JP5763959B2 - Wireless system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radio system in which radio units separated from a higher-level device (such as a radio base station device) are cascade-connected, and more particularly to a system configuration management method by a higher-level device.

Conventionally, information setting of each wireless unit in a system in which a host device and each wireless unit are cascade-connected has been performed as follows.
That is, for example, information is set in response to resetting of the host device, and the radio unit receives the reset signal from the host device or when the allocation information addressed to the own radio unit has not yet been set, At the same time as stopping the uplink signal from the unit, the uplink signal including the unique information of the own radio unit is transmitted to the host device. When the allocation information is detected in the downlink signal received from the host device in response to the specific information, the allocation information is set in the own radio unit, and the uplink signal from the downstream radio unit is communicated.

  In addition, as an application example of a wireless system in which the wireless unit separated from the host device is cascade-connected, a slave unit of an optical transmission device having an antenna for wireless communication is installed at various places in the dead zone, and each slave unit and an optical cable are used. By constructing an optical transmission device system in which the base unit of the connected optical transmission device is connected to a radio base station, each mobile station is located in a dead zone such as a building or underground passage where radio waves from the radio base station do not reach Even in such a case, wireless communication can be performed.

  With regard to such an optical transmission device system, Patent Document 1 discloses a master device and a slave device of an optical transmission device in response to a request from a control device (such as a remote monitoring device) that is communicably connected to the master device of the optical transmission device. To notify the control device of the connection status of the slave unit from the side of the network, and to set the optical transmission device to the master unit and the slave unit based on the configuration information management table input in the control device. In addition, by autonomously setting information for the master unit and the slave unit of the optical transmission apparatus, an operation error in the setting work when the master unit and the slave unit are installed is prevented, and the setup work is simplified. Note that a plurality of connection ports can be provided in the master unit of the optical transmission apparatus, and a plurality of slave units can be cascade-connected to each port in series.

JP 2009-159345 A

  The present invention relates to a wireless system in which a plurality of wireless units are cascade-connected to a host device, and an object thereof is to enable the host device to effectively manage the system configuration.

In the present invention, a wireless system in which a plurality of wireless units are cascade-connected to a host device is configured as follows.
That is, as a first configuration example, for each of the cascade-connected radio units, the host device includes stage information indicating a connection position in the cascade connection, identification information of the radio unit, and an IP address of the radio unit. Storage means for associating and storing, a connection request transmission means for transmitting a communication connection establishment request to each wireless unit in order from the higher-level device side of the cascade connection based on the storage contents of the storage means, and the establishment request Connection information receiving means for receiving connection information including identification information and an IP address of the wireless unit from a wireless unit for which a communication connection has been established, identification information and an IP address included in the connection information, and the storage Determining means for determining whether the stored contents of the means match.
In addition, as a second configuration example, in addition to each unit shown in the first configuration example, when the determination unit determines that there is a mismatch, the identification information and the IP address included in the connection information Correspondence update means for updating the storage means with the contents of the correspondence.

Further, as a third configuration example, for each of the cascade-connected radio units, the higher-level device includes stage information indicating a connection position in the cascade connection, identification information of the radio unit, and an IP address of the radio unit. A storage unit that associates and stores state information indicating whether or not communication with the wireless unit is possible, and a communication connection for each cascaded wireless unit based on the storage content of the storage unit. Connection confirmation request transmitting means for transmitting a confirmation request, connection response receiving means for receiving a connection response to the confirmation request from the wireless unit to which the confirmation request has been transmitted, and connection from the wireless unit to which the confirmation request has been transmitted When there is no response, based on the stored contents of the storage means, a request for disconnecting the communication connection is sent to the wireless unit that does not have the connection response and each wireless unit at a connection position lower than the wireless unit. A disconnection request transmitting means for, for said connection response is not the radio unit and the radio unit of the lower connection position from the wireless unit, the state information updating means for updating said storage means to the content of a communication is impossible state , With.

  The present invention relates to a wireless system in which a plurality of wireless units are cascade-connected to a host device, and the system configuration can be effectively managed by the host device.

