JP2009206999A - Node, communication system, communication control method and communication control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system for dynamically changing a network by changing the configuration of a radio interface when a radio interface of the same system configuring the network is detected even after the network is temporarily configured. <P>SOLUTION: A node (N) includes: a radio interface (100) for transmitting/receiving data through radio communication; a channel information acquisition section (10) for acquiring information about peripheral radio interfaces as channel information by means of the radio interface (100); and a communication connection control section (11) which, when a radio interface of the same system configuring a network with the radio interface (100) is detected from among the acquired channel information, changes the configuration of the radio interface (100) and connects the radio interface (100) with the radio interface of the same system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a node capable of configuring a network, a communication system, a communication control method, and a communication control program, and in particular, a node capable of dynamically changing a network, a communication system, a communication control method, and a communication control. It is about the program.

  Generally, the wireless interface is initialized at power-on, etc., connected between nodes, and once the multi-hop network is configured, the wireless interface is used except when the initial setting is intentionally changed as a multi-hop network. The state at the time of initial setting is to be maintained. The initial settings include frequency (channel), ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier), and the like. Examples of the case where the initial setting is intentionally changed include a case where the settings of the radio interface channels are changed all at once in order to avoid interference since a radar is detected.

  For this reason, even if there is a wireless interface of the same system that can constitute a multi-hop network, if the initial setting of the wireless interface is different from the initial setting of the wireless interface of the node itself, The wireless interfaces of each other cannot be connected.

  As a result, when the nodes are disconnected and the multi-hop network is divided, the multi-hop network remains in a divided state unless the wireless state is recovered.

  In particular, when a multi-hop network is configured with a plurality of channels, the number of nodes sharing the same channel is reduced, so that the multi-hop network is likely to be divided or the nodes are isolated.

  Further, it is assumed that an environment in which a plurality of multi-hop networks can communicate with each other with the movement of a node or the like is brought about. Also in this case, if the initial settings of the radio interfaces existing in the multihop networks are different, the radio interfaces cannot be connected, and communication cannot be performed between a plurality of multihop networks.

  For this reason, it is necessary to develop a method capable of changing the setting of the wireless interface and dynamically changing the multihop network even after the multihop network is configured once.

In addition, as a technical literature filed prior to the present invention, a multi-hop network capable of autonomously and efficiently determining a connection destination radio station and a frequency channel in response to a change in a wireless environment or when a new station is connected Is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when a multi-hop wireless network is constructed, it is determined whether to operate in a master station or a slave station when power is turned on or restarted. In addition, the interface unit of the already connected wireless station is autonomously switched from the master station to the slave station or from the slave station to the master station during communication.

In addition, there is a document that discloses a technique for constructing a multi-hop network between a plurality of communication stations using a transmission medium including a plurality of frequency channels (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
In the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, a terminal that wants to change a frequency channel performs a frequency channel change proposal including a destination frequency channel and a transition time by multi-hop transmission, and the transition time specified in the proposal has arrived. In response, all terminals change the frequency channel at the same time.

Further, there is a document that discloses a multi-hop network that monitors each wireless link on the existing first route and starts establishment of the second route when disconnection is expected on any of the wireless links (for example, (See Patent Document 3).
In the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, direct communication is performed with any of the wireless terminals MN2 and MN4 in a state where the route 1 of the transmission source terminal MN1⇔relay terminal MN2⇔MN3⇔MN4⇔destination terminal MN5 is established on the multi-hop wireless network. Possible wireless terminal MN6 appears. Further, before and after this, it is assumed that the wireless terminal MN3 moves in a direction away from the wireless terminal MN4. In this case, the relay terminal MN3 behaves as an intermediary terminal, searches for a handover destination terminal MN6 that can communicate with both the adjacent terminals MN2 and MN4 of its own terminal, and MN1⇔MN2⇔ for each wireless terminal MN2, MN4, MN6 The second route of MN6⇔MN4⇔MN5 is established.

Further, there is a document that discloses a technique for realizing a guarantee of low delay, low delay fluctuation, high throughput, and high QoS (Quality of Service) in a wireless multi-hop communication network (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
In Patent Document 4, each wireless station includes two or more transmission / reception modules, a plurality of channels are fixedly assigned to each transmission / reception module, and one or two of the transmission / reception modules are used to transmit packets to adjacent wireless stations. Transmission is performed.
JP 2004-254048 A JP 2005-020162 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-223697 JP 2006-157640 A

  In Patent Document 1, the new station WT0 performs carrier sensing, and when there is a wireless station WT1 operating as a master station in the frequency channel f0, the new station WT0 The channel f0 is operated as a slave station of the wireless station WT1. In addition, when there is no wireless station operating as a master station in the vicinity, one frequency channel fq is selected from the frequency channels that can be used by the new station WT0, and the master station is selected with the frequency channel fq in the empty interface section. To work as. For this reason, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the network cannot be dynamically changed unless the parent-child relationship is determined. Also, in Patent Document 1, after the network is configured once, if there is a wireless interface of the same system that can configure the network, the setting of the wireless interface is changed and the network is dynamically changed. There is no description or suggestion of the necessity of the point.

  Moreover, although the said patent documents 2-4 are describing the technique regarding a multihop network, like the patent document 1 mentioned above, after once configuring a network, it is the same system which can comprise a network. There is no description or suggestion of the necessity of changing the setting of the wireless interface and dynamically changing the network when the wireless interface exists.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a problem described above. If there is a wireless interface of the same system that can configure the network even after the network is configured once, the wireless It is an object of the present invention to provide a node, a communication system, a communication control method, and a communication control program that can change interface settings and can dynamically change a network.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following features.

<Node>
The node according to the present invention is:
A wireless interface for transmitting and receiving data by wireless communication;
Channel information acquisition means for acquiring peripheral wireless interface information as channel information by the wireless interface;
When a wireless interface of the same system capable of configuring a network with the wireless interface is detected from the acquired channel information, the wireless interface setting is changed and the same as the wireless interface is changed. A communication connection control means for connecting the wireless interface of the system;
It is characterized by having.

<Communication system>
Further, the communication system according to the present invention includes:
A communication system comprising nodes,
The node is
A wireless interface for transmitting and receiving data by wireless communication;
Channel information acquisition means for acquiring peripheral wireless interface information as channel information by the wireless interface;
When a wireless interface of the same system capable of configuring a network with the wireless interface is detected from the acquired channel information, the wireless interface setting is changed and the same as the wireless interface is changed. A communication connection control means for connecting the wireless interface of the system;
It is characterized by having.

<Communication control method>
Further, the communication control method according to the present invention includes:
A channel information acquisition step of acquiring information of peripheral wireless interfaces as channel information by a wireless interface that transmits and receives data by wireless communication;
When a wireless interface of the same system capable of configuring a network with the wireless interface is detected from the acquired channel information, the wireless interface setting is changed and the same as the wireless interface is changed. A communication connection control step for connecting a wireless interface of the system;
It is characterized by having.

<Communication control program>
The communication control program according to the present invention is
Channel information acquisition processing for acquiring peripheral wireless interface information as channel information by a wireless interface that transmits and receives data by wireless communication;
When a wireless interface of the same system capable of configuring a network with the wireless interface is detected from the acquired channel information, the wireless interface setting is changed and the same as the wireless interface is changed. A communication connection control process for connecting the wireless interface of the system;
Is executed by a computer.

  According to the present invention, the wireless interface setting can be changed even after the network is configured once, and the network can be dynamically changed.

<Outline of communication system>
First, an outline of a communication system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The communication system of the present embodiment is a communication system configured by including a node (N). The node (N) includes a wireless interface (100), a channel information acquisition unit (10), and a communication connection control unit (11).

