JP5646438B2 - Network system, line termination device, and communication method - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a network system, a line termination device, and a communication method.

  Conventionally, public wireless LAN (Local Area Network) services have been provided by communication carriers. In a public wireless LAN service, an access point (sometimes called a “base station” or the like) is installed at a station, airport, hotel, etc., and the access point performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal. Connect to the Internet.

  In recent years, a technique is known in which each registered user registered in a predetermined service uses a wireless router (WiFi router) installed in each user's home. According to such a technique, each registered user can use a wireless router installed in another registered user's house instead of causing other registered users to use the home wireless router. For this reason, it is considered that each registered user can connect to the Internet via another person's wireless router even in a residential area.

FON, Phone Japan Co., Ltd. “fon WiFi FOR EVERYONE” [online], [searched September 5, 2011], Internet <http://www.fon.ne.jp/guide/fon01.html>

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, a wireless router installed in a user's home does not always operate stably as a public wireless LAN access point. Specifically, since the wireless router installed in the user's home is personally managed by the registered user, the operation state depends on the registered user. For example, the registered user may stop the wireless router when he / she is away, and in such a case, other registered users cannot use the stopped wireless router. For this reason, it can be said that the wireless router at the user's home lacks stability as an access point in the above-described conventional technology.

  The technology disclosed in the present application has been made in view of the above, and a network system, a communication method, and a control server capable of realizing a stable public wireless LAN environment using a wireless router installed in a user's house The purpose is to provide.

  The network system according to the embodiment is a network system including a line termination device that is connected to a communication network and installed in a user's home, and the line termination device is a radio located in the user's home or outside the user's home. A wireless function unit that controls wireless connection communication that is communication between the wireless terminal and the communication network by performing wireless communication with the terminal, and the wired terminal and the communication by performing wired communication with a predetermined wired terminal A wired function unit that controls wired connection communication that is communication with a network, a monitoring unit that monitors communication between the line termination device and the communication network, the wireless function unit, and the vicinity of the user's home Establishing a wireless link with a neighboring wireless function unit that is a wireless function unit of another circuit terminating device installed in another user's home located by the monitoring unit If it is detected that abnormality signal is generated, and a relay unit that relays the wireless access communication or the wired connection communication close wireless function unit via the wireless link.

  The network system, the line termination device, and the communication method according to the embodiment have an effect that a stable public wireless LAN environment can be realized using a wireless router installed in a user's home.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a processing example by the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a processing example performed by the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a processing example performed by the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the line termination apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a processing example performed by the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the line termination apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the wireless function unit control server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the network system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the network system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the line terminating device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the wireless function unit control server according to the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram illustrating the communication processing procedure performed by the network system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a computer that executes a control program.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a network system, a line termination device, and a communication method according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The network system, the line termination device, and the communication method according to the present application are not limited by this embodiment.

[Configuration of Network System According to Embodiment 1]
First, the network system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the network system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a mobile wireless LAN terminal A <b _> 11, user homes H <b _> 10 _{1 to} H <b _> 10 _n, and a communication carrier C that forms a communication network N.

The mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 has a wireless communication function, and is, for example, a notebook PC or a portable terminal device. Mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 in the first embodiment, and present outside the user's house H10 _1, assumed to be utilized by a user other than the user residing in the user's home H10 _1.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 ₁ exists in a user home H10 ₁ , and a wired terminal (Personal Computer) H12 ₁ and a line termination device 100 ₁ are installed. Mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 ₁ has a wireless communication function, for example, a notebook PC or a portable terminal device or the like that is utilized by a user residing in the user's home H10 _1. The wired terminal H12 ₁ is, for example, a desktop PC used by a user who lives in the user home H10 ₁ .

Line terminal 100 ₁ is an apparatus for connecting each terminal to the communication network N, for example, an ONU (Optical Network Unit) and DSU (Digital Service Unit) and the like. The line terminator 100 ₁ is wired to the wired terminal H12 ₁ via a home LAN and wired to the communication network N via a broadband line or the like.

Here, the line termination device 100 _{1 according to the} first embodiment includes a wireless function unit 110 ₁ and a wired function unit 120 ₁ . The wireless function unit 110 ₁ can be activated at a timing different from that of the line terminating device 100 ₁ . For example, even if the line terminating device 100 ₁ is activated, the wireless function unit 110 ₁ can remain stopped without being activated at the same time.

Such wireless function unit 110 _1, when it is running, by performing wireless communication with the mobile wireless LAN terminal located in coverage (cell) of the radio signal, the mobile wireless LAN terminal and the communication network N Communication between them. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the mobile wireless LAN terminals H11 ₁ and mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 is assumed to be located in a cell formed by the wireless function unit 110 _1. In such a case, when the wireless function unit 110 ₁ is accessed by wireless communication from the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 ₁ or the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11, the wireless function unit 110 ₁ enables communication between these terminals and the connection to the communication network N. To do. Thus, in the network system 1 according to the first embodiment, for the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 well mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 _1, it can be connected to the communication network N via the wireless function unit 110 _1. As described above, the wireless function unit 1101 in the _first embodiment functions as an access point of a public wireless LAN.

The wired function unit 120 ₁ controls communication between various terminals connected to the line termination device 100 ₁ by wire. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the wired function unit 120 _1, by performing the wired terminal H12 ₁ and wired communication, for controlling communication between the wired terminal H12 ₁ and the communication network N.

The communication carrier C manages the communication network N and the wireless function unit control server 10, and provides an Internet connection service to the user. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the user of the user home H10 ₁ Since the use of the communication network N, it corresponds to a subscriber of the telecommunications carrier C. In addition, the wireless function unit control server 10 controls the wireless function unit 110 ₁ by transmitting various control signals to the line terminating device 100 ₁ in the user home H10 ₁ via the communication network N.

In FIG. 1, the user home H10 ₁ has been described as an example, but the other user homes H10 _n and the like have the same configuration as the user home H10 ₁ . For example, the user home H10 _n includes a mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 _n , a wired terminal H12 _n , a line termination device 100 _{n, and the} like. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the user homes H10 _{1 to} H10 _n , these may be collectively referred to as “user home H10”. Similarly, the mobile wireless LAN terminals H11 _{1 to} H11 _n , the wired terminals H12 _{1 to} H12 _n , the line terminators 100 _{1 to} 100 _{n and the} like are collectively referred to as “mobile wireless LAN terminal H11” and “wired terminal H12”. ”Or“ line terminating device 100 ”.

  Thus, in the network system 1 according to the first embodiment, since the wireless function unit 110 in the user home H10 functions as an access point for the public wireless LAN, a user in the vicinity of the user home H10 uses the wireless function unit 110. Thus, a wireless LAN terminal (mobile wireless LAN terminal H11, mobile wireless LAN terminal A11, etc.) owned by the user can be connected to the communication network N.

  The network system 1 according to the first embodiment is another wireless router that operates the wireless function unit 110 installed in the user's home H10 stably by processing performed by the line termination device 100 and the wireless function unit control server 10. Can be used by other users. This point will be described below.

[Processing in Network System According to Embodiment 1]
Processing performed by the network system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 are diagrams for explaining a processing example by the network system 1 according to the first embodiment.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the predetermined area AR10 corresponds to an area where events such as concerts, festivals and sports competitions are held, an area where an emergency such as a disaster occurs, and the like. That is, it can be said that there is a high possibility that a large number of people gather in the area AR10.

  The wireless function unit control server 10 according to the first embodiment accepts regional information that is information of the regional AR10 where such an event or the like is held. For example, the wireless function unit control server 10 receives area information including an address indicating the position of the area AR10, the date and time (start date and time, end date and time) when an event, etc. is held in the area AR10. Then, the wireless function unit control server 10 identifies the user's home located in the area AR10 or in the vicinity of the area AR10. At this time, when the wireless function unit control server 10 of each user's house is activated, the wireless function unit control server 10 specifies a minimum user house such that almost the entire area AR10 becomes a public wireless LAN area. Then, the wireless function unit control server 10 activates the wireless function unit 110 of the line termination device 100 installed in each identified user house at the event date and time.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, user homes H10 _{1 to} H10 _m are located in the area AR10. User residence H10 ₁ in the wireless function unit 110 ₁ (not shown in FIG. 2) forms a cell C10 ₁ showing the reception range of the radio signals, the user's home wireless function unit in H10 _m 110 _m (FIG. 2 (Not shown) forms a cell C10 _m indicating a radio signal reception range. Each cell formed by each of the wireless function units 110 _{1 to} 110 _{m in} the user homes H10 _{1 to} H10 _m covers the area AR10 as a whole. In such a case, the wireless function unit control server 10 according to the _first embodiment activates the line termination device 100 installed in each of the user homes H10 _{1 to} H10 _m . Thereby, the radio | wireless function part control server 10 can form the radio | wireless area which does not have a leak in the reception range of a radio signal in area AR10.

