JPH0998163A - Information communication network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable not only individual service but also broadcasting service in global scale and further to enable information communication with cost performance and high reliability. SOLUTION: A base system network is composed of a connection type network 1, connectionless type network 2 and broadcasting type network 3. A multi-subscriber network 4 such as a bidirectional CATV network laid out for each zone is connected to these base system networks 1, 2 and 3 and subscriber terminals are connected to these multi-subscriber networks 4 and 40 directly or through a satellite repeater network 5. When a communication request is generated from any subscriber terminal, at the multi-subscriber networks 4 and 40, communication is performed by selecting any network corresponding to the communication request out of the respective networks 1, 2 and 3 consisting of the base system network.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system capable of constructing an information communication network whose service area is a nation, a continent or the whole earth.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art NII (National Infor
mation infrastructure) concept is about to develop into a global information and communication infrastructure (GII) concept with the support of developed countries. In other words, at the 1st G7 Information Summit on Advanced Telecommunications (G7) held in Brusel in February 1995, there was a plan to establish interoperability at the service level of multimedia databases and electronic libraries. It was decided to promote a joint project.

In response to this, developed countries and industries are about to start work to realize the above GII concept. At that time, the GII concept is carefully considered and the GII concept is followed. Repeated examination of the basic architecture is extremely useful for efficiently proceeding with its construction.

The basic philosophy of GII is that "all the earthlings will aim for further economic growth toward the 21st century, with peace of life and leeway, along with an irreplaceable earth." Based on the basic philosophy, it is necessary to pay attention to the following three points as issues related to GII.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

(1) Fair, accurate, and prompt reporting Nuclear weapons in the post-WWII Cold War era functioned as a deterrent to the outbreak of World War III, but at the same time in human history that could lead to global destruction. It was also an unprecedented threat. The regional / ethnic conflicts that have broke out everywhere since the end of the Cold War have caused unbearable suffering to the parties and peoples, and have also been a hindrance to the construction and progress of a peaceful and vibrant global society.

One of the fundamental solutions will be mutual monitoring between the parties and monitoring from a fair standpoint on a global scale, and by making everything open to the public to deepen mutual understanding.
That is, anytime, anywhere, fairness by a third party,
It is important to enable and guarantee accurate and timely coverage. The GII must provide the technical means for this.

(2) Provision of educational network It has been about a quarter of a century since the Rome Club called for the destruction of the global environment and the danger of exhaustion of global resources, such as global warming, acid rain, and exhaustion of oil resources. . During this period, development of low-pollution / low-resource energy consumption technologies has been promoted mainly in developed countries, and great results have been achieved, but in developing countries, population explosion continues at a rate of 20% / 10 + years. It is a major threat to the survival of the earth.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to suppress the population explosion, and it is necessary to improve the education level and thus the living standard on a global scale. To that end, it is necessary to provide a network environment in which various educational and training programs from primary education to advanced education can be repeatedly carried out or attended for diverse cultures and languages and wide areas.

(3) Sustaining economic growth In advanced countries, as we enter an aging society that has not been explored in the history of humankind, we will create a comfortable and comfortable life and medical environment, and replace the conventional technological breakthrough type and resource waste type industry. Therefore, it is important to sustain economic growth through the transformation of technology-converged and resource / energy recycling industries centered around information and communications. This is the biggest challenge facing developed countries.
Many of the projects featured in the 7 Information Summit are related to this issue.

In order to solve these problems, specific requirements for GII can be summarized in the following four stores. (A) Achievement of Universally Accessible Service on a global scale Everyone can use the same quality service at economically available price anywhere on the globe without discrimination.
We must aim to realize Universally Accessible Service.

(B) Providing a high-speed connectionless type communication service environment Conventional connection type (CO: co
nnection Oriented) In addition to communication services, as represented by the remarkable development of the Internet, high-speed connectionless type (C
L: connection-less) It is necessary to improve the network environment.

(C) Providing a Global Broadcasting Service Environment The Internet has made it possible for anyone on the global scale to be the sender of information and to access the information. It is necessary to establish an environment in which commercial television broadcasts and various television programs for education and training can be broadcast and viewed on a global scale across national borders. It is also necessary for reporters to be able to rush to any site on the earth and broadcast live coverage videos in real time to the whole world.

