JP2010278589A - Information processing device, communication interface device, and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device, a communication interface device and a communication control method, which can effectively raise communication quality. <P>SOLUTION: The information processing device 1 has a pulse transformer 1a, a capacitor unit 1b, and a control unit 1c. The pulse transformer 1a terminates two sets of paired lines for connecting the information processing device 1 and a partner device. Capacitance of the capacitor unit 1b is variable, an end of it is connected to a center tap of a secondary side of the pulse transformer 1a, and its another end is grounded. The control unit 1c measures predetermined communication quality with the partner device based on a received signal from the partner device through the pulse transformer 1a, and changes capacitance of the capacitor unit 1b according to the measured communication quality. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a communication interface apparatus, and a communication control method that communicate with a partner apparatus via a pair line terminated by transformer coupling.

  Conventionally, a network is formed by connecting a plurality of computers and switching devices via a twisted pair (TP) cable. The TP cable is suitable for satisfactorily performing balanced transmission using a pair wire. Both ends of the TP cable are connected to connectors of a communication interface device provided in the computer or the switch device. In the communication interface device, balanced transmission from the TP cable is terminated by transformer coupling.

  Here, when performing balanced transmission, the effect of unbalanced noise from the primary winding to the secondary winding of the pulse transformer becomes a problem. In order to solve this problem, a method of discharging unbalanced noise to the ground by grounding the center point (center tap) of the secondary winding is known. At this time, there is a method in which a capacitor is connected between the center tap and the ground to cut the sneak noise from the ground of the low frequency component from the direct current (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Note that, in a transversal type automatic equalizer used in a wireless communication system, a method of changing an integration time constant according to waveform distortion due to fading is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-204488 JP 02-244912 A

  Incidentally, the capacitance of a capacitor connected as a noise countermeasure between the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer and the ground is generally set to a predetermined value. However, the frequency of unbalanced noise may vary depending on the installation environment of the computer and the counterpart device, the wiring distance of the TP cable, and the like. For this reason, the electrostatic capacity is not always optimal with respect to the frequency of the unbalanced noise actually generated. That is, depending on the capacitance of the capacitor, it may be considered that noise removal is not effectively performed.

  On the other hand, in order to improve the noise removal effect, it is conceivable that the capacitance of the capacitor is adjusted to be larger than a predetermined value. However, in this case, attenuation of the signal waveform due to the insertion loss of the capacitor becomes a problem. For example, if the signal amplitude becomes smaller than the rated level, it is possible that the signal cannot be properly detected in the subsequent signal processing and packet loss may be caused, resulting in deterioration of communication quality (for example, communication speed).

As described above, as a countermeasure against noise in the communication interface device, it is desired to effectively remove noise while suppressing deterioration in communication quality due to insertion loss of a capacitor.
Further, in order to adjust the capacitance of the capacitor, it is conceivable to replace the communication interface device or a capacitor attached to the communication interface device. However, there is a problem that the cost for replacing or remodeling the hardware is high.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, a communication interface apparatus, and a communication control method capable of efficiently improving communication quality.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus is provided. This information processing apparatus includes a capacitor unit and a control unit. The capacitor unit has a variable capacitance, and one end is connected to the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer that terminates the paired wire connected to the counterpart device, and the other end is grounded. The control unit measures a predetermined communication quality with the counterpart device based on the received signal received from the counterpart device via the pulse transformer, and changes the capacitance of the capacitor unit according to the measured communication quality.

  A communication interface device is provided to solve the above problems. This communication interface device includes a pulse transformer and a capacitor unit. The pulse transformer terminates the pair line connected to the counterpart device. One end of the capacitor section is connected to the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer, and the other end is grounded. When a control signal prompting the change of the capacitance is received, the capacitor section receives the control signal according to the control signal. Change the capacity.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the communication control method which performs the process similar to the said information processing apparatus is provided.

  According to the information processing apparatus, communication interface apparatus, and communication control method, communication quality can be improved efficiently.

