JP6415865B2 - Network system, communication control device, and communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system, a communication control apparatus, and a communication apparatus. For example, in a wireless multi-hop network, the present invention can be applied to processing for registering a communication apparatus in a network.

  In recent years, wireless communication devices that connect to networks such as mobile phone ropes and public wireless networks have become widespread. The current wireless communication devices include many communication devices equipped with a graphical user interface (GUI) such as a notebook personal computer, a mobile phone, and a smartphone. However, in the future, a communication device equipped with only a simple external interface such as a wireless sensor device ( For example, wireless embedded communication devices that include only buttons, display lamps, etc.) are considered to be widely used.

  In order to set up such a wireless communication device for connection to a wireless network for the first time, identification information of the wireless communication device and authentication information for authenticating the wireless communication device are stored in an access point (or an authentication server) of the wireless network. It is necessary to register the wireless network identification information and authentication information for joining the wireless network in the wireless communication device. However, such registration work is complicated for general users who are not familiar with IT devices such as personal computers and networks. In order to widely disseminate the wireless communication device in general households, a method for easily realizing the initial network connection setting of the wireless communication device is required.

  As a method for solving the above problem, Patent Document 1 simply exchanges information for network setting between an access point and a communication device by simply pressing a button on the terminal to be joined to the access point and the network. Describes how to register on the network. In such a conventional communication device setting method, a third-party terminal is illegally accepted by accepting a registration request from a new terminal (limited reception mode that allows initial registration) only for an arbitrary period after the access point button is pressed. Eliminate unnecessary registration. In addition, in the conventional communication device setting method, the current communication mode (limited reception mode allowing initial registration / normal wireless communication mode) can be identified by blinking / lighting the display lamp provided in the access point. You can know the completion of network initialization.

JP 2005-142907 A

  However, when a communication device is newly registered in the wireless multi-hop network, the access point and the communication device to be newly registered may be physically separated. In other words, in a wireless multi-hop network, even a communication device that does not receive radio waves directly from an access point can exchange data using another communication device as a relay device. This is because it is not always installed near the access point.

  In this case, a method for easily registering a new communication apparatus in the network is required even at a location away from the access point.

  Therefore, a network system, a communication control device, and a communication device that can simplify the task of newly registering a communication device in the network are desired.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication control device that manages a communication device connected to a network in which multi-hop wireless communication is performed, and one or more registered in the communication control device for connection to the network. (1) The communication control device (1-1) is a network system including a newly registered communication device and a newly registered communication device that newly registers the communication control device to connect to the network. ) When a registration request signal for requesting start of a new registration mode capable of registering a newly registered communication device as a communication device connected to the network is received from any registered communication device, start of the new registration mode is performed. a registration state determining means for determining, (1-2) the registration state determining means, when determining the start of a new registration mode, through the registered A registration accepting means for communicating with the newly registered communication device via the device and receiving a registration process for registering the newly registered communication device as a communication device connected to the network; (2-1) Registration request signal transmitting means for transmitting a registration request signal to the communication control device, and (2-2) Search for searching for a network connectable from a newly registered communication device. When the request signal is received, the communication apparatus has the newly registered communication device and communication relay means for relaying communication between the communication control device, and (3) the newly registered communication device is (3-1 ) Search request signal transmission means for transmitting a search request signal; and (3-2) when there is a response to the search request signal from a registered communication device, the communication control device via the registered communication device Communicate above And having a registration request unit that makes a request to register the Ttowaku.

The second aspect of the present invention is a communication control apparatus that manages a communication apparatus connected to a network in which multi-hop wireless communication is performed . (1) From an already registered communication apparatus that has already been registered for connection to the network. When a registration request signal is received that requests the start of a new registration mode in which a newly registered communication device can be registered as a communication device connected to the network, which newly registers with the communication control device to connect to the network. A registration enable state determination unit that determines the start of the new registration mode on the network; and (2) when the registration enable state determination unit determines the start of the new registration mode , through the already registered communication device. Registration processing for communicating with a newly registered communication device and registering the newly registered communication device as a communication device connected to the network And having a registration acceptance means for accepting.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a registered communication apparatus in which a communication control apparatus that manages a communication apparatus connected to a network in which multi-hop wireless communication is performed has already been registered for connection to the network. A registration request for requesting the communication control device to start a new registration mode in which a newly registered communication device for newly registering the communication control device to connect to the network can be registered as a communication device connected to the network. a registration request signal transmitting means for transmitting a signal, (2) when receiving a search request signal for searching for a connectable network from new registration of the communication device, a communication device of the new registration, the communication control device And a communication relay means for relaying communication with the communication device.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is a newly registered communication apparatus for performing registration for connection to the network in the communication control apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention that manages a communication apparatus connected to a network in which new multi-hop wireless communication is performed. a is, have been made (1) and the search request signal transmitting means for transmitting a search request signal for searching for a connectable network, registration for already connected to the network (2) the communication control device When there is a response to the search request signal from the already registered communication device, the communication requesting device communicates with the communication control device via the already registered communication device and has a registration request means for making a request for registration in the network. It is characterized by that.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operation | work which registers a communication apparatus newly in a network can be simplified.