It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the radio | wireless system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a system configuration management table. It is a figure which illustrates the processing sequence at the time of starting of the high-order apparatus which concerns on the operation example 1. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the processing flow of the system configuration management process part at the time of starting of the high-order apparatus which concerns on the operation example 1. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the processing sequence at the time of starting of the high-order apparatus which concerns on the operation example 2. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the processing flow of the system configuration management process part at the time of starting of the high-order apparatus which concerns on the operation example 2. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the processing sequence at the time of starting of the high-order apparatus which concerns on the operation example 3. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the processing flow of the system configuration management process part at the time of starting of the high-order apparatus which concerns on the operation example 3. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the processing sequence in the system operation which concerns on the operation example 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence during system operation according to an operation example 5; It is a figure which illustrates the process sequence in system operation which concerns on the operation example 6. FIG.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a wireless system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The wireless system of this example includes a host device 1 and a plurality of wireless units 2 separated from the host device 1, and a plurality of wireless units 2 are cascade-connected to the host device 1. Yes. In this example, n radio units 2 (# 1), radio units 2 (# 2), radio units 2 (# 3),... The wireless unit 2 is connected in series by a cable or the like. In addition to the function of performing wireless communication, each wireless unit 2 relays a signal from the upper side (upper apparatus 1 side) to the lower side (radio unit 2 (#n) side), and a signal from the lower side. It has a function of relaying to the upper side and is connected in series with each other.

The wireless system having such a configuration is used, for example, for realizing wireless communication in a dead zone such as inside a tunnel where radio waves from a wireless base station do not reach.
More specifically, for example, a host device of a radio base station installed outside the tunnel or an optical transmission device connected to the radio base station is used as the host device 1, and the master device is used as the radio unit 2. A slave unit of an optical transmission device connected to the master unit via an optical cable arranged inside the tunnel at the base point is used. In other words, wireless communication is possible by installing slave units with wireless functions at multiple points inside the tunnel, which is a dead zone, and connecting to wireless base stations outside the tunnel via the master unit and optical cables. Extend the range to the inside of the tunnel.

In FIG. 1, the wireless unit 2 (# 1) and the wireless unit 2 (# 2) can communicate with the host device 1, and the wireless unit 2 (# 3) and later (the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to wireless unit 2 (#n)) cannot communicate with the host device 1.
The state in which communication is impossible occurs due to a physical cause such as a cable not being connected or a software cause such as a logical communication connection (hereinafter referred to as link connection) being not established.

  The host device 1 of this example relates to the management of the storage contents of the system configuration management table 11 based on the exchange of the connection status and the like between the system configuration management table 11 storing the configuration information of the wireless system and each wireless unit 2. And a system configuration management processing unit 12 that performs processing.

FIG. 2 shows a setting example of the system configuration management table 11.
The system configuration management table 11 of this example stores (holds) radio unit data related to the radio unit 2 for each radio unit 2 connected in cascade. The wireless unit data has items of “stage”, “IP”, “ID”, and “state”.
In the “stage”, stage information indicating a connection position (stage) in the cascade connection is set.
In “IP”, an IP address assigned to the wireless unit 2 is set. Communication with the wireless unit 2 is performed using an IP address.
In “ID”, an ID (logical number) that is identification information of the wireless unit 2 is set.
In the “state”, state information indicating whether or not communication with the wireless unit 2 is possible is set. In this example, either “connected” indicating a state where communication is possible or “not connected” indicating a state where communication is impossible is set. For example, in a state value (CPRI State) defined in the standard (CPRI Spec. 2.0), A (Standby), B (L1 synchronization), C (Protocol setup), D (C & M Plane Setup), E (Vender negotiation) ) Is set to “not connected”, and “F” (operation) is set to “connected”.

That is, the system configuration management table 11 of this example includes cascade connection stage information, the wireless unit 2 IP address, the wireless unit 2 ID, and the wireless unit 2 status information for each cascaded wireless unit 2. Is stored.
The system configuration management processing unit 12 updates or adds wireless unit data in the system configuration management table 11 based on the exchange with each wireless unit 2 as described in an operation example described later.

  Thus, in the host device 1 of this example, the system configuration management table 11 and the system configuration management processing unit 12 can manage a state that matches the actual system configuration while the wireless system is in operation.

Hereinafter, an operation example of the wireless system of this example will be described.
(Operation example 1)
An example of the operation when starting the host device 1 will be described.
It is assumed that the system configuration management table 11 at the first activation has the setting contents illustrated in FIG. That is, when the host apparatus 1 is activated for the first time, the IP address and ID of the wireless unit 2 that is scheduled to be connected to that stage are included in the “IP” and “ID” of the wireless unit data of each stage as initial values. “Not connected” is set in the “state” of the wireless unit data of each stage.

FIG. 3 exemplifies a processing sequence when the host apparatus 1 is started up.
After the host device 1 is activated, the following processing is performed in the wireless system of this example.
First, the description will be made on the assumption that the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 and the actual system configuration match (corresponding to the correspondence between the IP address and the ID of each stage).