It is a figure which shows information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of the network system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the computer of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the communication interface apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the computer of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the control table of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the test result table of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the communication quality confirmation process of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the communication interface apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the computer of 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus 1 communicates with other information processing apparatuses and switch devices via a pair line terminated with transformer coupling. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a pulse transformer 1a, a capacitor unit 1b, and a control unit 1c.

The pulse transformer 1a is a receiving transformer.
One end of the capacitor unit 1b is connected to the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer 1a, and the other end is installed. The capacitance of the capacitor unit 1b is variable. The capacitor unit 1b can be realized, for example, by making the capacitance variable by combining a plurality of capacitors having different capacities. Moreover, the capacitor | condenser part 1b is realizable with the variable capacitor which can switch an electrostatic capacitance in a predetermined range, for example.

  The controller 1c measures a predetermined communication quality based on the received signal received from the counterpart device via the pulse transformer 1a. And the control part 1c changes the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor | condenser part 1b according to the measured communication quality. For example, the control unit 1c can measure the communication quality by determining whether or not the reception data corresponding to the reception signal has been properly acquired.

  In the information processing apparatus 1, the control unit 1c measures a predetermined communication quality with the counterpart apparatus based on the received signal received from the counterpart apparatus via the pulse transformer 1a. And according to the communication quality measured by the control part 1c, the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor | condenser part 1b is changed.

  Thereby, communication quality can be improved efficiently. Specifically, when the communication quality does not satisfy a predetermined standard, the capacitance of the capacitor unit 1b is automatically changed, so that it is necessary to perform costly work such as hardware replacement or modification. Absent. In addition, such work does not involve a long-term system stop or network stop.

  For example, the control unit 1c may evaluate the communication quality by determining whether or not the received data can be properly decoded from the received signal. In this way, evaluation including the influence of noise and the influence of capacitor insertion loss can be performed. For this reason, the control part 1c can specify efficiently the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor | condenser suitable for an environment based on this evaluation.

  In addition, it is conceivable that the control unit 1c executes in advance a test for measuring communication quality using predetermined test data when the information processing apparatus 1 is activated. In this way, by reducing the deterioration of communication quality in advance, communication with good communication quality can be performed from the start of actual data communication.

  By the way, the function of the information processing apparatus 1 described above is useful when applied to a computer that performs data communication with another information processing apparatus or switch apparatus via a LAN (Local Area Network) connected by a TP cable. It is.

Hereinafter, a specific example of such a computer will be described.
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment. In this network system, computers 100, 200, 300 and a server 400 are connected via a switch device 10. The switch device 10 and the computers 100, 200, and 300 are connected via TP cables 11, 12, and 13. The switch device 10 and the server 400 are connected via the TP cable 14.

  Computers 100, 200, and 300 are information processing apparatuses used by users. The computers 100, 200, and 300 can perform data communication with each other via the switch device 10. Further, the computers 100, 200, and 300 can perform data communication with the server 400 via the switch device 10.

The server 400 is a server that provides a predetermined service to the computers 100, 200, and 300.
In the following description, the computer 100 will be described, but the same functions can be realized with respect to the computers 200 and 300 and the server 400 with the same configuration.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the computer according to the first embodiment. The computer 100 includes a north bridge 101, a south bridge 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 104, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 105, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface device 106, a CPU (Central Processing). Unit) 107, graphic processing device 108, input processing device 109, and communication interface device 110.

  The north bridge 101 is connected to the south bridge 102, the RAM 103, the ROM 104, the CPU 107, and the graphic processing device 108. The north bridge 101 controls communication between the CPU 107 and the south bridge 102, the RAM 103, the ROM 104, and the graphic processing device 108.

  The south bridge 102 is connected to the north bridge 101, the HDD 105, the USB interface device 106, the input processing device 109, and the communication interface device 110. The south bridge 102 controls communication between the CPU 107 and the HDD 105, the USB interface device 106, the input processing device 109, and the communication interface device 110.