  Further, the line terminating device 100 according to the first embodiment monitors whether or not an abnormality has occurred in communication with the communication network N. When the line terminating device 100 detects that an abnormality has occurred in communication with the communication network N, the wireless function unit 110 in the line terminating device 100 is connected to a line installed in a nearby user's house. A wireless communication detour path is formed by performing wireless communication with a wireless function unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a “neighboring wireless function unit”) in the termination device. The “abnormality of communication with the communication network N” means not only a communication failure state in which communication with the communication network N cannot be performed but also a communication malfunction such as a low communication speed with the communication network N. Including state.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the broadband line connecting the line terminating device 100 ₁ in the user home H10 ₁ and the communication network N. In such a case, the wireless function unit 110 ₁ in the line terminating device 100 ₁ performs, for example, wireless communication with the wireless function unit 110 ₂ in the user home H 10 ₂ located in the vicinity of the user home H 10 ₁ , thereby bypassing the route. forming or by performing wireless function unit 110 ₃ and the wireless communication in a user's home H10 _3, to form a bypass route. As a result, even when the line termination device 100 ₁ cannot communicate directly with the communication network N, the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 ₁ or the wired terminal is used by using the detour path formed by the wireless function unit 110 ₁ . H12 and ₁ and mobile wireless LAN terminals A11, it is possible to perform communication with the communication network N.

Next, a flow of processing in which the wireless function unit 110 forms a bypass route for wireless communication will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, mainly the user's house H10 ₁ shown in FIG. 2 will be described as an example and the user's home H10 _2, located close to the user's home H10 _1.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the line terminal devices 100 ₁ and the wireless function unit 110 ₁ installed in the user's home H10 ₁ is started, similarly, the line terminal installed in the user's house H10 ₂ 100 ₂ and the wireless function unit 110 ₂ is assumed to start. Also, broadband lines for connecting the communication network N to the line termination device 100 _1, the cause of the failure or the like is assumed to be the communication interrupted state or the communication sickened.

In such a situation, the wired function unit 120 ₁ of the line terminating device 100 ₁ detects that an abnormality has occurred in communication with the communication network N. At this time, as in the example shown in FIG. 3, when the wired function unit 120 ₁ receives an access request (wired connection communication) from the wired terminal H12 ₁ to the communication network N (step S11), the access request diverts the wireless function unit 110 ₁ (step S12). That is, the wired function unit 120 ₁ transfers the access request received from the wired terminal H12 ₁ to the wireless function unit 110 ₁ .

The wireless function unit 110 _1, when it is bypassed an access request from the wired function unit 120 _1, by performing the wireless function unit 110 ₂ and the wireless communication in a user's home H10 _2, a wireless function such access request relayed to part 110 ₂ (step S13). At this time, the wireless function unit 110 ₁ transmits a user home ID for identifying the user home H10 ₁ to the wireless function unit 110 ₂ . In the following description, it is assumed that the user home ID is a reference sign assigned to each user home. For example, it is assumed that the user home ID of the user home H10 ₁ is “H10 ₁ ”.

Subsequently, the wireless function unit 110 _2, whether with reference to the user's home ID received from the wireless function unit 110 _1, are allowed to send an access request relayed by the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to a communication network N Determine whether. The wireless function unit 110 _2, when permitted, transmits an access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to the wired function unit 120 ₂ (step S14). The wired function unit 120 _2, by sending an access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₂ to the communication network N, to perform communication with the wired terminals H12 ₁ and the communication network N (Step S15).

Thus, a network system 1 according to the first embodiment, by the line terminal devices 100 ₁ to form a bypass route, for example, broadband and backbone communication network for connecting the communication network N and line terminating apparatus 100 ₁ abnormality even if generated, it is possible to perform communication with the wired terminals H12 ₁ in the user's home H10 ₁ and the communication network N to. As a result, the line terminal devices 100 ₁ can maintain the function as an access point of a public wireless LAN.

Also, the example shown in FIG. 4 is a similar situation as Fig. 3, broadband lines for connecting the communication network N and line terminating apparatus 100 ₁ is assumed to be the communication interrupted state or the communication sickened. At this time, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the wireless function unit 110 ₁ receives an access request (wireless connection communication) from the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 ₁ to the communication network N by wireless communication (step S21). ), and transmits such access request to the wired function unit 120 _1. Wired function unit 120 _1, the abnormality in the communication between the communication network N is detected that has occurred, thereby bypassing the access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to the wireless function unit 110 ₁ ( Step S22).

When the access request is bypassed from the wired function unit 120 ₁ , the wireless function unit 110 ₁ performs wireless communication with the wireless function unit 110 ₂ in the user home H 10 ₂ , so that the user of the user home H 10 ₁ a home ID "H10 _1", relays the access request to the wireless function unit 110 ₂ (step S23).

Subsequently, the wireless function unit 110 _2, whether with reference to the user's home ID received from the wireless function unit 110 _1, are allowed to send an access request relayed by the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to a communication network N Determine whether. The wireless function unit 110 _2, when permitted, transmits an access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to the wired function unit 120 ₂ (step S24). The wired function unit 120 _2, by sending an access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₂ to the communication network N, to perform communication with the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 ₁ and the communication network N (Step S25 ).

Thus, a network system 1 according to the first embodiment, by the line terminal devices 100 ₁ to form a bypass route, for example, broadband and backbone communication network for connecting the communication network N and line terminating apparatus 100 ₁ abnormality even if generated, it is possible to perform communication with the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 ₁ and the communication network N in a user's home H10 ₁ to.

Also, the example shown in FIG. 5 is a similar situation as Fig. 3, broadband lines for connecting the communication network N and line terminating apparatus 100 ₁ is assumed to be the communication interrupted state or the communication sickened. In this case, as in the example shown in FIG. 5, the wireless function unit 110 ₁ (step S31) when receiving the access request from the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11 to the communication network N (wireless access communication), such access sends a request to the wired function unit 120 _1. Wired function unit 120 _1, the abnormality in the communication between the communication network N is detected that has occurred, thereby bypassing the access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to the wireless function unit 110 ₁ ( Step S32).

The wireless function unit 110 _1, when it is bypassed an access request from the wired function unit 120 _1, by performing the wireless function unit 110 ₂ and the wireless communication, the user's home ID of the user's home H10 ₁ "H10 _1" When relays an access request received from the wired function unit 120 ₁ to the wireless function unit 110 ₂ (step S33).

Subsequently, the wireless function unit 110 _2, whether with reference to the user's home ID received from the wireless function unit 110 _1, are allowed to send an access request relayed by the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to a communication network N Determine whether. The wireless function unit 110 _2, when permitted, transmits an access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to the wired function unit 120 ₂ (step S34). The wired function unit 120 _2, by sending an access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₂ to the communication network N, to perform communication with the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11 and the communication network N (Step S35) .

Thus, a network system 1 according to the first embodiment, by the line terminal devices 100 ₁ to form a bypass route, for example, broadband and backbone communication network for connecting the communication network N and line terminating apparatus 100 ₁ abnormality even if generated, it is possible to perform communication with the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11 outside the user house H10 ₁ and the communication network N to.

  In the above, an example in which an access request is relayed has been shown. However, the wireless function unit 110 is not limited to an access request, and is a communication performed between the wired terminal H12 and the communication network N, which is a mobile wireless LAN terminal A11. Or a process of relaying wireless connection communication, which is communication performed between the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 and the communication network N, to another wireless function unit 110. In the following description, an access request indicates wired connection communication or wireless connection communication.

[Configuration of Line Termination Device According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the line termination apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the line termination device 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the line termination device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a wireless function unit 110 and a wired function unit 120.

  The wireless function unit 110 forms a predetermined cell and performs wireless communication with a wireless terminal (such as the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 or the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11) in the cell, so that the wireless terminal 110 communicates with the communication network N. Control communications in The wireless function unit 110 controls communication between the wireless terminal and the home LAN by performing wireless communication with a wireless terminal (such as the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11) in the cell. At this time, the wireless function unit 110 controls communication between the devices via the wired function unit 120.

  The wireless function unit 110 includes a relay unit 111 and a determination unit 112, as illustrated in FIG. When the access request to the communication network N is transferred from the wired function unit 120 as in the example shown in step S12, S22, or S32, the relay unit 111 communicates with the neighboring wireless function unit in another user's home. By establishing a link between them, a detour route by wireless communication is formed. The wireless function unit 110 relays the access request to the communication network N transferred from the wired function unit 120 to the neighboring wireless function unit. At this time, the wireless function unit 110 also transmits the user home ID of the user home H10. In addition, formation of a link between radio | wireless function parts is realizable by a prior art (reference example: http://www.planex.co.jp/product/wireless/mzk-ex300n/).

  When the wireless function unit 110 itself is a neighboring wireless function unit, the determination unit 112 receives an access request to the communication network N relayed from another wireless function unit and a user home ID of another user home. Then, the determination unit 112 determines whether to permit transmission of an access request to the communication network N to the communication network N based on the user home ID received from the other wireless function unit. Then, when permitting, the determination unit 112 transmits the access request received from the other wireless function unit to the wired function unit 120. For example, the determination unit 112 holds the user home ID of another user home that permits transmission of the access request in advance, and if the user home ID received from the other wireless function unit is held, Allow the request to be sent to the communication network N.