  In the host device 1, the system configuration management processing unit 12 refers to the system configuration management table 11 and starts link connection in the order of the number of cascade connections. That is, the system configuration management processing unit 12 requests connection establishment of a link connection to the wireless unit 2 at that stage based on the corresponding wireless unit data in order from the upper level (upper level device 1 side) stage in the cascade connection. Send an establishment request. The connection establishment request is transmitted to the IP address set in “IP” of the corresponding wireless unit data. From the wireless unit 2 (the wireless unit 2 with the IP address specified in the connection establishment request) that has established the link connection based on the connection establishment request, the IP address and ID stored (held) in the wireless unit 2 are included. Connection information is transmitted to the host device 1.

The system configuration management processing unit 12 of the higher-level device 1 waits for a certain period of time after receiving the connection establishment request and receives the connection information within this waiting time. It is determined whether the ID and the contents of the wireless part data (the set values of “IP” and “ID”) referred to when transmitting the connection establishment request match (whether the correspondence between the IP address and the ID matches), and After confirming the consistency, the setting value of the “state” of the wireless unit data is updated to “connected”.
Thereafter, the same exchange is performed based on the wireless unit data of the next stage in the system configuration management table 11, and this is repeated up to the wireless unit data of the last stage in the system configuration management table 11.

Here, while successfully establishing a link connection with the two radio units 2 (# 1) and radio unit 2 (# 2) located on the higher level (higher level device 1 side), the lower level It is assumed that the establishment of link connection with the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to the wireless unit 2 (#n) located in the network fails.
In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, since connection information is obtained from the wireless unit 2 (# 1) and the wireless unit 2 (# 2) that have successfully established the link connection, the wireless unit 2 (# 1) and wireless unit 2 (# 2), the wireless unit data “state” is updated to “connected”, while establishment of link connection failed, wireless unit 2 (# 3) to wireless unit 2 (#n) ) Cannot obtain connection information, the “state” of the wireless unit data relating to the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to the wireless unit 2 (#n) remains “not connected”.

  For the wireless unit 2 whose “state” of the wireless unit data is “not connected” (in this example, the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to the wireless unit 2 (#n)), the above processing is periodically repeated, and the link When the connection is successfully established and connection information is obtained, the “state” of the wireless unit data related to the wireless unit 2 is updated to “connected”.

Since the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 and the actual system configuration are not always consistent, the system configuration management processing unit 12 of this example is grasped by the connection information from the wireless unit 2. Consistency between the actual system configuration and the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 is determined. When it is determined as inconsistent, the system configuration is matched with the content (actual system configuration) of the received connection information. Processing for updating the storage contents of the management table 11 is also performed.
These processes will be described with reference to the processing flow illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 illustrates a processing flow of the system configuration management processing unit 12 at the time of starting up the higher-level device 1.
At the time of starting up the host device 1, the system configuration management processing unit 12 refers to the system configuration management table 11 and performs the following processing in order from the upper level (upper level device 1 side) in the cascade connection (step S11). .
First, based on the wireless unit data at the corresponding stage, a connection establishment request for requesting establishment of a link connection to the wireless unit 2 at that stage is transmitted (step S12), and the link connection with the corresponding wireless unit 2 is established. (Step S13), connection information transmitted from the wireless unit 2 with which the link connection has been established is received (Step S14).

When receiving the connection information from the corresponding wireless unit 2, the system configuration management processing unit 12 transmits the IP address and ID included in the connection information and the content of the wireless unit data ("IP" and " (Set value of “ID”) matches (whether the correspondence between the IP address and the ID matches) (step S15).
If it is determined in step S15 that the data match, the “state” of the corresponding wireless unit data is updated to “connected”, and the process proceeds to the next stage (step S20).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that they do not match, a connection information request is transmitted to the corresponding wireless unit 2 (step S16), and connection information is received again from the wireless unit 2 (step S17). .

When the system configuration management processing unit 12 receives connection information from the corresponding wireless unit 2 again, the system configuration management processing unit 12 determines again whether the IP address and ID included in the connection information match the content of the corresponding wireless unit data ( Step S18).
If it is determined in step S18 that the data match, the “state” of the corresponding wireless unit data is updated to “connected”, and the process proceeds to the next stage (step S20).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that they do not match, the IP address and ID of the corresponding wireless part data are associated with the contents in which the IP address and ID included in the re-received connection information are associated with each other. Is updated (step S19). Also, the setting value of “state” of the wireless unit data is updated to “connected”, and the process proceeds to the next stage (step S20).

For wireless unit data for which a connection information response has not been obtained, the “state” of the wireless unit data remains “not connected”.
Here, in this example, the consistency determination is performed twice considering a case where a malfunction occurs in the operation of the wireless unit 2, but the consistency determination may be performed only once.