It is the sequence diagram shown about operation | movement of the network system of 1st Embodiment. It is the block diagram shown about the example of the whole structure of the network system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the block diagram shown about the functional structure of the communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the block diagram shown about the state at the time of the new registration of the communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment in a multihop network. It is the block diagram shown about the state which the communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment has already registered into the multihop network. It is the block diagram shown about the functional structure of the registration apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the sequence diagram shown about operation | movement of the network system of 2nd Embodiment. It is the block diagram shown about the example of the whole structure of the network system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the block diagram shown about the functional structure of the registration apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the sequence diagram shown about operation | movement of the network system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

(A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a network system, a communication control device, and a communication device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, the example which applied the communication control apparatus of this invention to the registration apparatus is demonstrated.

(A-1) Configuration of the First Embodiment FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system 1 of this embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the network system 1 includes three communication devices 10 (10-1 to 10-3) constituting the multihop network N, and a communication device 10 (newly registered in the multihop network N) ( 10-4) and the registration apparatus 20 are assumed to be arranged. Note that the number of communication devices 10 and registration devices 20 arranged in the communication system 1 is not limited.

  Each communication device 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a wireless node that configures the multi-hop network N. In the network system 1, it is assumed that a node (communication device 10) participating in the multi-hop network N is managed by the registration device 20. That is, only the node (communication device 10) registered (authenticated) with the registration device 20 can continuously participate (connect) to the multi-hop network N.

  The upper functions (applications) installed in each communication device 10 are not limited. For example, a node that performs wireless communication such as a sensor node (for example, wireless that performs wireless communication based on various wireless LAN interface specifications) Node) can be applied. In the network system 1, the topology in the multi-hop network N is not limited and will be described as a configuration that converges using various routing protocols and the like. In the example of this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in a state where the communication devices 10-1 and 10-2 and the registration device 20 are linked around the communication device 10-2, In the following description, it is assumed that the communication device 10-4 is newly connected.

  Next, the internal configuration of each communication device 10 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the communication device 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the communication device 10 includes a transmission unit 11, a reception unit 12, a communication processing unit 13, an input unit 14, a display unit 15, and a power supply unit 16.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, the communication device 10 is equipped with a higher layer component (for example, a function of transmitting data of a value detected by a predetermined sensor) according to the function. .

  The transmission unit 11 and the reception unit 12 function as a wireless interface through which the communication device 10 transmits and receives wireless signals.

  The power supply unit 16 supplies power to each component of the communication device 10. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the power supply unit 16 is provided with a power switch 160 that can be switched on and off. The shape of the power switch 160 is not limited, and may be, for example, a button type.

  The communication processing unit 13 performs communication processing related to the communication device 10, and includes a new registration request unit 131, a network registration processing unit 132, a network information management unit 133, a new registration mode request unit 134, and a new registration mode acquisition unit. 135 and a registration processing relay unit 136. The communication processing unit 13 uses the transmission unit 11 and the reception unit 12 to transmit / receive a signal related to communication control to / from the registration device 20, thereby performing a new registration process for joining the multi-hop network N, A process of joining the multi-hop network N after the registration process (hereinafter referred to as “new registration process”) is performed. Further, the communication processing unit 13 performs relay (mediation) between the registration device 20 and another communication device 10 (the communication device 10 before executing the new registration processing) that will perform the network participation processing after the new registration processing. Processing (hereinafter referred to as “new registration relay processing”) is also executed.

  The input unit 14 and the display unit 15 function as a user interface in the communication device 10 (mainly a user interface for an operator who installs the communication device 10). The input unit 14 is operation accepting means (input means) for accepting an operation from an operator. In this embodiment, the input unit 14 will be described as being configured using one button 140. Note that the type and number of devices constituting the input unit 14 are not limited. For example, as a matter of course, a plurality of buttons, a touch panel, or the like may be used as the input unit 14. The button 140 of the input unit 1 and the power switch 160 of the power supply unit 16 may be configured using a single button or the like.

  The display unit 15 is a display output unit that displays and outputs the state of the communication device 10 to an operator. In this embodiment, the display unit 15 will be described as being configured using a single lamp 150 (for example, an LED lamp). Note that the type and number of devices constituting the display unit 15 are not limited. For example, as a matter of course, a plurality of lamps or displays may be used as the display unit 15. Note that the display unit 15 may be omitted particularly when a signal to be presented to the worker is not necessary.

  The lamp 150 can be turned on and off according to the control of the communication processing unit 13. For example, the lamp 150 may be blinked or lit according to the transition of the operation state of the communication processing unit 13. Further, the communication processing unit 13 may perform lighting / flashing according to the processing result such as success or failure of registration in the multi-hop network N.

  Next, a state when the communication apparatus 10 performs the new registration process and a state after the new registration process (an already registered state) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  FIG. 4 shows a state before the new registration process is performed in the communication device 10 (the state of the communication device 10-4 shown in FIG. 2). In the communication processing unit 13 of the communication apparatus 10, a new registration request unit 131, a network registration processing unit 132, and a network information management unit 133 are used for new registration processing. In FIG. 4, only the components (new registration request unit 131, network registration processing unit 132, and network information management unit 133) used in the new registration process are included in the communication processing unit 13 to simplify the description. It is shown.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a state when the new registration relay process is performed after the new registration process in the communication apparatus 10 (the state of the communication apparatuses 10-1 to 10-3 illustrated in FIG. 2). In the communication processing unit 13 of the communication apparatus 10, a new registration mode request unit 134, a new registration mode acquisition unit 135, and a registration processing relay unit 136 are used for new registration relay processing performed after the new registration processing. In FIG. 5, in order to simplify the description, the components used in the network participation process (new registration mode request unit 134, new registration mode acquisition unit 135, and registration processing relay unit 136) are used in the communication processing unit 13. Only shown.

