JP2013162349A - Communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively improve the transmission speed and stability of a communication apparatus in which two or more communication links can be concurrently used by taking into consideration the operation in a level of packet to be transmitted.SOLUTION: The lowest indications of consecutive packets favorable for transmission in first and second communication links are stored as the first and second adequate numbers. One or more packet is created as a transmission packet, and the number is counted and compared with the first and second adequate numbers. When the counted number is equal to or less than any of the first and second adequate numbers, one of the first and second communication links is selected as a communication link. When the counted number is over one of the first and second adequate numbers, and equal to or less than the other adequate number, a communication link to which the other adequate number is assigned is selected. When the counted number is over both the first and second adequate numbers, and less than the sum of the first and second adequate numbers, a communication link to which the other adequate number is assigned, or both the first and second communication links are selected. When the counted number is equal to or more than the sum of the first and second adequate numbers, both the first and second communication links are selected.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus suitable for configuring a network, and more particularly to a communication apparatus that can use two or more communication links at the same time.

  If a terminal which is a communication apparatus establishes a plurality of communication links at the same time and thereby allows an application on the terminal and a network device on the network to communicate with each other, an improvement in communication speed and stability can be expected. This is because traffic by an application is distributed to each communication link by using a plurality of communication links. Processing using a plurality of communication links is called link aggregation, and various methods have been proposed.

  In order to effectively improve communication speed and stability through link aggregation, in general, consider how traffic is distributed on the transmission side and aggregated on the reception side in multiple wireless and wired communication links. Doing is considered to be a key.

JP 2010-183376 A JP 2010-135947 A JP 2009-246875 A

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can efficiently improve the speed and stability of communication in a communication apparatus that can use two or more communication links at the same time, particularly considering processing at the level of a packet to be transmitted. An object is to provide a communication device.

  In order to solve the above problems, a communication device according to one aspect of the present invention includes two or more independent communication links including first and second communication links that are two independent communication links with respect to a reception side. A communication device capable of simultaneously transmitting packets using the communication links of the first communication link, which is determined in consideration of packet transmission efficiency of the first communication link, and is preferable for transmission on the first communication link. Means for preliminarily holding the lower limit reference number of packets as a first appropriate number, and the second communication link determined in consideration of packet transmission efficiency by the second communication link. Means for preliminarily holding information on the lower limit side number of consecutive packets preferable for transmission as a second appropriate number, and means for generating one or more packets to be transmitted as transmission packets A means for counting the number of transmitted packets as the number of transmitted packets and comparing the number of transmitted packets with the first appropriate number to determine whether the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the first appropriate number Means for comparing the number of transmitted packets with the second appropriate number to determine whether the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the second appropriate number; and A means for determining whether the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the sum of the appropriate numbers of 2, and the number of transmitted packets is less than the number of either the first or second appropriate number Means for selecting either the first communication link or the second communication link as a communication link for transmitting the transmission packet to the receiving side, and the number of transmission packets is the first, second Exceed one of the appropriate number of Means for selecting the communication link for which the other appropriate number is determined as a communication link for transmitting the transmission packet to the receiving side, and the number of transmission packets is the first , If it exceeds any of the second aptitude numbers and is less than the sum of the first and second aptitude numbers, the other aptitude is used as a communication link for transmitting the transmission packet to the receiving side. A means for selecting a communication link whose number is determined, or both the first and second communication links, and the number of transmitted packets is equal to or greater than the sum of the first and second appropriate numbers, And means for selecting both the first and second communication links as a communication link for transmitting the transmission packet to the receiving side.

  This communication device was recalled from the viewpoint of the packet level, focusing on the fact that transmission efficiency is not always improved if it is distributed and transmitted to each communication link in any case. Specifically, distributed packets must be sorted on the receiving side, and taking this into account, considering the transmission efficiency, the sort processing load increases if it is distributed too much to each communication link. As a result, the transmission efficiency may deteriorate. Therefore, information is stored in advance as the first and second aptitude numbers, which are the lower limit side reference numbers of consecutive packets that are preferable for transmission on the first and second communication links.

  Then, the number of generated packets to be transmitted is compared with the first and second appropriate numbers, and if the number of transmitted packets is relatively small, it is avoided to be dispersed. This transmission packet is transmitted to the receiving side. As a result, in a communication device that can simultaneously use two or more communication links, it is possible to improve the communication speed more efficiently.

  Moreover, the communication apparatus which is another aspect uses simultaneously the two or more communication links which are mutually independent including the 1st and 2nd communication link which is two mutually independent communication links with respect to the receiving side. Means for holding two or more application programs, including first and second application programs, each of which is a communication device capable of transmitting a packet and each of which is assigned two pieces of attribute information; Means for generating one or more packets to be transmitted as a first transmission packet so as to retain the attribute information assigned to the first application program in relation to the application program; Retains the attribute information assigned to the second application program in relation to the application program Means for generating one or more packets to be transmitted as a second transmission packet, means for examining the attribute information held in each of the first and second transmission packets, and the first And means for allocating the second transmission packet to the first and second communication links under a restriction that the first and second transmission packets are not distributed.

  From the application program level, this communication device is more stable in terms of communication stability (quality than when it is distributed indiscriminately at the transmission packet level when the communication link to be used is limited according to its attributes. ) Was conceived by paying attention to the fact that it is preferable to contribute to securing. This can be said to be a kind of inevitable consequence of creating a group of application programs.