  As described above, in this example, for each wireless unit 2 that is cascade-connected, the host device 1 has stage information that indicates a connection position (stage) in cascade connection, the ID of the wireless unit 2, and the wireless unit 2 System configuration management table 11 that associates and stores the IP address of the system, and based on the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11, the connection establishment request for the link connection to each wireless unit 2 in order from the upper side of the cascade connection And the connection information is received from the wireless unit 2 in which the link connection is established based on the connection establishment request, and the ID and IP address included in the connection information match the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 Judgment was made.

  In addition, when it is determined that the ID and IP address included in the connection information transmitted from the wireless unit 2 with which the link connection has been established and the storage content of the system configuration management table 11 are inconsistent, the connection information includes the connection information. The system configuration management table 11 is updated to the contents in which the ID and the IP address are associated with each other.

(Operation example 2)
An example of the operation when starting the host device 1 will be described.
It is assumed that the system configuration management table 11 at the first activation has the setting contents illustrated in FIG. That is, when the host apparatus 1 is activated for the first time, the IP address and ID of the wireless unit 2 that is scheduled to be connected to that stage are included in the “IP” and “ID” of the wireless unit data of each stage as initial values. “Not connected” is set in the “state” of the wireless unit data of each stage.

FIG. 5 exemplifies a processing sequence when the host apparatus 1 is started up.
After the host device 1 is activated, the following processing is performed in the wireless system of this example.
First, the description will be made on the assumption that the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 and the actual system configuration match (corresponding to the correspondence between the IP address and the ID of each stage).

  In the host device 1, the system configuration management processing unit 12 refers to the system configuration management table 11 and starts link connection for all the wireless units 2 at all stages. That is, the system configuration management processing unit 12 transmits a connection establishment request for requesting establishment of link connections to the radio units 2 of all stages based on the radio unit data of all stages of the cascade connection. Connection information including an IP address and an ID stored (held) in the wireless unit 2 is transmitted to the host device 1 from the wireless unit 2 in which the link connection has been established based on the connection establishment request.

  The system configuration management processing unit 12 of the higher-level device 1 waits for a certain period of time after receiving the connection establishment request and receives the connection information within this waiting time, and then receives the IP address ( Alternatively, the wireless part data in which the ID is set is searched from the system configuration management table 11, and the IP address and ID included in the connection information and the contents of the searched wireless part data ("IP" and "ID" are set) Value) matches (the correspondence between the IP address and the ID matches), and after confirming these consistency, the setting value of the “state” of the wireless unit data is updated to “connected” . These processes are repeated for all received connection information.

  In addition, since link connection is established in order from the upper level (upper level device 1 side) in the cascade connection, the connection information from each radio unit 2 is also transmitted in order from the higher level. Therefore, in the upper level device 1, based on the order in which the connection information is received, the wireless unit 2 that is the transmission source of the connection information is identified in which stage of the cascade connection, and the wireless unit data at the corresponding stage is identified. And the received connection information are matched, and after confirming the consistency, the setting value of the “state” of the wireless unit data may be updated to “connected”.

Here, while successfully establishing a link connection with the two radio units 2 (# 1) and radio unit 2 (# 2) located on the higher level (higher level device 1 side), the lower level It is assumed that the establishment of link connection with the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to the wireless unit 2 (#n) located in the network fails.
In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, since connection information is obtained from the wireless unit 2 (# 1) and the wireless unit 2 (# 2) that have successfully established the link connection, the wireless unit 2 (# 1) and wireless unit 2 (# 2), the wireless unit data “state” is updated to “connected”, while establishment of link connection failed, wireless unit 2 (# 3) to wireless unit 2 (#n) ) Cannot obtain connection information, the “state” of the wireless unit data relating to the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to the wireless unit 2 (#n) remains “not connected”.

  For the wireless unit 2 whose “state” of the wireless unit data is “not connected” (in this example, the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to the wireless unit 2 (#n)), the above processing is periodically repeated, and the link When the connection is successfully established and connection information is obtained, the “state” of the wireless unit data related to the wireless unit 2 is updated to “connected”.

Since the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 and the actual system configuration are not always consistent, the system configuration management processing unit 12 of this example is grasped by the connection information from the wireless unit 2. Consistency between the actual system configuration and the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 is determined. When it is determined as inconsistent, the system configuration is matched with the content (actual system configuration) of the received connection information. Processing for updating the storage contents of the management table 11 is also performed.
These processes will be described with reference to the process flow illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 6 illustrates a processing flow of the system configuration management processing unit 12 at the time of starting the higher-level device 1.
When the host apparatus 1 is started up, the system configuration management processing unit 12 refers to the system configuration management table 11 and requests establishment of link connection to the radio units 2 of all stages based on the radio unit data of all stages. Connection establishment requests to be transmitted simultaneously (step S31), link connection with each wireless unit 2 is established (step S32), and connection information transmitted from the wireless unit 2 with which link connection is established is received (step S31). S33).