(D) Security Measures Sufficient measures must be taken to prevent various illegal and unjust acts (including propaganda) via a network or a computer.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide information that is highly general on a global scale, is fast and secure, and enables not only individual communication services but also broadcasting services. To provide a communication network system.

[0015]

To achieve the above object, the first invention is a first invention for accommodating a connection type transmission line.
Network, a second network accommodating a connectionless transmission line, and a third network accommodating a broadcast transmission line
Network system having at least two of these networks as main components, and connected to each network that constitutes this network system, and transmission lines of these networks and a plurality of subscriber transmissions. A multi-subscriber network system for accommodating multiple channels,
According to the type of communication service requested by the subscriber, the transmission is selectively performed through each transmission path of each network constituting the multi-subscriber network system and the backbone network system.

Therefore, according to the present invention, as long as the subscriber subscribes to a multi-subscriber network such as a two-way CATV network, the desired partner and the backbone network are irrespective of the country, the region or the distance. It becomes possible to carry out information communication selectively via.

Moreover, the type of communication service required by the subscriber, such as a two-way communication service that requires real-time processing such as a telephone, or both that does not require real-time processing such as personal computer communication and electronic mail communication. Depending on whether it is a directional communication service or a real-time unidirectional communication service such as live broadcast relay, the optimal network is selected from the multiple types of networks that make up the backbone network work. Therefore, information can be transmitted more efficiently. Also, by selecting and using multiple types of networks including existing networks, it is possible to construct a system that meets the purpose of the global GII at a lower cost than, for example, when constructing the entire system network. Is possible.

By the way, if the installation cost of the connection type network is 10, the installation cost of the connectionless type network is 3, and the installation cost of the broadcasting type network is 1. Therefore, it is not possible to construct a system by appropriately combining a plurality of types of networks as in the present invention.
For example, the construction cost can be significantly reduced compared to the case where the entire network is constructed by a connectionless network.

On the other hand, a second aspect of the present invention comprises, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, a satellite relay network system which complements a part of the functions of the multi-subscriber network system via a satellite transmission line. Depending on the type of communication service requested by the subscriber, the transmission information is selectively transmitted via the transmission paths of the networks that make up the multi-subscriber network system, satellite relay network system and backbone network system. It is something that is done.

With this configuration, not only geographically isolated areas such as villages in the desert and islets on the Pacific Ocean but also depopulated areas even if they are not geographically isolated. Even in places where it is difficult to build a multi-subscriber network, information communication can be performed without exception by selectively using the satellite relay network to supplement the multi-subscriber network.

[0021]

1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the architecture of an information communication network system according to the present invention. The architecture of this system is
Connection type network (COnet: connection
oriented switching network) 1, connectionless network (CLnet: connection-less switch)
ing network) 2 and broadcast network (BSn
et: Broadcasting network (3) is combined to build a backbone network, and a multi-subscriber network (MSnet: Mult) is added to this backbone network.
An iplexed subscriber network (4) and a satellite relay network (SRnet: Satellite relay network) 5 are connected to a subscribed access network.

Reference numeral 7 is an information provider (IP: Informatio
n provider), 8 is a television program provider (VP: T)
V program provider). Among them, the information provider 7 transmits various information to the subscriber 6 via the subscription access network or the subscription access network and the backbone network.
Further, the television program provider 8 broadcasts the program to the subscriber 6 via the subscription access network or the broadcast network 3 of the subscription access network and the backbone network.

The connection-type network 1 is a network for telephone communication such as public telephone networks, and accommodates connection-type transmission lines such as subscriber telephone lines. Then, the calling subscriber and the called subscriber are exchange-connected by an exchange to form a communication path, and information can be transmitted between the calling subscriber and the called subscriber through this communication path. is there.

The connectionless network 2 accommodates a connectionless transmission line such as a LAN transmission line. Then, the packet transmitted from each subscriber is delivered by confirming the destination from the destination address. This is the high-speed CL type communication channel laid with the company for the Internet, various online services, or work at home. Most of them are client-server communication.

The broadcast network 3 is a unidirectional transmission network for collecting television broadcast signals produced by various organizations such as broadcasting stations or video signals from relay sites and distributing them.

The multi-subscriber network 4 is a coaxial CAT.
HFC (hybrid
fiber and coaxial) and FTTH (fiber to tho home)
) Is a network that accommodates a large number of subscribers.