  Next, details of components (new registration request unit 131, network registration processing unit 132, network information management unit 133, etc.) used when performing new registration processing in communication device 10 will be described using FIG. .

  The new registration request unit 131 activates an operation mode (hereinafter referred to as “new registration mode”) for newly setting network information in which the communication device 10 participates. In the communication device 10 (new registration request unit 131), the method for determining whether to start the new registration mode is not particularly limited, but in the first embodiment, for example, it is started by a predetermined operation (pressing the button 140) on the input unit 14. It will be described as being. In the communication device 10, for example, the new registration mode may be activated by turning on the power in the factory-shipped state (switching the power switch 160 to the ON state). The new registration mode may be activated by turning on (switching the power switch 160 to the ON state). The new registration request unit 131 gives a request to start the new registration mode to the network registration processing unit 132 in response to the above-described predetermined operation by the user.

  The network registration processing unit 132 newly performs a registration process with the registration device 20 of the multi-hop network N, and determines whether or not to register the network as a network that may participate. The network registration processing unit 132 starts a new registration process when a new registration mode activation start request is given from the new registration request unit 131. First, the network registration processing unit 132 gives a network search request (a signal (frame) for searching for a connectable network) to the transmission unit 11 and the network information (multi-hop network) that has responded via the reception unit 12 Network to which a participation request is issued is selected from the network identification information including N). The network information includes, for example, information indicating that it is in the new registration mode and network identification information, and the network registration processing unit 132 selects a network that issues a participation request based on these information. Also good. The network registration processing unit 132 completes by transmitting a participation request to the selected network and receiving a response indicating permission or rejection of participation from the network. The network registration processing unit 132 may involve an authentication process between the communication device 10 and the registration device 20 of the multi-hop network N. The details of the authentication processing performed by the network registration processing unit 132 are not particularly limited. For example, authentication / key exchange based on cryptographic techniques such as common key encryption and public key encryption may be performed.

  The network registration processing unit 132 may determine registration of the multi-hop network N by receiving a response indicating permission of participation from the multi-hop network N. Further, the network registration processing unit 132 may stop the registration processing of the multi-hop network N by receiving a response of rejection of participation from the multi-hop network N or not receiving a response. The network registration processing unit 132 gives the network information that has been registered to the network information management unit 133. Here, the network information may include network identification information, authentication information used for authentication processing at the time of rejoining after network information registration, and the like.

  The network information management unit 133 manages network information registered by the communication device 10. The network information management unit 133 receives the network information permitted to participate from the network registration processing unit 132, and manages the network information. The network information may include, for example, network identification information and network authentication information.

  In the state of FIG. 4, the transmission unit 11 performs a process of transmitting data given from the network registration processing unit 132 during the network registration process. In the state of FIG. 4, the receiving unit 12 gives data received from the network that performs the registration process to the network registration processing unit 132.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, details of components (new registration mode request unit 134, new registration mode acquisition unit 135, registration processing relay unit 136, etc.) used when performing new registration relay processing in communication device 10 are used. explain.

  The new registration mode request unit 134 requests the registration device 20 of the multi-hop network N to start a new registration mode. The request determination method for starting the new registration mode is not particularly limited. For example, the request determination method for starting the new registration mode may be realized by pressing the button 140 provided in the communication device 10 (or pressing the button 140 for a predetermined time or longer). Good. When the input unit 14 includes a plurality of buttons, the new registration mode request unit 134 may determine the start of the new registration mode by simultaneously pressing the plurality of buttons. Further, the new registration mode request unit 134 may start the new registration mode in accordance with an instruction from a device connectable to the communication device 10. The new registration mode request unit 134 gives a request for starting a new registration mode to the transmission unit 11. Here, the new registration mode start request may be made resistant to attacks such as wiretapping, tampering, and impersonation by encryption processing and authentication processing.

  The new registration mode acquisition unit 135 recognizes that the multi-hop network N has been set to the new registration mode by receiving a new registration mode setting notification from the receiving unit 12. The new registration mode setting notification may be resistant to attacks such as eavesdropping, tampering, and impersonation through encryption processing and authentication processing. The new registration mode acquisition unit 135 gives a new registration mode setting notification to the registration processing relay unit 136.

  The registration processing relay unit 136 mediates registration processing transmitted and received between the newly registered communication device 10 and the registration device 20 of the multi-hop network N. The registration processing relay unit 136 is in the new registration mode in response to a network search request from the newly registered communication device 10 by receiving a new registration mode setting notification from the new registration mode acquisition unit 135. Respond. Here, the registration processing relay unit 136 may respond with the identification information of the multi-hop network N to which the already registered communication device 10 belongs, in response to the response that the registration mode is in the new registration mode. Also, the registration processing relay unit 136 is in the new registration mode given to the transmission unit 11 for relaying and delivering the network search request from the newly registered communication device 10 to the registration device 20 and from the reception unit 12. Network information indicating this may be given to the transmission unit 11 for relay delivery to the newly registered communication device 10.