  The RAM 103 temporarily stores at least part of an OS (Operating System) program and application software (hereinafter referred to as an application) program to be executed by the CPU 107. The RAM 103 temporarily stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 107.

  The ROM 104 stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) program to be executed by the CPU 107. The ROM 104 is, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and can set an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the server 400 used for measuring communication quality. A flash memory can also be used as the ROM 104.

  The HDD 105 stores an OS program and application programs. The HDD 105 stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 107. Note that another nonvolatile storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used instead of the HDD 105.

  The USB interface device 106 provides an interface for connecting an external device 21 (eg, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive or HDD) to the computer 100.

The CPU 107 controls the overall operation of the computer 100.
The graphic processing device 108 acquires image data from the CPU 107 and displays it on the monitor 22. The image displayed on the monitor 22 by the graphic processing device 108 includes an image generated by the OS and an image generated by the application.

  When a key on the keyboard 23 is pressed, the input processing device 109 outputs an input signal indicating the pressed key to the CPU 107. Further, the input processing device 109 outputs an input signal indicating the point position of the mouse 24 and an input signal indicating a button pressed with the mouse 24 to the CPU 107.

  The communication interface device 110 is connected to the switch device 10. The communication interface device 110 transmits and receives data to and from the computers 200 and 300 and the server 400 via the switch device 10.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the communication interface apparatus according to the first embodiment. The communication interface device 110 includes a connector 120, pulse transformers 131 and 132, resistors 141 and 142, FETs (Field Effect Transistors) 151, 152, and 153, capacitors 161, 162, and 163, and a LAN controller 170.

  The connector 120 connects a pair line of the TP cable 11 and a signal line inside the communication interface device 110 by inserting a plug (not shown) provided at one end of the TP cable 11. The same applies to one end of the TP cable 11 on the switch device 10 side.

  The pulse transformers 131 and 132 are provided to insulate the TP cable 11 side from the circuit inside the communication interface device 110 and transmit a predetermined AC component to the internal circuit side. Here, the pulse transformer 131 outputs a transmission signal from the LAN controller 170 to the connector 120 side. The pulse transformer 132 outputs a reception signal from the connector 120 to the LAN controller 170 side.

The resistors 141 and 142 are connected to the center taps 131a and 132a of the pulse transformers 131 and 132 for impedance matching at the end of the transmission line.
The FETs 151, 152, and 153 change whether or not the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 are connected between the resistors 141 and 142 and the ground. Connection / disconnection by the FETs 151, 152, and 153 is controlled by a control signal from the south bridge 102.

  Capacitors 161, 162, and 163 are provided for discharging high-frequency noise components to the ground. Capacitors 161, 162, and 163 have different electrostatic capacities. Here, as an example, the capacitances of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 are set to 0.01 μF, 0.10 μF, and 0.22 μF. Further, the capacitor 162 (0.10 μF) is used as a standard setting capacitor so that the signal insertion loss due to the capacitor can be increased or decreased from a predetermined reference value.

  The LAN controller 170 encodes transmission data received from the south bridge 102 to generate a transmission signal, and outputs the transmission signal to the pulse transformer 131. The LAN controller 170 acquires the received data by decoding the signal received via the pulse transformer 132 and outputs the received data to the south bridge 102.

The south bridge 102 includes a control signal output unit 102a.
The control signal output unit 102a outputs a control signal for switching the FETs 151, 152, and 153. The output of the control signal is changed according to the measurement result of the communication quality measured by the computer 100. The control signal output unit 102a can be realized by a GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) device, for example.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the computer according to the first embodiment. The computer 100 includes a control information storage unit 180 and a packet loss measurement unit 190. The function of the packet loss measurement unit 190 is realized by the CPU 107 executing a BIOS program stored in the ROM 104. However, part or all of the functions of the packet loss measurement unit 190 may be realized by dedicated hardware. The control information storage unit 180 is provided in, for example, a storage device in which the BIOS is stored, or another storage device that can be referred to by the BIOS.