When the system configuration management processing unit 12 receives the connection information from the wireless unit 2, the system configuration management processing unit 12 refers to the wireless unit data in order from the head (upper side of the cascade connection) in the system configuration management table 11, and the IP included in the connection information. It is determined whether there is wireless part data for which an address (or ID) is set, and the corresponding wireless part data is searched (steps S34 to S36).
As a result of this search processing, when the corresponding wireless part data is searched, the IP address and ID included in the received connection information and the contents of the searched wireless part data (setting of “IP” and “ID”) Value) matches (whether the correspondence between the IP address and the ID matches) (step S37).

If it is determined in step S37 that the data match, the setting value of the “state” of the corresponding wireless unit data is updated to “connected”, and the process proceeds to the next received connection information.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S37 that they do not match, the setting values of “IP” and “ID” of the corresponding wireless part data are associated with the contents in which the IP address and ID included in the received connection information are associated with each other. Is updated (step S38), the setting value of the “state” of the wireless unit data is updated to “connection”, and the process proceeds to the next received connection information.

For wireless unit data for which a connection information response has not been obtained, the “state” of the wireless unit data remains “not connected”.
Here, in consideration of a case where a malfunction occurs in the operation of the wireless unit 2, the consistency determination is performed twice, and then the “IP” and “ID” setting values of the wireless unit data are updated. May be.
If the corresponding wireless part data is not searched as a result of the search process, new wireless part data is generated, and the IP address and ID included in the received connection information are set to “IP” of the wireless part data. And “ID”, “connection” may be set in the “state” of the wireless unit data, and it may be added (stored) in the system configuration management table 11.

  As described above, in this example, for each wireless unit 2 that is cascade-connected, the host device 1 has stage information that indicates a connection position (stage) in cascade connection, the ID of the wireless unit 2, and the wireless unit 2 A system configuration management table 11 that stores the IP addresses in association with each other, and, based on the storage contents of the system configuration management table 11, transmits connection establishment requests to the cascaded wireless units all at once, The connection information is received from the wireless unit 2 in which the link connection is established based on the connection establishment request, the ID and IP address included in the connection information, the order in which the connection information is received, and the contents stored in the system configuration management table 11 Judgment whether or not is consistent.

  If the ID and IP address included in the connection information transmitted from the wireless unit 2 with which the link connection has been established and the order in which the connection information is received and the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 are inconsistent, For the wireless unit at the connection position specified by the order in which the connection information is received, the storage content of the system configuration management table 11 is updated to the content in which the ID and the IP address included in the connection information are associated with each other.

(Operation example 3)
An example of the operation when starting the host device 1 will be described.
It is assumed that the system configuration management table 11 at the first activation is all empty (or a specified value (for example, ALL0) indicating unset). That is, the IP address, ID, etc. of each wireless unit 2 are not set.

FIG. 7 illustrates a processing sequence when the host device 1 is activated.
In the host device 1, the system configuration management processing unit 12 transmits a connection establishment request by broadcast to the network in the own system. The connection information including the IP address and ID stored (held) in the wireless unit 2 is transmitted from the wireless unit 2 (each of the cascaded wireless units 2) that has established the link connection based on the connection establishment request. 1 is transmitted.

  The system configuration management processing unit 12 of the host device 1 waits for a certain time from the broadcast transmission of the connection establishment request for reception of the connection information. When the connection information is received within this waiting time, the wireless unit 2 in the same network receives the connection information. If the connection information is from the wireless unit 2 (each of the cascaded wireless units 2) in the same network, the wireless unit data is generated based on the connection information and the system is generated. It is added (stored) to the configuration management table 11.

  In addition, since link connection is established in order from the upper level (upper level device 1 side) in the cascade connection, the connection information from each radio unit 2 is also transmitted in order from the higher level. Therefore, the host device 1 sets “1” to the “stage” of the wireless unit data related to the connection information received first, and sets “2” to the “stage” of the wireless unit data related to the received connection information. As set, a value that increases by 1 each time connection information is received is set to “stage”. In addition, the IP address and ID included in the corresponding connection information are set in “IP” and “ID” of each wireless unit data, and “Connection” is set in “Status”.

  FIG. 2C shows a setting example of the system configuration management table 11 as a result of performing the above processing. In this example, n pieces of wireless unit data related to the n wireless units 2 of the wireless unit 2 (# 1) to the wireless unit 2 (#n) are set.