  The registration processing relay unit 136 receives a network participation request from the newly registered communication device 10 via the reception unit 12, thereby registering the newly registered communication device 10 and the multi-hop network N. Relay the authentication message exchange between the devices 20. The authentication message may include, for example, a message exchanged for network participation authentication processing, address information setting, and communication path information setting.

  In the state of FIG. 5, the transmission unit 11 transmits a new registration mode start request given from the new registration mode request unit 134 to the registration device 20 of the multihop network N. In the state of FIG. 5, the transmission unit 11 transmits the information given from the registration processing relay unit 136 in the network registration process between the newly registered communication device 10 and the registration device 20 of the multi-hop network N. To do. Furthermore, in the state of FIG. 5, the receiving unit 12 gives a new registration mode setting notification given from the registration device 20 of the multihop network N to the new registration mode acquisition unit 135. Further, in the state of FIG. 5, the receiving unit 12 gives information related to the network registration process between the newly registered communication device 10 and the registration device 20 of the multi-hop network N to the registration processing relay unit 136.

  Next, the configuration of the registration device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The registration device 20 includes a new registration mode request acquisition unit 231, a communication device registration processing unit 232, a communication device information management unit 233, a transmission unit 21, and a reception unit 22.

  The transmission unit 21 and the reception unit 22 function as a wireless interface through which the registration device 20 transmits and receives wireless signals.

  The new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 receives a new registration mode start request from the reception unit 22 and accepts a new connection of the communication apparatus 10 and activates a new registration mode for setting. Here, the new registration mode start request may be made resistant to attacks such as wiretapping, tampering, and impersonation by encryption processing and authentication processing. The new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 gives a new registration mode activation request to the communication device registration processing unit 232.

  The communication device registration processing unit 232 newly performs a registration process with the communication device 10 and determines whether or not to register the communication device 10 in the network. When receiving a new registration mode activation request from the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231, the communication device registration processing unit 232 performs processing for newly registering the communication device 10 in the multihop network N. The communication device registration processing unit 232 notifies all the communication devices 10 forming the multi-hop network N of notification of entry into the new registration mode (a state in which new registration can be accepted) (new registration mode setting). Notification) to the transmission unit 21. In the communication device registration processing, the communication device registration processing unit 232 performs control so that, for example, after a new registration mode activation request is given, only an arbitrary period is performed and not performed after the end of the arbitrary period. You may do it.

  In addition, the communication device registration processing unit 232 may cancel the execution of the communication device registration process, for example, by an operation on the registration device 20 (for example, pressing a button (not shown)). In the communication device registration processing unit 232, for example, the communication device registration process is performed by receiving a participation request from an arbitrary communication device 10 and responding with permission or rejection of participation. In the communication device registration processing unit 232, the communication device registration process may involve an authentication process between the communication device 10 and the registration device 20. The method of authentication processing performed by the communication device registration processing unit 232 is not particularly limited. For example, authentication / key exchange based on cryptographic techniques such as common key encryption and public key encryption may be performed.

  The communication device information management unit 233 manages information on the communication device 10 that is permitted to participate in the registration device 20. The communication device information management unit 233 manages information on communication devices permitted to participate, provided by the communication device registration processing unit 232. The information of the communication device is information for identifying the communication device 10 such as a MAC address, for example, and may further include authentication information for authenticating the communication device 10.

  The transmission unit 21 transmits the information given from the communication device registration processing unit 232 in the network participation process. The receiving unit 22 gives the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 the new registration mode start request received from the already registered communication device 10. Further, the reception unit 22 provides the communication device registration processing unit 232 with the information received from the communication device 10 that performs the new registration process and the registration process.

(A-2) Operation of First Embodiment Next, the operation of the network system 1 of the first embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the network system 1. FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing for newly registering a communication device 10-4 in a state where three communication devices 10-1 to 10-3 are registered in the multi-hop network N. In FIG. 1, the operation of the network system 1 is roughly divided into three steps S101 (starting of a new registration mode), S102 (registration processing), and S103 (registration setting).

  In FIG. 1, “already registered communication device 10” is described as communication device 10-2, and “newly registered communication device 10” is described as communication device 10-4. That is, in FIG. 1, the newly registered communication device 10-4 accesses the registration device 20 via the already registered communication device 10-2 and performs a new registration process.

[S101] Starting New Registration Mode First, a new registration mode start request is determined in the new registration mode request unit 134 of the already registered communication device 10-2 (S101-1), and a new registration mode start request is issued. It is assumed that it is transmitted to the registration device 20 (S101-2). Here, it is assumed that, in the already registered communication device 10-2, the button 140 of the input unit 14 is pressed, and the new registration mode request unit 134 determines the start request for the new registration mode.

  Next, in the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 of the registration device 20, a new registration mode start request is given, and activation of the new registration mode is determined. A request for starting the new registration mode is given to the communication device registration processing unit 232 (S101-3).

