JP7157376B2 - Power line communication system, parent device and communication control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power line communication system, parent device and communication control method.

In recent years, for the purpose of saving power, etc., a power information communication system has been developed that measures power consumption at home and at work and transmits the measured power to a server of a power company or the like. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-064136 (Patent Document 1) discloses the following technique.

That is, the power information collection system includes one or more power measuring devices, and a terminal device that acquires power information from the power measuring devices by performing power line communication with the power measuring devices, and the terminal device includes: Broadcasting a connection request for communication connection with a power measuring device via a power line, and when receiving one or more connection responses to the connection request, performing an authentication process with the power measuring device that is the transmission source of the connection response, If the authentication process is unsuccessful, an authentication process is performed with the other power measuring device of the transmission source, and the terminal device selects a candidate for the authentication process as each of the power measuring devices of the transmission source. Limited to some.

JP 2018-064136 A

G3-PLC® Alliance, “Narrowband OFDM PLC specifications for G3-PLC networks,” G3-PLC Alliance, October 2014.

In such a power information communication system, a flexible and more stable system that enables transmission of measured power consumption, etc. to a server of a power company, etc., even if a terminal device is connected to the wrong power line, for example. A technology that realizes operation is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a power line communication system, a parent device, and a communication control method capable of realizing flexible and more stable system operation. be.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, a power line communication system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of child devices and a plurality of parent devices capable of communicating with the child devices in its own network via a power line. the requesting parent device, which is the parent device, transmits request information requesting network information about the network of the other parent device, which is the request destination parent device; receiving the request information from the source parent device, transmitting the network information of itself to the request source parent device, and the request source parent device based on the network information received from the request destination parent device, It determines whether or not the child device can enter the network itself.

(4) In order to solve the above problems, a parent device according to one aspect of the present invention is a parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line, a power line communication unit that communicates via the power line; and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit transmits request information requesting network information about the network of the request destination parent device that is the other parent device. , the processing unit determines whether or not the child device can enter the network based on the network information received from the requested parent device.

(5) In order to solve the above problems, a parent device according to one aspect of the present invention is a parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line, a power line communication unit that communicates via the power line; and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit receives request information from a request source parent device, which is another parent device, requesting network information about the network of itself. It receives and transmits the network information of itself to the requesting parent device.

(6) In order to solve the above problems, a communication control method according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of child devices and a plurality of parent devices capable of communicating with the child devices in its own network via power lines A communication control method in a power line communication system, wherein a request source parent device that is the parent device transmits request information requesting network information about the network of another parent device that is the request destination parent device a step in which the request destination parent device receives the request information from the request source parent device; a step in which the request destination parent device transmits the network information of itself to the request source parent device; the requesting parent device determining whether or not the child device can enter the network based on the network information received from the request destination parent device.

(7) In order to solve the above problems, a communication control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication control method in a parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line. , transmitting request information requesting network information about the network of a request destination parent device that is another parent device; and determining whether or not to allow entry into the network.

(8) In order to solve the above problems, a communication control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication control method in a parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line. a step of receiving request information from a requesting parent device, which is another parent device, requesting network information related to the own network; and a step of transmitting the own network information to the requesting parent device. include.

The present invention can be implemented not only as a power line communication system having such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the power line communication system.

The present invention can be realized not only as a parent device having such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute the characteristic processing steps. Also, the present invention can be implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the parent device.

According to the present invention, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power line communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of each device and wiring state in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of network topology in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a wiring state in which a child device is erroneously connected in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the parent device in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of network information in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of updated network information in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a communication route selection sequence performed by a child device in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flow chart defining an operation procedure when a request source parent device permits a new child device to enter its own PA network in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flow chart defining an operation procedure when a request destination parent device transmits network information to a request source parent device in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sequence in which the parent device notifies the child device of another PA network that the child device under its own management can enter in the modification of the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. is.

First, the contents of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and explained.

(1) A power line communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of child devices and a plurality of parent devices capable of communicating with the child devices in its own network via a power line, and the parent device is The requesting parent device transmits request information to the effect that network information about the network of the requesting parent device, which is another parent device, is requested, and the requesting parent device receives the request information from the requesting parent device. and transmits the network information of itself to the requesting parent device, and the requesting parent device transmits the network information of the child device itself based on the network information received from the request destination parent device to determine whether to enter the market.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of other parent devices and judging whether or not the child device can enter the own network, for example, if there is an error in the installation of the child device, the child device will not be able to communicate. It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which communication is connected to a parent device that should not be connected, or a state in which communication cannot be connected to a parent device. Therefore, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

(2) Preferably, the requesting parent device transmits, in the request information, identification information of the child device that requests entry into the network of itself and is not permitted to enter, The request destination parent device transmits the network information of itself to the request source parent device when the child device having the identification information is the child device permitted to enter the network of the request destination parent device.

With such a configuration, necessary network information can be selectively obtained in the requesting parent device, so that the amount of data transmitted over the network can be reduced.

(3) Preferably, the requesting parent device transmits entry information, which is part or all of the network information received from the request destination parent device, to the child device in the own network, and the child device and, based on the entry information received from the request source parent device, perform processing for joining the network of the request destination parent device.

With such a configuration, a child device that has already entered a network to which a certain parent device belongs can newly select another parent device that has a better communication state.