The wireless interface (100) transmits and receives data by wireless communication. The channel information acquisition unit (10) acquires information on peripheral wireless interfaces as channel information by the wireless interface (100). When the communication connection control unit (11) detects a wireless interface of the same system that can form a network with the wireless interface (100) from the channel information acquired by the channel acquisition unit (10) In addition, the setting of the wireless interface (100) is changed, and the wireless interface (100) and the wireless interface of the same system are connected.
Since the node (N) has the above-described configuration, the channel information acquisition unit (10) acquires information on peripheral wireless interfaces as channel information by the wireless interface (100). Then, the communication connection control unit (11) detects, from the channel information acquired by the channel acquisition unit (10), a wireless interface of the same system that can form a network with the wireless interface (100). In this case, the setting of the wireless interface (100) is changed and the wireless interface (100) is connected to the wireless interface of the same system.

  Thereby, the communication system according to the present embodiment can change the setting of the wireless interface (100) even after the network is configured once, and can dynamically change the network. Hereinafter, the communication system of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, a communication system when the IEEE802.11 standard is applied will be described. However, the communication system according to the present embodiment is not limited to the IEEE802.11 standard, and any standard can be applied as long as it is wireless. Is possible. In the following description, a communication system configuring a multi-hop network will be described as an example. However, the communication system according to the present embodiment can be applied to a communication system configuring a general network.

(First embodiment)
<System configuration of communication system>
First, the system configuration of the communication system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The communication system in the present embodiment includes a plurality of nodes (N10, N20, N30, N40), and each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) has two wireless interfaces (W11, W12, W21). , W22, W31, W32, W41, W42). The communication system shown in FIG. 2 shows a case where there are four nodes and two wireless interfaces per node. However, the number of nodes and the number of wireless interfaces per node are particularly It is not limited and can be configured with an arbitrary number.

  The communication system shown in FIG. 2 indicates that the node (N10) and the node (N20) can communicate on “channel # 2” using the wireless interfaces (W12, W21). Similarly, the node (N20) and the node (N30) can communicate on “channel # 3” using the wireless interface (W22, W31), and the node (N30) and the node (N40) W41) indicates that communication is possible on “Channel # 4”. The communication system shown in FIG. 2 forms a multi-hop network with a plurality of channels, and enables communication between nodes (N10, N20, N30, N40).

  FIG. 3 shows a setting example of the radio interface of each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, for example, the wireless interface (W11) of the node (N10) indicates that “channel” = “# 1”, “ESSID” = “our system1”, and “MAC address” = “MAC W11”. ing. Similarly, the wireless interface (W12) of the node (N10) indicates that “channel” = “# 2”, “ESSID” = “our system2”, and “MAC address” = “MAC W12”. “ESSID” consists of a system common name (our system) + a different ID (1, 2, 3, etc.) in the same channel group. If “ESSID” starts with “our system”, the radio The interface indicates a wireless interface of the node of the own system. The own system means the same system that can form a multi-hop network.

<Configuration of nodes constituting communication system>
Next, the basic configuration of each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) will be described with reference to FIG. Since the basic configuration of each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) is configured in the same manner, it will be described as node (N).

  The node (N) of this embodiment includes a plurality of wireless interfaces (100), a wireless management unit (101), and a communication control unit (102).

  The wireless interface (100) is an interface that performs wireless communication.

The radio management unit (101) manages channel information (300) and topology information (400).
The channel information (300) is information on a radio interface existing around the node (N). The channel information (300) is acquired by performing channel search (channel scan) using the wireless interface (100). For example, FIG. 5 shows channel information (300) acquired by performing channel search using the wireless interface (W12). However, the “sequential number” shown in FIG. 5 is given for convenience of explanation, and it is not necessary to give the “sequential number”.
The channel information (300) shown in FIG. 5 indicates that information on the radio interface “ESSID” = “other system 1” and “MAC address” = “MAC OTHER1” has been acquired in channel # 1. Similarly, in channel # 1, the wireless interface information “ESSID” = “our system1” and “MAC address” = “MAC W11” is acquired, and in channel # 2, “ESSID” = “our system2”, “ It indicates that the information of the wireless interface of “MAC address” = “MAC W21” has been acquired. Also, in channel # 3, acquire the wireless interface information of “ESSID” = “our system3”, “MAC address” = “MAC W22”, and “ESSID” = “our system3”, “MAC address” = “MAC It shows that the information of the wireless interface of W31 ”has been acquired. Note that the wireless interface information “serial number; 1” illustrated in FIG. 5 indicates wireless interface information of another system node not illustrated in FIG. The other system means another system that cannot form a multi-hop network with the wireless interface of the node of the own system.
The topology information (400) is information indicating the connection state of the multi-hop network. For example, FIG. 6 shows topology information (400) managed by the wireless management unit (101) by each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) in the state shown in FIG.
The topology information (400) shown in FIG. 6 indicates the connection state of the multi-hop network shown in FIG. 2, and the nodes (N10 to N40) and the wireless interfaces (N10 to N40) mounted on the nodes (N10 to N40). W11, W12, W21, W22, W31, W32, W41, W42).
For example, the node (N10) has a wireless interface (W11, W12), the wireless interface (W11) is not connected, and the wireless interface (W12) is connected to the wireless interface (W21). It is shown that. Similarly, the node (N20) has wireless interfaces (W21, W22), the wireless interface (W21) is connected to the wireless interface (W12), and the wireless interface (W22) is connected to the wireless interface (W12). W31) is connected.
In the case of the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 6, all the wireless interfaces (W11, W12, W21, W22, W31, W32, W41, W4) of all the nodes (N10 to N40) constituting the multi-hop network. Although the wireless management unit (101) manages the connection state information of (W42), for example, topology information (400) as shown in FIG. 7 can be managed. Note that the topology information (400) illustrated in FIG. 7 indicates the topology information (400) managed by the wireless management unit (101) by the node (N20) in the state illustrated in FIG.
The topology information (400) shown in FIG. 7 manages all wireless interface information for adjacent nodes (N10, N30), and connections between nodes (N10 to N40) for other nodes (N40). It is configured to manage only status information. FIG. 7A shows information on adjacent nodes (N10, N30) (adjacent node information), and FIG. 7B shows information on connection states between nodes (N10 to N40) (connection node information). .
The wireless management unit (101) can manage the connection state of the nodes connected as a multi-hop network by managing the topology information (400) as shown in FIGS.

  The communication control unit (102) controls communication of the node (N). Specifically, the surrounding channel condition is searched using the wireless interface (100), and information on the wireless interface around the node (N) is acquired as channel information (300). Then, control is performed so that the acquired channel information (300) is managed by the wireless management unit (101). Also, information indicating the connection state of the multi-hop network is acquired as topology information (400), and control is performed so that the acquired topology information (400) is managed by the wireless management unit (101). Further, control is performed so as to change the setting (channel, ESSID, etc.) of the radio interface (100) based on the channel information (300) and topology information (400) managed by the radio management unit (101). The communication control unit (102) has the functions of the channel information acquisition unit (10) and the communication connection control unit (11) shown in FIG. 1 described above.

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which the node (N20) has left the multi-hop network shown in FIG. 2 due to movement or failure of the node (N20) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, when the node (N20) leaves the multi-hop network, the node (N10) and the node (N30) are used for each other even though they exist at a distance where they can communicate with each other. Since the channels are different, the node (N10) and the node (N30) are separated, and communication between the nodes (N10, N30, N40) cannot be performed.

  In the normal communication system, even when the state shown in FIG. 8 is reached, the nodes (N10, N30) expect the wireless state to recover and maintain the state as it is, so the nodes (N10, N30, N40) ) Will not be able to communicate.