FIG. 8 illustrates a processing flow of the system configuration management processing unit 12 when the host device 1 is started up.
At the time of activation of the host device 1, the system configuration management processing unit 12 broadcasts a connection establishment request to the network in its own system (step S51), and establishes link connection with each cascaded wireless unit 2. Establishment is performed (step S52), and connection information transmitted from the wireless unit 2 with which link connection has been established is received (step S53).

When the system configuration management processing unit 12 receives the connection information from the wireless unit 2, the system configuration management processing unit 12 refers to the wireless unit data in order from the head (upper side of the cascade connection) in the system configuration management table 11, and the IP included in the connection information. It is determined whether there is wireless part data for which an address (or ID) is set, and the corresponding wireless part data is searched (steps S54 to S56).
As a result of this search processing, if the corresponding wireless part data is not searched, wireless part data is generated based on the received connection information, added to the system configuration management table 11 (step S57), and then received. The process proceeds to the connection information.
On the other hand, if the corresponding wireless part data is searched as a result of the search process, the IP address and ID included in the received connection information and the contents of the searched wireless part data ("IP" and "ID" It is determined whether or not the setting value matches (the correspondence between the IP address and the ID matches) (step S58).

If it is determined in step S58 that the data match, the process proceeds to the next received connection information.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S58 that they do not match, the setting values of “IP” and “ID” of the corresponding wireless unit data are associated with the contents in which the IP address included in the received connection information is associated with the ID. Is updated (step S59), and the process proceeds to the next received connection information. In addition, in consideration of a case where a malfunction occurs in the operation of the wireless unit 2, the consistency determination is performed twice, and then the “IP” and “ID” setting values of the wireless unit data are updated. Also good.

  As described above, in this example, for each wireless unit 2 that is cascade-connected, the host device 1 has stage information that indicates a connection position (stage) in cascade connection, the ID of the wireless unit 2, and the wireless unit 2 The system configuration management table 11 stores the IP address of each of the wireless units 2 in association with each other, broadcasts a connection establishment request to each of the cascaded wireless units 2, and establishes a link connection based on the connection establishment request The connection information is received from the wireless unit 2, and the stage information indicating the connection position specified by the order of receiving the connection information is associated with the ID included in the connection information and the IP address included in the connection information. And stored in the system configuration management table 11.

(Operation example 4)
An operation example of the host device 1 during system operation (after finishing the startup process described in (Operation Example 1) to (Operation Example 3)) will be described.
It is assumed that the system configuration management table 11 during system operation has the setting contents illustrated in FIG. That is, as a result of the startup process of the host device 1, the IP address and ID of the wireless unit 2 actually connected to the stage are set in the "IP" and "ID" of the wireless unit data of each stage. “Connection” is set in the “state” of the radio section data at each stage.

FIG. 9 illustrates a processing sequence during system operation.
In the host device 1, the system configuration management processing unit 12 refers to the system configuration management table 11 and transmits the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 (all cases of wireless unit data) to the wireless units 2 in all stages. To do. Each wireless unit 2 stores the content received from the host device 1.
As illustrated in FIG. 2B, when there are wireless units 2 in a state where communication is not possible (the “state” of the wireless unit data is “not connected”), these wireless units 2 The contents stored in the system configuration management table 11 are not transmitted, but are transmitted only to the wireless unit 2 in a communicable state (the “state” of the wireless unit data is “connected”).
As a result, the wireless unit 2 that has received the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 can manage and recognize its own connection position (stage) in cascade connection, information on the peripheral (upper and lower) wireless units 2 and the like. It is possible to transmit and receive data between the peripheral wireless units 2.

  As described above, in this example, for each wireless unit 2 that is cascade-connected, the host device 1 has stage information that indicates a connection position (stage) in cascade connection, the ID of the wireless unit 2, and the wireless unit 2 The system configuration management table 11 that stores the IP addresses in association with each other is transmitted, and the storage contents of the system configuration management table 11 are transmitted to the radio units 2 of all stages.

(Operation example 5)
An operation example of the host device 1 during system operation (after finishing the startup process described in (Operation Example 1) to (Operation Example 3)) will be described.
It is assumed that the system configuration management table 11 during system operation has the setting contents illustrated in FIG. That is, as a result of the startup process of the host device 1, the IP address and ID of the wireless unit 2 actually connected to the stage are set in the "IP" and "ID" of the wireless unit data of each stage. “Connection” is set in the “state” of the radio section data at each stage.