(4) A parent device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a parent device that can communicate with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line, and communicates with the child device via the power line. a power line communication unit; and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit transmits request information requesting network information about the network of the request destination parent device that is the other parent device; Based on the network information received from the requested parent device, it is determined whether or not the child device can enter the network.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of other parent devices and judging whether or not the child device can enter the own network, for example, if there is an error in the installation of the child device, the child device will not be able to communicate. It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which communication is connected to a parent device that should not be connected, or a state in which communication cannot be connected to a parent device. Therefore, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

(5) A parent device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a parent device that can communicate with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line, and communicates with the child device via the power line. a power line communication unit; Send network information to the requesting parent device.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of other parent devices and judging whether or not the child device can enter the own network, for example, if there is an error in the installation of the child device, the child device will not be able to communicate. It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which communication is connected to a parent device that should not be connected, or a state in which communication cannot be connected to a parent device. Therefore, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

(6) A communication control method according to an embodiment of the present invention provides communication control in a power line communication system including a plurality of child devices and a plurality of parent devices capable of communicating with the child devices in its own network via a power line. A method, wherein a requesting parent device that is the parent device transmits request information requesting network information about the network of another parent device that is the requesting parent device; a step of a device receiving the request information from the requesting parent device; a step of the request destination parent device transmitting the network information of itself to the requesting parent device; determining whether or not the child device can enter the network based on the network information received from the requested parent device.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of other parent devices and judging whether or not the child device can enter the own network, for example, if there is an error in the installation of the child device, the child device will not be able to communicate. It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which communication is connected to a parent device that should not be connected, or a state in which communication cannot be connected to a parent device. Therefore, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

(7) A communication control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a communication control method in a parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line, wherein the other parent device transmitting request information requesting network information about the network of a request destination parent device; and allowing the child device to join the network based on the network information received from the request destination parent device. and the step of determining whether or not to

In this way, by acquiring the network information of other parent devices and judging whether or not the child device can enter the own network, for example, if there is an error in the installation of the child device, the child device will not be able to communicate. It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which communication is connected to a parent device that should not be connected, or a state in which communication cannot be connected to a parent device. Therefore, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

(8) A communication control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a communication control method in a parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line, wherein the other parent device The method includes the steps of: receiving request information requesting network information about the network of itself from a requesting parent device; and transmitting the network information of itself to the requesting parent device.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of other parent devices and judging whether or not the child device can enter the own network, for example, if there is an error in the installation of the child device, the child device will not be able to communicate. It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which communication is connected to a parent device that should not be connected, or a state in which communication cannot be connected to a parent device. Therefore, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Moreover, at least part of the embodiments described below may be combined arbitrarily.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration and basic operation]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power line communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , power line communication system 301 includes multiple smart meters 101 , multiple concentrators 102 , and server 103 . Server 103 is, for example, a headend.

Note that the power line communication system 301 is not limited to having a configuration including a plurality of smart meters 101 , and may have a configuration including one smart meter 101 . Moreover, the power line communication system 301 is not limited to a configuration including one server 103 , and may be configured to include a plurality of servers 103 .

Power line communication system 301 is used, for example, in collective housing 151 . Each smart meter 101 is connected to the concentrator 102 via a power line 161 . Specifically, the power line 161 has, for example, a plurality of systems arranged vertically on the upper and lower floors of the housing complex 151, and the smart meter 101 is connected to each floor.

Smart meter 101 and concentrator 102 can communicate via power line 161 . The smart meter 101 and the concentrator 102 exchange various types of information by power line communication using the power line 161, for example.

The smart meter 101 is a child device in power line communication, and the concentrator 102 is a master device in the power line communication. The smart meter 101 is an example of a child device, and hereinafter the smart meter 101 is also simply referred to as the child device 101 . The concentrator 102 is an example of a parent device, and is hereinafter also simply referred to as the parent device 102 .

Child device 101 is a power meter with a communication function. Child device 101 periodically acquires power information indicating the power consumed in a home or office to be measured, for example, every 30 minutes, and transmits the acquired power information to parent device 102 .

Also, the child device 101 can communicate with the parent device 102 via another child device 101 . That is, child device 101 has a function of relaying communication between other child device 101 and parent device 102 .

Specifically, the child device 101 may directly transmit the acquired power information to the parent device 102 without going through the other child devices 101, or transmit the acquired power information to one or more other child devices. It may be transmitted to parent device 102 via device 101 .

The parent device 102 and the server 103 exchange various information via the Internet 10 by wired communication or wireless communication.

The parent device 102 receives power information from each child device 101 . The parent device 102 receives power information from each of the child devices 101 , aggregates the received power information and transmits it to the server 103 , or individually transmits the received power information to the server 103 .

Server 103 transmits, for example, power rate information to parent device 102 . When the power rate information is received from the server 103 , the parent device 102 transmits the received power rate information to the child device 101 .

Child device 101, upon receiving the power rate information from parent device 102, transmits the received power rate information to another device such as a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) (not shown).

Communication between the parent device 102 and the child device 101 and communication between each child device 101 are described, for example, in G3-PLC Alliance, "Narrowband OFDM PLC specifications for G3-PLC networks", G3-PLC Alliance, October 2014 (non It is performed according to the G3-PLC standard described in Patent Document 1).

Also, for example, information transmitted and received among child device 101, parent device 102 and server 103 is encrypted and decrypted according to a predetermined method.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of each device and wiring state in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, two power lines 161A and 161B in collective housing 151 are shown representatively.

Referring to FIG. 2 , for example, 6.6 kV three-phase AC power is supplied from electric power system 171 to housing complex 151 . AC power from electric power system 171 is converted into 200 V single-phase three-wire AC power by transformers 104A and 104B, for example, and supplied to each floor.

A transformer 104A and a parent device 102A, which is the parent device 102, are connected to the power line 161A. For example, fifty child devices 101A, which are child devices 101, are connected to the power line 161A.

A transformer 104B and a parent device 102B, which is the parent device 102, are connected to the power line 161B. For example, fifty child devices 101B, which are child devices 101, are connected to the power line 161B.

Note that 49 or less or 51 or more child devices 101A may be connected to the power line 161A. Further, 49 or less or 51 or more child devices 101B may be connected to the power line 161B. Moreover, the power line communication system 301 is not limited to the configuration including the parent devices 102A and 102B, and may be configured to include three or more parent devices 102 .

Each of the transformers 104A and 104B is also referred to as a transformer 104 hereinafter. Each of power lines 161A and 161B is also referred to as power line 161 .

As an example of a device-specific identifier, the child device 101 uses, for example, an EUI-64 automatically generated based on a MAC (Media Access Control) address according to a method standardized by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). (64-Bit Extended Unique Identifier). The MAC address and EUI-64 are set, for example, when the device is manufactured.

Specifically, the 50 child devices 101A each have EUI-64 of EUI-A001 to EUI-A050. The 50 child devices 101B each have EUI-64 of EUI-B001 to EUI-B050.