  On the other hand, in the communication system of the present embodiment, when the state shown in FIG. 8 is reached, the nodes (N10, N30) shift to the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9, and as shown in FIG. Since the setting of the wireless interface (W31) is changed and the node (N10) and the node (N30) are connected, communication between the nodes (N10, N30, N40) can be restored. Hereinafter, the recovery mode performed in the nodes (N10, N30) of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<Node: Wireless interface of N10; Communication disconnection detection in W12>
First, the recovery mode performed at the node (N10) will be described.
When the communication control unit (102) of the node (N10) enters the state shown in FIG. 8, the communication control unit (102) detects that the communication of the wireless interface (W12) has been interrupted, and shifts to the recovery mode shown in FIG.

  Note that a method for detecting that communication via the wireless interface has been interrupted is not particularly limited, and any method can be applied. For example, it is possible to apply a method such as when it is detected that data transmission has failed continuously, or when a communication confirmation packet is periodically transmitted and received and it is detected that the communication confirmation packet has been interrupted.

  When shifting to the recovery mode, the communication control unit (102) searches for the surrounding channel status using the wireless interface (W12) in which communication is interrupted (S200). The communication control unit (102) acquires information (channel information; 300) of the radio interface around the node (N10) by searching for the channel status.

  An example of the channel status search method is a scanning method in the IEEE802.11 standard. By performing channel search using this scan method, it becomes possible to acquire information such as the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), ESSID, and MAC address of the wireless interface of the IEEE802.11 standard. The channel status search method is not particularly limited, and any search method can be applied as long as it can acquire wireless interface information (channel information; 300) around the node (N10). is there.

  In the present embodiment, the communication control unit (102) performs channel search (channel scan) for all channels that can be used for communication by the node (N) itself. As a result, the communication control unit (102) can acquire information (channel information; 300) of radio interfaces for all channels that the node (N) can use for communication.

  FIG. 11 shows channel information (300) acquired by performing channel search for all channels that can be used for communication by the node (N10) using the wireless interface (W12).

  The channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11 indicates that information on the radio interface “ESSID” = “other system1” and “MAC address” = “MAC OTHER1” has been acquired in channel # 1. Similarly, in channel # 1, the wireless interface information “ESSID” = “our system1” and “MAC address” = “MAC W11” is acquired, and in channel # 3, “ESSID” = “our system3”, “ It indicates that the information of the wireless interface of “MAC address” = “MAC W31” has been acquired. Note that the information on the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1” illustrated in FIG. 11 indicates the wireless interface information of another system node not illustrated in FIG. The communication control unit (102) manages the acquired channel information (300) with the wireless management unit (101).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) refers to the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11 acquired in S200, and the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. It is determined whether there is (S210). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11, if the head of “ESSID” is “our system”, it is determined that the wireless interface of the node of the own system. The communication control unit (102) determines that the wireless interface of “serial number; 1” is not the wireless interface of the node of its own system (S210 / No), and excludes “serial number; 1”. The communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S250), and determines that the wireless interface of “sequential number; 2” and “sequential number; 3” is the wireless interface of the node of its own system (S210 / Yes) .

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11 is not the wireless interface of its own node (S220). Since the wireless interface (W11) of “sequential number; 2” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11 is the wireless interface of the node (N10), the communication control unit (102) has the wireless interface of “sequential number; 2”. (W11) is determined to be the wireless interface of the own node (S220 / No), and “serial number; 2” is excluded. When the communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S250), it determines that the wireless interface of “serial number; 3” is not the wireless interface of its own node (S220 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not the wireless interface node of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11 is connected to the own node (S225). The node (N10) in the state shown in FIG. 8 manages the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 12 by the wireless management unit (101). Based on the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 12, the communication control unit (102) determines whether the node of the radio interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11 is not connected to the own node. Become.

  In the case of the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 12, the node (N10) has a wireless interface (W11, W12), indicating that the wireless interface (W11, W12) is not connected. Since the node (N10) in the state shown in FIG. 8 is not connected to other nodes, the topology information can be obtained only from the wireless interface connection information of the own node (N10) as shown in the topology information (400) shown in FIG. (400). For this reason, since the wireless interface (W31) of “sequential number; 3” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11 is not connected to the node (N10), the communication control unit (102) determines “sequential number; 3”. It is determined that the node (N30) of the wireless interface (W31) is not connected to its own node (S225 / Yes). When the communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S250), it determines that the wireless interface of “serial number; 3” is not connected to its own node (S225 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not connection is possible using information unique to the system (S230). For example, when a MAC address is used as system-specific information, connection is possible if the MAC address of the wireless interface in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11 is smaller than the MAC address of the wireless interface whose communication has been interrupted. Judgment is made (S230 / Yes → S240), and if it is larger, it is judged that connection is impossible (S230 / No).

  In FIG. 3, the size of the MAC address is assumed to be “MAC W11 <MAC W12 <MAC W21 <MAC W22 <MAC W31 <MAC W32 <MAC W41 <MAC W42”. In this case, when comparing the MAC address of the wireless interface (W12) where communication was interrupted = “MAC W12” and the “MAC address” = “MAC W31” of “Serial Number; 3”, “MAC W12 <MAC Since W31 ”, it is determined that the connection is impossible (S230 / No). Here, the MAC address is used as system-specific information, but various information can be applied as long as it is system-specific information set for the wireless interface. For example, a preset interface name or the like should be applied. Is also possible. The communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S250), and in the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11, there is no wireless interface determined to be connectable (S230 / No).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) performs the above-described processing of S210 to S240 on the channel information (300) acquired in S200, and when all the channel information (300) is processed (S250 / Yes) Then, it is determined whether there is a wireless interface determined to be connectable in S240 (S255). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 11, since there is no wireless interface determined to be connectable in S240 (S255 / No), the communication control unit (102) does nothing and ends the recovery mode.

  Note that the communication control unit (102) periodically shifts to the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9 as long as it detects that the communication of the wireless interface (W12) has been interrupted even after the recovery mode ends. Control. As a result, the communication control unit (102) periodically searches for surrounding channel conditions using the wireless interface (W12) that has lost communication, and acquires new channel information (300). If there is a connectable wireless interface based on the newly acquired channel information (300), it is possible to connect to the wireless interface and restore communication.

<Node; Wireless interface of N30; Communication disconnection detection in W31>
Next, the recovery mode performed at the node (N30) will be described.
When the communication control unit (102) of the node (N30) enters the state shown in FIG. 8, the communication control unit (102) detects that the communication of the wireless interface (W31) has been interrupted, and shifts to the recovery mode shown in FIG. It should be noted that communication with the node (N40) using the wireless interface (W32) is possible even when the recovery mode is entered.

  When shifting to the recovery mode, the communication control unit (102) searches for the surrounding channel status using the wireless interface (W31) in which communication is interrupted (S200). The communication control unit (102) acquires the information (channel information; 300) of the wireless interface around the node (N30) by searching for the channel status. The channel information (300) acquired using the wireless interface (W31) is shown in FIG.

  The channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13 indicates that information on the radio interface “ESSID” = “our system 2” and “MAC address” = “MAC W12” has been acquired in channel # 2. Similarly, in channel # 4, the wireless interface information “ESSID” = “our system4” and “MAC address” = “MAC W32” is acquired, and in channel # 4, “ESSID” = “our system4” , “MAC address” = “MAC W41” indicates that the wireless interface information has been acquired.