  Therefore, the first and second transmission packets generated in relation to the first and second application programs hold the attribute information, and by examining this at the time of transmission, the first and second transmission packets are Each of the communication links is distributed to the first and second communication links under the constraint that they are not distributed. According to this, in a communication device that can use two or more communication links at the same time, the stability of communication can be improved more efficiently.

  Further, the communication device according to another aspect simultaneously uses two or more independent communication links including the first and second communication links, which are two independent communication links, on the upstream side. Communication apparatus capable of transmitting packets, wherein one or more packets including attribute information assigned to the first terminal, the first relay packet being transmitted from the first terminal on the downstream side And receiving one or more packets including attribute information distributed to the second terminal, the second relay packet having a second terminal different from the first terminal on the downstream side as a transmission source Receiving means, means for examining the attribute information assigned to each of the first and second relay packets, and the first and second relay packets respectively. Under imposing non-distributed constraints , Characterized by comprising a means for distributing the first and second communication links.

  This communication device is particularly suitable for a relay device. Looking at the level of the first and second terminals on the downstream side, when relay packets originating from those terminals are sent to the upstream side (relayed) via this communication device (relay device), Limiting the communication link according to the attribute given to the terminal contributes to ensuring the stability (quality) of communication required at each terminal, rather than indiscriminately distributing at the relay packet level. It has been recalled by paying attention to what is preferable above. For example, each terminal has a difference in whether it is necessary to provide a high-priority link or not in the usage contract, and the former requires relatively high communication stability. In addition, the communication link may have inherent characteristics such as, for example, good stability, bad, high speed, and low speed.

  Therefore, when the first and second relay packets generated in association with the first and second terminals respectively hold the attribute information, and when these are received and sent further upstream from this communication device (relay device) The attribute information is examined and distributed to the first and second communication links under the restriction that the first and second relay packets are not distributed. According to this, in a communication device that can use two or more communication links at the same time, the stability of communication can be improved more efficiently.

  According to the present invention, in a communication apparatus that can use two or more communication links at the same time, it is possible to efficiently improve the speed and stability of communication by considering processing at the level of a packet to be transmitted. A possible communication device can be provided.

The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which is another embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which is another embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which is another (4th) embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which is another (5th) embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which is another (sixth) embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which is another (seventh) embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which is another (8th) embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which is another (9th) embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this communication apparatus includes application programs 11a, 11b,..., A transmission packet generation unit 12, a buffer 13, a transmission packet number counting unit 14, a transmission packet number determination unit 15, and an appropriate number holding unit 16. A communication link selection unit (transmission packet sorting unit) 17, buffers 18a and 18b, and physical interfaces 19a and 19b. In particular, this communication device is assumed to be a communication device as a terminal.

  The application programs 11a, 11b,... Are principally a memory that holds the program and a processor that executes the program. Hereinafter, it is also simply referred to as “application” as appropriate. The physical interfaces 19a and 19b are physical interfaces corresponding to two mutually independent communication links (hereinafter referred to as a first communication link and a second communication link for convenience). By having these, packets can be transmitted to the receiving side using these communication links simultaneously (distributed communication). In this embodiment, a communication device that uses two communication links at the same time will be described. However, even if a communication device uses three or more communication links at the same time, the communication links are roughly divided into two. The following explanation is valid.

  A communication link selection unit (transmission packet distribution unit) 17 provided for distributing packets includes a communication link selection signal generation unit 17a and a distribution switch 17b. When packets are transmitted in a distributed manner, the communication link selection signal generation unit 17a generates a selection signal for switching the distribution switch 17b at high speed. In this case, the communication link selection unit (transmission packet distribution unit) 17 functions as a transmission packet distribution unit.

  However, as will be described later, there is a case where such a high-speed switching is not performed and the packet is fixed to one of the communication links and transmitted. In that case, the communication link selection unit (transmission packet sorting unit) 17 functions as a communication link selection unit. Hereinafter, the communication link selection unit (transmission packet distribution unit) 17 may be appropriately referred to as a communication link selection unit 17 or a transmission packet distribution unit 17. The transmission packet in the buffer 13 is sent to either the physical interface 19a via the buffer 18a or the physical interface 19b via the buffer 18b depending on the switching position of the distribution switch 17b.

  1 is a functional block diagram of a range necessary when this communication apparatus transmits a packet to the receiving side. In an actual apparatus, a function required when this communication apparatus is a receiving side is also provided. The function as the receiving side will be briefly described following the description of packet transmission (the description with reference to FIG. 1).

  The flow of information communicated schematically will be described below. First, one or more packets to be transmitted are generated by the transmission packet generation unit 12 in relation to the application 11a and the like. The generated transmission packet is stored in the buffer 13. Then, the stored transmission packets are transmitted from the communication device via the buffer 18a (or 18b) and the physical interface 19a (or 19b) selected (or distributed) by the communication link selection unit 17.

  The transmitted packet is sent once to the aggregation server 102 via the communication network 101 including the Internet. The aggregation server 102 receives the packets distributed and sent over two or more communication links, sorts them, and returns to the state of continuous packets before being distributed. If it is sent via one communication link, the packet is received as it is.