[Network topology]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of network topology in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, parent device 102 and child device 101 have, for example, PAN_ID (Personal Area Network Identification) as a network identifier. Each parent device 102 has a different PAN_ID.

The parent device 102, for example, manages one or more child devices 101 and exchanges authentication information, power information, and the like with the child devices 101 to be managed.

The child device 101 establishes a communication connection with the parent device 102 to which power information is to be transmitted. Specifically, each child device 101A having EUI-64 of EUI-A001, EUI-A002, and EUI-A003 (hereinafter also referred to as child devices 101A-1, 101A-2, and 101A-3) is a parent device. 102, it establishes a communication connection with, for example, parent device 102A.

The PAN_IDs of parent device 102A and child devices 101A-1, 101A-2, and 101A-3 under the control of parent device 102A are, for example, "0001."

Similarly, the PAN_ID of the child device 101A having EUI-64 of EUI-A004 to EUI-A050 (not shown) is "0001".

Parent device 102A and child device 101A having EUI-64 of EUI-A001 to EUI-A050 form a PA (Personal Area) network NWA.

Similarly, parent device 102B manages child device 101B having EUI-64 of EUI-B001 to EUI-B050. The PAN_ID of the parent device 102B and each child device 101B under the control of the parent device 102B is, for example, "0002".

A parent device 102B and a child device 101B having EUI-64 of EUI-B001 to EUI-B050 form a PA network NWB.

That is, it is possible to determine to which PA network the parent device 102 and the child device 101 are connected for communication based on the PAN_ID.

When the parent devices 102A and 102B have already constructed a PA network, for example, when the child device 101A-1 is powered on and starts operating, it starts communicating with the parent device 102A to which power information is to be sent. Perform entry processing for

More specifically, the child device 101A-1 transmits a connection request including its own EUI-A001 and PAN_ID "0001", specifically Joining, to the parent device 102A.

When the parent device 102A receives the connection request from the child device 101A-1 and confirms that the PAN_ID included in the received connection request matches its own PAN_ID, the child device 101A-1 joins the PA network NWA. and manage child device 101A-1.

Authentication information is exchanged between the child device 101A-1 and the parent device 102A using EUI-A001 included in the connection request. An authentication response indicating successful authentication is sent to the child device 101A-1.

Thereby, a communication connection is established between the child device 101A-1 and the parent device 102A.

Then, child device 101A-1 receives the authentication response transmitted from parent device 102A, and transmits power information to parent device 102A, for example, every 30 minutes.

On the other hand, when the authentication processing of the child device 101A-1 fails, the parent device 102A transmits a failure notification indicating authentication failure to the child device 101A-1.

[Task]
A child device belonging to a PA network different from that of a parent device may be connected to a power line to which the parent device is connected.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a wiring state in which a child device is erroneously connected in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, it is assumed that child device 101B-3, which is to be connected to power line 161B to establish communication connection with parent device 102B, is connected to power line 161A.

In this case, when the child device 101B-3 is powered on and starts operating, the child device 101B-3 performs entry processing for starting communication with the parent device 102B to which the power information is to be transmitted.

However, since transformers 104A and 104B are connected between child device 101B-3 and parent device 102B, signals transmitted between child device 101B-3 and parent device 102B are greatly attenuated.

Therefore, parent device 102B may not be able to receive the connection request transmitted from child device 101B-3 in the entry process via power line 161A, transformer 104A, power system 171, transformer 104B, and power line 161B.

Further, even when the parent device 102B receives the connection request transmitted from the child device 101B-3 and succeeds in the authentication processing of the child device 101B-3, the communication between the child device 101B-3 and the parent device 102 cannot be performed. It may become unstable.

On the other hand, in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the above problem is solved by the following configuration and operation.

When parent device 102B cannot receive a connection request from child device 101B-3 as described above, child device 101B-3, for example, searches for parent device 102 other than parent device 102B that can communicate with itself.

More specifically, for example, when child device 101B-3 cannot confirm an authentication response or failure notification from parent device 102B in response to the transmitted connection request, child device 101B-3 searches for parent device 102 other than parent device 102B that can communicate with itself. broadcast a beacon request for

Upon receiving the beacon request from the child device 101B-3, the parent device 102A creates a beacon response to the received beacon request and transmits the created beacon response to the child device 101B-3.

The child device 101B-3, for example, receives the beacon response from the parent device 102A, and based on the received beacon response, transmits to the parent device 102A a connection request requesting entry of the parent device 102A into the PA network NWA. .

The connection request includes EUI-B003, which is the EUI-64 of the child device 101B-3, and the PAN_ID "0002" of the child device 101B-3 as identification information.

In power line communication system 301 , parent device 102 A and parent device 102 B are connected using, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication cable (hereinafter also referred to as an Ethernet cable) 181 .

For example, when parent device 102A receives a connection request transmitted from child device 101B-3, the PAN_ID included in the received connection request does not match its own PAN_ID. It fails and sends a failure notification indicating authentication failure to the child device 101B-3.

In this case, the parent device 102A, which is the requesting parent device, transmits request information requesting the network information about the PA network of the other parent device 102, which is the request destination parent device.

For example, parent device 102A transmits request information containing identification information, eg, EUI-64, of child device 101 that requests entry into its own PA network but is not allowed to enter.

[Configuration of parent device]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the parent device in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , parent device 102 includes power line communication unit 21 , inter-parent device communication unit 22 , storage unit 24 and processing unit 25 .

The power line communication unit 21 communicates with the child device 101 via the power line 161 . The inter-parent device communication unit 22 communicates with another parent device 102 using a transmission line different from the power line, such as the Ethernet cable 181 .

Hereinafter, the power line communication unit 21, the inter-parent device communication unit 22, the storage unit 24, and the processing unit 25 provided in the parent device 102A are also referred to as the power line communication unit 21A, the inter-parent device communication unit 22A, the storage unit 24A, and the processing unit 25A, respectively. The power line communication unit 21, the inter-parent device communication unit 22, the storage unit 24, and the processing unit 25 included in the parent device 102B are also referred to as the power line communication unit 21B, the inter-parent device communication unit 22B, the storage unit 24B, and the processing unit 25B, respectively. called.