  Next, the communication control unit (102) refers to the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13 acquired in S200, and the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. It is determined whether there is (S210). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13, if the head of “ESSID” is “our system”, it is determined that the wireless interface of the node of the own system. The communication control unit (102) determines that the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1” is the wireless interface of the node of its own system (S210 / Yes), and repeats it for the channel information (S250). The wireless interface of “sequential number; 2” and “sequential number; 3” is determined to be the wireless interface of the node of the own system (S210 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13 is the wireless interface of the own node (S220). Since the wireless interface (W12) of “sequential number; 1” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13 is the wireless interface of the node (N10), the communication control unit (102) has the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1”. It is determined that (W12) is not the wireless interface of its own node (S220 / Yes). In addition, since the wireless interface (W32) of “sequence number; 2” is the wireless interface of the node (N30), the communication control unit (102) connects the wireless interface (W32) of “sequence number; 2” to its own node. It is determined that the interface is a wireless interface (S220 / No), and “serial number; 2” is excluded. When the communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S250), it determines that the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1” and “sequential number; 3” is not the wireless interface of its own node (S220 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not the wireless interface node of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13 is connected to the own node (S225). The node (N30) in the state shown in FIG. 8 manages the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 14 by the wireless management unit (101). Based on the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 14, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not the node of the radio interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13 is connected to its own node. Become.

  In the case of the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 14, the node (N30) has a wireless interface (W31, W32), the wireless interface (W31) is not connected, and the wireless interface (W32) is It shows that it is connected to the wireless interface (W41). The node (N40) has a wireless interface (W41, W42), the wireless interface (W41) is connected to the wireless interface (W32), and the wireless interface (W42) is not connected. It is shown that. Since the node (N30) in the state shown in FIG. 8 is only connected to the node (N40), only the connection information of the wireless interface of the node (N30, N40) is obtained as in the topology information (400) shown in FIG. Thus, topology information (400) is formed. For this reason, since the wireless interface (W12) of “sequential number; 1” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13 is not connected to the node (N30), the communication control unit (102) performs “sequential number; 1”. It is determined that the node (N10) of the wireless interface (W12) is not connected to its own node (S225 / Yes). In addition, since the wireless interface (W41) of “sequential number; 3” is connected to the node (N30), the communication control unit (102) is connected to the node (N40) of the wireless interface (W41) of “sequential number; 3”. Is determined to be connected to the own node (S225 / No). When the communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S250), it determines that the wireless interface of “serial number; 1” is not connected to its own node (S225 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not connection is possible using information unique to the system (S230). For example, when a MAC address is used as system-specific information, connection is possible if the MAC address of the wireless interface in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13 is smaller than the MAC address of the wireless interface whose communication has been interrupted. Judgment is made (S230 / Yes → S240), and if it is larger, it is judged that connection is impossible (S230 / No).

  Comparing “MAC address” = “MAC W31” of the wireless interface (W31) where communication was interrupted and “MAC address” = “MAC W11” of “serial number; 1”, “MAC W31> MAC W11” Therefore, it is determined that connection is possible (S230 / Yes → S240). The communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S250), and determines that the wireless interface of “serial number; 1” is connectable (S230 / Yes → S240).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) performs the above-described processing of S210 to S240 on the channel information (300) acquired in S200, and when all the channel information (300) is processed (S250 / Yes) Then, it is determined whether there is a wireless interface determined to be connectable in S240 (S255). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13, the connectable wireless interface is “serial number; 1” (S255 / Yes).

  Next, when there are a plurality of connectable wireless interfaces, the communication control unit (102) orders the wireless interfaces (S260). The ordering is arranged in ascending order of MAC address. Here, the MAC address is used, but various information can be applied as long as the information is unique to the system. In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13, there is no need to perform ordering because the connectable wireless interface has only “serial number; 1”.

  Next, the communication control unit (102) connects to a connectable wireless interface (S270). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 13, the setting of the wireless interface (W31) is set to “channel” = “# 2”, “# 2”, so as to connect to the wireless interface (W12) of “serial number; Change ESSID ”to“ our system2 ”and connect the wireless interface (W31) and the wireless interface (W12). If the connection is successful and communication is restored (S280 / Yes), the restoration mode is terminated.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, the wireless interface (W12) of the node (N10) and the wireless interface (W31) of the node (N30) are connected, and communication between the nodes (N10, N30, N40) is established. It becomes possible to recover.

  If the connection fails and communication is not restored (S280 / No), it is determined whether there is another connectable wireless interface (S290). If there is another connectable wireless interface ( S290 / No), the setting of the wireless interface (W31) of the node (N30) is changed so as to connect to the connectable wireless interface (S270). If the connection fails and communication is not restored even after connection to all connectable wireless interfaces (S280 / No → S290 / Yes), the restoration mode is terminated.

  Note that the communication control unit (102) periodically shifts to the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9 as long as it detects that the communication of the wireless interface (W31) has been interrupted even if the recovery mode ends. Control. As a result, the communication control unit (102) periodically searches for surrounding channel conditions and acquires new channel information (300). If there is a connectable wireless interface based on the newly acquired channel information (300), it is possible to connect to the wireless interface and restore communication.

<Operation / Effect of Communication System of this Embodiment>
As described above, the node (N) of the communication system according to the present embodiment shifts to the recovery mode illustrated in FIG. 9 when the communication of the wireless interface (100) is interrupted. Then, the surrounding channel condition is searched using the wireless interface (100) whose communication has been interrupted, and information on the wireless interface around the node (N) is acquired as channel information (300). When the node (N) detects the wireless interface of the same system that can form the multi-hop network with the wireless interface (100) that has lost communication based on the acquired channel information (300). The setting of the wireless interface (100) in which communication has been interrupted is changed, and control is performed so that the wireless interface in the same system and the wireless interface (100) in which communication has been interrupted are connected. Thereby, even when communication between the node (N10) and the node (N30) is interrupted, the nodes (N10, N30) shift to the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9, and as shown in FIG. ) Wireless interface (W31) setting is changed and the node (N10) and the node (N30) are connected, so it becomes possible to restore communication between the nodes (N10, N30, N40). . In the above description, when the communication of the wireless interface (100) is interrupted, the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9 is selected, but when the communication of the wireless interface (100) cannot be established at the start of communication, It is possible to shift to the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9 and perform the above-described processing.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  In the communication system according to the first embodiment, when communication of the wireless interface (100) is interrupted or communication cannot be established, the communication mode shifts to the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9, and the wireless interface (100) is used. To explore the surrounding channel conditions. When a wireless interface of the same system as the wireless interface (100) is detected, the settings (channel, ESSID, etc.) of the wireless interface (100) are changed, and the wireless interface of the same system, the wireless interface (100) , Controlled to connect.

  In the communication system according to the second embodiment, the surrounding channel condition is probed using the wireless interface (100) during communication. Then, when a wireless interface of the same system as the wireless interface (100) that performed the channel search is detected, the settings (channel, ESSID, etc.) of the wireless interface (100) that performed the channel search are changed, and Control is performed so as to connect the wireless interface and the wireless interface (100) that has performed channel search. As a result, it is possible to connect the wireless interface (100) that dynamically changed the multi-hop network and performed channel exploration to a wireless interface that uses a channel different from that wireless interface (100). Become. In addition, it is possible to connect multi-hop networks operating using different channels. Hereinafter, the communication system according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<System configuration of communication system>
First, the system configuration of the communication system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Similar to the communication system of the first embodiment, the communication system of this embodiment includes a plurality of nodes (N10, N20, N30, N40), and each node (N10, N20, N30, N40). Has two wireless interfaces (W11, W12, W21, W22, W31, W32, W41, W42). In the communication system of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, four nodes and two wireless interfaces per node are shown. However, the number of nodes and the number of nodes are one. The number of hit wireless interfaces is not particularly limited, and can be configured with an arbitrary number.

  In the communication system shown in FIG. 15, the node (N10) and the node (N20) can communicate with each other using “channel # 1” using the wireless interface (W11, W21), and further, the wireless interface (W12, W22) is used. This indicates that communication is possible on “Channel # 2”. Similarly, the node (N30) and the node (N40) can communicate on the “channel # 3” using the wireless interface (W31, W41), and further, the “channel #” using the wireless interface (W32, W42). 4 ”indicates that communication is possible. The communication system shown in FIG. 15 forms a multi-hop network with a plurality of channels, enables communication between the node (N10) and the node (N20), and enables communication between the node (N30) and the node (N40). I have to.