The control information storage unit 180 stores control information for controlling the communication quality measurement process.
The packet loss measurement unit 190 refers to the control information stored in the control information storage unit 180, and evaluates the communication quality by measuring the frequency of packet loss that occurs in communication with the switch device 10. If the packet loss occurs more frequently than the threshold frequency, the packet loss measuring unit 190 instructs the south bridge 102 to change the combination of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 to be connected. The packet loss measuring unit 190 measures the frequency of packet loss and evaluates communication quality each time the combination of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 is changed by the control signal output unit 102a. Then, the packet loss measuring unit 190 measures the frequency of packet loss with all combinations and identifies the combination with the best communication quality. The packet loss measurement unit 190 instructs the control signal output unit 102a to make the combination of the connections of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 identified.

Note that the packet loss measuring unit 190 can evaluate the communication quality as described above using, for example, a ping command.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the control table according to the first embodiment. The control table 181 is stored in advance in the control information storage unit 180. The control table 181 includes an item indicating a capacitor ID (IDentifier), an item indicating an FET ID, and an item indicating patterns 1 to 7. Information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item is associated with each other to indicate information related to one capacitor.

  In the item indicating the capacitor ID, identification information for identifying the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 is set. The capacitors 161, 162, and 163 are assigned C1, C2, and C3 as capacitor IDs.

  In the item indicating the FET ID, identification information for identifying the FETs 151, 152, and 153 is set. The FETs 151, 152, and 153 are assigned F1, F2, and F3 as FET IDs.

  In the items indicating the patterns 1 to 7, information indicating combinations for connecting the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 is set. The information indicating the combination is indicated by the level of the control signal for the FETs 151, 152, and 153. For example, when “High” is set in the items indicating the patterns 1 to 7, it indicates that the corresponding capacitor is connected. Similarly, when “Low” is set, it indicates that the corresponding capacitor is disconnected. Pattern 1 is set as a standard setting.

  In the control table 181, for example, information that the capacitor ID is “C1”, the FET ID is “F1”, the pattern 1 is “Low”, the pattern 2 is “High”,. This indicates that, in the case of the pattern 1, the control signal for the FET 151 of the FET ID “F1” corresponding to the capacitor ID “C1” is set to the “Low” level. Similarly, the pattern 2 indicates that the control signal for the FET 151 is set to the “High” level.

  That is, for example, in the case of pattern 1, only the capacitor 162 is connected and the capacitors 161 and 163 are not connected. In this case, the capacitance 0.10 μF of the capacitor 162 contributes to noise removal and insertion loss.

  For example, in the case of the pattern 5, the capacitors 162 and 163 are connected and the capacitor 161 is not connected. In this case, 0.32 μF, which is the combined capacitance of the capacitor 162 and the capacitor 163, contributes to noise removal and insertion loss.

The same applies to the other patterns of the control table 181.
The setting of the control table 181 can be changed according to the desired measurement accuracy and measurement time of the communication quality. For example, when it is desired to shorten the measurement time, it may be possible to omit measurement of a pattern that has little influence on measurement accuracy.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the test result table according to the first embodiment. The test result table 182 is generated by the packet loss measurement unit 190 and stored in the control information storage unit 180. The test result table 182 is provided with items indicating evaluation targets and items indicating patterns 1 to 7. Information arranged in the horizontal direction of each item is associated with each other to indicate information related to one test result.

In the item indicating the evaluation target, an index used for evaluating the communication quality is set.
Information indicating the measurement result of the communication quality in the combination of capacitors indicated by the patterns 1 to 7 in the control table 181 is set in the items indicating the patterns 1 to 7.

