transmission unit for transmitting a frame between the first network and the second network;
A communication monitoring unit that monitors frames transmitted by the frame transmission unit and detects frames transmitted from the second network to the first network;
An outlet identification information holding unit for holding outlet identification information for identifying the information outlet device;
When the frame transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected by the communication monitoring unit, the outlet identification information is acquired from the outlet identification information holding unit, and the acquired outlet identification information is stored in the frame. An information outlet device comprising: a frame rewriting instruction unit that instructs the frame transmission unit to attach to the frame.   The frame transmission unit does not add outlet identification information when instructed by the frame rewriting instruction unit to give outlet identification information to a frame to which outlet identification information has already been given. Item 13. The information outlet device according to Item 10.   The frame transmission unit, when instructed by the frame rewriting instruction unit to give outlet identification information to a frame to which outlet identification information has already been given, further leaves the outlet identification information already included in the frame. 11. The information outlet device according to claim 10, wherein outlet identification information is given.   The frame rewriting instruction unit obtains the outlet identification information from the outlet identification information holding unit when a frame transmitted from the second network to the first network is detected by the communication monitoring unit; 11. The information socket device according to claim 10, wherein the frame socket is instructed to replace a part of the frame passing through the frame transmitter with the outlet identification information.   The frame transmission unit does not perform replacement with the outlet identification information when instructed by the frame rewriting instruction unit to replace the outlet identification information with a frame that has already been replaced with the outlet identification information. The information outlet device according to claim 13.   The information outlet device according to claim 1, further comprising an outlet identification information updating unit that updates the outlet identification information held in the outlet identification information holding unit according to an instruction from the outside. A network concentrator that includes a plurality of ports and connects one or a plurality of information devices via the ports so that they can communicate with each other.
A LAN switch for switching frames;
Between at least one port and the LAN switch,
A frame transmission unit for transmitting a frame between the LAN switch and a network including one or more information devices;
A communication monitoring unit that monitors a frame transmitted by the frame transmission unit and detects a frame transmitted from the network to the LAN switch;
A port identification information holding unit for holding port identification information for identifying the port;
When a frame transmitted from the network to the LAN switch is detected by the communication monitoring unit, the port identification information is acquired from the port identification information holding unit, and a notification frame including the acquired port identification information is generated. A network concentrator, comprising: a broadcast frame transmission instruction unit that instructs transmission of the broadcast frame. A network system for connecting a plurality of information devices in a communicable manner,
One or more information outlet devices according to any of claims 1 to 15;
An information presentation unit that receives a notification frame or a frame including the outlet identification information and presents information related to a relationship between the information appliance connected via the information outlet device and the information outlet device to a user. A network system characterized by this.   18. The network system according to claim 17, wherein the information presenting unit associates the outlet identification information with position information where the information outlet device is installed. A network system for connecting a plurality of information devices in a communicable manner,
The network concentrator of claim 16;
One or more information outlet devices connected to each port of the network concentrator;
An information presenting unit that receives a notification frame including the port identification information and presents information related to a relationship between the information device connected via the information outlet device and the information outlet device to a user; A characteristic network system.   The network system according to claim 19, wherein the information presentation unit associates the port identification information with location information where the information outlet device is installed.   21. The network system according to claim 17, wherein the information presenting unit transmits a broadcast frame for prompting transmission of a unicast packet from the information device to the information presenting unit.   The network system according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the information presenting unit transmits a multicast frame for prompting transmission of a unicast packet from the information device to the information presenting unit.   The said information presentation part transmits a unicast frame with respect to the said information equipment in order to urge transmission of the unicast packet from the said information equipment to the said information presentation part, The one of Claims 17-22 The network system described in 1.   24. The network system according to claim 21, wherein the information presentation unit periodically transmits a frame for prompting transmission of a unicast packet from the information device to the information presentation unit. .   The information presentation unit includes a database that stores associations between device information acquired from the information device and candidates for a place where the information device is installed, and the information device is provided to a user who operates the information presentation unit. The network system according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein a candidate for an installation location is presented.   The information presenting unit uses a device information of another communication device connected to the same information outlet device as the communication device, and a candidate for a location of the information device for a user who operates the information presenting unit. The network system according to claim 21, wherein the network system is presented.

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