  The packet returned to the aggregation server 102 or received as it is is sent from the aggregation server 102 to the web server 103 designated as the initial transmission destination of this communication apparatus via the communication network 101. The downstream packet flow from the web server 103 to this communication apparatus is the same although the direction is reversed. In the case of downlink, the aggregation server 102 selects and distributes (designates) a communication link to be used for a packet sent in the downlink direction toward this communication apparatus.

  With this information flow, this communication apparatus can use a plurality of communication links by borrowing the function of the aggregation server 102 as a relay apparatus. As a result, the traffic by the application is distributed to each communication link to improve the communication speed and stability. However, this communication device has a configuration added to improve this point, paying attention to the fact that transmission efficiency is not always improved if it is distributed to each communication link at any packet level. Has been. In the following, description of each functional block will be continued based on this point.

  When the applications 11a, 11b,... Are executed on the communication device by the user, communication with a predetermined web server 103 may be required depending on the execution contents. The need for such communication is notified to the transmission packet generator 12. The transmission packet generation unit 12 receives information to be transmitted such as numerical data, characters, audio, still images, and moving images from the application 11a, and sequentially generates one or more packets having a predetermined format from these information. The generated packet is passed to the buffer 13.

  The buffer 13 is a storage function unit that stores packets to be transmitted, which are passed from the transmission packet generation unit 12.

  The transmission packet number counting unit 14 counts the number of transmission packets in the buffer 13. The count result is passed to the transmission packet number determination unit 15. If the transmission packet number counting unit 14 is configured to count the number of transmission packets without the presence of the buffer 13, the buffer 13 can be omitted.

  The transmission packet number determination unit 15 compares the count result passed from the transmission packet number counting unit 14 with the appropriate number held in the appropriate number holding unit 16. The determination result is passed to the communication link selection signal generator 17a.

  The appropriate number holding unit 16 determines the lower limit side reference number of continuous packets preferable for transmission on the first communication link, which is determined in consideration of the packet transmission efficiency by the first communication link, as the first appropriate number. Information is retained in advance. In addition, the appropriate number holding unit 16 is determined in consideration of the packet transmission efficiency by the second communication link, and the lower limit standard number of consecutive packets preferable for transmission on the second communication link is also the second number. Information is held in advance as an appropriate number. The first and second appropriate numbers held in the appropriate number holding unit 16 are referred to by the transmission packet number determining unit 15 as necessary.

  The reason why the number of consecutive packets (lower limit side reference number) preferable for transmission on each communication link is generated is as follows. In other words, packets that are distributed and sent to each communication link must be sorted on the receiving side. Considering this and considering the transmission efficiency, if the packets are distributed too much to each communication link, the sorting process is performed. This is because the load is significantly increased and the transmission efficiency is deteriorated. Actually, this number depends on various conditions (parameters). Therefore, for example, the first and second appropriate numbers can be determined by actually operating each communication link.

  The parameters seen from one aspect include, for example, the size of the buffer on the receiving side (buffering size), the time for holding the received packet in the buffer on the receiving side (buffering timeout), and before receiving the acknowledgment (acknowledgment) signal The number of packets that can be transmitted (number of continuous transmission packets). These are determined by the apparatus itself, but actually, there are cases where other types of radio waves used and the geographical and physical state of radio wave transmission are also involved.

  The transmission packet number determination unit 15 compares the counting result passed from the transmission packet number counting unit 14 with the appropriate number held in the appropriate number holding unit 16, and the determination result is as follows. That is, whether the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the first appropriate number, the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the second appropriate number, and the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the sum of the first and second appropriate numbers. It is each judgment.

  The communication link selection signal generation unit 17a generates a selection signal as follows based on the determination result passed from the transmission packet number determination unit 15. That is, 1) When the number of transmission packets is equal to or less than either the first or second appropriate number, the communication link for transmitting the transmission packet to the receiving side is the first communication link or the second communication link. In order to select either one, a selection signal to the distribution switch 17b is generated (that is, distributed transmission is not performed). 2) When the number of transmission packets exceeds one of the first and second appropriate numbers and is equal to or less than the other, the other appropriate number is determined as a communication link for transmitting the transmission packets to the receiving side. In order to select a communication link, a selection signal to the distribution switch 17b is generated (that is, it is not distributedly transmitted).

  3) Communication for transmitting a transmission packet to the receiving side when the number of transmission packets exceeds both the first and second aptitude numbers and is less than the sum of the first and second aptitude numbers. A selection signal to the distribution switch 17b is generated to select the communication link for which the other appropriate number is determined as the link, or both the first and second communication links. 4) If the number of transmission packets is equal to or greater than the sum of the first and second appropriate numbers, select both the first and second communication links as communication links for transmitting the transmission packets to the receiving side. Therefore, a selection signal to the distribution switch 17b is generated.

  In the above 3) and 4), “selecting both the first and second communication links” means that packets are transmitted in a distributed manner to the first and second communication links. doing. That is, the packet is distributed to the first and second communication links only after such a case occurs. When the packet is not reached, distributed transmission of the packet is not performed. In addition, in the above 2) and 3), “select the communication link for which the other appropriate number has been determined” means that instead of doing so, the appropriate number of one is determined in view of the situation such as the speed of the communication link. It is also conceivable to select the determined communication link.