In the parent device 102A, the processing unit 25A transmits request information requesting network information about the PA network of the other parent device 102, that is, the parent device 102B.

More specifically, the power line communication unit 21A receives the connection request transmitted from the child device 101B-3 and outputs the received connection request to the processing unit 25A.

If the PAN_ID included in the connection request received from power line communication unit 21A does not match the PAN_ID of own parent device 102A, processing unit 25A acquires EUI-64, ie, EUI-B003, included in the connection request.

Then, processing unit 25A creates request information requesting network information about PA network NWB of parent device 102B, includes EUI-B003 in the created request information, and sends the request information to inter-parent device communication unit 22A. Output to

The inter-parent device communication unit 22A transmits the request information received from the processing unit 25A to the parent device 102B via the Ethernet cable 181. FIG.

Processing unit 25A may transmit the request information to parent device 102B via power line communication unit 21A, power line 161A, transformer 104A, power system 171, transformer 104B, and power line 161B.

The parent device 102B, which is the request destination parent device, receives the request information from the request source parent device. More specifically, processing unit 25B in parent device 102B requests network information about its own PA network NWB from the requesting parent device, which is another parent device 102, via Ethernet cable 181 and communication unit 22 between parent devices. It receives the request information to the effect that it will do so, and acquires the EUI-B003 included in the received request information.

Specifically, inter-parent device communication section 22B in parent device 102B receives the request information transmitted from parent device 102A, and outputs the received request information to processing section 25B.

The processing unit 25B acquires EUI-B003 included in the request information received from the inter-parent device communication unit 22B.

The parent device 102B holds network information NIB regarding its own PA network NWB. More specifically, processing unit 25B in parent device 102B creates or updates network information NIB regarding its own PA network NWB and stores it in storage unit 24B.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of network information in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, network information NIB includes PAN_ID of parent device 102B and EUI-64 of each child device 101 to be permitted to enter PA network NWB.

For example, the network information NIB in the parent device 102B includes the PAN_ID "0002" of the parent device 102 and the EUI-B001 to EUI-64 of the child devices 101B-1 to 101B-3 under the control of the parent device 102. - Including B003.

Referring to FIG. 5 again, processing unit 25B acquires network information NIB from storage unit 24B, and combines the identification information included in the request information from the requesting parent device with the identification information included in the acquired network information NIB. to confirm.

Specifically, the processing unit 25B determines whether the acquired EUI-B003 is included in the network information NIB.

Parent device 102B, which is the request destination parent device, transmits its own network information NIB to the request source parent device according to the received request information.

For example, when child device 101 having identification information included in the request information is child device 101 permitted to enter its own PA network NWB, parent device 102B sends its own network information NIB to parent device 102A. Send.

More specifically, when the EUI-B003 is included in the network information NIB, the processing unit 25B transmits the acquired network information NIB to the requesting parent device via the inter-parent device communication unit 22B and the Ethernet cable 181. Send to device 102A.

Specifically, when the EUI-B003 is included in the network information NIB, the processing unit 25B outputs the acquired network information NIB to the communication unit between parent devices 22B.

Inter-parent device communication unit 22B transmits the network information NIB received from processing unit 25B to parent device 102A via Ethernet cable 181. FIG.

On the other hand, if the EUI-B003 is not included in the network information NIB, the processing unit 25B does not transmit its own network information NIB to the parent device 102A.

Processing unit 25B may transmit network information NIB to the request source parent device via power line communication unit 21B, power line 161B, transformer 104B, power system 171, transformer 104A, and power line 161A.

The parent device 102A, which is the requesting parent device, receives the network information NIB transmitted from the parent device 102B. More specifically, processing unit 25A in parent device 102A receives network information NIB transmitted from parent device 102B via Ethernet cable 181 and communication unit between parent devices 22A, and stores received network information NIB in storage unit. Save to 24A.

Parent device 102A, which is the request source parent device, determines whether or not child device 101 can enter its own PA network NWA based on the network information received from the request destination parent device.

More specifically, the processing unit 25A in the parent device 102A transmits data to the PA network NWA of the child device 101 based on the network information NIB received from the requested parent device via the Ethernet cable 181 and the inter-parent device communication unit 22A. to determine whether or not to enter the market.

Specifically, the processing unit 25A, for example, combines the identification information included in the received connection request from the child device 101B-3, that is, EUI-B003, and the identification information included in the network information NIB stored in the storage unit 24. , it is confirmed that the child device 101B-3 is the child device 101 under the control of the parent device 102B.

If EUI-B003 included in the connection request is included in the network information NIB stored in the storage unit 24, the processing unit 25A permits the child device 101B-3 to enter its own PA network NWA. , to manage the child device 101B-3.

When authentication information is exchanged between the child device 101B-3 and the parent device 102A using the EUI-B003 included in the connection request, the processing unit 25A succeeds in the authentication processing of the child device 101B-3. , an authentication response indicating successful authentication is transmitted to the child device 101B-3 via the power line communication unit 21A and the power line 161A.

Thereby, the parent device 102A can receive the power information transmitted from the child device 101B-3.

Also, the parent device 102A stores network information NIA regarding its own PA network NWA in the storage unit 24 .

The processing unit 25A updates the network information NIA by adding EUI-B003, which is the EUI-64 of the child device 101B-3, to the network information NIA stored in the storage unit 24A.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of updated network information in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

7, updated network information NIA in parent device 102A includes PAN_ID "0001" owned by parent device 102 and child devices 101A-1 to 101A-3, 101B- 3 EUI-64, EUI-A001 to EUI-A003, and EUI-B003.
.

Referring to FIG. 5 again, on the other hand, when EUI-B003 included in the received connection request is not included in network information NIB stored in storage unit 24, processing unit 25A authenticates child device 101B-3. It determines that the process has failed, and transmits a failure notification indicating authentication failure to the child device 101B-3 via the power line communication unit 21A and the power line 161A.

Note that the power line communication system 301 may have a configuration in which two or more request destination parent apparatuses exist. In this case, the request source parent device may, for example, transmit the request information to each request destination parent device separately, or may transmit the request information to each request destination parent device at once.

