JP2010239349A - Communication system, remote terminal, and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a remote terminal to automatically perform settings for performing communication. <P>SOLUTION: After a remote terminal 1 is powered on, an ONU to which the remote terminal 1 is connected is authenticated by an authentication server 103 and a global IP address, that is transmitted when the authentication is made successful, is acquired and set by the remote terminal 1. After the global IP address is set, a file management server 104 is accessed and a setting file is downloaded which includes a table or the like wherein a local IP address to be allocated to an in-door unit under control of the remote terminal 1 is described. The local IP address is allocated to the in-door unit and communication by the in-door unit is relayed by the remote terminal. The present invention may be applicable to a remote terminal used in a fiber-to-the-remote (FTTR) communication system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a remote device, and a communication method, and more particularly, to a communication system, a remote device, and a communication method that allow a remote device to automatically perform settings for performing communication.

  In recent years, FTTR (Fiber to the remote) has attracted attention as a transmission technology for providing broadband services.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system using FTTR.

  As shown in Fig. 1, FTTR uses an optical fiber line to communicate from the telephone company's office building to the service line near the subscriber's home of the communication service, and from the service line to the subscriber's house. It covers the so-called last one mile, where communication is performed using an existing metallic line.

  An ONU (Optical Network Unit), which is a line terminating device for an optical fiber line, and a remote device (RT (Remote Terminal)) are installed on a utility pole as a feeder line. The ONU and the remote device are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable or the like.

  ONU converts the optical signal transmitted from the equipment in the office via an optical fiber line into an electrical signal, outputs it to the remote device, and converts the electrical signal supplied from the remote device into an optical signal. , To the equipment in the station.

  In the example of FIG. 1, an OLT (Optical Line Terminal) of a GE-PON (Gigabit Ethernet-Passive Optical Network) is provided as a device in a station building. GE-PON is a technology that performs communication between a station and an external base by transmitting and receiving Ethernet (trademark) frames as they are. The OLT is a device that performs GE-PON communication with a plurality of OUNs via an optical fiber line.

  The remote device is also connected to a metallic line (telephone line) extending to the subscriber's house via a terminal box or the like. The remote device communicates with a home device such as a modem installed in the subscriber's home via a metallic line according to a predetermined communication method such as a VDSL (Very High-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) method. Do.

  The FTTR system communication enables high-speed communication compared to the conventional ADSL system communication using only the metallic line laid between the office and the subscriber's house. In the case of ADSL communication, the signal flowing through the metallic line is attenuated, so the communication speed decreases as the distance between the station building and the subscriber's house increases. However, the optical fiber line is close to the subscriber's house. By using, it is possible to shorten the section where the signal is attenuated.

JP 2007-282229 A

  By the way, the power supply of the remote device installed on the utility pole is supplied from the power line laid over the utility pole.

  A series of procedures for starting the provision of a communication service using the FTTR method is as shown in FIG.

  First, as shown as operation # 1 in FIG. 2, an operation of attaching a remote device to a messenger wire laid on or between utility poles is performed.

  In addition, as shown as operation # 2, the operation of connecting the remote device to the interconnection point of the metallic line is performed on the same day as operation # 1.

  After connecting the remote device to the interconnection point of the metallic line, as shown as operation # 3, the operation of connecting the remote device to the optical fiber line is performed by connecting the ONU and the remote device.

  After connecting to the optical fiber line, as shown as operation # 4, the operation of connecting the commercial power source to the remote device is performed by connecting the power line coming out of the casing of the remote device to the power line. At this point, the remote device is still powered off. The remote device does not start until the power is turned on, for example, by operating a switch. The remote device is provided with a switch that is operated when the power is turned on / off.

  After connecting to the commercial power supply, as shown as operation # 5, the operation of turning on the power supply and operating the remote device is performed by operating the switch of the remote device.

  This makes it possible to provide FTTR communication services in areas covered by remote devices. When a person who lives in a residential area has applied for the use of a communication service, as shown in work # 6, a person who applied for the use of a metallic line connecting work between the terminal box and the interconnection point Is provided with a communication service.

  As described above, the procedure for starting the provision of the FTTR communication service basically includes six operations.

  Since operations # 1 and # 2 are operations under the jurisdiction of a telecommunications carrier that intends to provide an FTTR communication service, in the example of FIG. 2, worker 1 is an operator arranged by the telecommunications carrier. It is supposed to be done by.

  The work # 3 is performed by the worker 2 who is a worker arranged by the telephone company that manages the optical fiber line and the metallic line, and the work # 4 is a work related to the power supply. It is supposed to be performed by the person 3.

  The work # 5 is performed by the same worker 1 as the worker who performed the tasks # 1 and # 2. Since the remote device is prepared by the telecommunications carrier, the work # 5 for turning on the power is performed by the worker 3 as the worker of the power company after performing the work # 4 for connecting the commercial power supply. There is nothing wrong.

  The work # 6 is performed by the same worker 2 as the worker who performed the work # 3.

  That is, the worker 1 who performs the work # 1, # 2 and the work # 5 performs the work # 1, # 2, changes the date, etc., and then visits the installation site again after the worker 3 connects the commercial power supply. It is necessary to perform work # 5 to turn on the power.

  A work for a remote device installed on a power pole or the like requires a special vehicle equipped with a work for working at a high place, and an operator having a qualification for work at a high place is required. Providing communication services using FTTR requires thousands and tens of thousands of remote devices, so installation work must be carried out rationally and economically.

  If the power supply of the remote device is automatically turned on after the commercial power supply is connected, operation # 5 can be omitted, which is preferable.