  The wired function unit 120 controls communication between the wired terminal H12 and the communication network N by performing wired communication with the wired terminal H12. The wired function unit 120 includes a monitoring unit 121 and a transfer unit 122, as illustrated in FIG. The monitoring unit 121 monitors the communication status with the communication network N. For example, the monitoring unit 121 monitors whether communication with the communication network N can be performed via a broadband line, or monitors whether communication with the communication network N is malfunctioning. .

  The transfer unit 122 transfers an access request to the communication network N to the wireless function unit 110 when a communication abnormality is detected by the monitoring unit 121. For example, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, when the communication unit 122 detects a communication abnormality, the transfer unit 122 requests access to the communication network N received from the wired terminal H12 via the home LAN. Is transferred to the wireless function unit 110. Further, for example, as in the example illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the transfer unit 122 receives a communication network N received from a wireless terminal (mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 or mobile wireless LAN terminal A11) via the wireless function unit 110. The access request to is transferred to the wireless function unit 110.

[Processing Procedure by Network System According to Embodiment 1]
Next, a communication processing procedure performed by the network system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the network system 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, the user's home H10 _1, will be described as an example a user's house H10 _2, located in the vicinity of the user's home H10 _1. Further, here, the abnormality in the communication between the communication network N and the line terminating apparatus 100 ₁ in the user's home H10 ₁ is assumed to have occurred.

As shown in FIG. 7, the monitoring unit 121 of the wired function unit 120 ₁ detects that an abnormality in the communication between the line terminal 100 ₁ and the communication network N is generated (step S101). In such a case, the transfer unit 122 of the wired function unit 120 ₁ transfers the access request to the communication network N received via a home LAN or line terminal 100 ₁ to the wireless function unit 110 ₁ (step S102).

The wireless function unit 110 ₁ of the relay unit 111, when it is transferred to the access request by the wired function unit 120 _1, establishes a link with the wireless function unit 110 ₂ is close to the wireless function unit (step S103). Then, the wireless function unit 110 ₁ of the relay unit 111 relays the access request received from the wired function unit 120 ₁ to the wireless function unit 110 ₂ (step S104). At this time, the relay unit 111 also transmits the user home ID “H10 ₁ ” to the wireless function unit 110 ₂ .

Based on the user home ID “H10 ₁ ” received from the wireless function unit 110 ₁ , the determination unit 112 of the wireless function unit 110 ₂ determines whether to permit transmission of an access request to the communication network N ( Step S105). Here, the determination unit 112 permits transmission. In such a case, the wireless function unit 110 ₂ transmits an access request relayed by the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to the wired function unit 120 ₂ (step S106). The wired function unit 120 ₂ transmits an access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₂ to the broadband line (step S107). Accordingly, wireless terminals or the like to access the communication network N via a network unit 100 ₁ may be via a link with the wireless function unit 110 ₁ and the wireless function unit 110 _2, to access the communication network N.

[Effect of Example 1]
As described above, the network system 1 according to the first embodiment includes the line termination device 100 that is connected to the communication network N that is a communication network and is installed at the user's home. The line termination device 100 performs wireless communication with a wireless terminal such as the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11, thereby controlling a wireless connection unit 110 that controls wireless connection communication between the wireless terminal and the communication network N; The wired function unit 120 that controls wired connection communication that is communication between the wired terminal H12 and the communication network N by performing wired communication with the terminal H12, and the communication between the line termination device 100 and the communication network N are monitored. And a wireless terminal that is installed in another user's home located in the vicinity of the user's home when the monitoring unit 121 detects that an abnormality has occurred in communication. Relay that relays wireless connection communication or wired connection communication by wireless communication by the wireless function unit 110 to a nearby wireless function unit that is a function unit And a 111.

  As a result, in the network system 1 according to the first embodiment, the line termination device 100 forms a detour path by wireless communication between the wireless function units 110, and thus the abnormality occurs in the broadband line, the backbone communication network, and the like. However, communication between the wireless terminal or the wired terminal and the communication network N can be continued.

[Processing in Network System According to Embodiment 1 (Modification)]
In the first embodiment, an example of abnormality in communication occurs between the line terminal 100 ₁ and the communication network N, with neighboring network unit is a relay destination of the access request to the communication network N There may be a case where an abnormality occurs in communication between the two. However, the network system 1 according to the first embodiment enables access to the communication network N even in such a case.

This point will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining an example of processing performed by the network system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an abnormality has occurred in communication between the line termination device 100 ₁ in the user home H10 ₁ and the communication network N, and the line termination device in the user home H10 ₃ and that an abnormality has occurred in the communication between the 100 ₃ and the communication network N.

Then, as in the example shown in FIG. 8, the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11, in order to connect to the communication network N, and that accessed by wireless communication to the wireless function unit 110 ₁ of the network unit 100 ₁ (step S41). In such a case, the wireless function unit 110 ₁ of the network unit 100 ₁ relays the access request to the communication network N received from the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11 to the line termination device 100 ₃ in the user's home H10 ₃ (step S42 ). Here, the line termination device 100 _3, since abnormal communication between the communication network N is detected that has occurred, the access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₁ in the user's home H10 ₂ relaying the line termination 100 ₂ (step S43).

In our example, since abnormalities in the communication between the line terminal 100 ₂ in the user's home H10 ₂ and the communication network N has not occurred, the line terminal devices 100 ₂ is relayed by the line terminator 100 ₃ The access request is transmitted to the communication network N (step S44). Accordingly, the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 can via the wireless function unit 110 ₁ and the wireless function unit 110 ₃ and the wireless function unit 110 _2, to access the communication network N.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11, in order to connect to the communication network N, and that accesses the wireless function unit 110 ₁ of the network unit 100 ₁ (step S51). In such a case, the wireless function unit 110 ₁ of the network unit 100 ₁ relays the access request to the communication network N received from the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11 to the line termination device 100 ₃ in the user's home H10 ₃ (step S52 ). Here, the line termination device 100 _3, since abnormal communication between the communication network N is detected that has occurred, can not transmit an access request received from the wireless function unit 110 ₁ to a communication network N responsive effect of notifying (NG notice) to the line termination device 100 ₁ (step S53). Such NG notice, for example, performed by the line terminator 100 ₃ relay unit 111.

The wireless function unit 110 ₁ is installed in the user home H10 ₂ other than the user home H10 ₃ and located in the vicinity of the user home H10 ₁ when an NG notification is received from the line terminating device 100 _3. establishing a link between the line terminator 100 ₂ of the wireless function unit 110 ₂ are relays an access request to the communication network N received from the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11 to the wireless function unit 110 ₂ (step S54) . In our example, since abnormalities in the communication between the line terminal 100 ₂ in the user's home H10 ₂ has not occurred, the line terminal devices 100 _2, the access request relayed by the line terminator 100 ₁ It transmits to the communication network N (step S55). Accordingly, the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 can via the wireless function unit 110 ₁ and the wireless function unit 110 _2, to access the communication network N.

  In the first embodiment described above, an example in which a wireless communication detour path is formed on the assumption that the wireless function unit 110 of each user home H10 is activated has been described. In the second embodiment, a process of starting the wireless function unit 110 of each user home H10 will be described. That is, the various processes described in the first embodiment may be performed after the wireless function unit 110 is activated by the processes described below.

[Processing in Network System According to Second Embodiment]
First, processing performed by the network system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14 are diagrams for explaining a processing example by the network system 1 according to the second embodiment.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the line terminating device 100 installed in the user home H10 is activated, but the wireless function unit 110 is not activated. In such a state, the wireless function unit control server 10 of the communication carrier C plans to activate the wireless function unit 110 in order to obtain prior approval from the user of the user home H10 to activate the wireless function unit 110. A prior request including a start date and time that is the date and time and an end date and time that is the scheduled date and time when the wireless function unit 110 is to be stopped is transmitted to the line terminating device 100 (step S61). For example, the wireless function unit control server 10 transmits an advance request several days before the wireless function unit 110 is actually activated in accordance with an operation by the communication carrier C.

  The wired function unit 120 of the line terminating device 100 transmits the advance request received from the wireless function unit control server 10 to the wired terminal H12 via the home LAN. Then, as a response to the prior request, the wired terminal H12 transmits response information (“acknowledgement” or “rejection”) indicating whether or not the activation of the wireless function unit 110 is permitted to the wireless function unit control server 10 ( Step S62). For example, the user of the wired terminal H12 determines whether or not the wireless function unit 110 can be activated from the start date and time to the end date and time included in the advance request, and accepts or rejects the advance request. Is input to the wired terminal H12. Then, the wired terminal H12 transmits the answer information input by the user to the wireless function unit control server 10. The reply information transmitted by the wired terminal H12 reaches the wireless function unit control server 10 via the home LAN, the wired function unit 120, and the communication network N. The wired terminal H12 may transmit a user ID for identifying the user of the user home H10 together with the answer information to the wireless function unit control server 10.