  Next, the communication device registration processing unit 232 of the registration device 20 starts a new registration mode, and all the communication devices 10 (10-1 to 10-3) in which the new registration mode setting notification currently forms the multi-hop network N. (S101-4). As a result, the new registration mode setting notification is received by the new registration mode acquisition unit 135 of the communication apparatus 10-2 that has already been registered, and the registration processing relay unit 136 starts the relay process of the new registration process.

  Then, it is assumed that the new registration request unit 131 of the newly registered communication device determines that the new registration mode is activated, and a request for starting the new registration mode is given to the network registration processing unit 132 (S101-5). ). Here, it is assumed that in the newly registered communication device 10-4, the button 140 of the input unit 14 is pressed, and the new registration request unit 131 determines that the new registration mode is activated.

[S102] Registration Processing Next, a network search request is generated in the network registration processing unit 132 of the newly registered communication device 10-4, and a nearby communication device 10 (communication device 10-2) is transmitted via the transmission unit 11. (S102-1). And this network search request | requirement will be received by the communication apparatus 10-2 located in the vicinity of the communication apparatus 10-4.

  Next, in the registration processing relay unit 136 of the already registered communication device 10-2, a network search request is given, and network information (network information of the multi-hop network N) indicating that it is in the new registration mode is returned. (S102-2). The network search request may be relayed and delivered to the registration device 20, and the network information returned from the registration device 20 may be returned to the newly registered communication device 10-4.

  Next, in the network registration processing unit 132 of the newly registered communication device 10-4, the multi-hop network N in the new registration mode is selected as a participation destination network, and a participation request is transmitted via the transmission unit 11 ( Transmitted to the registration device 20 via the communication device 10-2). Then, a registration process is performed between the network registration processing unit 132 of the newly registered communication device 10-4 and the communication device registration processing unit 232 of the registration device 20 (for example, the MAC address of the communication device) The device confirmation information and network information such as network identification information are exchanged) (S102-3). Here, the registration processing relay unit 136 of the already registered communication device 10-2 relays and distributes information exchanged between the newly registered communication device 10-4 and the registration device 20. In the registration process, an authentication process based on a cryptographic technique may be performed between the newly registered communication device 10-4 and the registration device 20. Here, at the same time as the authentication process is successful, authentication information (for example, a pre-shared key or a password) used for the authentication process when the communication apparatus 10-4 rejoins may be newly generated. The authentication information (for example, the public key of the communication device 10-4) used by the authentication process 10-4 at the time of rejoining may be held. Here, the communication apparatus 10-4 may stop the registration process when the authentication process fails.

  Next, in the communication device registration processing unit 232 of the registration device 20, a participation permission or rejection message is generated and transmitted via the transmission unit 21 to the newly registered communication device 10-4. Then, in the network registration processing unit 132 of the newly registered communication device 10-4, a response message indicating permission or rejection of participation is given, and registration of the network currently being registered is determined (S102-4). ).

[S103] Registration Setting Next, the communication device information management unit 233 of the registration device 20 manages information of the communication device 10-4 that has determined registration. Here, in addition to information for identifying a communication device such as a MAC address, authentication information (for example, a pre-shared key, a password, a public key, etc.) used for authentication processing at the time of rejoining after registration of the communication device 10 is included. But it ’s okay. Further, the network information management unit 133 of the communication device 10-4 manages the identification information (identification information of the multi-hop network N) of the network for which registration is determined. In addition to the network identification information, the network information management unit 133 may include authentication information (for example, a pre-shared key, a password, a public key, etc.) used for authentication processing at the time of rejoining after network information registration (S103). -1).

(A-3) Effects of First Embodiment According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

  According to the first embodiment, there is no need to operate the registration device 20 of the multi-hop network N (for example, pressing a button or the like (not shown)), and there is an already registered communication device 10 that exists in the vicinity of the newly registered communication device 10. The multi-hop network N is controlled by operating (pressing) the input unit 14 (button 140) of the communication device 10 (the communication device 0 in which the button 140 is pressed and the new registration mode is started; hereinafter also referred to as “relay device”). The new registration mode of the registration device 20 to be started can be started. As a result, when the communication device 10 is newly registered with respect to the registration device 20 that controls the multi-hop network N, the already registered registration device 20 and the newly registered communication device 10 are physically separated. Even when the communication device 10 is installed, the installer of the communication device 10 can easily start the new registration mode without moving to the registration device 20 and starting the new registration mode. Further, in the communication device 10, the configuration of the input unit 14 can be realized with a simple configuration such as one button 140.

  In addition, since it is not possible to perform new registration of the communication device 10 unless it is a person who can directly operate the registered communication device 10, it is possible to easily register the communication device 10 and suppress unauthorized access to the multi-hop network N. It is also possible to do.

(B) Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of a network system, a communication control device, and a communication device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, the example which applied the communication control apparatus of this invention to the registration apparatus is demonstrated.

(B-1) Configuration of Second Embodiment The overall configuration of the second embodiment and the internal configuration of each device (communication device 10 and registration device 20) are the same as those in the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. Can be shown in FIG. Hereinafter, differences of the second embodiment from the first embodiment will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the registration device 20 of the multi-hop network N relays communication between the newly registered communication device 10 and the registration device 20 among the already registered communication devices 10. It is assumed that only the 10 (relay apparatus) is notified of the setting of the new registration mode, and the communication apparatus 10 that relays the registration process is confirmed in the registration process.

  Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, the communication device 10 that has already been registered will be described as the communication device 10-2 and the communication device that is newly registered will be described as the communication device 10-4, as in the first embodiment. .

  In the already registered communication apparatus 10-2 of the second embodiment, part of the processing of the registration processing relay unit 136 is different from that of the first embodiment.

  The registration processing relay unit 136 according to the second embodiment relays a network participation request and an authentication message given from a newly registered communication device 10-4 and an authentication message to the registration device 20. In order to prove to the registration apparatus 20 that the communication apparatus 10-2 is already registered, the message may be authenticated using an encryption technique such as common key encryption or public key encryption.

  In the registration device 20 in the second embodiment, some operations are different with respect to the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 and the communication device registration processing unit 232. Hereinafter, the difference between the registration device 20 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

  The new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 of the second embodiment is given a new registration mode start request, acquires address information of the communication device 10 that has transmitted the new registration mode start request, and together with the new registration mode start request The acquired address information is given to the communication device registration processing unit 232.

  The communication device registration processing unit 232 according to the second embodiment also acquires the source address information of the new registration mode activation request together with the new registration mode activation request from the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231. In addition, the communication device registration processing unit 232 according to the second embodiment sets only the communication device 10 in which the source address information is set among the communication devices 10 forming the multi-hop network N to the new registration mode. In order to notify the transition, a new registration mode setting notification is given to the transmission unit 21. Furthermore, when the communication device registration processing unit 232 according to the second embodiment receives a participation request and an authentication message necessary for the registration processing from any communication device 10, the relay device transmits the transmission source address information. You may confirm that it is a communication apparatus which has. Here, in order to confirm that the message relay / delivery source is the relay device, the message may be authenticated by using encryption techniques such as common key encryption and public key encryption. Furthermore, the communication device registration processing unit 232 according to the second embodiment performs registration processing only when the communication device 10 that is a message relay delivery source can confirm that it is a relay device that has sent a new registration mode setting notification. If registration cannot be confirmed, the registration process may be stopped.

(B-2) Operation of Second Embodiment Next, the operation of the network system 1 of the second embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the network system 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing for newly registering the communication device 10-4 in a state where three communication devices 10-1 to 10-3 are registered in the multi-hop network N. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 7, the same or corresponding step numbers (symbols) are assigned to the same or corresponding steps as in FIG. In FIG. 7, the operation of the network system 1 is roughly divided into three steps S101A (starting of a new registration mode), S102A (registration processing), and S103 (registration setting). In the second embodiment, steps S101 and S102 are replaced with steps S101A and S102A as compared with the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, in the network system 1 of the second embodiment, only the difference from the operation of the first embodiment (the sequence shown in FIG. 1 described above) will be described.

[S101A] Activation of New Registration Mode In step S101A of the second embodiment, steps S101-3 and S102-4 in step S101 of the first embodiment are replaced with steps S101A-3 and S101A-4.

  In step S101A-3, the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 of the registration device 20 acquires the source address information (address of the communication device 10-2) of the new registration mode start request together with the new registration mode start request. The registration mode activation request and source address information are given to the communication device registration processing unit 232.

  In step S101A-4, the communication device registration processing unit 232 of the registration device 20 starts the new registration mode, and the transmission source address information given by the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 is set in the new registration mode setting notification. It transmits to the communication apparatus 10-2.

[S102A] Registration Process In step S102A of the second embodiment, step S102-3 is replaced with step S102A-3 as compared to the first embodiment.

  In step S102A-3, the registration processing relay unit 136 of the communication device 10-2 that has already been registered determines that the network delivery request from the newly registered communication device 10-4 and the relay delivery source of the authentication message are self-registered. In order to prove to the registration device 20 that the device is the device, a process for authenticating the message transmission source is performed using cryptographic technology.

  In step S102A-3, when the communication device registration processing unit 232 of the registration device 20 is given a network participation request and an authentication message, the relay delivery source is changed from the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231. It is confirmed whether or not the communication apparatus 10 has the given source address information. The communication device registration processing unit 232 may use message source authentication using encryption technology for the confirmation.

(B-3) Effects of Second Embodiment According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

  In the second embodiment, the registration device 20 of the multi-hop network N sets the new registration mode only for the registered communication device 10 (the registered communication device 10 in which the button 140 is pressed) serving as a relay device. To be notified. In the second embodiment, regarding the registration process, the registration apparatus 20 can confirm the communication apparatus 10 that relays the registration process. As a result, in the second embodiment, third-party communication devices other than the registered communication device 10 (registered communication device 10 with which the button 140 is pressed) serving as the relay device are illegally connected to the multi-hop network N. It is possible to suppress connection (incorrect connection), etc.

(C) Third Embodiment Hereinafter, a third embodiment of a network system, a communication control device, and a communication device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, the example which applied the communication control apparatus of this invention to the registration apparatus is demonstrated.

(C-1) Configuration of the Third Embodiment FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system 1B of the third embodiment.

  The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the registration device 20 is replaced with a registration device 20B. Hereinafter, the difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the configuration of each communication device 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the functional configuration of the registration apparatus 20B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The registration device 20B of the third embodiment grasps in advance the communication device 10 that permits the new registration mode request, and activates the new registration mode only in response to the new registration mode request from the communication device 20. .