  FIG. 16 shows a setting example of the radio interface of each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, for example, the wireless interface (W11) of the node (N10) indicates that “channel” = “# 1”, “ESSID” = “our system1”, and “MAC address” = “MAC W11”. ing. Similarly, the wireless interface (W12) of the node (N10) indicates that “channel” = “# 2”, “ESSID” = “our system2”, and “MAC address” = “MAC W12”.

  FIG. 17 shows a state where the node (N30) shown in FIG. 15 has moved and entered a radio wave area where the node (N20) and the node (N30) can communicate with each other.

  In the normal communication system, even if the state shown in FIG. 17 is reached, the communication between the node (N20) and the node (N30) is different in the channel used, so the communication between the node (N20) and the node (N30) It will remain in an incapable state.

  On the other hand, in the communication system of this embodiment, the nodes (N10, N20, N30, N40) autonomously perform the exploration process shown in FIG. 18, and as shown in FIG. 19, the wireless interface of the node (N30) Since the setting of (W31) is changed and the nodes (N10, N20, N30) are connected, communication between the nodes (N10, N20, N30, N40) can be performed. Hereinafter, the search process performed by the nodes (N20, N30) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<Node;N20's first periodic exploration process>
First, periodic exploration processing performed at the node (N20) will be described.
The communication control unit (102) of the node (N20) performs a search process shown in FIG. 18 for each of the wireless interfaces (W21, W22). The period of the periodic exploration process of the wireless interfaces (W21, W22) may be the same, but when one is executing the exploration process, it is desirable not to execute the other at the same time.
First, the communication control unit (102) confirms that there is no communication for a certain time in the past in a certain wireless interface (S300).

  If there is no communication for a certain time in the past (S300 / Yes), the communication control unit (102) searches for a channel for one channel and acquires the surrounding channel status (S305). The channel search for one channel is performed by switching to a channel to be searched for a certain period and receiving a signal transmitted on the channel. In the meantime, since the signal of the channel before the search cannot be transmitted / received, if the radio interface under search transmits a signal to another radio interface, the search operation is stopped. For example, when a signal is transmitted from the wireless interface (W22) to the wireless interface (W12), the search operation is stopped. When the channel search is completed, the channel returns to the originally set channel, so that signals can be transmitted and received. Note that the order of channels for channel search is not particularly limited, but is preferably performed randomly. It is also possible to conduct channel exploration in a distributed order so that the channels for channel exploration do not overlap with the wireless interfaces of surrounding nodes, or conduct channel exploration in the order distributed in the entire system. . It is also possible to perform channel search in the order in which the channel currently used by the radio interface is prioritized, or perform channel search in the order in which the channel not currently used by the radio interface is prioritized.

  In order to prevent the channel for channel search from overlapping with the wireless interface of the peripheral node, for example, the channel on which the wireless interface of the peripheral node is performing channel search is known in advance, and the channel is overlapped with that channel. There is a method of performing channel search using a channel that should not be. In this case, for example, a channel for channel search in S305 shown in FIG. 18 is notified to the peripheral nodes, and after the notification is completed, the channel search of S305 is started, so It is possible to know in advance which channel the interface uses for channel exploration. In addition, in order to perform channel search in the order distributed in the entire system, the channel search order distributed in the entire system is set in advance for each wireless interface constituting the system. The method of putting is mentioned.

  FIG. 20 shows channel information (300) acquired by performing channel search for one channel using the wireless interface (W22). The channel information (300) illustrated in FIG. 20 indicates the channel information (300) obtained by performing the channel search for “channel # 3”.

  The communication control unit (102) refers to the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20 acquired in S305, and determines whether the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20 is the wireless interface of the node of its own system. (S310). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20, if the head of “ESSID” is “our system”, it is determined that the wireless interface of the node of the own system. The communication control unit (102) determines that the wireless interface (W31) of “serial number; 1” is the wireless interface of the node of its own system (S310 / Yes). The communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S345), and determines that the wireless interface of “serial number; 1” is the wireless interface of the node of the own system (S310 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20 is not the wireless interface of the own node (S320). Since the wireless interface (W31) of “sequential number; 1” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20 is the wireless interface of the node (N30), the communication control unit (102) has the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1”. It is determined that (W31) is not the wireless interface of its own node (S320 / Yes). When the communication control unit (102) repeats it for the channel information (S345), it determines that the wireless interface of “serial number; 1” is not the wireless interface of its own node (S320 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not the wireless interface node of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20 is connected to the own node (S325). The node (N20) in the state shown in FIG. 17 manages the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 21 by the wireless management unit (101). Based on the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 21, the communication control unit (102) determines whether the node of the radio interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20 is not connected to its own node. Become.

  In the case of the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 21, the node (N20) has wireless interfaces (W21, W22). The wireless interface (W21) is connected to the wireless interface (W11), and the wireless interface ( W22) indicates that the wireless interface (W12) is connected. The node (N10) has a wireless interface (W11, W12), the wireless interface (W11) is connected to the wireless interface (W21), and the wireless interface (W12) is connected to the wireless interface (W22). Indicates connection. Since the node (N20) in the state shown in FIG. 17 is only connected to the node (N10), only the connection information of the wireless interface of the nodes (N20, N10) is obtained as in the topology information (400) shown in FIG. Thus, topology information (400) is formed. For this reason, since the wireless interface (W31) of “sequential number; 1” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20 is not connected to the node (N20), the communication control unit (102) performs “sequential number; 1”. It is determined that the node (N30) of the wireless interface (W31) is not connected to its own node (S325 / Yes). When the communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S345), it determines that the node of the wireless interface of “serial number; 1” is not connected to its own node (S325 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not connection is possible using information unique to the system (S330). For example, when a MAC address is used as system-specific information, connection is possible if the MAC address of the wireless interface in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20 is smaller than the MAC address of the wireless interface that performed the channel search. (S330 / Yes → S340), and if it is larger, it is determined that connection is impossible (S330 / No).

  In FIG. 16, the size of the MAC address is assumed to be “MAC W11 <MAC W12 <MAC W21 <MAC W22 <MAC W31 <MAC W32 <MAC W41 <MAC W42”. In this case, comparing “MAC address” = “MAC W22” of the wireless interface (W22) where the channel search is performed and “MAC address” = MAC W31 of “serial number; 1”, “MAC W22 <MAC W31” Therefore, it is determined that the connection is impossible (S330 / No). The communication control unit (102) repeats the channel information (S345), and in the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20, there is no wireless interface determined to be connectable (S330 / No).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) performs the above-described processing of S310 to S340 on the channel information (300) acquired in S305, and when all the channel information (300) is processed (S345 / Yes) Then, it is determined whether there is a wireless interface determined to be connectable in S340 (S350). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 20, since there is no wireless interface determined to be connectable (S350 / No), the communication control unit (102) ends the search process.

<Node;N20's second periodic exploration process>
Again, the communication control unit (102) of the node (N20) performs the next search process after a predetermined time has elapsed.
First, the communication control unit (102) confirms that there has been no communication for a certain time in the past (S300).

  If there is no communication for a certain time in the past (S300 / Yes), the communication control unit (102) searches for a channel for one channel and acquires the surrounding channel status (S305).

  FIG. 22 shows channel information (300) acquired by performing channel search for one channel using the wireless interface (W22). The channel information (300) illustrated in FIG. 22 indicates the channel information (300) acquired by performing the channel search for “channel # 1”.