[Flow of operation]
Each device in the power line communication system 301 includes a computer including a memory, and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads a program including part or all of each step in the following sequence diagrams or flowcharts from the memory. to run. Programs for these multiple devices can each be installed from the outside. Programs for these devices are stored in recording media and distributed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a communication route selection sequence performed by a child device in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 representatively shows the operation of the three parent devices 102A, 102B, and 102C and the child device 101 that is to be connected to the power line 161B and is connected to the power line 161A.

Referring to FIG. 8, first, child device 101 transmits a connection request to parent device 102B. Here, it is assumed that parent device 102B cannot receive a connection request (step S101).

Next, when the child device 101 cannot receive a response to the transmitted connection request from the parent device 102B, the child device 101 searches for other parent devices 102 connectable to itself by broadcasting a beacon request (step S102).

Next, parent device 102A receives the beacon request transmitted from child device 101 (step S103), and transmits a beacon response to the received beacon request to child device 101 (step S104).

Next, the child device 101 receives the beacon response transmitted from the parent device 102A, confirms that communication with the parent device 102A is possible, and requests entry of the parent device 102A into the PA network NWA. Therefore, a connection request including identification information is transmitted to the parent device 102A (step S105).

Next, upon receiving the connection request transmitted from child device 101, parent device 102A does not authenticate child device 101 because the PAN_ID included in the received connection request does not match its own PAN_ID (step S106).

Next, parent device 102A acquires the identification information of child device 101 included in the connection request (step S107).

Next, parent device 102A includes the acquired identification information in request information requesting network information NIB on the PA network in parent device 102B, and transmits the request information to parent device 102B (step S108).

Further, parent device 102A includes the acquired identification information in request information requesting network information NIC regarding the PA network in parent device 102C, and transmits the request information to parent device 102C (step S109).

Next, the parent device 102B receives the request information transmitted from the parent device 102A and acquires the identification information included in the received request information (step S110).

Also, the parent device 102C receives the request information transmitted from the parent device 102A and acquires the identification information included in the received request information (step S111).

Next, the parent device 102B collates the acquired identification information with the identification information contained in the network information NIB held by itself (step S112).

Also, the parent device 102C collates the acquired identification information with the identification information contained in the network information NIC held by itself (step S113).

Next, since the acquired identification information is included in its own network information NIB, the parent device 102B transmits its own network information NIB to the parent device 102A (step S114).

On the other hand, the parent device 102C does not transmit the network information NIC to the parent device 102A because the acquired identification information is not included in its own network information NIC (step S115).

Next, parent device 102A receives the network information NIB transmitted from parent device 102B and holds the received network information NIB (step S116).

Next, the parent device 102A determines whether or not the child device 101 can participate in its own PA network NWA based on the held network information NIB (step S117).

Next, since the identification information of the child device 101 is included in the network information NIB, the parent device 102A permits the child device 101 to enter its own PA network NWA and determines to manage the child device 101. (Step S118).

Parent device 102A exchanges authentication information with child device 101, and transmits an authentication response indicating successful authentication of child device 101 to child device 101 (step S119).

Next, the parent device 102A updates the network information NIA by adding the identification information of the child device 101 to the network information NIA held by itself (step S120).

Next, after receiving the authentication response from parent device 102A, child device 101 transmits power information to parent device 102A, for example, every 30 minutes (step S121).

FIG. 9 is a flow chart defining an operation procedure when a request source parent device permits a new child device to enter its own PA network in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, first, processing unit 25 in the requesting parent device receives a connection request transmitted from child device 101 (step S201), and authenticates child device 101 as the transmission source of the received connection request. is successful (NO in step S202), an authentication response is transmitted to the child device 101 (step S208).

On the other hand, when the processing unit 25 in the request source parent device fails the authentication processing of the child device 101 that is the transmission source of the received connection request (YES in step S202), the processing unit 25 acquires the identification information of the child device 101 included in the connection request. (step S203).

Next, the processing unit 25 in the request source parent device transmits request information to the inter-parent device communication unit requesting network information about the PA network of the requested parent device, which is another parent device 102, including the acquired identification information. 22 and the Ethernet cable 181 to another parent device 102 (step S204), and waits for network information from the requested parent device (step S205).

When the processing unit 25 in the request source parent device receives the network information about the PA network of the request destination parent device transmitted from the request destination parent device via the Ethernet cable 181 and the inter-parent device communication unit 22 (YES in step S205). , holds the received network information (step S206).

Next, the processing unit 25 in the request source parent device compares the acquired identification information of the child device 101 with the identification information included in the held network information, based on the held network information, to obtain the PA of itself. It is determined whether or not the child device 101 can enter the network NWA (step S207).

If the acquired identification information of the child device 101 is included in the held network information (YES in step S207), the processing unit 25 in the requesting parent device permits the entry of the child device 101 into its own PA network. determines that the child device 101 is to be managed by the child device 101, exchanges authentication information with the child device 101, and transmits an authentication response indicating successful authentication of the child device 101 to the child device 101 via the power line communication unit 21 (step S208).

On the other hand, if the acquired identification information of the child device 101 is not included in the retained network information (NO in step S207), the processing unit 25 in the requesting parent device allows the child device 101 to enter the own PA network. is rejected, and a failure notification indicating authentication failure of the child device 101 is transmitted to the child device 101 via the power line communication unit 21 (step S209).

FIG. 10 is a flow chart defining an operation procedure when a request destination parent device transmits network information to a request source parent device in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, first, when processing unit 25 in the request destination parent device receives the request information transmitted from the request source parent device via Ethernet cable 181 and inter-parent device communication unit 22 (at step S301 YES), the identification information included in the received request information is acquired (step S302).

Next, the processing unit 25 in the request destination parent device acquires network information about its own PA network from the storage unit 24 (step S303).

Next, if the acquired identification information is included in the network information (YES in step S304), the processing unit 25 in the request destination parent device transmits the network information to the requester via the communication unit 22 and the Ethernet cable 181 between the parent devices. It is transmitted to the parent device (step S305). Then, processing unit 25 in the request destination parent device waits until new request information is received (NO in step S301).