  In the test result table 182, for example, information indicating that the evaluation target is “packet loss”, the pattern 1 is “3.0%”, the pattern 2 is “2.0%”,. This indicates that in the pattern 1 of the control table 181, a packet loss of “3.0%” of all test packets is measured by the packet loss measuring unit 190. Similarly, the pattern 2 indicates that the packet loss of “2.0%” of all the test packets is measured by the packet loss measuring unit 190.

The same applies to other patterns in the test result table 182.
Next, processing of the computer 100 having the above configuration will be described. The computer 200, 300 and the server 400 can perform the same processing with the same configuration.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of communication quality confirmation processing according to the first embodiment.
[Step S11] The CPU 107 loads the BIOS program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 103 when the computer 100 is started up. Thereby, the function of the packet loss measuring unit 190 is realized on the computer 100.

  [Step S12] The packet loss measurement unit 190 identifies the transmission destination of the test packet. For example, the IP address of the server 400 is set in advance in the ROM 104 as the transmission destination of the test packet.

  [Step S13] The packet loss measuring unit 190 instructs the control signal output unit 102a to be a combination of capacitors of pattern 1 (standard setting). The control signal output unit 102 a refers to the control table 181 stored in the control information storage unit 180 and outputs a control signal for the capacitor 162 as a “High” level. Further, the control signal output unit 102a outputs a control signal for the capacitors 161 and 163 as a “Low” level. As a result, only the capacitor 162 is connected to the pulse transformer 132 via the FET 152.

  [Step S14] The packet loss measurement unit 190 measures packet loss. Specifically, the packet loss measurement unit 190 specifies the IP address of the server 400 and executes the ping command a predetermined number of times. The number of executions of the ping command is determined according to the desired measurement accuracy. The frequency of packet loss is acquired based on whether a response to the transmission packet of the ping command is received from the server 400. The frequency of packet loss can be acquired, for example, by the ratio of the number of packet losses to all transmitted packets.

  [Step S15] The packet loss measurement unit 190 determines whether the packet loss does not satisfy a predetermined criterion. If not, the process moves to step S16. If so, the process is complete. For example, the packet loss measuring unit 190 determines that the standard is not satisfied when the frequency of packet loss is equal to or higher than a preset reference value (for example, 1.0%). Further, when the frequency of packet loss is less than the reference value, it is determined that the standard is satisfied.

  [Step S16] The packet loss measurement unit 190 sets the frequency of the acquired packet loss in the item indicating the pattern 1 of the test result table 182 stored in the control information storage unit 180.

  [Step S17] The packet loss measurement unit 190 refers to the control table 181 to instruct the control signal output unit 102a of the next capacitor combination pattern. Here, every time step S17 is executed, the packet loss measurement unit 190 sequentially selects combinations of capacitors whose communication quality has not been measured from the control table 181 and realizes the corresponding combination in the control signal output unit 102a. Instruct them to do so. For example, the packet loss measurement unit 190 sequentially selects patterns 1, 2, 3,. Then, the control signal output unit 102a refers to the control table 181 and outputs a control signal to the FETs 151, 152, and 153 so that the combination instructed by the packet loss measurement unit 190 is obtained.

[Step S18] The packet loss measurement unit 190 measures packet loss. The measurement method is the same as that in step S14.
[Step S19] The packet loss measurement unit 190 sets the frequency of the acquired packet loss in the item indicating the corresponding pattern in the test result table 182.

  [Step S20] The packet loss measurement unit 190 determines whether measurement of all patterns set in the control table 181 has been completed. If completed, the process proceeds to step S21. If not completed, the process proceeds to step S17. Note that the packet loss measurement unit 190 can make this determination by detecting whether or not the test results of all patterns are set in the test result table 182, for example.

  [Step S21] The packet loss measurement unit 190 refers to the test result table 182 to identify a pattern that minimizes the frequency of packet loss. The packet loss measurement unit 190 identifies pattern 5 in the example of the test result table 182. Then, the packet loss measurement unit 190 instructs the control signal output unit 102a so that the combination of capacitors becomes the specified pattern. The control signal output unit 102 a refers to the control table 181 and outputs a control signal to the FETs 151, 152, and 153 so that the combination instructed by the packet loss measurement unit 190 is obtained.