The satellite relay network 5 is an area in which ground networks are not developed, such as an area with a low population density or no industrial development, a means of communication at sea, a means of collecting video for news coverage, and in advanced countries. Used to provide a complementary means of mobile communication, between the headend and the distribution hub in the multi-subscriber network 4, or between the headend and mobiles such as mobile phones, ships, airplanes, etc. Are connected via a satellite relay transmission line.

The system of this embodiment is constructed as follows, for example. That is, first, in an area where population density is high and industries are developed, such as a metropolitan area, as shown in FIG. 2, a connection-type network (COnet) 1,
The connectionless network (CLnet) 2 and the broadcast network (BSnet) 3 are, for example, 50k.
Configure a grid-like backbone network at intervals of about m
Multiple subscriber network (MSnet) at each grid point
The four headends (H / E) are respectively arranged, and the subscriber access networks are formed around these headends (H / E). A transmission path is formed in a tree shape from the head end and is connected to a subscriber.

In such an area, the satellite relay network (SRnet) 5 is used not only for news coverage but also as a complementary function of the terrestrial mobile communication system and as a redundant means in case of a large-scale disaster such as an earthquake. used.

On the other hand, in a desert with a low population density and islands scattered over the sea, for example, 1,000 km as shown in FIG.
A backbone network is laid in a grid pattern at intervals of several units, and a multi-subscriber network (MSne
t) 4 headends (installed on artificial floating islands on the ocean) and distribution hubs installed in scattered living areas, or mobile station devices carried by subscribers, installed on ships or airplanes, etc. A satellite relay transmission line is formed between the mobile station device and the existing mobile station device.

By the way, the connection-oriented network (COnet) 1, the connectionless-type network (CLnet) 2, the broadcast-type network (BSnet) 3 and the multi-subscriber network (MSnet) 4 used in the above system are respectively as follows. Composed.

The connection-oriented network 1 has a digital exchange as a core like the existing public telephone network.
It is composed of a circuit switched network (N-ISDN) having a basic transmission rate of 4 kbps or an ATM-based CO network (B-ISDN). Circuit-switched networks are suitable for addressing telephone-oriented communication needs. The ATM-based CO-type network is effective when a higher speed and various transmission speeds such as a video telephone are required.

The connectionless type network 2 is compatible with existing connectionless type networks such as the Internet, and copes with surface expansion on a global scale due to a rapid increase in subscribers and a rapid increase in traffic due to multimedia. Built to take into account.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the structure of the architecture. This system uses multiple subnets (IPsubne
t) are interconnected via an ATM cell switch router (RT) to form a pyramid-shaped four-layer structure (M
A system of 5 layers (including Snet) is configured, and these layers share the coverage of intercontinent, intracontinent, national and local areas, respectively.

Within the subnet, the ATM layer is directly connected,
ATM cells can be multiplexed and transferred up to the hardware performance limit. The ATM cell switch router (RT) is a virtual channel identifier (VCI) which is label information of the ATM cell.
er) and virtual path identifier (VPI)
ntifier), and if the label information is registered in the table in the ATM cell switch router, the bypass process in the ATM layer is performed according to the label information. On the other hand, for those not registered in the table, after checking the IP address, generating routing information and registering it in the table,
Bypass processing is performed in the TM layer. This gives A
The routing load with reference to the IP address at the TM cell switch router is minimized to unregistered cells only,
The ATM cell switch router can also increase the transfer capacity up to its hardware performance limit.

Here, assuming that the required average transfer rate per user due to the multi-media is added to the text and image data so far, and the number of moving image transmissions compressed by MPEG-2 is increased. 4 Mbps,
12% of the region's total population (assuming 7 billion people) subscribed to services using connectionless networks (average 5
Assuming that 60% of people will join as a family, the average usage subscriber rate is 30%, the average transmission time rate is 1/12 (assuming 2 hours / day), and the traffic expansion rate to the upper subnet is 20. %, And the traffic uneven distribution coefficient is assumed to be 6 times. Then, the whole connectionless network needs to handle a throughput of over 600 Tbps, but the highest intercontinental subnet where traffic is most concentrated needs to handle a throughput of 800 Gbps. This is the interface speed 2.
This can be realized by providing 20 to 30 ATM cell relay switches accommodating 32 ports of 4 Gbps.