On the other hand, if the acquired identification information is not included in the network information (NO in step S304), the processing unit 25 in the request destination parent device generates new request information without transmitting the network information to the request source parent device. is received (NO in step S301).

[Modification]
A parent device 102 periodically or irregularly requests network information about the PA networks of other parent devices 102 .

More specifically, parent device 102A shown in FIG. 4, for example, after establishing a communication connection with child device 101, transmits request information requesting network information NIB on PA network NWB of parent device 102B.

Parent device 102B receives the request information transmitted from parent device 102A, and according to the received request information, transmits network information NIB held by itself to parent device 102A.

Parent device 102A receives the network information NIB transmitted from parent device 102B. More specifically, processing unit 25A in parent device 102A receives network information NIB transmitted from parent device 102B via Ethernet cable 181 and communication unit between parent devices 22A, and stores received network information NIB in storage unit. Save to 24A.

Also, for example, after establishing a communication connection with each child device 101, the parent device 102B transmits request information requesting the network information NIA regarding the PA network NWA of the parent device 102A.

Parent device 102A receives the request information transmitted from parent device 102B, and according to the received request information, transmits network information NIA held by itself to parent device 102B.

Parent device 102B receives the network information NIA transmitted from parent device 102A. More specifically, processing unit 25B in parent device 102B receives network information NIA transmitted from parent device 102A via Ethernet cable 181 and communication unit between parent devices 22B, and stores received network information NIB in storage unit. 24B.

Also, for example, the request source parent device transmits part of the network information received from the request destination parent device to child device 101 in its own PA network.

More specifically, processing unit 25A in parent device 102A shown in FIG. 4 acquires, for example, PAN_ID “0002” which is part of network information NIB stored in storage unit 24A.

Also, the processing unit 25A obtains each EUI-64 included in the network information NIA by referring to the network information NIA stored in the storage unit 24A.

Then, the processing unit 25A transmits the acquired PAN_ID "0002" to the child device 101 having each acquired EUI-64 via the power line communication unit 21A and the power line 161A.

Specifically, the processing unit 25A transfers the acquired PAN_ID “0002” to 101A-1 to 101A-3 having EUI-A001 to EUI-A003 respectively via the power line communication unit 21A and the power line 161A at once, or Send separately.

Similarly, processing unit 25B in parent device 102B acquires, for example, PAN_ID "0001" which is part of network information NIA stored in storage unit 24B.

Also, the processing unit 25B obtains each EUI-64 included in the network information NIB by referring to the network information NIB stored in the storage unit 24B.

Then, the processing unit 25B transmits the acquired PAN_ID "0001" to the child device 101 having each acquired EUI-64 via the power line communication unit 21B and the power line 161B.

Specifically, the processing unit 25B transfers the acquired PAN_ID “0001” to 101B-1 to 101B-3 having EUI-B001 to EUI-B003, respectively, at once through the power line communication unit 21B and the power line 161B, or Send separately.

Note that the request source parent device may transmit all of the network information received from the request destination parent device to the child device 101 in its own PA network.

Here, the child device 101B-3 connected to the power line 161B to establish a communication connection with the parent device 102B is connected to the power line 161A, and the parent device 102B transmits power from the child device 101B-3 every 30 minutes. Assume a situation in which the power information for some of the information cannot be received.

For example, when the child device 101B-3 cannot receive an ACK for the transmitted power information, or when the number of times the ACK is received is less than the number of times of the transmitted power information, the child device 101B-3 requests entry to the PA network of the other parent device 102. try.

For example, the child device 101B-3 performs processing for joining the PA network of the request destination parent device based on entry information that is part or all of the network information received from the request source parent device.

For example, child device 101B-3 receives and holds entry information, which is part or all of network information NIA transmitted from parent device 102B, via power line 161B, transformer 104B, power system 171, transformer 104A, and power line 161A. do.

The child device 101B-3 confirms that it can enter the PA network NWA by referring to the entry information it holds.

Then, the child device 101B-3 performs processing for entering the PA network NWA based on the held entry information.

More specifically, the child device 101B-3 transmits a connection request to the parent device 102A for requesting the parent device 102A to join the PA network NWA, for example, based on the held entry information.

The connection request includes EUI-B003, which is its own EUI-64, as identification information, and PAN_ID "0001" indicating entry information.

When parent device 102A receives the connection request transmitted from child device 101B-3 and confirms that the PAN_ID included in the received connection request matches its own PAN_ID, it determines to manage child device 101B-3. do.

When authentication information is exchanged between child device 101B-3 and parent device 102A using EUI-B003 included in the connection request, and parent device 102A successfully authenticates child device 101B-3, , an authentication response indicating successful authentication is transmitted to the child device 101B-3.

Also, the parent device 102A updates the network information NIA by adding EUI-B003 to the network information NIA it holds.

On the other hand, when the authentication processing of the child device 101B-3 fails, the parent device 102A transmits a failure notification indicating authentication failure to the child device 101B-3.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sequence in which the parent device notifies the child device of another PA network that the child device under its own management can enter in the modification of the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. is.

FIG. 11 representatively shows the operation of two parent devices 102A and 102B and child device 101 that is to be connected to power line 161B and is connected to power line 161A.

Referring to FIG. 11, first, parent device 102A transmits, for example, request information to parent device 102B requesting network information NIB relating to PA network NWB of parent device 102B (step S401).

Next, the parent device 102B receives the request information transmitted from the parent device 102A and transmits the network information NIB held by itself to the parent device 102A (step S402).

Next, parent device 102A receives and holds the network information NIB transmitted from parent device 102B (step S403).

Next, the parent device 102B, for example, transmits request information to the parent device 102A requesting the network information NIA regarding the PA network NWA of the parent device 102A (step S404).

Next, the parent device 102A receives the request information transmitted from the parent device 102A and transmits the network information NIA held by itself to the parent device 102B (step S405).

Parent device 102B then receives and holds the network information NIA transmitted from parent device 102A (step S406).

Parent device 102B then transmits entry information, which is part or all of the held network information NIA, to child device 101 (step S407).

Next, the child device 101 receives and holds the entry information transmitted from the parent device 102B (step S408).