  As described above, the packet loss measuring unit 190 specifies the combination of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 that minimize the frequency of packet loss when the packet loss does not satisfy the predetermined standard. Then, the control signal output unit 102a outputs control signals to the FETs 151, 152, and 153 so that the specified combination of capacitors is obtained.

  Thereby, communication quality can be improved efficiently. Since the computer 100 automatically changes the capacitances of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 in accordance with the communication quality, it is not necessary to perform costly operations such as hardware replacement or modification. In addition, such work does not involve a long-term system stop or network stop.

  Further, the computer 100 evaluates the communication quality based on the frequency of packet loss of the response obtained as a result of executing the ping command. In this way, evaluation including the influence of noise and the influence of capacitor insertion loss can be performed. The computer 100 can efficiently improve the communication quality by specifying the combined capacitance of the capacitors based on this evaluation.

  Furthermore, the computer 100 executes the above-described communication quality measurement process, for example, when the computer 100 is activated. In this way, by reducing the deterioration of communication quality in advance, communication with good communication quality can be performed from the start of actual data communication.

  In addition, depending on the desired measurement accuracy and measurement time of communication quality, a combination to be subjected to communication quality measurement processing can be set in the control table 181 in advance. For example, when it is desired to shorten the measurement time, it may be possible to omit measurement of a pattern that has little influence on measurement accuracy.

  It is also conceivable that a communication quality measurement process is performed each time the communication partner changes by detecting a change in the computer of the communication partner by changing the IP address. If it does in this way, whenever a communicating party changes, the optimal communication environment between the communicating parties is realizable.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar matters will be omitted.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a configuration corresponding to the control signal output unit 102a is provided in the communication interface device. In this way, for example, the communication quality measurement process can be controlled by the device driver of the communication interface apparatus.

  The network system configuration and computer hardware configuration of the second embodiment are the same as the network system configuration (see FIG. 2) and computer hardware configuration (see FIG. 3) of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted. However, the south bridge and the communication interface device of the computer of the second embodiment are different from those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the communication interface apparatus according to the second embodiment. The computer 100a (not shown in FIG. 9) includes a communication interface device 110a and a south bridge 102b.

  The communication interface device 110a includes a connector 120, pulse transformers 131 and 132, resistors 141 and 142, FETs 151, 152, and 153, capacitors 161, 162, and 163, and a LAN controller 170a. Here, the connector 120, the pulse transformers 131 and 132, the resistors 141 and 142, the FETs 151, 152, and 153 and the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 are the same as those described with the same reference numerals in FIG. Description is omitted.

  The LAN controller 170 a encodes transmission data received from the south bridge 102 b to generate a transmission signal, and outputs the transmission signal to the pulse transformer 131. The LAN controller 170a acquires received data by decoding the received signal and outputs the received data to the south bridge 102b. The LAN controller 170 a has a control signal output unit 171.

  The control signal output unit 171 outputs a control signal for switching the FETs 151, 152, and 153. The output of the control signal is changed according to the measurement result of the communication quality measured by the computer 100. The control signal output unit 171 can be realized by a GPIO device, for example. The control signal output unit 171 corresponds to the control signal output unit 102a of the first embodiment.

The south bridge 102b corresponds to the south bridge 102 of the first embodiment. However, it does not have the function of the control signal output unit 102a.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a computer according to the second embodiment. The computer 100a includes a control information storage unit 180 and a packet loss measurement unit 190a. The function of the packet loss measurement unit 190 a is realized by the CPU 107 executing a device driver program of the communication interface device 110 a stored in the HDD 105. However, part or all of the functions of the packet loss measuring unit 190a may be realized by dedicated hardware. The control information storage unit 180 is provided in, for example, a storage device in which a device driver is stored or another storage device that can be referred to by the device driver. Here, the control information storage unit 180, the control table 181 and the test result table 182 are the same as those described with the same reference numerals in FIGS.