  The communication control unit (102) refers to the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22 acquired in S305, and determines whether the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22 is the wireless interface of the node of its own system. (S310). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22, if the head of “ESSID” is “our system”, it is determined that the wireless interface is the node of the own system. The communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S345), and determines that the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1” and “sequential number; 2” is the wireless interface of the node of its own system (S310 / Yes) .

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22 is not the wireless interface of the own node (S320). Since the wireless interface (W11) of “sequential number; 1” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22 is the wireless interface of the node (N10), the communication control unit (102) has the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1”. It is determined that (W11) is not the wireless interface of its own node (S320 / Yes). In addition, since the wireless interface (W21) of “sequence number; 2” is the wireless interface of the node (N20), the communication control unit (102) connects the wireless interface (W21) of “sequence number; 2” to the own node. It is determined that the wireless interface is used (S320 / No). When the communication control unit (102) repeats it for the channel information (S345), it determines that the wireless interface of “serial number; 1” is not the wireless interface of its own node (S320 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether the node of the radio interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22 is connected to the own node (S325). The node (N20) in the state shown in FIG. 17 manages the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 21 by the wireless management unit (101). Based on the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 21, the communication control unit (102) determines whether the node of the radio interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22 is not connected to its own node. Become.

  Since the node (N20) in the state shown in FIG. 17 is only connected to the node (N10), only the connection information of the wireless interface of the nodes (N20, N10) is obtained as in the topology information (400) shown in FIG. Thus, topology information (400) is formed. For this reason, since the wireless interface (W11) of “sequential number; 1” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22 is connected to the node (N20), the communication control unit (102) determines “sequential number; 1”. It is determined that the node (N10) of the wireless interface (W11) is connected to its own node (S325 / No). The communication control unit (102) repeats the channel information (S345), and in the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22, there is no wireless interface determined to be not connected to the own node ( S325 / No).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not connection is possible using information unique to the system (S330). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22, since there is no wireless interface that is determined not to be connected to the own node in S325, the connection possibility determination is not performed.

  Next, the communication control unit (102) performs the above-described processing of S310 to S340 on the channel information (300) acquired in S305, and when all the channel information (300) is processed (S345 / Yes) Then, it is determined whether there is a wireless interface determined to be connectable in S340 (S350). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 22, since there is no wireless interface determined to be connectable (S350 / No), the communication control unit (102) ends the search process.

<Node: Periodic exploration processing of N30>
Next, periodic exploration processing performed at the node (N30) will be described.
Similarly to the node (N20) described above, the communication control unit (102) of the node (N30) performs the search processing shown in FIG. 18 for each of the wireless interfaces (W31, W32). The period of the periodic exploration process of the wireless interfaces (W31, W32) may be the same, but when one is executing the exploration process, it is desirable not to execute the other at the same time.
The communication control unit (102) of the node (N30) confirms that there is no communication for a certain period of time in a certain wireless interface (S300).

  If there is no communication for a certain time in the past (S300 / Yes), the communication control unit (102) searches for a channel for one channel and acquires the surrounding channel status (S305).

  FIG. 23 shows channel information (300) acquired by performing channel search for one channel using the wireless interface (W31). The channel information (300) illustrated in FIG. 23 indicates the channel information (300) acquired by performing the channel search for “channel # 2”.

  The communication control unit (102) refers to the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23 acquired in S305, and determines whether the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23 is the wireless interface of the node of its own system. (S310). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23, if the head of “ESSID” is “our system”, it is determined that the wireless interface of the node of the own system. The communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S345), and determines that the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1” and “sequential number; 2” is the wireless interface of the node of its own system (S310 / Yes) .

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether the wireless interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23 is not the wireless interface of its own node (S320). Since the wireless interface (W12) of “sequential number; 1” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23 is the wireless interface of the node (N10), the communication control unit (102) has the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1”. It is determined that (W12) is not the wireless interface of its own node (S320 / Yes). In addition, since the wireless interface (W22) of “sequence number; 2” is the wireless interface of the node (N20), the communication control unit (102) connects the wireless interface (W22) of “sequence number; 2” to its own node. It is determined that the wireless interface is not used (S320 / Yes). The communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S345), and determines that the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1” and “sequential number; 2” is not the wireless interface of its own node (S320 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not the wireless interface node of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23 is connected to the own node (S325). The node (N30) in the state shown in FIG. 17 manages the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 24 by the wireless management unit (101). The communication control unit (102) determines, based on the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 24, whether or not the node of the radio interface of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23 is connected to its own node. Become.

  In the case of the topology information (400) shown in FIG. 24, the node (N30) has a wireless interface (W31, W32), the wireless interface (W31) is connected to the wireless interface (W41), and the wireless interface ( W32) indicates that the wireless interface (W42) is connected. The node (N40) has a wireless interface (W41, W42), the wireless interface (W41) is connected to the wireless interface (W31), and the wireless interface (W42) is connected to the wireless interface (W32). Indicates connection. Since the node (N30) in the state shown in FIG. 17 is only connected to the node (N40), only the connection information of the wireless interface of the nodes (N30, N40) is obtained as in the topology information (400) shown in FIG. Thus, topology information (400) is formed. For this reason, since the wireless interface (W12) of “sequential number; 1” in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23 is not connected to the node (N30), the communication control unit (102) determines “sequential number; 1”. It is determined that the node (N10) of the wireless interface (W12) is not connected to the own node (S325 / Yes). Similarly, since the wireless interface (W22) of “sequential number; 2” is not connected to the node (N30), the communication control unit (102) performs the node (N20 of the wireless interface (W22) of “sequential number; 2”. ) Is determined not to be connected to the own node (S325 / Yes). When the communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S345), it determines that the wireless interface of “sequential number; 1” and “sequential number; 2” is not connected to its own node (S325 / Yes).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) determines whether or not connection is possible using information unique to the system (S330). When a MAC address is used as system-specific information, it is determined that connection is possible if the MAC address of the wireless interface in the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23 is smaller than the MAC address of the wireless interface that performed the channel search. However, if it is larger, it is determined that connection is impossible (S330 / No).

  Comparing “MAC address” = “MAC W31” of the wireless interface (W31) where the channel search was performed and “MAC address” = “MAC W12” of “serial number; 1”, it becomes “MAC W31> MAC W12” Therefore, it is determined that connection is possible (S330 / Yes → S340). In addition, comparing “MAC address” = “MAC W31” of the wireless interface (W31) where the channel search was performed and “MAC address” = MAC W22 of “serial number; 2”, “MAC W31> MAC W22” Therefore, it is determined that connection is possible (S330 / Yes → S340). The communication control unit (102) repeats for the channel information (S345), and determines that the wireless interfaces of “serial number; 1” and “serial number; 2” are connectable (S330 / Yes → S340).

  Next, the communication control unit (102) performs the above-described processing of S310 to S340 on the channel information (300) acquired in S305, and when all the channel information (300) is processed (S345 / Yes) Then, it is determined whether there is a wireless interface determined to be connectable in S340 (S350). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23, since “serial number; 1” and “serial number; 2” are wireless interfaces determined to be connectable in S340 (S350 / Yes), it is determined that the connection is possible. The wireless interfaces are ordered (S360). If the ordering is performed in ascending order of the MAC address, the order is “serial number; 1” and “serial number; 2”.

  Next, the communication control unit (102) connects to a connectable wireless interface (S370). In the case of the channel information (300) shown in FIG. 23, the setting of the wireless interface (W31) is set to “channel” = “# 2”, “# 2”, so as to connect to the wireless interface (W12) of “serial number; Change ESSID ”to“ our system2 ”and connect the wireless interface (W31) and the wireless interface (W12). If the connection is successful (S380 / Yes), the search process is terminated. If the connection fails (S380 / No), determine whether there is another connectable wireless interface (S390). If there is another connectable wireless interface (S390 / No), connect The setting of the wireless interface (W31) is changed so as to connect to a possible wireless interface (S370). Here, it is assumed that the connection is made to the wireless interface (W22) of “serial number; 2”.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 19, the wireless interface (W12) of the node (N10), the wireless interface (W22) of the node (N20), and the wireless interface (W31) of the node (N30) are connected, It becomes possible to communicate between nodes (N10, N20, N30, N40).