  In addition, when various settings for communication are necessary, it is preferable that the setting operation is automatically performed by the remote device after the power is turned on.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and enables a remote device to automatically perform settings for performing communication.

  The first communication system of the present invention is connected to the first line via the authentication server, the file management server, and the termination device connected via the network, and the second communication device connected to the indoor device. In a communication system including a remote device connected to a line and relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines, the authentication server includes identification information of the terminal device and a global IP address Storing means for associating and storing the terminal device, authentication means for performing authentication using the identification information of the terminal device by communicating with the terminal device via the first line, and the terminal device And transmitting means for transmitting the global IP address stored in association with the identification information of the terminal device when the authentication of the remote device is successful, the remote device comprising the authentication server An IP address acquisition unit that acquires the global IP address transmitted from the host, and a local name assigned to the indoor device in which a file name including the same character string as the global IP address acquired by the IP address acquisition unit is set File acquisition means for acquiring a file containing at least IP address information from the file management server, and assigning the local IP address included in the file acquired by the file acquisition means to communicate with the indoor device, Communication means for relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines, and the file management server transmits the file to the remote device and storage means for storing the file Transmitting means.

  The first remote device of the present invention is connected to the first line via the terminating device, and is connected to the second line to which the indoor device is connected, via the first and second lines. In the remote device that relays communication by the indoor device to be performed, communication is performed between the authentication server connected to the network and the terminal device via the first line, thereby identifying the terminal device identification information. If the authentication using the IP server succeeds, the global IP address acquired by the IP address acquiring unit and the IP address acquiring unit that acquires the global IP address stored in association with the identification information of the terminal device from the authentication server A file management server that includes at least information on a local IP address assigned to the indoor unit, in which a file name including the same character string as the IP address is set. A file acquisition unit that acquires from the server, and the local IP address included in the file acquired by the file acquisition unit is assigned to communicate with the indoor unit, and is performed via the first and second lines. Communication means for relaying communication by the indoor device.

  The first line may be an optical fiber line, the second line may be a DSL line, and the remote device may be a device installed on a utility pole.

  The first communication method of the present invention is connected to the first line via the terminating device, and is connected to the second line to which the indoor device is connected, via the first and second lines. In the remote device communication method for relaying communication by the indoor device, communication is performed between the authentication server connected to the network and the termination device via the first line, thereby the termination device. If the authentication using the identification information is successful, the global IP address stored in association with the identification information of the terminal device is acquired from the authentication server, and the file includes the same character string as the acquired global IP address A file including at least information on a local IP address assigned to the indoor device with a name set is acquired from the file management server and included in the acquired file That the assigning a local IP address to communicate with the indoor unit, comprising the step of relaying the communication by the indoor unit performed via the first and second lines.

  The second communication system of the present invention is connected to the first line via the authentication server, the file management server, the control server, and the termination device connected via the network, and to the indoor device. In the communication system comprising a remote device that is connected to the second line and relays the communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines, the authentication server includes identification information of the termination device. And a storage unit that stores the global IP address in association with each other, and an authentication unit that performs authentication using the identification information of the terminal device by performing communication with the terminal device via the first line. A transmission means for transmitting the global IP address stored in association with the identification information of the termination device when authentication of the termination device is successful, the remote device comprising: When the control server detects that the global IP address transmitted from the authentication server is acquired, and the address acquisition means for setting and a state where communication is possible by setting the global IP address. A file acquisition means for acquiring a file transmitted from the file management server and including at least information on a local IP address to be assigned to the indoor unit, in which a file name including the same character string as the global IP address is set And allocating the local IP address included in the file acquired by the file acquisition means to communicate with the indoor device, and relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines The control server is configured to communicate with the glow unit of the remote device. Storage means for storing a global IP address, detection means for detecting whether or not the remote apparatus in which the global IP address stored in the storage means is set is in a communicable state, and the remote apparatus Control means for transmitting the file set with a file name including the same character string as the global IP address from the file management server when the detection means detects that the communication device is in a communicable state, The file management server includes storage means for storing the file, and transmission means for transmitting the file to the remote device in accordance with control by the control server.

  The second remote device of the present invention is connected to the first line via the terminating device, and is connected to the second line to which the indoor device is connected, via the first and second lines. In the remote device that relays communication by the indoor device to be performed, communication is performed between the authentication server connected to the network and the terminal device via the first line, thereby identifying the terminal device identification information. If the authentication using the server succeeds, the global IP address stored in association with the identification information of the terminal device is acquired from the authentication server, and the address acquisition means for setting and the global IP address are set. A file sent from the file management server when it is detected by the control server storing the global IP address that communication is possible A file name including the same character string as the global IP address, a file acquisition unit for acquiring a file including at least information on a local IP address assigned to the indoor unit, and the file acquisition unit acquired by the file acquisition unit Communication means for allocating the local IP address included in the file to perform communication with the indoor apparatus and relaying communication by the indoor apparatus via the first and second lines.

  The first line may be an optical fiber line, the second line may be a DSL line, and the remote device may be a device installed on a utility pole.

  The second communication method of the present invention is connected to the first line via the terminating device, and is connected to the second line to which the indoor device is connected, via the first and second lines. In the remote device communication method for relaying communication by the indoor device, communication is performed between the authentication server connected to the network and the termination device via the first line, thereby the termination device. If the authentication using the identification information is successful, the global IP address stored in association with the identification information of the terminal device is acquired and set from the authentication server, and communication is performed by setting the global IP address. A file transmitted from a file management server when detected by the control server storing the global IP address to be in a possible state, The file name including the same character string as the global IP address is set, the file including at least information on the local IP address to be allocated to the indoor device is acquired, and the local IP address included in the acquired file is allocated to the indoor Communicating with a device and relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines.