  In a typical case, as a specific numerical example, for example, if the first appropriate number is 3 and the second appropriate number is 5, and if the number of transmitted packets is 1 to 3, the communication for transmitting the transmitted packet One of the first communication link and the second communication link is selected as the link. When the number of transmitted packets is 4 or 5, the second communication link is selected. When the number of transmitted packets is 6 or 7, the second communication link is selected, or the first and second communication links are selected (that is, packets are distributed). When the number of transmitted packets is 8 or more, the first and second communication links are selected (that is, packets are distributed).

  Roughly speaking, if there are more transmission packets than the sum of the first and second appropriate numbers, the transmission packets are distributed so as to make full use of the first and second communication links. In the case of the number of packets, the application is not performed at all or even if it is distributed. That is, when the number of transmission packets is relatively small, the transmission packets are transmitted to the reception side so as to avoid being dispersed. Thereby, in the communication apparatus which can use two or more communication links simultaneously, as a result, the speed of communication can be improved more efficiently.

  Note that the number and ratio of transmission packets distributed in the first and second communication links are described in the description of other embodiments described below. As an example, in the case of the above numerical example, for example, it can be performed as follows.

  For the transmission packet in the buffer 13, first, three consecutive packets are passed to the first communication link side (buffer 18a, physical interface 19a), and then the second communication link side (buffer 18b, physical interface 19a). 5 consecutive packets are passed to the interface 19b). This may be the reverse order. Thereafter, if there are more packets, the same procedure is used. At that time, if the number is less than 3 or 5, the number is passed. Since the buffers 18a and 18b are respectively provided in the front stage of the physical interfaces 19a and 19b, a predetermined number of packets can be stored. As a result, the physical interfaces 19a and 19b can be simultaneously operated to transmit packets through different communication links.

  Although the case where a packet is transmitted from the communication apparatus has been described above, there may be a case where the communication apparatus receives a packet. Even in this case, the physical interfaces 19a and 19b can be used so as to use two communication links. In this case, the packets received via the two interfaces 19a and 19b are sorted based on, for example, their included header information in order to return to the state before being distributed. Then, the details of the subsequent processing will be omitted because a well-known and commonly used technical range is sufficient.

  Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication apparatus according to another embodiment. In the figure, the same or equivalent components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted unless there is a matter to be added.

  This embodiment is intended to avoid to some extent the distribution of one or more packets to be transmitted and one or more packets to be transmitted next. In this sense, this form can also be recalled from the point of view that the transmission efficiency is not always improved if it is distributed and transmitted to each communication link at any packet level.

  As a configuration of this communication apparatus, a buffer 13A is provided as follows. The buffer 13A includes a buffer unit 131 and a merge unit 132. The buffer unit 131 receives one or more packets (transmission packets) to be transmitted from the transmission packet generation unit 13A, and further generates a second transmission generated as one or more packets to be transmitted next to the transmission packet. The packet is received from the transmission packet generator 13A.

  The number of transmission packets counted by the transmission packet number counting unit 14 is passed to the transmission packet number determination unit 15, where first, whether the number of transmission packets is less than the larger one of the first and second appropriate numbers. Whether it is the above is judged. When the number of transmission packets is less than the larger one of the first and second appropriate numbers, the transmission packet number counting unit 14 adds the number of second transmission packets to the number of transmission packets. The number is counted as the number of second type transmission packets. Thereby, the transmission packet number determination unit 15 compares the number of second type transmission packets with the first and second aptitude numbers, and the second type transmission packet number is larger than the first and second aptitude numbers. Determine whether the number is less than or greater than

  Upon receiving the above determinations by the transmission packet number counting unit 14, the merging unit 132 has the number of transmission packets less than the larger one of the first and second appropriate numbers, and the second type transmission packet number is the first. If the transmission packet and the second transmission packet are merged when the number is equal to or smaller than the larger one of the second aptitude numbers, a packet including information indicating that the merge is performed is a new packet to be transmitted. It is generated as a certain second type transmission packet. The second type transmission packet is transferred from the merge unit 132 to the buffer unit 131.

  Subsequently, the transmission packet number determination unit 15 compares the count result of the second type transmission packet number passed from the transmission packet number counting unit 14 with the appropriate number held in the appropriate number holding unit 16. The judgment results are as follows. That is, each determination is made as to whether the number of second type transmission packets is less than or equal to the first appropriate number or whether the number of second type transmission packets is less than or equal to the second appropriate number. This determination result is passed to the communication link selection signal generator 17a.

  The communication link selection signal generation unit 17a generates a selection signal as follows based on the determination result passed from the transmission packet number determination unit 15. That is, 1) When the number of second type transmission packets is equal to or less than the first and second appropriate numbers, the first communication link or the second communication link for transmitting the second type transmission packets is used. In order to select one of the communication links, a selection signal to the distribution switch 17b is generated (that is, distributed transmission is not performed). 2) When the number of second type transmission packets exceeds one of the first and second appropriate numbers and is equal to or less than the other, the other appropriate number is used as the communication link for transmitting the second type transmission packets. In order to select the determined communication link, a selection signal to the distribution switch 17b is generated (this is also not distributed transmission).

  The case where the second type transmission packet is not generated may be the same as the procedure in the embodiment shown in FIG. Further, when the second type transmission packet is generated but neither the above 1) nor 2), it may be determined as appropriate whether or not the distributed communication is performed. In addition, in “2) above,“ select the communication link for which the other appropriate number has been determined ”means that instead of doing so, one appropriate number is determined in view of the situation such as the speed of the communication link. It is also possible to select the communication link that is present.