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the wireless function unit control server 10 sets the activation time of the wireless function unit 110 when the response information indicating “acknowledgement” is received from the wired terminal H12 in step S62. Is sent to the line terminating device 100 (step S63). Specifically, the wireless function unit control server 10 includes a start date and time for starting the wireless function unit 110, an end date and time for stopping the wireless function unit 110, and a user ID for identifying the user of the user home H10. An activation request is transmitted to the line termination device 100. Note that the wireless function unit control server 10 may hold the user ID as subscriber information in advance, or may receive it from the wired terminal H12 together with the answer information in step S62.

  Thus, the communication carrier C obtains approval from the user in advance when the wireless function unit 110 is used as an access point of a public wireless LAN. This is because starting the wireless function unit 110 uses the power of the user's home H10, so it is desirable to obtain approval from the user in advance. Then, the communication carrier C can operate the wireless function unit 110 stably by obtaining approval from the user in advance.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, when the reply information indicating “accept” is transmitted in step S62, the wired terminal H12 starts the wireless function unit 110 and stops the wireless function unit 110. An activation request including the end date and time and the user ID for identifying the user at user home H10 is transmitted to line terminating apparatus 100 (step S64).

  Each activation request transmitted from the wireless function unit control server 10 and the wired terminal H12 to the line terminating device 100 is transmitted to the wireless function unit 110 by the wired function unit 120. When the wireless function unit 110 receives activation requests from both the wireless function unit control server 10 and the wired terminal H12, the wireless function unit 110 is activated at the start date and time included in both activation requests.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, the wireless function unit 110 functions as an access point of the public wireless LAN. For example, it is assumed that the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 accesses the wireless function unit 110 by wireless communication in order to connect to the communication network N (step S65). In such a case, the wireless function unit 110 establishes communication connection between the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 and the communication network N via the wired function unit 120 (step S66). Further, for example, it is assumed that the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 located outside the user home H10 accesses the wireless function unit 110 by wireless communication in order to connect to the communication network N (step S65). In such a case, the wireless function unit 110 establishes communication connection between the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 and the communication network N via the wired function unit 120 (step S66).

  The wireless function unit 110 also functions as a wireless LAN device in the user home H10. For example, it is assumed that the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 accesses the wireless function unit 110 by wireless communication in order to connect to the home LAN (step S65). In such a case, the wireless function unit 110 establishes communication connection between the wired function unit 120 and the home LAN (step S67).

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the wireless function unit control server 10 monitors whether or not the wireless function unit 110 is activated (step S <b> 68). For example, the wireless function unit control server 10 transmits a confirmation signal for confirming the operating state of the wireless function unit 110 to the line terminating device 100. When receiving the confirmation signal, the line terminating device 100 transmits a state response indicating whether or not the wireless function unit 110 is activated to the wireless function unit control server 10 (step S69). In this way, the wireless function unit control server 10 periodically monitors whether or not the wireless function unit 110 is actually activated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the wireless function unit control server 10 issues a stop instruction to the line terminating device 100 to stop the wireless function unit 110 when the wireless function unit 110 is stopped. Transmit (step S70). The wireless function unit 110 that has received the stop signal stops. Then, the wireless function unit 110 transmits a stop response indicating the stop to the wireless function unit control server 10 via the wired function unit 120 (step S71), and notifies the wired terminal H12 of the stop ( Step S72). Thereby, the user of the user home H10 can recognize that the wireless function unit 110 is stopped by confirming the stop response received by the wired terminal H12.

  Further, when the wireless function unit control server 10 receives a stop response from the line terminating device 100, the wireless function unit control server 10 settles a fee for using the wireless function unit 110 as an access point of the public wireless LAN (step S73). For example, the wireless function unit control server 10 settles the fee (fee) according to the operating time when the wireless function unit 110 is actually activated based on the monitoring result in step S68, and provides the settled fee to the user. Notice.

  As described above, in the network system 1 according to the second embodiment, the wireless function unit control server 10 uses the wireless function unit 110 in advance in cooperation with the wireless function unit control server 10 and the wired terminal H12. Then, the wireless function unit 110 is activated as a public wireless LAN access point. Thereby, in the network system 1 according to the second embodiment, since the wireless function unit 110 in the user home H10 can be stably operated, the wireless function unit 110 that operates stably can be used by a user other than the user in the user home H10. Can be used.

  Further, in the network system 1 according to the second embodiment, since the communication carrier C pays the user a fee for using the wireless function unit 110 of the user home H10 as an access point of the public wireless LAN, the wireless function unit 110 of the user home is used. Use as an access point can be promoted.

[Configuration of Line Termination Device According to Second Embodiment]
Next, the line termination apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the line terminating device 100 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the line termination device 100 according to the second embodiment includes a wireless function unit 110, a wired function unit 120, and an activation control unit 131.

  The wireless function unit 110 forms a predetermined cell and performs wireless communication with a wireless terminal (such as the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 or the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11) in the cell, so that the wireless terminal 110 communicates with the communication network N. Control communications in Further, the wireless function unit 110 performs communication between the wireless terminal and the home LAN by performing wireless communication with a wireless terminal (such as the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11) in the cell as in the example illustrated in FIG. To control. At this time, the wireless function unit 110 controls communication between the devices via the wired function unit 120.

  In addition, when the wireless function unit 110 receives a confirmation signal for confirming the operation state from the wireless function unit control server 10 as in the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the wireless function unit 110 is activated as an access point. A state response indicating whether or not is transmitted to the wireless function unit control server 10 via the wired function unit 120. When the wireless function unit 110 is stopped by the activation control unit 131 described later, the wireless function unit 110 transmits a stop response to the wireless function unit control server 10 and sends a stop notification to the wireless function unit as shown in the example of FIG. Transmit to terminal H12.

  The wireless function unit 110 may operate in either a home mode that operates as a wireless LAN device in the user home H10 or a public mode that operates as an access point of a public wireless LAN. In such a case, the wireless function unit 110 normally operates in the home mode, thereby accepting wireless access only from the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 owned by the user at the user home H10 and starting from the wireless function unit control server 10 When the request is received, wireless access may be accepted from each wireless terminal located in the cell by operating in the public mode.

  The wired function unit 120 controls communication between the wired terminal H12 and the communication network N by performing wired communication with the wired terminal H12. Further, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, when the wired function unit 120 receives a prior request from the wireless function unit control server 10, the wired function unit 120 transmits the prior request to the wired terminal H12 via the home LAN. Further, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, when the wired function unit 120 receives answer information from the wired terminal H <b> 12, the wired function unit 120 transmits the answer information to the wireless function unit control server 10 via the communication network N. Further, as illustrated in the example illustrated in FIG. 11, when the wired function unit 120 receives an activation request from the wireless function unit control server 10 or the wired terminal H <b> 12, the wired function unit 120 transmits the activation request to the activation control unit 131. Further, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 13, when the wired function unit 120 receives a state response from the wireless function unit 110, the wired function unit 120 transmits the state response to the wireless function unit control server 10 via the communication network N. .

  The activation control unit 131 activates the wireless function unit 110 when receiving the activation request transmitted by the wireless function unit control server 10. Specifically, when the activation control unit 131 according to the second embodiment receives activation requests from both the wireless function unit control server 10 and the wired terminal H12, the activation control unit 131 sets the wireless function unit 110 at the start date and time included in the activation request. Start.

  Note that the activation control unit 131 may activate the wireless function unit 110 at any one of the start dates and times when the start dates and times included in the both activation requests are different. Similarly, the activation control unit 131 may stop the wireless function unit 110 at one of the end dates and times when the end dates and times included in the both activation requests are different. In addition, the activation control unit 131 overlaps the start date / time included in the activation request received from the wireless function unit control server 10 and the start date / time included in the activation request received from the wired terminal H12. The wireless function unit 110 may be operated only for the band.

  In addition, the activation control unit 131 may determine whether or not the user ID included in both activation requests matches the user ID assigned to the user of the user home H10. Then, the activation control unit 131 activates the wireless function unit 110 if they match, and does not need to activate the wireless function unit 110 if they do not match.

  In addition, the activation control unit 131 may stop the wireless function unit 110 at the end date and time included in the activation request received from the wireless function unit control server 10. In addition, when the activation control unit 131 receives a stop instruction from the wireless function unit control server 10 as in the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the activation control unit 131 stops the wireless function unit 110 even before the end date and time. You may let them.

  Although not shown in FIG. 15, the wireless function unit 110 includes the relay unit 111 and the determination unit 112 illustrated in FIG. 6. The wired function unit 120 includes the monitoring unit 121 and the transfer unit 122 illustrated in FIG.