  The registration apparatus 20B according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a new registration mode authority management unit 234 is added to the registration processing unit 23. Further, in the registration device 20B of the third embodiment, a part of the process of the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 is different from that of the first embodiment.

  The new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 according to the third embodiment is given a new registration mode start request, acquires the identification information of the communication device that has transmitted the new registration mode start request, and acquires the identification information of the communication device 10. However, it is determined that the new registration mode is activated only when it is included in the identification information given by the new registration mode authority management unit 234.

  The new registration mode authority management unit 234 preliminarily selects the communication device 10 (communication device 10 permitted to be a relay device) that accepts the new registration mode request among the communication devices 10 already registered in the multi-hop network N. It is something to keep track of. The new registration mode authority management unit 234 manages the identification information of the communication device 10 that is permitted to start the new registration mode among the already registered communication devices 10-2, and manages the identification information as a new registration mode request acquisition unit. To 231.

  In the new registration mode authority management unit 234, a grasping method (management method) of the communication device 10 that allows the new registration mode to be activated is not particularly limited. For example, the operator may be able to input by manual setting, or a separate communication device. 10 A server (database server) that performs management and an authentication server may be constructed and managed.

(C-2) Operation of Third Embodiment Next, the operation of the network system 1B of the third embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the network system 1B according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of newly registering the communication device 10-4 in a state where three communication devices 10-1 to 10-3 are registered in the multi-hop network N. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 10, the same or corresponding step numbers (symbols) are assigned to the same or corresponding steps as in FIG. In FIG. 10, the operation of the network system 1B is roughly divided into three steps S101B (starting of a new registration mode), S102 (registration processing), and S103 (registration setting). In the third embodiment, step S101 is replaced with step S101B as compared to the first embodiment. In the following, only the parts different from the sequence diagram of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

[S101B] Activation of New Registration Mode The processing in step S101B of the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the processing in step S101-3 is replaced with step S101B-3.

  In step S101B-3, the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 of the registration device 20B of the third embodiment performs the communication device 10 (relay device) that is the transmission source of the new registration mode start request and the new registration mode start request. A list of communication devices 10) (a list of identification information) is supplied from the new registration mode authority management unit 234 in advance. Then, the new registration mode request acquisition unit 231 only when the identification information of the communication device 10 that is the transmission source of the acquired new registration mode start request is included in the identification information supplied from the new registration mode authority management unit 234. Then, activation of the new registration mode is determined, and a request for activation of the new registration mode is given to the communication device registration processing unit 232.

(C-3) Effects of Third Embodiment According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

  In the third embodiment, the registration device 20B of the multi-hop network N knows in advance the communication device 10 that permits the new registration mode request, and only the new registration mode request from the communication device is new. Start registration mode. Thereby, in 3rd Embodiment, it can prevent that the registration apparatus 20B of the multihop network N is set to the new registration mode unintentionally by the third party. For example, regarding the communication device 10 installed outdoors that is easily accessible by a third party, it is possible to prevent the new registration mode from being illegally activated by not giving the authority to activate the new registration mode. In addition to the registration device 20, by setting in advance a representative device that can start the new registration mode, it is possible to prevent the new registration mode from being started unintentionally.

(D) Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may include modified embodiments as exemplified below.

  (D-1) In the network system of each of the embodiments described above, the wireless multi-hop network configured by the wireless communication device has been described. However, in the network system of the present invention, the medium (wired or wireless) for network connection is limited. Instead, some or all of the communication devices may be wired.

  (D-2) In the network system of each embodiment described above, a multi-hop network has been described. However, the network system of the present invention is not limited to a communication device corresponding to a routing function, and for example, relays a message. Only a relay device (for example, a communication device that supports only the layer 2 bridge function) may be included.

  (D-3) In the network system of each of the embodiments described above, when the new registration mode is activated in the communication device serving as the relay device, first, the registration device is notified and the registration device sets the new registration mode. Although the description has been given of the configuration in which the new registration mode state is responded to the new communication device after the notification, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the new registration mode is activated in the relay device, the new registration mode information is returned to the new communication device, and after receiving the participation request from the new communication device, It may be configured to notify the start request.

  (D-4) In each of the above embodiments, the communication apparatus that has already been registered is described as an example of a communication apparatus in which the new registration mode is set. However, in a communication apparatus in which the new registration mode is not set, A configuration in which network information is not responded to a network search request from a new communication device, or a participation request and authentication message from a new communication device may not be relayed to a registration device. Thereby, in the network system of this invention, generation | occurrence | production of useless communication can be suppressed.

  (D-5) In each of the embodiments described above, the communication apparatus that has already been registered has been described as an example in which the registration process between the newly registered communication apparatus and the registration apparatus is relayed. Not all of the communication devices are provided with a registration processing relay unit. For example, a communication device that does not include a registration processing relay unit may include a communication device that notifies the registration device only of a new registration mode start request generated by the new registration mode request unit. In this case, another already-registered communication device (a communication device including a registration processing relay unit) causes a newly registered communication device connected thereunder to communicate with the registration device. In other words, in the network system of the present invention, a first registered communication device (a communication device not including a registration processing relay unit but including a new registration mode request unit) and a second registered communication device (at least It is also possible to cause the registration device to register a newly registered communication device using a registration processing relay unit).