  In short, this embodiment compares the total number (number of second-type transmission packets) of the packets to be transmitted (second-type transmission packets) generated sequentially with the first and second aptitude numbers, When it is determined that the number of second type transmission packets is relatively small, the second type transmission packets are transmitted to the receiving side so as to avoid being dispersed. According to this, in the communication apparatus that can use two or more communication links at the same time, as a result, it is possible to further increase the effect of improving the communication speed more efficiently.

  In addition, the processing performed by this embodiment can be applied recursively (that is, to a packet to be transmitted generated after the second type transmission packet). According to this, even the packets to be transmitted that are generated sequentially are avoided to some extent, so that the effect of improving the communication speed more efficiently is further enhanced.

  Although the case where a packet is transmitted from the communication device has been described above, the communication device may be a side that receives a second type transmission packet. In this case, whether or not the packet is a type 2 transmission packet can be determined based on the presence or absence of “merged information”. If this information is present, it can be returned to the original transmission packet based on the information. Then, the details of the subsequent processing will be omitted because a well-known and commonly used technical range is sufficient.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a communication apparatus that is still another embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as those shown in the already described drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted unless there is a matter to be added.

  This embodiment further includes a test signal generation unit 21, a throughput detection unit 22, and a weight setting unit 23 in addition to the configuration of the communication apparatus shown in FIG. This embodiment relates to how to determine the ratio of distributing transmission packets to the first and second communication links.

  The test signal generator 21 generates a signal for testing each communication link. The generated test signal is supplied to the physical interface 19a or 19b. The throughput detector 22 uses the throughputs T1 and T2 (unit: [bps], for example) when using the first and second communication links, as a result of the test signal communication using the first and second communication links. Detect based on. Information of the detected throughputs T1 and T2 is passed to the weight setting unit 23.

  The weight setting unit 23 sets the weight R1 of the number of packets to be transmitted through the first communication link and the weight R2 of the number of packets to be transmitted through the second communication link, so that the throughput T1 is larger than the throughput T2. The weight R1 is greater than the weight R2, the weight R1 is smaller than the weight R2 when the throughput T1 is smaller than the throughput T2, and the weight R1 is equal to the weight R1 when the throughput T1 is equal to the throughput T2. R2 is set to be equal. Information on the set weights R1 and R2 is passed to the communication link selection signal generator 17a.

  When both the first and second communication links are selected as the communication link for transmitting the transmission packet to the receiving side, the communication link selection signal generating unit 17a determines the first transmission packet based on the weights R1 and R2. In order to distribute to the second communication link, a selection signal to the distribution switch 17b is generated.

  That is, in this embodiment, the throughputs T1 and T2 when the first and second communication links are used are detected based on the result of the test signal communication using those communication links, and the first based on the detection result. 1. The weights R1 and R2 of the number of packets to be transmitted through the second communication link can be set.

  Here, as described above, these weights R1 and R2 are set such that at least the magnitude relationship between T1 and T2 corresponding to them is stored. Such a setting is reasonable because a greater weight is given to a communication link with good throughput with respect to the number of packets to be transmitted.

  The following can be given as a more specific example of setting the weights R1 and R2. The weight R1 is R1 = Roundup (T1 / Min (T1, T2)), and the weight R2 is R2 = Roundup (T2 / Min (T1, T2)), where Roundup () is a round-up function after the decimal point, Min () Is obtained and set as a minimum value function. For example, when each throughput is detected such that T1 = 10.5 Mbps and T2 = 14.7 Mbps, when applied to this equation, R1 = 1 for R1 and R2 = 2 for R2. In this case, the transmission ratio is 1: 2.

  According to the results of actual experiments, when each throughput is detected such that T1 = 10.5 Mbps and T2 = 14.7 Mbps, when distributed communication is performed with R1: R2 = 1: 2, R1: It was confirmed that the total throughput was significantly superior to the cases of R2 = 1: 1, 1: 3, 1: 4, and 1: 5.

  In this embodiment, since the throughputs T1 and T2 are detected based on the result of test signal communication using those communication links, it is possible to set weights according to temporally dynamic conditions.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication apparatus that is still another embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as those shown in the already described drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted unless there is a matter to be added.

  This embodiment newly includes a transmission packet generation unit (+ application attribute information addition) 12A and an application attribute information check unit 31 except for the components already described.

  The transmission packet generation unit 12A generates one or more packets to be transmitted as transmission packets so that the attribute information assigned to the application program is held in association with each application program. The attribute information can include, for example, information for distinguishing audio, video (still images, moving images), characters, numerical data, and the like. The generated transmission packet is passed to the buffer 13.

  The application attribute information checking unit 31 checks the attribute information held in the transmission packet. The inspection result that is the result of the examination is passed to the communication link selection signal generator 17a. The communication link selection signal generation unit 17a generates a selection signal to the distribution switch 17b in order to distribute the transmission packet to the first and second communication links under the restriction that the same transmission packet is not distributed with respect to the application. .

  In other words, this communication device is more stable in terms of application program level than when it is distributed indiscriminately at the transmission packet level when the communication link to be used is limited according to its attributes. It was recalled by paying attention to the fact that it is preferable to contribute to ensuring (quality). This can be said to be a kind of inevitable consequence of creating a group of application programs.