  The packet loss measurement unit 190a refers to the control information stored in the control information storage unit 180, and evaluates the communication quality by measuring the frequency of packet loss that occurs in communication with the switch device 10. When the packet loss occurs more frequently than the threshold frequency, the packet loss measuring unit 190a instructs the communication interface device 110a to change the combination of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 to be connected. Each time the control signal output unit 171 changes the combination of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163, the packet loss measurement unit 190a measures the frequency of packet loss and evaluates communication quality. Then, the packet loss measuring unit 190a measures the frequency of packet loss with all combinations and identifies the combination with the best communication quality. The packet loss measuring unit 190a instructs the control signal output unit 171 to have a combination that identifies the connections of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163.

Note that the packet loss measurement unit 190a can evaluate the communication quality as described above using, for example, a ping command.
The packet loss measurement unit 190a corresponds to the packet loss measurement unit 190 of the first embodiment.

  The procedure of the communication quality measurement process according to the second embodiment is the same as the procedure of the communication quality confirmation process according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, in step S11, the CPU 107 loads the device driver program stored in the HDD 105 into the RAM 103 to realize the functions of the control information storage unit 180 and the packet loss measurement unit 190a. That is, the processing executed by the packet loss measuring unit 190 in FIG. 8 is executed by the packet loss measuring unit 190a realized by the device driver. It is also conceivable that a communication quality measurement process is performed each time the communication partner changes by detecting a change in the computer of the communication partner by changing the IP address. If it does in this way, whenever a communicating party changes, the optimal communication environment between the communicating parties is realizable.

As described above, the computer 100a according to the second embodiment can realize the same effect as that of the first embodiment.
Further, since the communication quality measurement process is performed by the function of the device driver of the communication interface device 110a, the south bridge 102b is not modified at the time of introduction. For this reason, introduction can be facilitated as compared with the first embodiment.

  Note that the capacitances of the capacitors 161, 162, and 163 are not limited to the exemplified capacitance, and can be set according to an assumed installation environment. Further, the number of capacitors is not limited to three, and may be two or more.

Furthermore, the capacitance may be changed by a variable capacitor whose capacitance is variable.
Further, the functions of the packet loss measuring units 190 and 190a that the computers 100 and 100a should have can be realized by causing the computers 100 and 100a to execute a program describing the processing contents of the functions. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic storage device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Examples of the magnetic storage device include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), and a magnetic tape. Optical disks include DVD, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read only Memory), CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable), and the like. Magneto-optical recording media include MO (Magneto-Optical disc).

  When distributing the program, for example, a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded is sold. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. Further, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus, the communication interface apparatus, and the communication control method of the present case have been described based on the illustrated embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each unit is an arbitrary configuration having the same function. Can be substituted. Moreover, other arbitrary structures and processes may be added. Further, any two or more configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments may be combined.

The main technical features of the described embodiment are as follows.
(Supplementary note 1) Capacitor section whose one end is connected to the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer that terminates the paired wire connected to the counterpart device and the other end is grounded, and the capacitance is variable When,
Control for measuring a predetermined communication quality with the counterpart device based on a received signal received from the counterpart device via the pulse transformer, and changing a capacitance of the capacitor unit according to the measured communication quality And
An information processing apparatus comprising:

(Additional remark 2) The said capacitor | condenser part is a different electrostatic capacitance, respectively, It is provided with the some capacitor | condenser which can switch connection and non-connection of the said center tap and the said ground,
The control unit changes a connection pattern of the plurality of capacitors according to the measured communication quality.
The information processing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein

  (Additional remark 3) The said control part refers to the control information storage part which memorize | stores the control information which defined the said some connection pattern made into the object of the said communication quality measurement, Each said connection pattern contained in the said control information The communication quality is measured at the connection pattern, the connection pattern that is the best communication quality among the communication quality measured in each connection pattern is specified, and the connection patterns of the plurality of capacitors are set to the specified connection pattern. The information processing apparatus according to attachment 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is changed.