  In the first communication system, the remote device, or the communication method of the present invention, when the authentication of the termination device is successful by performing communication between the authentication server and the termination device via the first line. A global IP address is acquired from the authentication server, and a file in which a file name including the same character string as the acquired global IP address is set is acquired from the file management server. Further, the local IP address included in the acquired file is assigned to communicate with the indoor device, and the communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines is relayed.

  In the second communication system, the remote device, or the communication method of the present invention, when the authentication of the termination device is successful by performing communication between the authentication server and the termination device via the first line. A global IP address is acquired from the authentication server and set. Further, when the control server detects that the global IP address is set so that communication is possible, a file transmitted from the file management server is acquired, and the local file included in the acquired file is acquired. Communication is performed with the indoor device by assigning an IP address, and communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines is relayed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a remote device to automatically perform settings for performing communication.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication system using FTTR. It is a figure which shows a series of procedures of installation of a remote apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the remote apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of a power supply control circuit. It is a circuit diagram which shows the other structural example of a power supply control circuit. It is a figure which shows the example of DC power supply in each position of a power wire. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a communication system. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of the setting file. It is a flowchart explaining the process of the communication system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of a signal processing circuit. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of an authentication server. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of an authentication server. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of a file management server. It is a figure which shows the structural example of another communication system. It is a flowchart explaining the process of the communication system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of a control server.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the remote device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the remote device 1 is a device installed on a utility pole or the like, and is connected to an optical fiber line via an ONU and to a metallic line. Connected to the ONU via a LAN cable. The remote device 1 is, for example, a VDSL device that communicates with a home device (indoor device) such as a modem installed in a subscriber's home of a communication service using a VDSL system via a metallic line.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the remote device 1 includes a power supply control circuit 11 and a signal processing circuit 12.

  The power supply control circuit 11 is connected to a power supply line 1 </ b> A having one end extending outside the remote device 1. The power supply control circuit 11 and the signal processing circuit 12 are connected by a power supply line 1B. 2 is performed, the power line 1A is connected to a power line or the like hung on the utility pole.

  The power control circuit 11 converts the AC power supplied from the power line 1 </ b> A into a DC power and supplies the DC power to the signal processing circuit 12. The power supply control circuit 11 controls power on / off by switching a switch provided inside.

  The signal processing circuit 12 is operated by the DC power generated by the power control circuit 11. The signal processing circuit 12 transmits the data transmitted from the ONU to the home device via the metallic line, and outputs the data transmitted from the home device to the ONU to be transmitted to the external device via the optical fiber line. Let

  In the following description, it is assumed that the remote device 1 performs communication via the optical fiber line, which is appropriately performed by the ONU. The remote device 1 actually receives data transmitted via the optical fiber line via the ONU. Further, the remote device 1 transmitting data via the optical fiber line is actually performed via the ONU.

  The remote device 1 having such a configuration has a function of automatically turning on and starting a power supply after a predetermined time has elapsed after being connected to a commercial power supply, without depending on an operator's operation.

  This makes it possible to omit the work # 5 that is the work for turning on the power as described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, the remote device 1 has a function of automatically performing various settings necessary for performing communication after being turned on and activated. When performing communication via an optical fiber line, for example, a global IP address needs to be set in the remote device 1, but this setting is automatically performed.

  As a result, the business operator who intends to provide the FTTR communication service uses the cable or the like for the remote personal computer 1 for the management personal computer before the work # 1 shown in FIG. You don't have to do tasks such as connecting a global IP address from a personal computer.

<About automatic power-on function>
[Example using ARB (Auto Reset Breaker)]
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the power supply control circuit 11 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply control circuit 11 includes an ARB 21, a protection circuit (SPD (Surge Protect Device)) 22, and an AC / DC conversion circuit 23.

  A power supply line 1A is connected to the ARB 21. When the remote device 1 is connected to the commercial power supply by performing the work # 4 of FIG. 2, the AC power is supplied to the ARB 21. The ARB 21 and the protection circuit 22 are connected by a power supply line 11A, and the protection circuit 22 and the AC / DC conversion circuit 23 are connected by a power supply line 11B. The AC / DC conversion circuit 23 is connected to a power supply line 1 </ b> B that is a line for supplying power to the signal processing circuit 12.

  The ARB 21 includes an input circuit 31, an operation circuit 32, a control circuit 33, a power supply circuit 34, and a switch 35.

  The input circuit 31 detects a change in voltage or a change in current caused by the supply of AC power. When the input circuit 31 detects a change in voltage or a change in current, the input circuit 31 outputs a signal indicating the change to the operation circuit 32.

  The operation circuit 32 sends a signal to the control circuit 33 to perform an operation of turning on the switch 35 when a predetermined time such as 30 seconds set in advance elapses after a change in voltage or current is detected. Is output.

  The control circuit 33 drives a motor (not shown) in response to a signal supplied from the operation circuit 32, and turns on the switch 35 that is in the off state.

  That is, work # 1 in FIG. 2 which is installation on a power pole, work # 2 which is work to connect to a metallic line, work # 3 which is work to connect to an optical fiber line, and work to connect to a commercial power source While the work # 4 is being performed, the switch 35 of the remote device 1 is always off. When the switch 35 is turned on, AC power is supplied to the AC / DC conversion circuit 23 via the ARB 21 and the protection circuit 22.