  As shown in FIG. 19, the wireless interface (W31) of the node (N30) is disconnected from the wireless interface (W41) of the node (N40) and connected to the wireless interfaces (W22, W12). For this reason, the node (N40) detects that the communication of the wireless interface (W41) is interrupted, and shifts to the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9 as in the first embodiment. Then, when the state shown in FIG. 25 is reached, the node (N40) can set the wireless interface (W41) with which communication has been interrupted to configure a multi-hop network with the wireless interface (W41). The information is changed to information on the wireless interface (W31, W22) of the system (“channel” = “# 2”, “ESSID” = “our system2”) and connected to the wireless interface (W31, W22). Thus, as shown in FIG. 25, the wireless interface (W22) of the node (N20), the wireless interface (W31) of the node (N30), and the wireless interface (W41) of the node (N40) are connected. become.

<Operation / Effect of Communication System of this Embodiment>
As described above, the node (N) of the communication system according to the present embodiment periodically performs the exploration process illustrated in FIG. Then, using the wireless interface (100) for which communication is continued, the surrounding channel status is searched, and information on the wireless interface around the node (N) is acquired as channel information (300). When the node (N) detects a wireless interface of the same system that can form a multi-hop network with the wireless interface (100) that performed the channel search based on the acquired channel information (300) Then, the setting of the wireless interface (100) that performed the channel search is changed, and control is performed so that the wireless interface of the same system and the wireless interface (100) that performed the channel search are connected. This makes it possible to connect wireless interfaces of the same system to each other, so the wireless interface (100) that dynamically changed the multi-hop network and performed channel search differs from the wireless interface (100). It is possible to connect to a wireless interface using a channel. In addition, it is possible to connect multi-hop networks operating using different channels.

  Further, the node (N) of the present embodiment performs channel search in units of one channel using the wireless interface (100) that is continuing communication when there is no communication for a certain period of time in the past. As a result, it is possible to search for the channel status while minimizing the influence on the existing communication used by the wireless interface (100) during communication.

In the above-described embodiment, the node (N) has 1 in the case where there is no communication for a certain period in the past in order to avoid the influence on the existing communication used in the wireless interface (100) that is continuing communication. The channel search is performed on a channel basis, but other search methods include the following methods.
When communication occurs frequently, control is performed so that channel search is not performed.
When a transmission request is generated during channel search and the radio interface (100) during channel search transmits a signal, control is performed so that channel search is not performed.
Control is performed so that channel search for one channel is performed at intervals, and channel search for a plurality of channels is performed.
Even with the above method, it is possible to search for the channel state while minimizing the influence on the existing communication used in the wireless interface (100) during communication.
In order to detect another multi-hop network operating using a different channel at an early stage, it is preferable to perform control so that a channel is randomly selected and channel search for the selected channel is performed. The wireless interface (100) of all nodes (N) selects a channel at random and conducts channel search, so that the wireless interface (100) of all nodes (N) distributes each different channel and performs channel search. Will do. For this reason, when the nodes (N) are dense, it is possible to increase the probability of detecting the wireless interface of the same system that can form the multi-hop network. If the channel used by the node of the own system (including nodes that are not connected to the own system) is grasped in advance, channel search is performed by preferentially using the channel that does not cause interference with that channel. It can also be built to do. In addition, as a method of grasping the channel used by the node of the own system (including the node that is not connected to the own system), the periphery of the node (N) is based on the channel information (300) that has been searched for in the past. The method of grasping the channel status of can be mentioned.
In the above embodiment, the channel search is performed in units of one channel when there is no communication for a certain period of time in the past. However, the channel search may be performed in units of multiple channels instead of one channel. It is. Also, the channel for channel exploration is arbitrarily set by the user, or the node investigates the surrounding channels, and the node automatically sets the channel based on the investigation result (for example, sets a channel that does not cause interference). It is also possible to construct as follows.

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment alone, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Implementation is possible.

  For example, in the above embodiment, in S210 shown in FIG. 9 or S310 shown in FIG. 18, when it is determined whether the wireless interface of the node of the own system is “ESSID”, the head of “ESSID” is “our system” It is determined that the wireless interface of the node of the own system, and if the head of “ESSID” is “other system”, it is determined that it is not the wireless interface of the node of the own system. However, various methods can be applied if it is possible to determine whether or not the wireless interface of the node of the own system (the wireless interface of the same system that can form a multi-hop network). For example, the MAC address of the wireless interface, identification information unique to the system, and the like can be applied. When the MAC address of the wireless interface is used, the wireless management unit (101) manages the MAC address information that is the wireless interface of the node of the own system. When the MAC address of the wireless interface corresponds to the MAC address information managed by the wireless management unit (101), the wireless interface is determined to be the wireless interface of the node of the own system. When system-specific identification information is used, the system-specific identification information is set in the wireless interface, and the set identification information is managed by the wireless management unit (101). When the identification information set for the wireless interface corresponds to the identification information managed by the wireless management unit (101), the wireless interface is determined to be the wireless interface of the node of the own system.

  Further, in the above embodiment, in the connection determination of S230 shown in FIG. 9 and S330 shown in FIG. 18, the MAC address of the wireless interface of the channel information (300) is the wireless interface (in the case of FIG. 9, communication is interrupted). If it is smaller than the MAC address of the wireless interface (in the case of FIG. 18, the wireless interface on which the channel search is performed), it is determined that connection is possible, and if it is larger, it is determined that connection is impossible. However, the MAC address of the wireless interface of the channel information (300) is the MAC address of the wireless interface (in the case of FIG. 9, the wireless interface in which communication was interrupted, in FIG. 18, the wireless interface in which the channel search was performed). It is also possible to construct so that it can be determined that connection is possible if it is larger than that, and connection is impossible if it is smaller. In this way, the connection is determined by determining whether or not the connection is possible based on the magnitude relationship of the system-specific identification information (MAC address, ESSID, and unique identification information set in advance on the wireless interface) set on the wireless interface. It is possible to limit the wireless interface to be performed. As a result, when a multi-hop network is changed, it is possible to restrict the multi-hop network from being re-changed. In addition, not only the magnitude relationship of the system-specific identification information set for the wireless interface, but also the information regarding the received signal strength (RSSI) of the wireless interface and information such as channel information is taken into consideration to determine whether or not connection is possible. It is also possible to do. In this case, the communication control unit (102) acquires the received signal strength (RSSI) as well as the ESSID and MAC address as the radio interface information when performing channel search, and the received signal strength is also obtained from the channel information (300 ) Is managed by the wireless management unit (101). Then, when determining whether or not connection is possible, it is configured to perform channel determination using the received signal strength and channel information included in the channel information (300). For example, weighting is performed so as to increase the priority of a radio interface whose received signal strength is a certain value or higher, or weighting is performed so as to increase the priority of a radio interface of a channel in which channel interference does not occur. It is done. Note that the above-described connection availability determination method can also be applied to the ordering of the wireless interfaces of S260 shown in FIG. 9 and S360 shown in FIG.

It is also possible to construct the channel search by various methods by appropriately combining the processing operations shown in FIGS. 9 and 18 described in the above embodiment.
For example, in S200 in the recovery mode shown in FIG. 9, the channel search (channel scan) is performed for all channels that can be used for communication by the node (N) itself, but the search is not limited to all channels. As in the second embodiment, it is possible to perform channel search for at least one channel. It is also possible to previously set channels for channel search and perform channel search for the set channels.