  Therefore, the transmission packet generated in association with each application program holds the attribute information, and by examining this at the time of transmission, the first and second communication are performed under the restriction that the transmission packet is not distributed. Sort to link. According to this, in a communication device that can use two or more communication links at the same time, the stability of communication can be improved more efficiently.

  In addition, after a specific transmission packet is preferentially distributed to any communication link as described above, if a communication packet is generated in connection with an application that may distribute the communication link, this is appropriately changed. You may distribute to the 1st, 2nd communication link. That is, another transmission packet (a transmission packet related to the same application) can be distributed so as to use the remaining capacity after the allocation of each transmission packet with priority to the first and second communication links. it can.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a communication apparatus according to still another embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as those shown in the already described drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted unless there is a matter to be added.

  This embodiment relates to how to determine the ratio of distributing transmission packets to the first and second communication links based on the embodiment shown in FIG. For the basic part shown in FIG. 4, the description in FIG. 4 can be referred to. Refer to the description in FIG. 3 for how to determine the ratio of distributing the transmission packet to the first and second communication links. The obtained effect can be similarly referred to.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication apparatus that is still another embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as those shown in the already described drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted unless there is a matter to be added.

  This embodiment newly includes a test signal generation unit 21A and a communication quality detection unit 22A, excluding the components already described.

  The test signal generator 21A generates a signal for testing each communication link. The generated test signal is supplied to the physical interface 19a or 19b. The communication quality detection unit 22A determines the first and second qualities, which are communication qualities when using the first and second communication links, as a result of the test signal communication using the first and second communication links. Detect based on Examples of the communication quality include the degree of delay, the degree of jitter (time-axis fluctuation), and the transmission bandwidth. Then, the communication quality detection unit 22A further considers whether or not each of the first and second qualities is appropriate as the quality when transmitting the transmission packet in view of the attribute information of the possible transmission packet. Make a decision. The determination result is passed to the communication link selection signal generator 17a.

  The communication link selection signal generation unit 17a assigns each transmission packet to the first, in order not to violate the result of the above determination, under the restriction that transmission packets that should not be distributed in light of the attribute information are not distributed. In order to distribute to the second communication link, a selection signal to the distribution switch 17b is generated.

  This embodiment relates to a criterion for distributing transmission packets to the first and second communication links. That is, each communication quality when using the first and second communication links is detected based on the result of the test signal communication using those communication links, and in view of attribute information of possible transmission packets, It is determined whether each of the qualities has suitability as a quality when transmitting the transmission packet. Then, under the restriction that transmission packets that should not be distributed in light of attribute information are imposed, each transmission packet is distributed to the first and second communication links so as not to contradict the result of the determination.

  For example, a communication link may have inherent characteristics such as good or bad stability. For example, when priority is given to not failing as a stream, such as audio and video, the communication link is somewhat slow. However, it is suitable to use a communication link with good stability. On the other hand, when resending is effective like character information or a still image, it is suitable to use a communication link giving priority to high speed. This embodiment can cope with such a point.

  According to this embodiment, when each transmission packet is transmitted, a communication link whose quality is appropriately secured is selected. Furthermore, since each quality is detected based on the result of the test signal communication using those communication links, it is possible to sort the communication links according to the dynamic situation in time.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication apparatus according to still another embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as those shown in the already described drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted unless there is a matter to be added. This embodiment is a form suitable as a relay device.

  This communication apparatus newly includes a relay packet receiving unit 62 and a terminal information checking unit 31A, excluding the components already described. In addition, in the case of this apparatus, the communication link selection unit 17 functions as a relay packet distribution unit that distributes relay packets. The terminals 51a, 51b,... Exist outside the relay device, and the terminal attribute information is included in the packets sent from the terminals 51a, 51b,. ing. For example, there may be a difference between the terminals 51a, 51b,... That need to provide a high-priority link and those that do not. Such information is a piece of terminal attribute information.

  The relay packet receiving unit 62 receives a relay packet including attribute information assigned to each terminal, each of which is composed of one or more packets, with each terminal 51a, 51b, etc. on the downstream side as a transmission source. The received relay packet is passed to the buffer 13. The terminal attribute information check unit 31A checks the attribute information assigned to each relay packet. The inspection result, which is the result of the examination, is passed to the communication link selection signal generator 17a. The communication link selection signal generation unit 17a sends each relay packet to the distribution switch 17b in order to distribute the relay packet to the first and second communication links under the restriction that the same relay packet is not distributed with respect to the terminal. The selection signal is generated.

  That is, when the communication device sends (relays) a relay packet having the terminal 51a or the like as a transmission source to the upstream side via this communication device when viewed at the level of the terminal 51a or the like on the downstream side, It is better to limit the communication link according to the attribute given to the terminal 51a etc. of the mobile terminal than to indiscriminately distribute at the level of the relay packet. ) Was conceived by paying attention to the fact that it is preferable to contribute to securing. For example, there is a difference between each terminal 51a and the like in the usage contract as described above, in which there is a need to provide a link with high priority, and there is no difference, and the former has relatively high communication stability. Desired. In addition, the communication link may have inherent characteristics such as, for example, good stability, bad, high speed, and low speed.