  The power supply circuit 34 is connected to a position between the switch 35 and the power supply line 11A. The power supply circuit 34 monitors whether the switch 35 repeats the operation of turning off after the switch 35 is turned on.

  Since the switch 35 is a general earth leakage breaker, when the earth leakage occurs and an overload occurs, the switch 35 is turned off. Even if it is turned off in this way, the switch 35 is turned on again after a predetermined time by the function of the ARB 21, so that the switch 35 is repeatedly turned on and off when an electric leakage actually occurs. Become.

  When the power supply circuit 34 detects that the switch 35 is repeatedly turned off, the power supply circuit 34 causes the control circuit 33 to stop the operation of turning on the switch 35 so that the switch 35 is not turned on any more.

  The protection circuit 22 protects the signal processing circuit 12 and the like in the subsequent stage from an abnormal current caused by a lightning strike or the like.

  The AC / DC conversion circuit 23 includes a transformer 41 and a rectifier circuit 42. The transformer 41 converts AC power supplied via the power line 11B to DC power when the switch 35 is on.

  The rectifier circuit 42 rectifies the current supplied from the transformer 41 and outputs the rectified current to supply the DC power to the signal processing circuit 12. The signal processing circuit 12 becomes operable after a predetermined time has elapsed since the remote device 1 is connected to an AC power source and a change in voltage or current is detected.

  As described above, in the power supply control circuit 11 of FIG. 4, the automatic power-on function is realized by using the ARB 21.

  Usually, ARB is used to turn on a circuit breaker at the entrance of commercial power in an unmanned wireless communication relay station or the like when it trips due to an abnormal current. After connection, it is used to turn on the power after a delay.

  2 is an operation for turning on the power of the remote device 1 because the power is automatically turned on after the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the supply of the AC power and the signal processing circuit 12 is also operable. It is possible to omit the work # 5.

[Example using power supply circuit]
FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the power supply control circuit 11.

  The power supply control circuit 11 in FIG. 5 includes a protection circuit 51 and a power supply circuit 52.

  The protection circuit 51 is connected to the power supply line 1A. When the remote device 1 is connected to the commercial power supply by performing the work # 4 in FIG. 2, the power supply circuit 52 is supplied with AC power via the protection circuit 51. The protection circuit 51 and the power supply circuit 52 are connected by a power line 11a. The power supply circuit 52 is connected to a power supply line 1 </ b> B that is a line for supplying power to the signal processing circuit 12.

  The protection circuit 51 protects the power supply circuit 52 and the signal processing circuit 12 in the subsequent stage from an abnormal current caused by a lightning strike or the like. The protection circuit 51 also has a function of preventing a load on the equipment side of the electric power company due to leakage of the remote device 1 or the like. This function is realized by Fuse in the protection circuit 51.

  The power supply circuit 52 includes a transformer 61, a rectifier circuit 62, a controller unit 63, and a switch 64. The controller unit 63 includes a power supply circuit 71 and a control circuit 72.

  The transformer 61 converts AC power supplied from the outside into DC power.

  The rectifier circuit 62 rectifies the current supplied from the transformer 61 and outputs the rectified current to supply a DC power supply to the subsequent circuit.

  The power supply circuit 71 of the controller unit 63 is connected to a position between the rectifier circuit 62 and the switch 64, and the internal microcomputer is activated by the DC power generated by the rectifier circuit 62. The activated microcomputer controls the control circuit 72.

  The microcomputer in the power supply circuit 71 outputs a signal to the control circuit 72 so as to perform an operation of turning on the switch 64 when a preset time has elapsed since the startup.

  The control circuit 72 drives a motor (not shown) in response to a signal supplied from the microcomputer in the power supply circuit 71 and turns on the switch 64 that is in the off state.

  DC power is supplied to the signal processing circuit 12 via the switch 64 after a predetermined time such as 30 seconds has elapsed since the change in voltage or current was detected.

  6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of the DC power supply at each position in the power supply control circuit 11 of FIG. 6A and 6B, for example, the vertical axis represents voltage, and the horizontal axis represents time.

FIG. 6A represents the voltage value at the position P _1, which is the position between the rectifier circuit 62 and the switch 64, which is surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. Assuming that time 0 is the time when the AC power supply is started after being connected to the commercial power supply, the voltage value at position P ₁ becomes a substantially constant value from time 0.

6B shows enclosed by a dotted line in FIG. 5 represents the voltage value at the position P ₂ is a position between the power supply circuit 52 and the signal processing circuit 12. Connected to a commercial power source, when the time 0 to the time that was started supply of AC power source, voltage value at the position P ₂ is from time 0 to time t becomes 0, substantially constant value after time t . The time from time 0 to time t corresponds to a preset time such as 30 seconds or 1 minute.

  As described above, the power supply control circuit 11 in FIG. 5 uses the power supply circuit 52 that internally includes a circuit that generates a DC power supply and a circuit that controls the supply of the DC power generated by the circuit. Automatic feed function is realized.

  This also makes it possible to omit the work # 5 in FIG. 2, which is a work for turning on the power of the remote device 1.

<Automatic setting function for communication>
[Example of remote device executing command to obtain configuration file]
After the power is turned on as described above, the remote device 1 automatically sets a global IP address and the like for communicating with an external device.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system that realizes the automatic setting function of the remote device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, this communication system is configured by connecting a remote device 1 to a network 102 such as the Internet via an optical fiber line 101. An authentication server 103 and a file management server 104 are also connected to the network 102. The authentication server 103 and the file management server 104 are, for example, servers managed by a telecommunications carrier that provides an FTTR communication service.