[Configuration of Wireless Function Unit Control Server According to Second Embodiment]
Next, the wireless function unit control server 10 shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the wireless function unit control server 10 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the wireless function unit control server 10 according to the second embodiment includes an IF (interface) unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a specifying unit 13, a prior request unit 14, and a startup candidate DB (Data Base) 15, activation request unit 16, monitoring unit 17, calculation unit 18, and fee notification unit 19. The wireless function unit control server 10 is connected to the map information DB 10a and the subscriber information DB 10b. The map information DB 10a and the subscriber information DB 10b are held by, for example, a predetermined DB server and are accessed from the wireless function unit control server 10.

  Although not shown in FIG. 16, the wireless function unit control server 10 includes an input unit (keyboard, mouse, etc.) for the operator of the wireless function unit control server 10 to input various information and operation instructions. In addition, a display unit (a liquid crystal display device or the like) for displaying various information may be included.

  The map information DB 10a stores an address and map information indicated by the address. The subscriber information DB 10b stores various types of information related to subscribers who use the communication network N. For example, the subscriber information DB 10b stores a subscriber's address, name, age, and the like.

  The IF unit 11 is a NIC (Network Interface Card) that transmits / receives various data to / from the line termination device 100 or the like. For example, the IF unit 11 transmits a prior request, an activation request, and the like to the line termination device 100. For example, the IF unit 11 receives response information and the like from the line termination device 100.

  The reception unit 12 receives regional information regarding a region where an event or the like is held. For example, the reception unit 12 receives regional information from a server device or the like managed by an event organizer via a communication network. For example, the reception unit 12 receives the input region information when the region information is input by an operator of the wireless function unit control server 10 or the like. Such regional information includes an address for specifying a region where an event or the like is held, a start date and time and an end date and time when the event or the like is held.

  When the receiving unit 12 receives the area information, the specifying unit 13 specifies a user home located in the area indicated by the area information. Specifically, the specifying unit 13 acquires a position corresponding to the address included in the area information received by the receiving unit 12 by referring to the map information DB 10a. And the specific | specification part 13 specifies the user's house H10 located in the area shown by this position, or the vicinity of this area with reference to subscriber information DB10b.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the position of the area AR10 is stored in the map information DB 10a as the position corresponding to the address included in the area information. In addition, it is assumed that the address in the area AR10 is stored in the subscriber information DB 10b as the addresses of the user homes H10 _{1 to} H10 _m . In such a case, the specifying unit 13 acquires the area AR10 as the position corresponding to the address included in the area information from the map information DB 10a. Then, the specification unit 13, by referring to the subscriber information DB 10 b, identifies the user's home _H10 1 _{~H10 m,} located in the vicinity of the area AR10 and regions AR10.

  The specifying unit 13 may specify user homes in which the radio signal reception ranges by the wireless function unit 110 overlap by a predetermined range from user homes located in the area AR10. Specifically, the wireless signal reception range is generally determined by the wireless function unit 110. Therefore, the specifying unit 13 specifies the minimum user home where almost the entire area AR10 is in a public wireless LAN environment so that the plurality of wireless function units 110 receive as little radio signals as possible at the same place. Good.

  The prior request unit 14 transmits a prior request to the wired terminal H12 in the user home H10 identified by the identifying unit 13. At this time, the prior request unit 14 transmits a prior request including a start date and time and an end date and time of an event or the like included in the area information received by the receiving unit 12. Then, when the advance request unit 14 receives response information indicating “acknowledgement” from the wired terminal H12 in response to the advance request, the advance request unit 14 provides the activation candidate DB 15 with a user ID for identifying the user of the user home H10. Store.

  Note that the prior request unit 14 may store information other than the user ID in the activation candidate DB 15 as long as the information can identify the wireless function unit 110. For example, the prior request unit 14 stores an identifier for identifying the line terminating device 100, an identifier for identifying the wireless function unit 110, an identifier for identifying the user home H10, and the like in the activation candidate DB 15. Also good.

  Further, when receiving the response information indicating “reject” from the wired terminal H12, the prior request unit 14 transmits the response information indicating “reject” from the user home H10 specified by the specifying unit 13. Another user's home located in the vicinity of the user's home selected is selected, and a prior request is transmitted to the wired terminal H12 in the selected user's home. As a result, the prior request unit 14 can form a public wireless LAN environment in the area AR10 with no leakage in the wireless signal reception range.

  The activation candidate DB 15 stores information for specifying the wireless function unit 110 for which activation permission has been obtained from the user. For example, the activation candidate DB 15 stores a user ID of a user who is permitted to activate the wireless function unit 110.

  The activation request unit 16 activates the wireless function unit 110 after receiving a response indicating that the activation of the wireless function unit 110 is accepted from the wired terminal H12 in response to the advance request transmitted by the prior request unit 14. Is sent to the line terminating device 100. Specifically, the activation request unit 16 refers to the activation candidate DB 15 to identify the user home H10 for which activation permission is obtained, and when the start date and time included in the advance request is reached, the user home H10 The activation request is transmitted to the line terminating device 100 in the network.

  The activation request unit 16 may transmit an activation request (activation signal) set to a timer so that the wireless function unit 110 is activated at the start date / time before the start date / time is reached. In this example, the activation control unit 131 of the line termination device 100 activates the wireless function unit 110 when the date and time set in the timer comes. In addition, for example, the activation request unit 16 may be set with a timer so that the activation request is transmitted to the line terminating device 100 at the start date and time. In this example, the activation request unit 16 transmits an activation request to the wireless function unit 110 when the date and time set in the timer comes.

  In addition, the activation request unit 16 transmits a stop instruction to the wireless terminal unit 100 to stop the wireless function unit 110. Specifically, the activation request unit 16 transmits a stop instruction to the line termination device 100 when the end date / time included in the prior request transmitted by the prior request unit 14 is reached.

  The activation request unit 16 may transmit a stop instruction (stop signal) set to a timer so that the wireless function unit 110 stops at the end date / time before the end date / time is reached. In this example, the activation control unit 131 of the line termination device 100 stops the wireless function unit 110 when the date and time set in the timer comes. In addition, the activation request unit 16 may be set to a timer so that a stop instruction is transmitted to the line termination device 100 at the end date and time. In the case of this example, the activation request unit 16 transmits a stop instruction to the wireless function unit 110 when the date and time set in the timer comes.

  The monitoring unit 17 monitors the operating state of the wireless function unit 110. Specifically, the monitoring unit 17 transmits a confirmation signal for confirming the operation status of the line termination device 100 and receives a status response indicating the operation status of the wireless function unit 110 from the line termination device 100. The activation of the wireless function unit 110 is monitored.

  The calculation unit 18 calculates a fee to be paid to the user based on whether or not the wireless function unit 110 is activated based on the monitoring result of the monitoring unit 17. For example, the calculation unit 18 calculates a higher fee as the number of times the wireless function unit 110 is stopped during the service provision period from the start date to the end date included in the advance request, and the number of times the wireless function unit 110 is stopped during the service provision period. The more you have, the cheaper the price. For example, the calculation unit 18 calculates a higher fee as the actual activation time of the wireless function unit 110 is longer, and calculates a lower fee as the actual activation time of the wireless function unit 110 is shorter.

  The charge notification unit 19 notifies the user calculated at the calculation unit 18 to the user at the user home H10. For example, the fee notification unit 19 transmits an e-mail describing the fee calculated by the calculation unit 18 to the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11, the wired terminal H12, or the like. Further, for example, the fee notification unit 19 may transmit an HTML file in which a fee is described by HTTP access from the mobile wireless LAN terminal H11 or the wired terminal H12.

  Note that the above-described reception unit 12, identification unit 13, advance request unit 14, activation request unit 16, monitoring unit 17, calculation unit 18, and fee notification unit 19 are, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). ) And the like are implemented by executing a program stored in a storage device (not shown) using a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area. In addition, for example, the reception unit 12, the identification unit 13, the advance request unit 14, the activation request unit 16, the monitoring unit 17, the calculation unit 18, and the charge notification unit 19 are ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). ) Or the like.

  The activation candidate DB 15, the map information DB 10a, and the subscriber information DB 10b described above are, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk and an optical disk. .

[Configuration of Wired Terminal According to Second Embodiment]
Next, the wired terminal H12 illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 14 will be described. When the wired terminal H12 according to the second embodiment receives a prior request from the wireless function unit control server 10, the wired terminal H12 displays the start date and time and the end date and time included in the prior request on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device. Further, the wired terminal H12 transmits reply information (approval / rejection) to the wireless function unit control server 10 in accordance with a user operation.

  The wired terminal H12 has a user request unit. Such a user request unit sends an activation request (activation signal) set to a timer so that the wireless function unit 110 is activated at the start date and time before the start date and time included in the advance request received from the advance request unit 14 is reached. Transmit to the terminating device 100. Further, for example, the user request unit may be set as a timer so as to transmit an activation request to the line terminating device 100 at the start date and time included in the prior request received from the prior request unit 14. In the case of this example, the user request unit transmits an activation request to the wireless function unit 110 when the date and time set in the timer comes.

  Further, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 14, when the wired terminal H12 receives a stop notification from the wireless function unit 110, the wired terminal H12 displays information indicating that the wireless function unit 110 is stopped on the display unit. Such various processes by the wired terminal H12 are realized by software, for example.