  Therefore, the relay packet generated in association with the terminal 51a or the like holds the attribute information, examines the attribute information when receiving these and sending them further upstream from this communication device (relay device), Each of the communication links is distributed to the first and second communication links under the constraint that they are not distributed. According to this, in a communication device that can use two or more communication links at the same time, the stability of communication can be improved more efficiently.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a communication apparatus that is still another embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as those shown in the already described drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted unless there is a matter to be added.

  This embodiment relates to how to determine the ratio of distributing transmission packets to the first and second communication links based on the embodiment shown in FIG. The description of FIG. 7 can be referred to for the basic portion shown in FIG. Refer to the description in FIG. 3 for how to determine the ratio of distributing the transmission packet to the first and second communication links. The obtained effect can be similarly referred to.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication apparatus that is still another embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as those shown in the already described drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted unless there is a matter to be added.

  This embodiment is based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 and further relates to a criterion for distributing the transmission packet to the first and second communication links. The description of FIG. 7 can be referred to for the basic portion shown in FIG. Regarding the criteria for distributing the transmission packet to the first and second communication links, the description in FIG. 6 can be referred to. The obtained effect can be similarly referred to.

  11a, 11b ... application program, 12 ... transmission packet generation unit, 12A ... transmission packet generation unit (+ app attribute information addition), 13, 13A ... buffer, 14 ... transmission packet number counting unit, 15 ... transmission packet number determination unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Appropriate number holding part, 17 ... Communication link selection part (transmission packet distribution part, relay packet distribution part), 17a ... Communication link selection signal generation part, 17b ... Distribution switch, 18a, 18b ... Buffer, 19a, 19b ... Physical Interfaces 21, 21A ... Test signal generators 22 ... Throughput detectors 22A ... Communication quality detectors 23 ... Weight setting units 31 ... App attribute information check units 31A ... Terminal attribute information check units 51a, 51b ... Terminal 62, relay packet receiving unit 101, communication network including the Internet, 10 ... aggregation server, 103 ... Web server, 131 ... buffer, 132 ... merging unit.

Claims (11)