  As described above, in reality, an ONU is connected to the remote device 1, and this ONU is a device in the office building, and is connected to the OLT connected to the network 102 via the optical fiber line 101. Communication performed by the remote device 1 with devices on the network 102 is performed via the ONU, the optical fiber line 101, the OLT, and the network 102. In the example of FIG. 7, only the optical fiber line 101 which is one line is shown, but a plurality of optical fiber lines are connected to the network 102.

  Although the overall flow will be described later, the remote device 1 acquires a global IP address from the authentication server 103 after the power is turned on, and sets the acquired global IP address as its own IP address. The global IP address is used to transmit / receive data to / from devices on the network 102 by storing it in the header of the packet.

  The acquisition of the global IP address from the authentication server 103 is performed when the authentication of the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected is performed by the authentication server 103 and the authentication is successful. When the authentication is successful, the global IP address transmitted from the authentication server 103 is transferred to and acquired by the remote device 1 via the network 102, the OLT, the optical fiber line 101, and the ONU.

  Further, after setting the global IP address, the remote device 1 accesses the file management server 104 by executing a command prepared in advance, and a protocol such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol). Accordingly, the setting file prepared for the remote device 1 is acquired from the file management server 104.

  A list of commands is stored in a memory inside the remote device 1 when the remote device 1 is manufactured. After the setting of the global IP address is completed, the remote device 1 reads the list from the memory and sequentially executes the commands described in the read list.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the setting file.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the setting file includes a global IP address of the remote device 1, information on a distance from the installation position of the remote device 1 to a station connected via the optical fiber line 101, Describes a table that describes global IP addresses to be assigned to subordinate home devices. In the setting file, information related to various settings necessary for providing the service is described.

  A plurality of in-home devices are connected to the remote device 1 via a metallic line. The remote device 1 assigns a global IP address to each home device, and identifies each home device by the global IP address.

  In the file name of the setting file for the remote device 1 in which such information is described, as shown in FIG. 8, the same character string (numerals, dots (“.”)) As the global IP address of the remote device 1 is used. )It is included. The file management server 104 identifies which file the setting file for the remote device 1 is based on the file name.

  In the example of FIG. 8, the global IP address of the remote device 1 is “192.168.XXX.XXX”, and “192.168.XXX.XXX” including the same character string is the file of the setting file for the remote device 1 It is set as a name.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 7, the authentication server 103 authenticates the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected based on, for example, the ONU-ID that is identification information of the ONU. If the authentication is successful, the authentication server 103 transmits a global IP address registered in advance as an assignment to the remote device 1 to the remote device 1.

  When it is determined that the remote device 1 is installed and connected to the optical fiber line 101, a global IP address to be assigned to the remote device 1 is determined by the communication carrier. In the authentication server 103, the global IP address determined in this way is registered by the communication carrier in association with the ONU-ID that is the identification information of the ONU to which the remote device 1 is to be connected.

  For example, the authentication server 103 is a RADIUS server that performs ONU authentication according to a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) protocol. RADIUS is a protocol for centrally performing determination (authentication) on whether or not to permit use of network resources and logging of the use of network resources on a server.

  The file management server 104 specifies a setting file for the remote device 1 in response to a request from the remote device 1 and transmits the specified setting file to the remote device 1. In the file management server 104, a setting file as shown in FIG.

  Here, processing of each device of the communication system in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the processing of the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected is also shown as the processing of the remote device 1.

  After the remote device 1 is turned on, the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected transmits its own ONU-ID to the authentication server 103 and performs authentication with the authentication server 103 in step S1.

  In step S11, if the authentication is successful, the authentication server 103 notifies the ONU of that fact.

  In step S2, the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected requests the authentication server 103 to transmit a global IP address.

  In step S12, the authentication server 103 receives a request from the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected, and registers in advance the global IP address registered in association with the ONU-ID of the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected. Specify from the global IP addresses that have been set.

  In step S13, the authentication server 103 transmits the specified global IP address. The global IP address transmitted from the authentication server 103 is transferred to the remote device 1 via the network 102, OLT, optical fiber line 101, and ONU.

  In step S3, the remote device 1 acquires a global IP address and sets it as its own IP address.

  In step S4, the remote device 1 reads a list of commands from the memory, and executes the first command registered in the list, thereby setting a file name including the same character string as its global IP address. The file management server 104 is requested to transmit the setting file. The command executed here includes information such as the global IP address of the file management server 104 to be accessed.

  In step S21, the file management server 104 receives a request from the remote device 1, and sets a setting file in which a file name including the same character string as the global IP address of the remote device 1 is set as a registered setting file. Identify from the list.

  In step S22, the file management server 104 transmits the specified setting file. The setting file transmitted from the file management server 104 is transferred to the remote device 1 via the network 102, the OLT, the optical fiber line 101, and the ONU.

  In step S5, the remote device 1 acquires a setting file.

  In step S6, the remote device 1 executes the second command registered in the command list to copy the acquired setting file into the startup setting folder and restart it. After the restart, various processes such as assigning a global IP address to the subordinate home device are performed according to the contents of the setting file stored in the startup setting folder.

  Executing the first command to download the setting file from the file management server 104 and executing the second command to copy the setting file into the startup setting folder and restart are set in advance. Repeated at predetermined intervals or at a preset time such as 12:00 every day.