  (D-6) In the network system of the present invention, the second embodiment and the third embodiment can be applied in combination. That is, the network system of the present invention may be configured to authenticate the registration processing using the relay device while limiting the relay devices that can start the new registration mode.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network system 10, 10-1-10-4 ... Communication apparatus, 11 ... Transmission part, 12 ... Reception part, 13 ... Communication processing part, 131 ... New registration request part, 132 ... Network registration processing part, 133 ... Network information management unit, 134 ... New registration mode request unit, 135 ... New registration mode acquisition unit, 136 ... Registration processing relay unit, 14 ... Input unit, 140 ... Button, 15 ... Display unit, 150 ... Lamp, 16 ... Power supply unit , 160 ... power switch, 20 ... registration device, 21 ... transmission unit, 22 ... reception unit, 23 ... registration processing unit, 231 ... new registration mode request acquisition unit, 232 ... communication device registration processing unit, 233 ... communication device information management Part, N ... multi-hop network.

Claims (10)

A communication control device that manages communication devices connected to a network in which multi-hop wireless communication is performed, and one or a plurality of already registered communication devices that have already been registered in the communication control device to connect to the network In a network system comprising a newly registered communication device for newly registering to connect to the network to the communication control device,
The communication control device
When a registration request signal for requesting start of a new registration mode capable of registering a newly registered communication device as a communication device connected to the network is received from any registered communication device, the start of the new registration mode is determined. Registerable state determination means to perform,
Communication that communicates with a newly registered communication device via the already registered communication device and connects the newly registered communication device to the network when the registration enabled state determination means determines the start of the new registration mode. Registration acceptance means for accepting registration processing for registration as a device,
The registered communication device is
A registration request signal transmitting means for transmitting a registration request signal to the communication control device;
When a search request signal for searching for a connectable network is received from a newly registered communication device, the communication device includes a communication relay unit that relays communication between the newly registered communication device and the communication control device. ,
The newly registered communication device is:
Search request signal transmitting means for transmitting a search request signal;
When there is a response to the search request signal from a registered communication device, the communication requesting device communicates with the communication control device via the registered communication device and has a registration request means for making a request for registration in the network. A network system characterized by If it is determined that the new registration mode is started , the registration enable state determination unit transmits a registration enable signal indicating that registration of a newly registered communication device is possible on the network.
When the communication relay means receives a search request signal from a newly registered communication device, the communication relay means transfers the data related to the registerable signal received from the communication control device to the newly registered communication device, and Relay the communication between the communication device and the communication control device,
The registration receiving means communicates with a newly registered communication device via a registered communication device that is a transmission source of the registration request signal, and receives a registration process for registering the newly registered communication device. The network system according to claim 1 The registered communication device is
It further has an input means capable of receiving a predetermined input,
The network system according to claim 2, wherein the registration request signal transmission unit transmits a registration request signal to the communication control device when a predetermined input is made to the input unit. The newly registered communication device is:
It further has an input means capable of receiving a predetermined input,
The network system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the search request signal transmission unit transmits a search request signal when a predetermined input is made to the input unit.   The network system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the registerable state determination means sends a registerable signal to the entire network.   5. The registerable state determination unit transmits a registerable signal only to an already registered communication apparatus that has been a transmission source of the received registration request signal. Network system. The communication control device
Management means for holding a list of identification information related to one or more already registered communication devices;
3. The registerable state determining means transmits a registerable signal as a response only to a registration request signal sent from an already registered communication device related to the identification information managed by the managing means. The network system in any one of -6. In a communication control device that manages a communication device connected to a network in which multi-hop wireless communication is performed ,
A communication device that connects a newly registered communication device that performs registration for connecting to the network to the communication control device from a registered communication device that has already been registered for connection to the network to the network When receiving a registration request signal requesting the start of a new registration mode that can be registered as , on the network, registration possible state determination means for determining the start of a new registration mode ;
Communication that communicates with a newly registered communication device via the already registered communication device and connects the newly registered communication device to the network when the registration enabled state determination means determines the start of the new registration mode. A communication control apparatus comprising: a registration receiving unit that receives a registration process for registering as an apparatus. In a registered communication device that has already been registered for connection to the network in a communication control device that manages a communication device connected to a network in which multi-hop wireless communication is performed ,
A registration request for requesting the communication control device to start a new registration mode in which a newly registered communication device for newly registering the communication control device to connect to the network can be registered as a communication device connected to the network. Registration request signal transmitting means for transmitting a signal;
When receiving the search request signal for searching for a connectable network from new registration of the communication device, a communication device of the new registration, and a communication relay means for relaying communication between said communication control device A communication device. A newly registered communication apparatus for performing registration for connecting to the network in the communication control apparatus according to claim 8, which manages a communication apparatus connected to a network in which new multi-hop wireless communication is performed ,
Search request signal transmission means for transmitting a search request signal for searching for a connectable network;
When there is a response to a search request signal from an already registered communication device that has already been registered to connect to the network, the communication control device and the communication control device via the already registered communication device A communication apparatus comprising: a registration request unit that communicates and makes a request for registration in the network.

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