Next, child device 101, for example, transmits power information to parent device 102B (step S409).

Next, the child device 101 detects a failure of the communication state with the parent device 102B, for example, the ACK for the transmitted power information cannot be received, or the number of times the ACK is received is less than the number of times of the transmitted power information. (step S410).

Next, the child device 101 confirms that it can enter the PA network NWA by referring to the held entry information, and issues a connection request for requesting its own entry into the PA network NWA. It is transmitted to the parent device 102A that manages the PA network NWA (step S411).

Next, parent device 102A receives the connection request transmitted from child device 101, permits child device 101 to enter its own PA network NWA, and determines to manage child device 101 (step S412).

Parent device 102A then exchanges authentication information with child device 101, and transmits an authentication response indicating successful authentication of child device 101 to child device 101 (step S413).

Next, after receiving the authentication response from parent device 102A, child device 101 transmits power information to parent device 102A, for example, every 30 minutes (step S414).

Note that the order of steps S401 to S403 and steps S404 to S406 is not limited to the above and may be changed or may be performed in parallel.

In the modified example of the power line communication system 301, when the parent device 102 receives a connection request from the child device 101 belonging to a different PA network than the PA network to which the parent device 102 belongs, in the same manner as the operations described with reference to FIGS. , based on the network information received from the other parent device 102, it may be determined whether or not the child device 101 can enter the PA network to which the child device 101 belongs.

By the way, in a power information communication system, even if a terminal device is connected to the wrong power line, for example, it is possible to transmit the measured power consumption to the server of the power company, etc., so that flexible and more stable system operation A technology that realizes

Therefore, in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the request source parent device, which is the parent device 102, requests the network information about the PA network of the request destination parent device, which is another parent device 102. to send. The request destination parent device receives the request information from the request source parent device and transmits its own network information to the request source parent device. Based on the network information received from the requested parent device, the requesting parent device determines whether or not child device 101 can enter its own PA network.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of the other parent device 102 and determining whether or not the child device 101 can enter the own PA network, for example, when there is an error in the installation of the child device 101, It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which the child device 101 is connected to the parent device 102 to which it should not be connected, or a state in which the child device 101 cannot be connected to the parent device 102 .

Therefore, in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

Further, in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the request source parent device sends the identification information of the child device 101 that requests entry to the own PA network and is not permitted to enter as request information. and send it. When the child device 101 having the identification information is the child device 101 permitted to enter the own PA network, the request destination parent device transmits its own network information to the request source parent device.

With such a configuration, necessary network information can be selectively obtained in the requesting parent device, so that the amount of data transmitted over the network can be reduced.

Further, in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the request source parent device transmits entry information, which is part or all of the network information received from the request destination parent device, to the child device 101 in its own PA network. do. The child device 101 performs processing for joining the PA network of the request destination parent device based on the entry information received from the request source parent device.

With such a configuration, a child device 101 that has already entered a network to which a certain parent device 102 belongs can newly select another parent device 102 with a better communication state.

Also, in the parent device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the power line communication unit 21 communicates with the child device 101 via the power line 161 . The processing unit 25 transmits request information requesting network information about the PA network of the request destination parent device, which is another parent device 102 . Based on the network information received from the requested parent device, the processing unit 25 determines whether or not the child device 101 can enter its own PA network.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of the other parent device 102 and determining whether or not the child device 101 can enter the own PA network, for example, when there is an error in the installation of the child device 101, It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which the child device 101 is connected to the parent device 102 to which it should not be connected, or a state in which the child device 101 cannot be connected to the parent device 102 .

Therefore, the parent device according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize flexible and more stable system operation.

Also, in the parent device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the power line communication unit 21 communicates with the child device 101 via the power line 161 . The processing unit 25 receives request information requesting network information about its own PA network from a requesting parent device, which is another parent device 102, and transmits its own network information to the requesting parent device.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of the other parent device 102 and determining whether or not the child device 101 can enter the own PA network, for example, when there is an error in the installation of the child device 101, It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which the child device 101 is connected to the parent device 102 to which it should not be connected, or a state in which the child device 101 cannot be connected to the parent device 102 .

Therefore, the parent device according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize flexible and more stable system operation.

Further, in the communication control method in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, the request source parent device, which is the parent device 102, obtains the network information regarding the PA network of the request destination parent device, which is another parent device 102. Send request information to the effect that the request is made. Next, the request destination parent device receives the request information from the request source parent device. Next, the request destination parent device transmits its own network information to the request source parent device. Next, based on the network information received from the requested parent device, the requesting parent device determines whether or not child device 101 can enter its own PA network.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of the other parent device 102 and determining whether or not the child device 101 can enter the own PA network, for example, when there is an error in the installation of the child device 101, It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which the child device 101 is connected to the parent device 102 to which it should not be connected, or a state in which the child device 101 cannot be connected to the parent device 102 .

Therefore, the communication control method in the power line communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize flexible and more stable system operation.

Further, in the communication control method in the parent device according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, request information is transmitted to the effect that network information about the PA network of the requested parent device, which is another parent device 102, is requested. Next, based on the network information received from the requested parent device, it is determined whether or not the child device 101 can enter its own network.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of the other parent device 102 and determining whether or not the child device 101 can enter the own PA network, for example, when there is an error in the installation of the child device 101, It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which the child device 101 is connected to the parent device 102 to which it should not be connected, or a state in which the child device 101 cannot be connected to the parent device 102 .

Therefore, with the communication control method in the parent device according to the embodiment of the present invention, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

Further, in the communication control method in the parent device according to the embodiment of the present invention, request information requesting network information about its own PA network is first received from the requesting parent device, which is another parent device 102 . Next, it transmits its own network information to the request source parent device.

In this way, by acquiring the network information of the other parent device 102 and determining whether or not the child device 101 can enter the own PA network, for example, when there is an error in the installation of the child device 101, It is possible to prevent the continuation of a state in which the child device 101 is connected to the parent device 102 to which it should not be connected, or a state in which the child device 101 cannot be connected to the parent device 102 .

Therefore, with the communication control method in the parent device according to the embodiment of the present invention, flexible and more stable system operation can be realized.