  Even when it is necessary to update the contents of the setting file due to the increase in the number of subordinate home devices due to repeated execution of the command, the setting file with the updated contents is stored in the file management server 104. It is possible to update the contents of the setting file. In the remote device 1, for example, when an updated setting file is downloaded, the setting file is stored overwriting the previous setting file.

  Thus, in the remote device 1, after the power is turned on, various settings for performing communication are automatically performed. In this example, setting a global IP address and copying a setting file into a startup setting folder are settings for communication. Other settings may be automatically performed as long as they can be set based on information acquired from the server.

  If such a setting is not automatically performed, the remote device purchased from the manufacturer and stored in the warehouse is taken to a specific work place, taken out of the package, and connected to a personal computer for management. It is necessary for the operator of the telecommunications carrier to perform settings such as setting a global IP address from a personal computer, but such trouble can be saved.

  That is, the remote device can be set without increasing human resources and without increasing costs. Since there is no need to make various settings before installing the remote device, the remote device stored in the warehouse is directly transported from the warehouse to the installation location and installed on the utility pole etc. 1 can be performed.

[Configuration of each device]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the signal processing circuit 12 that realizes the automatic setting function as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the signal processing circuit 12 includes a communication control unit 111 and a control unit 112. The control unit 112 includes an IP address acquisition unit 121, a setting file acquisition unit 122, and a command execution unit 123. When power is supplied from the power supply control circuit 11, a configuration as shown in FIG. 10 is realized in the signal processing circuit 12.

  The communication control unit 111 communicates with the ONU and also communicates with the in-home device via the metallic line. The communication control unit 111 receives the data transmitted from the ONU and transmits it to the in-home device, and receives the data transmitted from the in-home device and transmits it to the ONU.

  The communication control unit 111 receives the global IP address transmitted from the authentication server 103 and transferred via the ONU or the like, and outputs it to the control unit 112. Further, the communication control unit 111 requests the file management server 104 to transmit the setting file under the control of the control unit 112, or is transmitted from the file management server 104 in response to the request and transferred via the ONU or the like. A setting file is received and output to the control unit 112.

  The IP address acquisition unit 121 of the control unit 112 acquires the global IP address supplied from the communication control unit 111 and sets it as its own identification information.

  The setting file acquisition unit 122 controls the communication control unit 111 and requests the file management server 104 to transmit the setting file. The request from the setting file acquisition unit 122 includes the global IP address set by the IP address acquisition unit 121.

  Further, the setting file acquisition unit 122 acquires the setting file supplied from the communication control unit 111, and stores and manages the setting file in a startup setting folder. When the communication control unit 111 assigns a global IP address to a home device, the contents of the setting file managed by the setting file acquisition unit 122 are referred to.

  The command execution unit 123 reads a list of commands from a memory (not shown), and executes the commands described in the read list. A request for transmission of the setting file by the setting file acquisition unit 122, copying of the setting file to the startup setting, and the like are performed by the command execution unit 123 executing the command.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the authentication server 103.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 131, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 132, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 133 are connected to each other via a bus 134.

  An input / output interface 135 is further connected to the bus 134. The input / output interface 135 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and is connected to an input unit 136 used by an operator of a communication carrier for inputting a global IP address and ONU-ID, and an output unit 137 including a display.

  In addition, a storage unit 138 including a hard disk and a non-volatile memory, a communication unit 139 including a network interface, and a drive 140 that drives the removable medium 141 are connected to the bus 134. The storage unit 138 stores a global IP address assigned to a remote device determined to be installed and an ONU-ID of an ONU to which the remote device is to be connected in association with each other.

  In the authentication server 103 having such a configuration, for example, the CPU 131 loads the program stored in the storage unit 138 to the RAM 133 via the input / output interface 135 and the bus 134 and executes it, thereby executing the above-described series of operations. Processing is performed.

  The authentication server 103 is configured by such a computer. Similarly, the file management server 104 and the control server 105 described later have a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. In the following, the configuration shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the authentication server 103.

  The configuration illustrated in FIG. 12 is realized by a predetermined program being executed by the CPU 131 of the authentication server 103. As shown in FIG. 12, in the authentication server 103, an authentication unit 151 and a transmission control unit 152 are realized.

  The authentication unit 151 controls the communication unit 139 to communicate with the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected, and authenticate the ONU. For example, an ONU-ID preset for the ONU is transmitted from the ONU to be authenticated. The authentication unit 151 refers to the ONU-ID stored in the storage unit 138 to check whether the ONU that has transmitted the ONU-ID is not improperly installed, and represents the confirmation result. The signal is output to the transmission control unit 152.

  When a signal indicating that the authentication is successful is supplied from the authentication unit 151, the transmission control unit 152 associates the ONU-ID of the ONU that is the authentication target with the global IP stored in the storage unit 138. Read the address. The transmission control unit 152 controls the communication unit 139, transmits the global IP address read from the storage unit 138 to the ONU that has been successfully authenticated, and causes the remote device 1 to transfer it.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the file management server 104.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 13 is realized by a predetermined program being executed by the CPU 131 (FIG. 11) of the file management server 104. As shown in FIG. 13, the file management server 104 implements a file search unit 161 and a transmission control unit 162.

  The file search unit 161 controls the communication unit 139 to communicate with the remote device 1. When the remote device 1 requests transmission of a setting file, a file name including the same character string as the global IP address is set. The setting file is searched for the setting file stored in the storage unit 138.

  The storage unit 138 of the file management server 104 stores setting files for each remote device. The file name of each setting file contains the same character string as the global IP address of each remote device. The file search unit 161 outputs the setting file acquired by the search to the transmission control unit 162.