(Supplementary Note 4) The control information includes a standard connection pattern defined as a standard setting among the plurality of connection patterns.
The control unit measures the communication quality based on the standard connection pattern based on the control information stored in the control information storage unit, and when the measured communication quality does not satisfy a predetermined standard, Performing the communication quality in each of the connection patterns, and specifying the connection pattern that provides the best communication quality;
The information processing apparatus according to supplementary note 3, wherein

  (Additional remark 5) The said control part detects the frequency of packet loss in the data communication with the said other party apparatus using the command for predetermined | prescribed communication confirmation, and measures communication quality based on the detected frequency of the said packet loss 5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein

  (Additional remark 6) The said control part detects the frequency which received the response packet which should be received from the said other party apparatus according to the packet transmitted to the said other party apparatus by the said command for communication confirmation, The said packet loss The information processing apparatus according to appendix 5, wherein the frequency is detected.

(Additional remark 7) The said control part measures the said communication quality at the time of starting of the said information processing apparatus, The information processing apparatus in any one of Additional remark 1 thru | or 6 characterized by the above-mentioned.
(Appendix 8) A pulse transformer that terminates the paired wire connected to the counterpart device;
One end is connected to the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer, and the other end is grounded. When a control signal prompting the change of the capacitance is received, the capacitance is changed according to the control signal. The capacitor part to be changed,
A communication interface device comprising:

(Supplementary note 9) A communication control method for an information processing apparatus,
The control unit measures a predetermined communication quality with the counterpart device based on a received signal received from the counterpart device via a pulse transformer that terminates a paired wire connected to the counterpart device,
One end is connected to the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer, the other end is grounded, and the capacitance of the capacitor unit whose capacitance is variable is changed according to the measured communication quality To
A communication control method characterized by the above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus 1a Pulse transformer 1b Capacitor part 1c Control part

Claims (7)

One end is connected to the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer that terminates the paired wire connected to the counterpart device, the other end is grounded, and the capacitor unit whose capacitance is variable,
Control for measuring a predetermined communication quality with the counterpart device based on a received signal received from the counterpart device via the pulse transformer, and changing a capacitance of the capacitor unit according to the measured communication quality And
An information processing apparatus comprising: Each of the capacitor units has a different capacitance, and includes a plurality of capacitors that can switch connection and non-connection between the center tap and the ground.
The control unit changes a connection pattern of the plurality of capacitors according to the measured communication quality.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The control unit refers to a control information storage unit that stores control information that defines the plurality of connection patterns to be measured for the communication quality, and performs the communication in each connection pattern included in the control information. Measuring the quality, identifying the connection pattern that provides the best communication quality among the communication qualities measured in each of the connection patterns, and changing the connection patterns of the plurality of capacitors to the identified connection pattern The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.   The control unit detects a frequency of packet loss in data communication with the counterpart device using a predetermined communication confirmation command, and measures communication quality based on the detected frequency of packet loss. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit measures the communication quality when the information processing apparatus is activated. A pulse transformer that terminates the paired wire connected to the partner device;
One end is connected to the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer, and the other end is grounded. When a control signal prompting the change of the capacitance is received, the capacitance is changed according to the control signal. The capacitor part to be changed,
A communication interface device comprising: A communication control method for an information processing apparatus,
The control unit measures a predetermined communication quality with the counterpart device based on a received signal received from the counterpart device via a pulse transformer that terminates a paired wire connected to the counterpart device,
One end is connected to the center tap of the secondary winding of the pulse transformer, the other end is grounded, and the capacitance of the capacitor unit whose capacitance is variable is changed according to the measured communication quality To
A communication control method characterized by the above.

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