[Processing Procedure by Network System According to Second Embodiment]
Next, a communication processing procedure performed by the network system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the network system 1 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the specifying unit 13 of the wireless function unit control server 10 is indicated by the region information by referring to the region information received by the receiving unit 12 and the map information DB 10 a and the subscriber information DB 10 b. The user home H10 located in the area is specified (step S201).

  Subsequently, the prior request unit 14 transmits a prior request including the start date and time and the end date and time to the wired terminal H12 of the user home H10 specified by the specifying unit 13 (step S202). The wired terminal H12 that has received the advance request transmits response information indicating that the activation of the wireless function unit 110 is accepted or rejected to the wireless function unit control server 10 via the line terminating device 100 according to the operation by the user (step S203). ). When the response information indicates “accepted”, the prior request unit 14 that has received the response information stores a user ID and the like for identifying the user at the user home H10 in the activation candidate DB 15 (step S204). .

  Subsequently, the activation request unit 16 of the wireless function unit control server 10 transmits an activation request to activate the wireless function unit 110 to the line terminating device 100 (step S205). Similarly, the activation request unit of the wired terminal H12 transmits an activation request to activate the wireless function unit 110 to the line terminating device 100 (step S206). When the activation control unit 131 of the line termination device 100 receives activation requests from both the wireless function unit control server 10 and the wired terminal H12, the activation function unit 110 activates the wireless function unit 110 at the start date and time included in the activation request (step S207). Thereby, the wireless function unit 110 functions as an access point of the public wireless LAN.

  Subsequently, the monitoring unit 17 of the wireless function unit control server 10 periodically monitors the operating state of the wireless function unit 110 (step S208). The monitoring process by the monitoring unit 17 is performed until the end date and time when the wireless function unit 110 is stopped. Then, the activation request unit 16 of the wireless function unit control server 10 transmits a stop instruction to the line terminating device 100 when the end date / time included in the advance request is reached (step S209). Upon receiving the stop instruction, the activation control unit 131 of the line terminating device 100 stops the wireless function unit 110 (step S210).

  Then, the calculation unit 18 of the wireless function unit control server 10 settles the fee to be paid to the user based on the activation / non-activation of the wireless function unit 110 obtained from the monitoring result by the monitoring unit 17 (step S211). Thereafter, the charge notification unit 19 notifies the wired terminal H12 of the charge calculated by the calculation unit 18.

[Effect of Example 2]
As described above, the network system 1 according to the second embodiment has a wireless function that is managed by the wired terminal H12 that is a user terminal used by a user and the communication carrier C that forms the communication network N that is a communication network. And a line termination device 100 connected to the communication network N and installed at the user's home. The line terminating device 100 performs wireless communication with a wireless terminal such as the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11, thereby controlling the wireless function unit 110 that controls communication between the wireless terminal and the communication network N, and wireless function unit control. And an activation control unit 131 that activates the wireless function unit 110 when an activation request is received from the server 10. In addition, the wireless function unit control server 10 responds to the advance request transmitted by the advance request unit 14 and the advance request unit 14 that transmits an advance request that requests the wired terminal H12 in advance to activate the wireless function unit 110. And an activation request unit 16 for transmitting an activation request for activation of the wireless function unit 110 to the line terminating device 100 when a response indicating that the activation of the wireless function unit 110 is accepted from the wired terminal H12. .

  As a result, in the network system 1 according to the second embodiment, since the communication carrier C obtains approval from the user in advance to activate the wireless function unit 110, the wireless function unit 110 installed in the user's home is connected to the public wireless network. It can be stably operated as a LAN access point. That is, in the network system 1 according to the second embodiment, a stable public wireless LAN environment can be realized using the line termination device 100 installed in the user's home.

  Further, in the network system 1 according to the second embodiment, the communication carrier C can activate the wireless function unit 110 provided in the line terminating device 100 at the user's house as necessary, so that the public wireless LAN can be flexibly operated. An access point can be set. For example, since the communication carrier C recognizes the address of the subscriber's user's home, it can provide a public wireless LAN service in a desired area, and further increase the size of the area of the public wireless LAN service. It can be set flexibly.

  Further, when the wired terminal H12 according to the second embodiment transmits a response to the wireless function unit control server 10 to approve the activation of the wireless function unit 110 as a response to the prior request received from the wireless function unit control server 10. Then, an activation request to activate the wireless function unit 110 is transmitted to the line terminating device 100. The activation control unit 131 of the line termination device 100 activates the wireless function unit 110 when receiving activation requests from both the wireless function unit control server 10 and the wired terminal H12.

  Thereby, in the network system 1 according to the second embodiment, since the user also needs to control the wireless function unit 110 to start up, the wireless function unit 110 can be stably operated as an access point of the public wireless LAN. It is possible to prevent the wireless function unit 110 from being activated against the user's will.

  Also, the wireless function unit control server 10 according to the second embodiment includes a monitoring unit 17 that monitors whether the wireless function unit 110 is being activated, and activation of the wireless function unit 110 that is obtained from the monitoring result of the monitoring unit 17. Based on the presence / absence, a calculation unit 18 that calculates a fee to be paid to the user and a fee notification unit 19 that notifies the user of the fee calculated by the calculation unit 18 are provided.

  Thereby, in the network system 1 according to the second embodiment, since there is a merit for the user who provides the wireless function unit 110 as an access point, it is possible to obtain approval from many users about the use of the wireless function unit 110. Furthermore, since the user can be charged with providing the wireless function unit 110 by paying a consideration to the user, the wireless function unit 110 can be stably operated.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the broadband line accommodated by the line terminating device 100 in each user home H10 is used in a public wireless LAN environment has been described. Specifically, in the first and second embodiments, the wireless terminal (mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 or the like) accesses the wireless function unit 110 in each user home H10, so that the broadband line accommodated by the line terminating device 100 is changed. An example in which communication with the communication network N is performed is shown. That is, in the first and second embodiments, an example in which a predetermined user causes another user to use the broadband line accommodated in the user's home H10 of the user is shown. However, it is not necessary for other users to use all the broadband lines accommodated by each line terminating device 100. In the third embodiment, an example in which only a specific broadband line is used by another user will be described.

[Processing in Network System According to Third Embodiment]
First, processing performed by the network system 2 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20 are diagrams for explaining an example of processing performed by the network system 2 according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the network system 2 according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration example of the network system 1 shown in FIG.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, each of the line termination devices 200 ₁ to 200 ₆ forms cells C10 _{1 to} C10 ₆ indicating the reception range of the radio signal. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the network unit 200 ₁ to 200 ₆ may be collectively referred to referred to as "line terminator 200".

Here, in addition to the end date and time and the user ID, the wireless function unit control server 20 according to the third embodiment uses “link information” for identifying the “wireless type” of the wireless function unit 110 and the link-destination wireless function unit. It transmits an activation request including the "on line terminator ₂₀₀ 1-200 _6. Such “wireless type” is determined by either an access device that performs wireless communication with a wireless terminal (such as the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11) or a relay device that relays the content of wireless communication with the wireless terminal by the access device to the communication network N. Indicates whether to operate the wireless function unit. “Link information” indicates information for identifying a link-destination wireless function unit. “Access” is set for the wireless type indicating that the wireless function unit operates as an access device, and “relay” is set for the wireless type indicating that the wireless function unit operates as a relay device. To do. In the link information, an access ID or a relay ID is set as information for identifying the link destination line terminator 200, and a reference code attached to the line terminator is set in the access ID and the relay ID. To do.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, the wireless function unit control server 20, to the line terminal 200 ₁ transmits an activation request including the relay ID "200 _2" is a link information with the wireless type "Access" ( Step S81). That is, the wireless function unit control server 20, to the line terminal 200 _1, together with activating the wireless function unit as an access device having consuming network unit 200 _1, line termination identified by the relay ID "200 _2" requesting to establish a device 200 ₂ and the link.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the wireless function unit control server 20 starts including to the line termination device 200 _2, and an access ID _"200 1, 200 _3" is a radio type "relay" and link information A request is transmitted (step S82). That is, the wireless function unit control server 20, to the line terminal 200 _2, along with activating the wireless function unit as a relay device having the take line terminal 200 _2, line termination identified by the access ID "200 _1" A request is made to establish a link with the device 200 ₁ and the line termination device 200 ₃ identified by the access ID “200 ₃ ”.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the wireless function unit control server 20, to the line terminator 200 ₃ transmits an activation request including the wireless type as "Access" and the relay ID "200 _2" (step S83 ). That is, the wireless function unit control server 20, to the line terminator 200 _3, along with activating the wireless function unit as an access device having consuming network unit 200 _3, the line terminal identified by the relay ID "200 _2" requesting to establish a device 200 ₂ and the link.

Similarly, the wireless function unit control server 20 also to the line termination device ₂₀₀ 4-200 _6, transmits an activation request including the wireless type and access ID and relay ID (step S84~S86).