  When the setting file is supplied from the file search unit 161, the transmission control unit 162 controls the communication unit 139 and transmits the supplied setting file to the remote device 1 that has requested transmission of the setting file.

  The processing described with reference to FIG. 9 is performed by each apparatus having the above configuration.

[Example of setting file provision to remote device by control server]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of another communication system that realizes the automatic setting function of the remote device 1.

  In FIG. 14, the same components as those shown in FIG. The communication system of FIG. 14 differs from the configuration of FIG. 7 in that a control server 105 is additionally provided as a server connected to the network 102. The control server 105 is also a server managed by a telecommunications carrier that provides FTTR communication services, for example.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the setting file is acquired by executing a command prepared in advance by the remote device 1. However, in this example, the setting file is acquired according to control by the control server 105. It is made to be.

  In the control server 105, a list of global IP addresses to be assigned to remote devices determined to be installed is registered.

  The control server 105 confirms communication of the global IP address registered in the list, that is, periodically checks whether the remote device determined to be installed is connected to the network 102 in a communicable state. To do.

  When the remote device 1 is installed, the power is turned on, and the global IP address is acquired from the authentication server 103 and set by the processing as described above, the remote device 1 becomes communicable.

  When confirming that the remote device 1 is in a communicable state, the control server 105 transmits the global IP address of the remote device 1 to the file management server 104 via the network 102.

  In addition, the control server 105 transmits a setting file in which a file name including the same character string as the transmitted global IP address is set, with the remote device 1 that is a device in which the global IP address is set as a transmission destination. The setting file transmitted from the file management server 104 is transferred to the remote device 1 via the network 102, OLT, optical fiber line 101, and ONU and acquired.

  In this way, the remote device 1 may not be the main device for acquiring the setting file, but the server side may be the main device for providing the setting file in accordance with the control by the control server 105.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15, the process of each apparatus of the communication system of FIG. 14 is demonstrated. Also in FIG. 15, the processing of the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected is shown as the processing of the remote device 1. Of the processes in FIG. 15, the process related to the setting of the global IP address is the same as the process described with reference to FIG.

  In step S31, the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected performs authentication with the authentication server 103.

  If the authentication is successful, the authentication server 103 notifies the ONU of this in step S41.

  In step S32, the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected requests the authentication server 103 to transmit a global IP address.

  In step S42, the authentication server 103 receives a request from the ONU to which the remote device 1 is connected, and transmits a global IP address in step S43.

  In step S33, the remote device 1 acquires a global IP address and sets it as its own IP address.

  On the other hand, in step S61, the control server 105 periodically searches for a remote device in a communicable state based on the global IP address registered in the list. When the processing in step S33 is performed in the remote device 1 and a global IP address is set, it is confirmed by the search by the control server 105 that the remote device 1 is in a communicable state.

  In step S62, the control server 105 transmits the global IP address of the remote device 1 to the file management server 104, and sets the global IP address of the setting file in which the file name including the same character string as the transmitted global IP address is set. Is requested to be transmitted as a transmission destination.

  In step S51, the file management server 104 receives a request from the control server 105, and sets a setting file in which a file name including the same character string as the global IP address of the remote device 1 is set as a registered setting file. Identify from the list.

  In step S52, the file management server 104 transmits the specified setting file.

  In step S34, the remote device 1 acquires a setting file.

  In step S35, the remote device 1 copies the acquired setting file into the startup setting folder and restarts.

  The above processing also allows the remote device 1 to perform various settings for communication after the power is turned on.

[Configuration of each device]
The signal processing circuit 12 of the remote device 1 that performs the processing of FIG. 15 basically has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. The authentication server 103 and the file management server 104 also basically have the same configuration as that shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively. The overlapping description will be omitted as appropriate.

  The setting file acquisition unit 122 (FIG. 10) of the signal processing circuit 12 acquires the setting file transmitted from the file management server 104 in response to a request from the control server 105. The command execution unit 123 executes the command and causes the setting file acquisition unit 122 to copy the acquired setting file to the startup setting.

  The file search unit 161 (FIG. 13) of the file management server 104 stores the setting file in which the file name including the same character string as the global IP address transmitted from the control server 105 together with the request is stored in the storage unit 138. From the existing configuration file. When the remote device 1 in a communicable state is detected by the control server 105, a request for transmitting the setting file is transmitted from the control server 105 together with the global IP address of the remote device 1.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the control server 105.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 16 is realized by a predetermined program being executed by the CPU 131 (FIG. 11) of the control server 105. As shown in FIG. 16, in the control server 105, a communication detection unit 171 and a transmission control unit 172 are realized.

  The communication detection unit 171 refers to the global IP address stored in the storage unit 138 and periodically checks whether or not the remote device determined to be installed is in a communicable state. Whether or not communication is possible is confirmed by, for example, sending a PING to each global IP address.

  The storage unit 138 of the control server 105 stores a list of global IP addresses of remote devices determined to be installed. When the communication detecting unit 171 detects a remote device in a communicable state, the communication detecting unit 171 outputs the detected global IP address of the remote device to the transmission control unit 172.

  When the global IP address is supplied from the communication detecting unit 171, the transmission control unit 172 sets a setting file in which a file name including the same character string as the supplied global IP address is set and the global IP address is set. The file management server 104 is requested to transmit the remote device as a transmission destination.

  The processing described with reference to FIG. 15 is performed by each device having the above-described configuration.

  In FIG. 7, the authentication server 103 and the file management server 104 are different from each other in FIG. 14, and the authentication server 103, the file management server 104, and the control server 105 are different from each other in FIG. Is possible.