FIG. 10 illustrates a processing sequence during system operation.
In the host device 1, the system configuration management processing unit 12 refers to the system configuration management table 11 at regular intervals, and the radio units 2 of all stages (the radio units whose “status” of the radio unit data is “not connected”) 2), a connection confirmation request for link connection is transmitted. From the wireless unit 2 that has received the connection confirmation request (the wireless unit 2 with the IP address specified in the connection confirmation request), a connection response including the IP address and ID stored (held) in the wireless unit 2 is sent to the host device. 1 is transmitted.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10, although connection responses have been obtained from all the radio units 2 for a while, connection responses from the radio unit 2 (# 3) cannot be obtained at a certain point in time. Suppose.
At this time, the system configuration management processing unit 12 of the higher-level device 1 transmits a connection confirmation request for link connection to the wireless unit 2 (# 3) again, and a connection response cannot be obtained even for the connection confirmation request. If it is determined that the link connection with the wireless unit 2 (# 3) has been disconnected, the wireless unit 2 (# 3) and the wireless units 2 lower than the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to the wireless unit 2 (# 3) A link connection disconnection request is transmitted to the wireless unit 2 (#n). Each wireless unit 2 that has received the disconnection request performs processing for disconnecting the link connection with the higher-level device 1 (and the higher-level or lower-level wireless unit 2).
Further, the system configuration management processing unit 12 of the higher-level device 1 transmits the “state” of the wireless unit data related to the wireless unit 2 (in this example, the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to the wireless unit 2 (#n)) that transmitted the disconnection request. ”Is updated to“ Not connected ”.

  That is, in this example, when a connection response is not obtained as a result of disconnection of the link connection with the wireless unit 2 due to removal of the wireless unit 2 from the cascade connection or the like, or the link with the wireless unit 2 If the connection is established but a connection response is not obtained for some reason, in addition to communication with the wireless unit 2, the wireless unit 2 connected to the subordinate (lower level) of the wireless unit 2 Therefore, the higher-level device 1 transmits a link connection disconnection request to the wireless unit 2 whose link connection has been disconnected and the lower-level wireless unit 2 based on the system configuration management table 11. The “state” of the corresponding wireless section data in the system configuration management table 11 is updated to “not connected”.

  As described above, in this example, for each wireless unit 2 that is cascade-connected, the host device 1 has stage information that indicates a connection position (stage) in cascade connection, the ID of the wireless unit 2, and the wireless unit 2 A system configuration management table 11 for storing the IP address of the system and the status information indicating whether communication with the wireless unit 2 is possible or not, based on the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11 The connection confirmation request for the link connection is transmitted to each cascaded wireless unit 2, the connection response corresponding to the connection confirmation request is received from the corresponding wireless unit 2, and the wireless for which the connection confirmation request is transmitted When there is no connection response from the unit 2, based on the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11, the link to the radio unit 2 having no connection response and each radio unit 2 at a connection position lower than the radio unit 2 is provided. It sends a disconnection request, for these wireless unit 2, and to update the system configuration management table 11 to the content of a communication is impossible state.

(Operation example 6)
An operation example of the host device 1 during system operation (after finishing the startup process described in (Operation Example 1) to (Operation Example 3)) will be described.
It is assumed that the system configuration management table 11 during system operation has the setting contents illustrated in FIG. In other words, as a result of the startup process of the host device 1, the “IP” and “ID” of the wireless unit data in each stage are actually connected to (or scheduled to be connected to) that stage. 2 is set, and the “state” of the radio unit data related to the upper two radio units 2 (ie, radio unit 2 (# 1) and radio unit 2 (# 2)) is “connected” ”Is set, and“ not connected ”is set in the“ state ”relating to the radio unit data of the radio unit 2 (ie, radio unit 2 (# 3) to radio unit 2 (#n)) lower than that .

FIG. 11 illustrates a processing sequence during system operation.
In the host device 1, the system configuration management processing unit 12 refers to the system configuration management table 11 at regular intervals, and the radio units 2 of all stages (the radio units whose “status” of the radio unit data is “not connected”) 2), a connection confirmation request for link connection is transmitted. From the wireless unit 2 that has received the connection confirmation request (the wireless unit 2 with the IP address specified in the connection confirmation request), a connection response including the IP address and ID stored (held) in the wireless unit 2 is sent to the host device. 1 is transmitted. In this example, connection responses from the radio unit 2 (# 1) and the radio unit 2 (# 2) are obtained, but connection responses from the radio unit 2 (# 3) to the radio unit 2 (#n) are obtained. Absent.

Here, as shown in FIG. 11, although the connection response from the wireless unit 2 (# 3) to the wireless unit 2 (#n) has not been obtained for a while, the wireless unit 2 at a certain point in time. It is assumed that a connection response from (# 3) to wireless unit 2 (#n) is also obtained.
At this time, when the system configuration management processing unit 12 of the host device 1 receives a connection response from the wireless unit 2 whose “state” of the wireless unit data is “not connected”, the wireless unit 2 adds ( Or the wireless unit data is updated to “connected”.