The above-described embodiments should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

The above description includes the features appended below.
[Appendix 1]
a plurality of child devices;
comprising a plurality of parent devices capable of communicating with the child device in its own network via a power line;
The requesting parent device, which is the parent device, transmits request information requesting network information about the network of the other parent device, which is the request destination parent device;
the request destination parent device receives the request information from the request source parent device and transmits the network information of itself to the request source parent device;
the requesting parent device determines whether or not the child device can enter the network based on the network information received from the request destination parent device;
the network information includes a network identifier and identification information of one or more of the child devices to be permitted to enter the corresponding network;
The power line communication system, wherein the parent device includes an inter-parent device communication unit that communicates with another parent device using a transmission path different from the power line.

[Appendix 2]
A parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line,
a power line communication unit that communicates with the child device via the power line;
a processing unit,
the processing unit transmits request information requesting network information about the network of the request destination parent device, which is the other parent device;
The processing unit determines whether or not the child device can enter the network based on the network information received from the request destination parent device,
the network information includes a network identifier and identification information of one or more of the child devices to be permitted to enter the corresponding network;
A parent device, wherein the parent device includes an inter-parent device communication unit that communicates with another parent device using a transmission path different from the power line.

[Appendix 3]
A parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line,
a power line communication unit that communicates with the child device via the power line;
a processing unit,
The processing unit receives request information requesting network information about the own network from a requesting parent device that is another parent device, and transmits the own network information to the requesting parent device. ,
the network information includes a network identifier and identification information of one or more of the child devices to be permitted to enter the corresponding network;
A parent device, wherein the parent device includes an inter-parent device communication unit that communicates with another parent device using a transmission path different from the power line.

10 Internet 21 Power line communication unit 22 Communication unit between parent devices 24 Storage unit 25 Processing unit 101 Child device 102 Parent device 103 Server 104 Transformer 151 Housing complex 161 Power line 171 Power system 181 Ethernet cable 301 Power line communication system

Claims (8)

a plurality of child devices;
comprising a plurality of parent devices capable of communicating with the child device in its own network via a power line;
The requesting parent device, which is the parent device, receives a connection request including a network identifier, which is a network identifier, and identification information of the child device from the child device, and determines that the network identifier included in the connection request is its own device. if it does not match the network identifier of the network, transmitting request information requesting network information about the network of the request destination parent device, which is another parent device;
the network information is information including the network identifier and identification information of the child device to be permitted to enter the corresponding network;
the request destination parent device receives the request information from the request source parent device and transmits the network information of itself to the request source parent device;
The requesting parent device allows the child device to participate in the network based on the identification information included in the network information received from the request destination parent device and the identification information included in the connection request. A power line communication system that determines the availability of The requesting parent device transmits, in the request information, identification information of the child device that requests entry into the network of itself and is not permitted to enter,
When the child device having the identification information is the child device permitted to enter the network, the request destination parent device transmits the network information of itself to the request source parent device. The power line communication system according to claim 1. The request source parent device transmits entry information including the network identifier indicating the network information received from the request destination parent device to the child device in the own network;
3. The power line communication system according to claim 1, wherein said child device performs processing for entering a network of said request destination parent device based on said entry information received from said request source parent device. A parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line,
a power line communication unit that communicates with the child device via the power line;
a processing unit,
the power line communication unit receives a connection request including a network identifier, which is a network identifier, and identification information of the child device from the child device;
When the network identifier included in the connection request does not match the network identifier of its own network, the processing unit requests network information about the network of another parent device, which is the request destination parent device. send information and
the network information is information including the network identifier and identification information of the child device to be permitted to enter the corresponding network;
The processing unit determines whether or not the child device can enter the network based on the identification information included in the network information received from the request destination parent device and the identification information included in the connection request. The parent device that determines A parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line,
a power line communication unit that communicates with the child device via the power line;
a processing unit,
The processing unit receives, from a child device, a connection request including a network identifier, which is a network identifier, and identification information of the child device, from the child device, and the connection request includes the identification information of the child device. Receiving request information for requesting network information about the own network, which is transmitted when the network identifier does not match the network identifier of the network of the requesting parent device, and requesting the network information of the own Send to the original parent device,
The parent device, wherein the network information is information including a network identifier that is an identifier of the network of itself , and identification information of the child device that is to be permitted to enter the network of the parent device. A communication control method in a power line communication system comprising a plurality of child devices and a plurality of parent devices capable of communicating with the child devices in its own network via a power line,
The requesting parent device, which is the parent device, receives a connection request including a network identifier, which is a network identifier, and identification information of the child device from the child device, and the network identifier included in the connection request is the own device. transmitting request information requesting network information about the network of another parent device, which is the other parent device, when the network identifier of the network does not match;
the network information is information including the network identifier and identification information of the child device to be permitted to enter the corresponding network;
moreover,
a step in which the request destination parent device receives the request information from the request source parent device;
a step of the request destination parent device transmitting the network information of itself to the request source parent device;
The requesting parent device allows the child device to participate in the network based on the identification information included in the network information received from the request destination parent device and the identification information included in the connection request. A communication control method, comprising a step of determining whether or not to A communication control method in a parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line,
When a connection request including a network identifier, which is a network identifier, and identification information of the child device is received from the child device, and the network identifier included in the connection request does not match the network identifier of its own network, another transmitting request information requesting network information about the network of the request destination parent device, which is the parent device of
the network information is information including the network identifier and identification information of the child device to be permitted to enter the corresponding network;
moreover,
determining whether or not the child device can enter the network based on the identification information included in the network information received from the request destination parent device and the identification information included in the connection request; A communication control method, including A communication control method in a parent device capable of communicating with one or more child devices in its own network via a power line,
A requesting parent device, which is another parent device , receives a connection request including a network identifier that is a network identifier and identification information of the child device from a child device, and the network identifier included in the connection request is the a step of receiving request information for requesting network information about the own network, which is transmitted when the network identifier of the network of the requesting parent device does not match ;
sending said network information of itself to said requesting parent device;
The communication control method, wherein the network information is information including a network identifier, which is an identifier of the own network, and identification information of the child device to be permitted to enter the own network.

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