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the line termination devices 200 ₁ to 200 ₆ that have received the activation request from the wireless function unit control server 20 serve as an access device or a relay device according to the wireless type included in the activation request. Start up. Each activated wireless function unit establishes a link according to the link information included in the activation request.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, the line termination device 200 ₁ activates the wireless function unit as an access device. Then, the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 ₁ establishes a link with the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 ₂ identified by the relay ID "200 _2". Similarly, line terminator 200 ₃ activates the wireless function unit as an access device. Then, the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 in ₃ establishes a link with the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 ₂ identified by the relay ID "200 _2". The line termination device 200 _2, activates the wireless function unit as the relay device. Then, the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 _2, establishes a link with the wireless function unit of the network unit 200 ₁ that is identified by the relay ID "200 _1", identified by the relay ID "200 _3" establishing a wireless function unit and the link line terminator 200 ₃ that.

Similarly, the line terminal devices 200 ₄ activates the wireless function unit as the relay device, the line termination device 200 ₅ activates the wireless function unit as an access device, line terminator 200 ₆ accesses the wireless function unit Start as a device. Then, the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 ₄ establishes a wireless function unit and the link of the network unit 200 _5, to establish a wireless function unit and the link of the network unit 200 _6.

  Thereby, when the wireless function unit activated as the access device receives an access request to the communication network N from the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11 or the like, the wireless function unit transmits the access request to the link destination relay device. In addition, the wireless function unit activated as a relay device relays the access request received from the access device to the communication network N via the broadband line.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 _1, by being accessed by wireless communication from the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11, it accepts a request for access to the communication network N (Step S87). In such a case, the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 ₁ transmits an access request received from the mobile wireless LAN terminals A11 to the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 _2. Then, the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 in ₂ relays to the communication network N an access request received from the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 ₁ via broadband line (step S88).

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 in ₆ by being accessed by wireless communication from the mobile wireless LAN terminals A16, when receiving an access request to the communication network N ( step S89), and transmits such access request to the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 _4. Then, the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 ₄ relays the communication network N an access request received from the wireless function unit of the line terminal 200 in ₆ via broadband line (step S90).

  As described above, in the network system 2 according to the third embodiment, only a broadband line accommodated in a predetermined number of user homes among a plurality of user homes in which a public wireless LAN environment is formed is used by other users. . For example, in the network system 2 according to the third embodiment, by using a large-capacity broadband line as a relay device, it is possible to reduce the load on the broadband line or the backbone communication network.

[Configuration of Line Termination Device According to Embodiment 3]
Next, the line termination apparatus 200 shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the line terminating device 200 according to the third embodiment. In addition, below, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted as attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol to the site | part which has the function similar to the already shown component site | part. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the line termination device 200 according to the third embodiment includes a wired function unit 120, a wireless function unit 210, and an activation control unit 231.

  The activation control unit 231 activates the wireless function unit 210 when receiving the activation request transmitted by the wireless function unit control server 20. Specifically, the activation control unit 231 according to the third embodiment activates the wireless function unit 210 as an access device when the wireless type included in the activation request is “access”, and the wireless type included in the activation request. Is “relay”, the wireless function unit 210 is activated as a relay device.

  The wireless function unit 210 includes a link establishment unit 211. The link establishment unit 211 establishes a link with another wireless function unit after being activated by the activation control unit 231. Specifically, the link establishment unit 211 identifies a link-destination wireless function unit from link information included in the activation request received from the wireless function unit control server 20, and establishes a link with the identified wireless function unit. To do.

  Further, when the wireless function unit 210 according to the third embodiment is activated as an access device, the wireless function unit 210 transmits an access request received from the wireless terminal to a link destination relay device (wireless function unit). When the wireless function unit 210 is activated as a relay device, the wireless function unit 210 transmits the access request received from the access device to the broadband network, thereby transmitting the access request to the communication network N.

  Although not shown in FIG. 21, the wireless function unit 210 includes the relay unit 111 and the determination unit 112 illustrated in FIG. The wired function unit 120 includes the monitoring unit 121 and the transfer unit 122 illustrated in FIG.

[Configuration of Wireless Function Unit Control Server According to Third Embodiment]
Next, the wireless function unit control server 20 shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the wireless function unit control server 20 according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the wireless function unit control server 20 according to the third embodiment includes an IF unit 11, a reception unit 12, a specification unit 13, a prior request unit 14, a startup candidate DB 15, and a monitoring unit 17. A link destination determination unit 21 and an activation request unit 22.

  The link destination determination unit 21 refers to the activation candidate DB 15 to determine a pair of wireless function units that establish a link with each other. Specifically, the link destination determination unit 21 refers to the activation candidate DB 15 to determine the wireless type of each wireless function unit, and further determines the link destination of each wireless function unit.

  For example, the link destination determination unit 21 determines to start a wireless function unit in a user's home that is allowed to use a broadband line by other users as a relay device, and causes other users to use the broadband line. The wireless function unit in the user's home that is not permitted to be activated is determined to be activated as an access device. Further, for example, the link destination determination unit 21 determines to start up a wireless function unit that accommodates a large-capacity broadband line or a broadband line with a high communication speed as a relay device, and thus a small-capacity broadband line or a low communication speed. It is determined that the wireless function unit that accommodates the broadband line is activated as an access device. Then, it is determined that the relay device and the access device located at a position where wireless signals can be transmitted and received are paired with a wireless function unit that establishes a link.

  Then, the link destination determination unit 21 outputs the wireless type and link destination information determined in this way to the activation request unit 22. The activation request unit 22 transmits an activation request including the wireless type and link destination information determined by the link destination determination unit 21 to the line termination device 200.

  The link destination determination unit 21 and the activation request unit 22 described above are realized, for example, by executing a program stored in a storage device (not shown) using the RAM as a work area by a CPU, an MPU, or the like. Also, for example, the link destination determination unit 21 and the activation request unit 22 are realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[Processing Procedure by Network System According to Third Embodiment]
Next, a communication processing procedure performed by the network system 2 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the network system 2 according to the third embodiment. The processing procedure in steps S301 to S304 shown in FIG. 23 is the same as the processing procedure in steps S201 to S204 shown in FIG.

  The link destination determination unit 21 of the wireless function unit control server 20 refers to the activation candidate DB 15 updated by the prior request unit 14, determines the wireless type (access or relay) of each wireless function unit, and establishes a link with each other. A pair of wireless function units to be determined is determined (step S305).

  Subsequently, the activation request unit 22 of the wireless function unit control server 20 transmits an activation request to activate the wireless function unit 210 to the line terminating device 200 (step S306). Similarly, the activation request unit of the wired terminal H12 transmits an activation request to activate the wireless function unit 210 to the line terminating device 200 (step S307). When the activation control unit 231 of the line termination device 200 receives activation requests from both the wireless function unit control server 20 and the wired terminal H12, the activation function unit 231 activates the wireless function unit 210 at the start date and time included in the activation request (step S308). Thereby, the wireless function unit 210 functions as an access point of the public wireless LAN.

  The wireless function unit 210 establishes a link with another wireless function unit based on the link information included in the activation request received from the wireless function unit control server 20 after being activated by the activation control unit 231. (Step S309).

  Subsequently, the monitoring unit 17 of the wireless function unit control server 20 periodically monitors the operating state of the wireless function unit 210 (step S310). The monitoring process by the monitoring unit 17 is performed until the end date and time when the wireless function unit 210 is stopped. Then, the activation request unit 22 of the wireless function unit control server 20 transmits a stop instruction to the line termination device 200 when the end date / time included in the advance request is reached (step S311). Upon receiving the stop instruction, the activation control unit 231 of the line terminating device 200 stops the wireless function unit 210 (step S312).

  And the calculation part 18 of the wireless function part control server 20 settles the charge paid to a user based on the presence or absence of starting of the wireless function part 210 obtained from the monitoring result by the monitoring part 17 (step S313). Thereafter, the charge notification unit 19 notifies the wired terminal H12 of the charge calculated by the calculation unit 18.

[Effect of Example 3]
As described above, in the network system 2 according to the third embodiment, the wireless function unit control server 20 communicates with an access device that performs wireless communication with a wireless terminal such as the mobile wireless LAN terminal A11, or with a wireless terminal using the access device. An activation request unit 22 that transmits an activation request including a wireless type indicating which of the relay devices that relay the wireless communication to the communication network N operates the wireless function unit 210 is provided. In addition, the line termination device 200 includes an activation control unit 231 that activates the wireless function unit 210 as either an access device or a relay device in accordance with the wireless type included in the activation request transmitted by the activation request unit 22.

  Thereby, in the network system 2 according to the third embodiment, it is possible to allow other users to use only a broadband line accommodated in a predetermined number of user homes among a plurality of user homes in which a public wireless LAN environment is formed. it can. For example, in the network system 2 according to the third embodiment, by using a large-capacity broadband line as a relay device, it is possible to reduce the load on the broadband line or the backbone communication network.