A communication device capable of simultaneously transmitting packets using two or more communication links independent of each other, including first and second communication links that are two communication links independent of each other, on the receiving side,
Information is stored in advance as the first appropriate number, which is the lower limit side reference number of consecutive packets, which is determined in consideration of the packet transmission efficiency of the first communication link and is preferable for transmission on the first communication link. Means to keep
Information is stored in advance as a second appropriate number, which is a lower-limit approximate number of consecutive packets that are determined in consideration of the packet transmission efficiency of the second communication link and that are preferable for transmission on the second communication link. Means to keep
Means for generating one or more packets to be transmitted as transmission packets;
Means for counting the number of transmission packets as the number of transmission packets;
Means for comparing the number of transmitted packets with the first appropriate number to determine whether the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the first appropriate number;
Means for comparing the number of transmitted packets with the second appropriate number to determine whether the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the second appropriate number;
Means for comparing the number of transmitted packets with the sum of the first and second appropriate numbers to determine whether the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the sum;
When the number of transmission packets is less than or equal to either the first or second appropriate number, the first communication link or the second communication is used as a communication link for transmitting the transmission packet to the reception side. Means for selecting one of the links;
When the number of transmission packets exceeds one of the first and second appropriate numbers and is equal to or less than the other, the other appropriate number is determined as a communication link for transmitting the transmission packets to the receiving side. Means for selecting a communication link,
When the number of transmitted packets exceeds both the first and second aptitude numbers and is less than the sum of the first and second aptitude numbers, the transmission packet is transmitted to the receiving side. Means for selecting the communication link for which the other suitable number is determined as the communication link, or both the first and second communication links;
When the number of transmission packets is equal to or greater than the sum of the first and second appropriate numbers, both the first and second communication links are selected as communication links for transmitting the transmission packets to the receiving side. And a communication device. Means for comparing the number of transmitted packets with the first and second appropriate numbers to determine whether the number of transmitted packets is less than or equal to the larger of the first and second appropriate numbers;
Means for generating one or more packets to be transmitted next to the transmission packet as a second transmission packet;
When the number of transmission packets is less than the larger one of the first and second appropriate numbers, the number obtained by adding the number of the second transmission packets to the number of the transmission packets is the second type transmission. Means for counting the number of packets;
Compare the number of second type transmission packets with the first and second aptitude numbers, and whether the number of second type transmission packets is less than or greater than the larger of the first and second aptitude numbers A means of determining
The transmission packet number is less than the larger one of the first and second appropriate numbers, and the second type transmission packet number is less than or equal to the larger one of the first and second appropriate numbers. In this case, the transmission packet and the second transmission packet are merged, and a packet including information indicating the merge is generated as a second type transmission packet that is a new packet to be transmitted;
Means for comparing the number of second type transmission packets with the first appropriate number to determine whether the number of second type transmission packets is less than or equal to the first appropriate number;
Means for comparing the number of second type transmission packets with the second appropriate number to determine whether the number of second type transmission packets is less than or equal to the second appropriate number;
When the number of the second type transmission packets is equal to or less than the number of either the first or second appropriate number, the first communication link is used as a communication link for transmitting the second type transmission packets to the reception side. Or means for selecting one of the second communication links;
When the number of the second type transmission packets exceeds one of the first and second appropriate numbers and is equal to or less than the other, as the communication link for transmitting the second type transmission packets to the receiving side, the other The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for selecting a communication link for which an appropriate number is determined. Means for detecting a throughput T1 when using the first communication link based on a result of test signal communication using the first communication link;
Means for detecting a throughput T2 when using the second communication link based on a result of test signal communication using the second communication link;
When the throughput T1 is greater than the throughput T2, the weight R1 of the number of packets to be transmitted by the first communication link and the weight R2 of the number of packets to be transmitted by the second communication link The weight R1 is greater than the weight R2, and when the throughput T1 is smaller than the throughput T2, the weight R1 is smaller than the weight R2, and the throughput T1 and the throughput T2 are Means for setting the weight R1 and the weight R2 to be equal when they are equal;
When both the first and second communication links are selected as communication links for transmitting the transmission packet to the receiving side, the transmission packet is converted to the first and second based on the weights R1 and R2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising means for distributing the communication links. A communication device capable of simultaneously transmitting packets using two or more communication links independent of each other, including first and second communication links that are two communication links independent of each other, on the receiving side,
Means for holding two or more application programs including first and second application programs which are two application programs each having attribute information assigned thereto;
Means for generating one or more packets to be transmitted as a first transmission packet so as to retain the attribute information assigned to the first application program in relation to the first application program;
Means for generating one or more packets to be transmitted as a second transmission packet so as to retain the attribute information assigned to the second application program in relation to the second application program;
Means for examining the attribute information held in each of the first and second transmission packets;
Means for allocating the first and second transmission packets to the first and second communication links under the restriction that the first and second transmission packets are not distributed. A communication device. Means for detecting a throughput T1 when using the first communication link based on a result of test signal communication using the first communication link;
Means for detecting a throughput T2 when using the second communication link based on a result of test signal communication using the second communication link;
When the throughput T1 is greater than the throughput T2, the weight R1 of the number of packets to be transmitted by the first communication link and the weight R2 of the number of packets to be transmitted by the second communication link The weight R1 is greater than the weight R2, and when the throughput T1 is smaller than the throughput T2, the weight R1 is smaller than the weight R2, and the throughput T1 and the throughput T2 are Means for setting the weight R1 and the weight R2 to be equal when they are equal,
The means for allocating the first and second transmission packets based on the weights R1 and R2 under the restriction that each of the first and second transmission packets is not distributed. 5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the communication device is assigned to two communication links. Of the two or more application programs, one or more packets to be transmitted in relation to a third application program that is an application program other than the first and second application programs is defined as a third transmission packet. Means for generating;
The communication apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for distributing the third transmission packet to the first and second communication links. Means for detecting a first quality, which is a quality of communication when using the first communication link, based on a result of test signal communication using the first communication link;
Means for detecting a second quality, which is a quality of communication when using the second communication link, based on a result of test signal communication using the second communication link;
In view of each of the attribute information included in the first and second transmission packets, each of the first and second qualities is appropriate as a quality when transmitting the first and second transmission packets. And a means for determining whether or not
The means for allocating the first and second transmission packets to the first and second transmission packets so as not to violate the result of the determination under the restriction that the first and second transmission packets are not distributed. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the communication device is assigned to the second communication link. A communication device capable of simultaneously transmitting packets using two or more independent communication links, including first and second communication links, which are two independent communication links, to the upstream side,
Means for receiving, as a first relay packet, one or more packets including attribute information assigned to the first terminal, the source being the first terminal on the downstream side;
Means for receiving, as a second relay packet, one or more packets including attribute information assigned to the second terminal, the second terminal being different from the first terminal on the downstream side;
Means for examining the attribute information assigned to each of the first and second relay packets;
Means for allocating the first and second relay packets to the first and second communication links under the restriction that the first and second relay packets are not distributed. A communication device. Means for detecting a throughput T1 when using the first communication link based on a result of test signal communication using the first communication link;
Means for detecting a throughput T2 when using the second communication link based on a result of test signal communication using the second communication link;
When the throughput T1 is greater than the throughput T2, the weight R1 of the number of packets to be transmitted by the first communication link and the weight R2 of the number of packets to be transmitted by the second communication link The weight R1 is greater than the weight R2, and when the throughput T1 is smaller than the throughput T2, the weight R1 is smaller than the weight R2, and the throughput T1 and the throughput T2 are Means for setting the weight R1 and the weight R2 to be equal when they are equal,
The means for allocating the first and second relay packets based on the weights R1 and R2 under the restriction that each of the first and second relay packets is not distributed. 9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the communication device is assigned to two communication links. Means for detecting a first quality, which is a quality of communication when using the first communication link, based on a result of test signal communication using the first communication link;
Means for detecting a second quality, which is a quality of communication when using the second communication link, based on a result of test signal communication using the second communication link;
Considering each of the attribute information possessed by the first and second relay packets, each of the first and second qualities is appropriate as a quality when transmitting the first and second relay packets. And a means for determining whether or not
The means for allocating the first and second relay packets to the first and second relay packets so as not to violate the result of the determination under the restriction that the first and second relay packets are not distributed. 9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the communication device is assigned to a second communication link.   The means for setting obtains the weight R1 as R1 = Roundup (T1 / Min (T1, T2)), where Roundup () is a round-up function after the decimal point, and Min () is a minimum value function. And R2 = Roundup (T2 / Min (T1, T2)), where Roundup () is a rounding-up function after the decimal point, and Min () is a minimum value function. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein:

Images