  In the communication system of the above-described embodiment, the multi-hop network is configured using the wireless interface. However, not only the wireless interface but also the wired interface is used, and the multi-hop in which the wireless interface and the wired interface are mixed is used. It is also possible to configure a network.

  In the above embodiment, a multi-hop network using a plurality of channels has been described. However, the technical idea of the present invention can also be applied to a multi-hop network using a single channel.

  Further, the control operation in each device constituting the communication system in the above-described embodiment can be executed using hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both.

  In the case of executing processing using software, it is possible to install and execute a program in which a processing sequence is recorded in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Alternatively, the program can be installed and executed on a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes.

  For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program can be stored (recorded) temporarily or permanently in a removable recording medium. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software. The removable recording medium includes a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto optical) disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and the like.

  The program is installed in the computer from the removable recording medium as described above. In addition, it is wirelessly transferred from the download site to the computer. In addition, it is transferred to the computer via a network by wire.

  In addition, the communication system in the present embodiment is not only executed in time series in accordance with the processing operation described in the above embodiment, but also in parallel with the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the processing, or in parallel as necessary. Alternatively, it can be configured to execute processing individually.

  The present invention is applicable to devices constituting a network, a multi-hop network, and the like.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the communication system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the system configuration example of the communication system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the radio | wireless interface of each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structural example of each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) which comprises the communication system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the channel information (300) acquired using the wireless interface (W12). It is a figure which shows an example of the topology information (400) which each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) of the state shown in FIG. 2 manages by the wireless management part (101). It is a figure which shows an example of the topology information (400) which the node (N20) of the state shown in FIG. 2 manages with a radio | wireless management part (101). It is a figure which shows the state which the node (N20) left | separated from the multihop network shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the processing operation example of recovery mode performed with the node of this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the nodes (N10, N30) perform the recovery mode illustrated in FIG. 9 and the nodes (N10) and (N30) are connected in the state illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the channel information (300) acquired using the wireless interface (W12). It is a figure which shows an example of the topology information (400) which the node (N10) of the state shown in FIG. 8 manages with a radio | wireless management part (101). It is a figure which shows an example of the channel information (300) acquired using the wireless interface (W31). It is a figure which shows an example of the topology information (400) which the node (N30) of the state shown in FIG. 8 manages with a radio | wireless management part (101). It is a figure which shows the system configuration example of the communication system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the radio | wireless interface of each node (N10, N20, N30, N40) shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state where a node (N30) moves from the multi-hop network illustrated in FIG. 15 and enters a radio wave area where the node (N20) and the node (N30) can communicate with each other. It is a figure which shows the processing operation example of the search process performed in the node of this embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which nodes (N10, N20, N30, and N40) perform the search process illustrated in FIG. 18 and connect nodes (N10, N20, and N30) in the state illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the channel information (300) acquired by performing the channel search of "channel # 3" using a radio | wireless interface (W22). It is a figure which shows an example of the topology information (400) which the node (N20) of the state shown in FIG. 17 manages with a radio | wireless management part (101). It is a figure which shows an example of the channel information (300) acquired by performing the channel search of "channel # 1" using a radio | wireless interface (W22). It is a figure which shows an example of the channel information (300) acquired by performing the channel search of "channel # 2" using a radio | wireless interface (W31). It is a figure which shows an example of the topology information (400) which the node (N30) of the state shown in FIG. 17 manages with a radio | wireless management part (101). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the node (N40) performs the recovery mode illustrated in FIG. 9 and the nodes (N20, N30, N40) are connected.

Explanation of symbols

N10, N20, N30, N40 nodes
W11, W12, W21, W22, W31, W32, W41, W42 Wireless interface
N node 10 channel information acquisition unit 11 communication connection control unit 100 radio interface 101 radio management unit 102 communication control unit 300 channel information 400 topology information

Claims (20)

A wireless interface for transmitting and receiving data by wireless communication;
Channel information acquisition means for acquiring peripheral wireless interface information as channel information by the wireless interface;
When a wireless interface of the same system capable of configuring a network with the wireless interface is detected from the acquired channel information, the wireless interface setting is changed and the same as the wireless interface is changed. A communication connection control means for connecting the wireless interface of the system;
A node characterized by comprising: The channel information acquisition means includes
The node according to claim 1, wherein at least one channel is scanned, and information on peripheral wireless interfaces is acquired as the channel information for at least one channel. The channel information acquisition means includes
The node according to claim 2, wherein the channel is scanned at random. The channel information acquisition means includes
The node according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a channel that does not overlap with a channel scanned by the peripheral wireless interface is scanned. The channel information acquisition means includes
The node according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a channel used by the radio interface is preferentially used to scan the channel. The channel information acquisition means includes
5. The node according to claim 2, wherein the channel is scanned by preferentially using a channel that is not used by the radio interface. The channel information acquisition means includes
Periodically obtaining the channel information,
The communication connection control means includes
The node according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a radio interface of the same system is detected each time the channel information is acquired. The channel information acquisition means includes
The node according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the channel information is acquired by using the wireless interface when there is no communication of the wireless interface for a certain period of time. The channel information acquisition means includes
The node according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when performing communication using the wireless interface, the acquisition of the channel information is stopped. The channel information acquisition means includes
8. The channel information is acquired by using the wireless interface when communication of the wireless interface is disconnected or when communication of the wireless interface cannot be established. A node according to any claim. The communication connection control means includes
When the wireless interface of the same system and the node are not connected as a network, the setting of the wireless interface is changed to connect the wireless interface and the wireless interface of the same system The node according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The communication connection control means includes
When the identification information unique to the wireless interface of the same system is smaller than the identification information unique to the wireless interface, the setting of the wireless interface is changed to connect the wireless interface and the wireless interface of the same system. The node according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is a node. The communication connection control means includes
When the identification information unique to the wireless interface of the same system is larger than the identification information unique to the wireless interface, the setting of the wireless interface is changed to connect the wireless interface and the wireless interface of the same system. The node according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is a node. The communication connection control means includes
14. The information on the channel and ESSID used by the wireless interface of the same system is set in the wireless interface, and the setting of the wireless interface is changed. A node as claimed in claim. A communication system comprising nodes,
The node is
A wireless interface for transmitting and receiving data by wireless communication;
Channel information acquisition means for acquiring peripheral wireless interface information as channel information by the wireless interface;
When a wireless interface of the same system capable of configuring a network with the wireless interface is detected from the acquired channel information, the wireless interface setting is changed and the same as the wireless interface is changed. A communication connection control means for connecting the wireless interface of the system;
A communication system comprising: The channel information acquisition means includes
16. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein at least one channel is scanned, and information on peripheral wireless interfaces is acquired as the channel information for each at least one channel. A channel information acquisition step of acquiring information of peripheral wireless interfaces as channel information by a wireless interface that transmits and receives data by wireless communication;
When a wireless interface of the same system capable of configuring a network with the wireless interface is detected from the acquired channel information, the wireless interface setting is changed and the same as the wireless interface is changed. A communication connection control step for connecting a wireless interface of the system;
A communication control method characterized by comprising: The channel information acquisition step includes
18. The communication control method according to claim 17, wherein at least one channel is scanned, and information on peripheral wireless interfaces is acquired as the channel information for each at least one channel. Channel information acquisition processing for acquiring peripheral wireless interface information as channel information by a wireless interface that transmits and receives data by wireless communication;
When a wireless interface of the same system capable of configuring a network with the wireless interface is detected from the acquired channel information, the wireless interface setting is changed and the same as the wireless interface is changed. A communication connection control process for connecting the wireless interface of the system;
A communication control program for causing a computer to execute. The channel information acquisition process includes:
20. The communication control program according to claim 19, wherein at least one channel is scanned, and information on peripheral wireless interfaces is acquired as the channel information for each at least one channel.

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