  In the network system 2 according to the third embodiment, the activation request unit 22 of the wireless function unit control server 20 includes link information for identifying the wireless function unit 210 that is a link destination in establishing a link by wireless communication, together with the wireless type. Send an activation request containing Further, the wireless function unit 210 establishes a link with the link-destination wireless function unit indicated by the link information included in the activation request from the wireless function unit control server 20.

  Thereby, in the network system 2 according to the third embodiment, since a wireless link can be established between the wireless function units 210 in each user's home, a wireless-only network can be constructed between the wireless function units 210. Wireless communication can be performed between the wireless function units 210 by wireless communication via a wireless link. As a result, in the network system 2 according to the third embodiment, it is possible to allow other users to use only a broadband line accommodated in a predetermined number of user homes among a plurality of user homes in which a public wireless LAN environment is formed. it can.

  The network system described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment. Thus, in the fourth embodiment, another embodiment of the above network system will be described.

[Startup request]
In the second embodiment, the example in which the line terminating device 100 activates the wireless function unit 110 when the activation request is received from both the wired terminal H12 and the wireless function unit control server 10 has been described. However, the line termination device 100 may receive an activation request only from the wireless function unit control server 10. That is, the wired terminal H12 does not have to transmit an activation request to the line terminating device 100.

[System configuration]
In addition, among the processes described in the above embodiment, all or a part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or the processes described as being performed manually can be performed. All or a part can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

  Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.

  For example, the relay unit 111 and the determination unit 112 illustrated in FIG. 6 do not need to be incorporated in the wireless function unit 110. Further, the monitoring unit 121 and the transfer unit 122 illustrated in FIG. 6 do not need to be incorporated in the wired function unit 120. 15 may be incorporated in the wireless function unit 110, and the activation control unit 231 shown in FIG. 21 may be incorporated in the wireless function unit 210. . Each processing unit shown in FIG. 16 may be integrated in a free combination, and each processing unit shown in FIG. 22 may be integrated in a free combination.

[program]
It is also possible to create a program in which the processing executed by the wireless function unit control servers 10 and 20 described in the above embodiments is described in a language that can be executed by a computer. For example, a control program in which processing executed by the wireless function unit control servers 10 and 20 is described in a language that can be executed by a computer can be created. In this case, when the computer executes the control program, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. Further, the control program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the control program recorded on the recording medium may be read by a computer and executed to execute the same processing as in the above embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of a computer that executes a control program that realizes the same function as the wireless function unit control server 10 illustrated in FIG. 16 will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a computer 1000 that executes a control program. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the computer 1000 includes, for example, a memory 1010, a CPU 1020, a hard disk drive interface 1030, a disk drive interface 1040, a serial port interface 1050, a video adapter 1060, and a network interface 1070. These units are connected by a bus 1080.

  The memory 1010 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1011 and a RAM 1012 as illustrated in FIG. The ROM 1011 stores a boot program such as BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to the hard disk drive 1031 as illustrated in FIG. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to the disk drive 1041 as illustrated in FIG. For example, a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk is inserted into the disk drive. The serial port interface 1050 is connected to a mouse 1051 and a keyboard 1052, for example, as illustrated in FIG. The video adapter 1060 is connected to a display 1061, for example, as illustrated in FIG.

  Here, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the hard disk drive 1031 stores, for example, an OS 1091, an application program 1092, a program module 1093, and program data 1094. That is, the control program is stored in, for example, the hard disk drive 1031 as a program module in which a command executed by the computer 1000 is described. For example, a reception procedure for executing information processing similar to that of the reception unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 16, a specific procedure for executing information processing similar to that of the specifying unit 13, and a prior procedure of executing information processing similar to that of the prior request unit 14 A request procedure, an activation request procedure for executing information processing similar to that of the activation request unit 16, a monitoring procedure for executing information processing similar to that of the monitoring unit 17, and a calculation procedure for executing information processing similar to that of the calculation unit 18. A program module 1093 in which a charge notification procedure for executing the same information processing as the charge notification unit 19 is described is stored in the hard disk drive 1031.

  Various data held by the activation candidate DB 15 described in the above embodiment is stored as program data in, for example, the memory 1010 or the hard disk drive 1031. Then, the CPU 1020 reads out the program module 1093 and the program data 1094 stored in the memory 1010 and the hard disk drive 1031 to the RAM 1012 as necessary, and receives a reception procedure, a specific procedure, a prior request procedure, a startup request procedure, a monitoring procedure, and a calculation procedure. Execute the charge notification procedure.

  Note that the program module 1093 and the program data 1094 related to the control program are not limited to being stored in the hard disk drive 1031, but may be stored in, for example, a removable storage medium and read by the CPU 1020 via the disk drive or the like. Good. Alternatively, the program module 1093 and the program data 1094 related to the control program are stored in another computer connected via a network (LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc.), and via the network interface 1070. May be read by the CPU 1020.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network system 10 Wireless function part control server 12 Reception part 13 Identification part 14 Prior request part 16 Activation request part 17 Monitoring part 18 Calculation part 19 Charge notification part 20 Wireless function part control server 21 Link destination determination part 22 Activation request part 100 Line Termination device 110 Wireless function unit 111 Relay unit 112 Judgment unit 120 Wired function unit 121 Monitoring unit 122 Transfer unit 131 Activation control unit 200 Line termination device 210 Wireless function unit 211 Link establishment unit 220 Wired function unit 231 Activation control unit

Claims (7)

A network system including a line termination device connected to a communication network and installed at a user's house,
The line terminator is
A wireless function unit that controls wireless connection communication that is communication between the wireless terminal and the communication network by performing wireless communication with a wireless terminal located inside or outside the user's house;
A wired function unit that controls wired connection communication that is communication between the wired terminal and the communication network by performing wired communication with a predetermined wired terminal;
A monitoring unit for monitoring communication between the line termination device and the communication network;
Establishing a wireless link between the wireless function unit and a nearby wireless function unit that is a wireless function unit of another circuit terminating device installed in another user's house located in the vicinity of the user's house, and monitoring A relay unit that relays the wireless connection communication or the wired connection communication to a neighboring wireless function unit via the wireless link when an abnormality is detected by the unit. A characteristic network system. The wired function unit
The wireless connection communication or the wired connection communication is relayed to the communication network when the wireless function unit receives the wireless connection communication or the wired connection communication relayed from another wireless function unit. 2. The network system according to 1. The relay unit is
When the monitoring unit detects that an abnormality has occurred in communication, a neighboring wireless function unit that is different from the other wireless function unit in wireless connection communication or wired connection communication relayed from the other wireless function unit The network system according to claim 2, wherein the network system is relayed to. The relay unit is
When the monitoring unit detects that an abnormality has occurred in communication, the communication unit performs wireless connection communication or wired connection communication relayed from the other wireless function unit to the other wireless function unit. When a failure notification indicating that the relay cannot be performed is transmitted to the network and the failure notification is received from the neighboring wireless function unit, the wireless connection communication or the wired connection communication relayed to the neighboring wireless function unit is different from the neighboring wireless function unit. The network system according to claim 2, wherein the network system relays to a neighboring wireless function unit. The relay unit is
When relaying the wireless connection communication or the wired connection communication, a user identifier for identifying the user home or the user of the user home is transmitted to the neighboring wireless function unit,
The line terminator is
A storage unit for storing a user identifier of a user permitted to relay wireless connection communication or wired connection communication to the communication network;
When relaying wireless connection communication or wired connection communication from the other wireless function unit and receiving a user identifier, depending on whether the user identifier is stored in the storage unit, the wireless connection communication or The network system according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether to relay the wired connection communication to the communication network. A line terminator connected to a communication network and installed at a user's home,
A wireless function unit that controls wireless connection communication that is communication between the wireless terminal and the communication network by performing wireless communication with a wireless terminal located inside or outside the user's house;
A wired function unit that controls wired connection communication that is communication between the wired terminal and the communication network by performing wired communication with a predetermined wired terminal;
A monitoring unit for monitoring communication between the line termination device and the communication network;
Establishing a wireless link between the wireless function unit and a nearby wireless function unit that is a wireless function unit of another circuit terminating device installed in another user's house located in the vicinity of the user's house, and monitoring A relay unit that relays the wireless connection communication or the wired connection communication to a neighboring wireless function unit via the wireless link when an abnormality is detected by the unit. Characteristic line termination equipment. A communication method connected to a communication network and executed by a line termination device installed at a user's house,
The line terminator is
A wireless function unit that controls wireless connection communication that is communication between the wireless terminal and the communication network by performing wireless communication with a wireless terminal located inside or outside the user's house;
A wired function unit that controls wired connection communication that is communication between the wired terminal and the communication network by performing wired communication with a predetermined wired terminal;
The line terminator is
A monitoring step of monitoring communication between the line termination device and the communication network;
Establishing a wireless link between the wireless function unit and a nearby wireless function unit that is a wireless function unit of another circuit terminating device installed in another user's house located in the vicinity of the user's house, and monitoring When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in communication in the process, a relay process of relaying the wireless connection communication or the wired connection communication to a nearby wireless function unit via the wireless link is executed. A characteristic communication method.

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