Note that when a connection establishment request is transmitted to the wireless unit 2 whose “state” of the wireless unit data is “not connected” and connection information transmitted after establishment of a link connection based on the connection establishment request is received. The wireless unit 2 may be recognized as having been added (or reconnected), and the “state” of the wireless unit data may be updated to “connected”.
Also, based on the ID and IP address included in the connection response transmitted from each wireless unit 2 in response to the connection confirmation request, the consistency of the corresponding wireless unit data is determined, and the wireless unit data is updated. Alternatively, when there is no corresponding wireless unit data, new wireless unit data may be generated and added to the system configuration management processing unit 12.

  As described above, in this example, for each wireless unit 2 that is cascade-connected, the host device 1 has stage information that indicates a connection position (stage) in cascade connection, the ID of the wireless unit 2, and the wireless unit 2 The system configuration management table 11 that stores the IP address and the state information indicating whether or not communication with the wireless unit is possible, and based on the stored contents of the system configuration management table 11, Status information indicating a state in which communication is not possible by transmitting a connection confirmation request for link connection to each cascaded wireless unit 2 and receiving a connection response corresponding to the connection confirmation request from the corresponding wireless unit 2 When a connection response is received from the wireless unit 2 stored in the system configuration management table 11, the system configuration management table 1 includes information indicating that the wireless unit 2 can communicate. It was to update.

In the wireless system of this example, the storage contents of the system configuration management table 11 of the higher-level device 1 follow the actual system configuration change by the processes described in (Operation Example 1) to (Operation Example 6). It will be updated automatically. That is, even when the wireless unit 2 is added, deleted, reconnected, etc., the system configuration management table 11 is updated to the contents that match the new system configuration, so that the host device 1 can effectively manage the system configuration. Can be done.
In the above description, the configuration in which all the radio units 2 are connected in series to the host device 1 (one series cascade connection) has been described. However, a plurality of ports are provided in the host device, and each port is provided. A configuration in which a plurality of radio units are connected in series (a plurality of cascade connections) may be employed, and processing may be performed by distinguishing cascade connection sequences by a port number or the like for identifying each port.

1: host device, 2: wireless unit,
11: System configuration management table, 12: System configuration management processing unit

Claims (3)

In a wireless system in which a plurality of wireless units are cascade-connected to a host device,
The host device is
Storage means for storing, in association with each cascaded wireless unit, stage information indicating a connection position in the cascade connection, identification information of the wireless unit, and an IP address of the wireless unit in association with each other;
Based on the storage contents of the storage means, in order from the higher-level device side of the cascade connection, a connection request transmission means for transmitting a communication connection establishment request to each wireless unit;
Connection information receiving means for receiving connection information including identification information and an IP address of the wireless unit from a wireless unit having established a communication connection based on the establishment request;
A determination unit that determines whether the identification information and the IP address included in the connection information match the stored content of the storage unit;
A wireless system comprising: In a wireless system in which a plurality of wireless units are cascade-connected to a host device,
The host device is
Storage means for storing, in association with each cascaded wireless unit, stage information indicating a connection position in the cascade connection, identification information of the wireless unit, and an IP address of the wireless unit in association with each other;
Based on the storage content of the storage means, in order from the host device side in the cascade connection, connection request transmission means for transmitting a communication connection establishment request to each wireless unit;
Connection information receiving means for receiving connection information including identification information and an IP address of the wireless unit from a wireless unit having established a communication connection based on the establishment request;
A determination unit that determines whether the identification information and the IP address included in the connection information match the stored content of the storage unit;
An association update unit that updates the storage unit with the content in which the identification information included in the connection information is associated with the IP address when the determination unit determines that the inconsistency exists;
A wireless system comprising: In a wireless system in which a plurality of wireless units are cascade-connected to a host device,
The host device is
For each cascaded wireless unit, stage information indicating a connection position in the cascade connection, identification information of the wireless unit, an IP address of the wireless unit, and whether communication with the wireless unit is possible Storage means for associating and storing state information indicating
A connection confirmation request transmitting means for transmitting a communication connection confirmation request to each of the cascade-connected wireless units based on the storage content of the storage means;
A connection response receiving means for receiving a connection response to the confirmation request from the wireless unit to which the confirmation request is transmitted;
When there is no connection response from the wireless unit to which the confirmation request is transmitted, based on the storage contents of the storage unit, communication connection to the wireless unit without the connection response and each wireless unit at a connection position lower than the wireless unit A disconnection request transmission means for transmitting a disconnection request of
For each wireless unit of the connection position lower than the wireless unit and the wireless unit without the connection response,
State information updating means for updating the storage means with contents indicating a state incapable of communication;
A wireless system comprising:

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