  In the above description, the remote device and the ONU are separate devices, but they can also be integrated.

  The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Remote device, 11 Power supply control circuit, 12 Signal processing circuit, 21 ARB, 23 AC / DC conversion circuit, 52 Power supply circuit, 101 Optical fiber line, 102 Network, 103 Authentication server, 104 File management server, 105 Control server

Claims (8)

An authentication server connected via a network, a file management server, and a terminal device are connected to the first line and connected to a second line to which an indoor device is connected. In a communication system comprising a remote device that relays communication by the indoor device performed via two lines,
The authentication server is
Storage means for storing identification information of the terminal device and a global IP address in association with each other;
Authentication means for performing authentication using the identification information of the terminal device by communicating with the terminal device via the first line;
A transmission means for transmitting the global IP address stored in association with the identification information of the terminal device when authentication of the terminal device is successful; and
The remote device is:
IP address acquisition means for acquiring the global IP address transmitted from the authentication server;
File acquisition for acquiring, from the file management server, a file including at least information on a local IP address to be assigned to the indoor device, in which a file name including the same character string as the global IP address acquired by the IP address acquisition unit is set Means,
Communication for allocating the local IP address included in the file acquired by the file acquisition means to communicate with the indoor device and relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines Means and
The file management server
Storage means for storing the file;
A communication system comprising: transmission means for transmitting the file to the remote device. Connected to the first line via the termination device, connected to the second line to which the indoor device is connected, and relays the communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines In the remote device,
When authentication using the identification information of the terminal device is successful by communication between the authentication server connected to the network and the terminal device via the first line, the terminal device is identified. IP address acquisition means for acquiring a global IP address stored in association with information from the authentication server;
File acquisition means for acquiring from the file management server a file including at least information on a local IP address to be assigned to the indoor device, in which a file name including the same character string as the global IP address acquired by the IP address acquisition means is set When,
Communication for allocating the local IP address included in the file acquired by the file acquisition means to communicate with the indoor device and relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines A remote device comprising means. The first line is an optical fiber line;
The second line is a DSL line;
The remote device according to claim 2, wherein the remote device is a device installed on a utility pole. Connected to the first line via the termination device, connected to the second line to which the indoor device is connected, and relays the communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines In the communication method of the remote device,
When authentication using the identification information of the terminal device is successful by communication between the authentication server connected to the network and the terminal device via the first line, the terminal device is identified. Obtain a global IP address stored in association with information from the authentication server,
A file name including the same character string as the acquired global IP address is set, and a file including at least information on a local IP address assigned to the indoor device is acquired from the file management server,
A communication method for allocating the local IP address included in the acquired file to perform communication with the indoor device and relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines. An authentication server, a file management server, a control server, and a terminal device connected to the first line via a network, and a second line to which an indoor device is connected, In a communication system comprising a remote device that relays communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines,
The authentication server is
Storage means for storing identification information of the terminal device and a global IP address in association with each other;
Authentication means for performing authentication using the identification information of the terminal device by communicating with the terminal device via the first line;
A transmission means for transmitting the global IP address stored in association with the identification information of the terminal device when authentication of the terminal device is successful; and
The remote device is:
Address acquisition means for acquiring and setting the global IP address transmitted from the authentication server;
A file transmitted from the file management server when the control server detects that communication is possible by setting the global IP address, and includes the same character string as the global IP address A file acquisition unit configured to acquire a file including at least information on a local IP address assigned to the indoor device, the file name being set;
Communication for allocating the local IP address included in the file acquired by the file acquisition means to communicate with the indoor device and relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines Means and
The control server
Storage means for storing the global IP address of the remote device;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the remote device in which the global IP address stored in the storage means is set is in a communicable state;
Control means for transmitting from the file management server the file in which a file name including the same character string as the global IP address is set when the detection means detects that the remote device is in a communicable state; With
The file management server
Storage means for storing the file;
A communication system comprising: transmission means for transmitting the file to the remote device according to control by the control server. Connected to the first line via the termination device, connected to the second line to which the indoor device is connected, and relays the communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines In the remote device,
When authentication using the identification information of the terminal device is successful by communication between the authentication server connected to the network and the terminal device via the first line, the terminal device is identified. Address acquisition means for acquiring and setting a global IP address stored in association with information from the authentication server;
A file transmitted from a file management server when it is detected by the control server storing the global IP address that communication is possible by setting the global IP address, and the global IP address A file acquisition unit configured to acquire a file including at least information on a local IP address assigned to the indoor device, in which a file name including the same character string is set
Communication for allocating the local IP address included in the file acquired by the file acquisition means to communicate with the indoor device and relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines A remote device comprising means. The first line is an optical fiber line;
The second line is a DSL line;
The remote device according to claim 6, wherein the remote device is a device installed on a utility pole. Connected to the first line via the termination device, connected to the second line to which the indoor device is connected, and relays the communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines In the communication method of the remote device,
When authentication using the identification information of the terminal device is successful by communication between the authentication server connected to the network and the terminal device via the first line, the terminal device is identified. Obtain and set the global IP address stored in association with the information from the authentication server,
A file transmitted from a file management server when it is detected by the control server storing the global IP address that communication is possible by setting the global IP address, and the global IP address A file including at least the information on the local IP address assigned to the indoor device, in which a file name including the same character string is set,
A communication method including a step of allocating the local IP address included in the acquired file to perform communication with the indoor device and relaying communication by the indoor device performed via the first and second lines.

Images