In connection with the construction, the connectionless type transmission path is centered on client-server type access. Therefore, it should be noted that the traffic from the server to the client becomes extremely large. further,
The server that manages various services is accommodated in the multi-subscriber network 4 if the service target range is limited to the area, and the higher-order subnet is accommodated in the multi-subscriber network 4 according to the range. By doing so, information can be efficiently transmitted.

The architecture of the broadcasting network 3 is a bidirectional optical duplex cable type CATV network constructed on a global scale. FIG. 5 shows the configuration, and the CATV network returns the collection network (upstream) for collecting the information transmitted from each subscriber at the headend and the real-time television programs collected at the headend. And a distribution network (downstream) for distribution to the multi-subscriber network 4.

That is, the MPEG-2 band compressed signal transmitted from the television program provider VP is time-division multiplexed upstream by the ATM multiplexer. Then, all the programs are transmitted to the multi-subscriber network after being subjected to optical signal amplification by a fiber amplifier and a passive coupler provided on the upstream side. A program selector (S) is provided at the head end of the multi-subscriber network, and a program is selected according to the subscriber's request and broadcast to each subscriber in the multi-subscriber network.

Since this architecture has simple and inexpensive equipment such as an ATM multiplexer and a fiber amplifier as its constituent elements, it is possible to construct a large capacity broadcasting network at a very low cost. As a result, program providers will be able to broadcast to the whole world at a light cost. On the other hand, in principle, all programs will be collected at one point and then distributed to the whole world, which may make them vulnerable to disasters and sabotage. Therefore, similar to the connectionless network described above, the system is hierarchized, and a loopback relay or bypass route is provided between the hierarchies. In addition, in order to prevent improper broadcasting, an authentication function is added to the ATM multiplexer or the like.

[0041] It should be noted that, when the whole world broadcast has become possible, although how much of the capacity, including the educational program (the number of channels) is required is difficult to predict, 2,00 per 1 Carrier
1 if 0 carrier (10 Gbps) is multiplexed with 5 carriers
It is possible to accommodate 10,000 channels. Therefore, it is possible to use a part of this channel as a relay channel from the news gathering site to the broadcasting station.

Conventional broadcasting is limited to a limited number of institutions (broadcasting stations).
However, the limited program was transmitted to a limited area. If these restrictions are removed, that is, if predetermined requirements are met, any institution (broadcasting station, educational institution, etc.) can inexpensively transmit to the whole world. And
Anyone can watch any program anywhere, at low cost.

It is necessary for the subscriber access network to thoroughly pursue its economic efficiency while maintaining the characteristics of the backbone network. For this purpose, it is basically necessary to accommodate connection-type, connectionless-type, and broadcast-type transmission lines of the backbone network at least on the same physical transmission line and share them with a large number of subscribers. ETTH
(Fiber to tho home) and HFC (hybrid fiber and c)
oaxial) is based on this idea.

Multi-subscriber network 4 of the present embodiment
In the above, one network has a service area of about 50 km, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a head end (H / E) is provided at each lattice point that serves as an access point to the backbone network. Each headend accommodates up to 200,000 homes each.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of the multi-subscriber network 4 when optical ATM transmission is applied to the subscriber's house based on the current HFC architecture.
That is, for example, about 10 distribution hubs (D / H) 4b are radially arranged around the head end 4a in the service area. Headend 4a and their distribution hub 4
It is star-connected to b via an optical transmission line 4c. A tree-shaped subscriber network (SNW) 4d covering a service area of, for example, about 15 km is connected to each distribution hub 4b. Each of these subscriber networks 4d has a plurality of subscriber units (S
UT) 4e is connected, and each subscriber communicates by connecting a subscriber terminal 4f such as a telephone set, a personal computer or a television receiver to its own subscriber unit 4e.

The headend 4a is a connection-type switch server (CO switch server) 41 for transmitting voice mail with the exchange of the connection-type network 1, a connectionless router for the connectionless-type network 2, and an electronic mail. A connectionless router server (CL router server) 42 for transmitting data such as, and a broadcast selector server (BS selector server) 43 connected to the broadcast network 3 are provided.

These servers 41 to 42 correspond to the function of sending the downlink information coming from the corresponding networks 1 to 3 to each distribution hub 4b and the uplink information coming from the subscriber via each distribution hub 4b. Network 1
To 3). Moreover, each server 41-4
3 has a firewall function and an authentication function as security functions, and prevents unauthorized intrusion from the outside of the multi-subscriber network 4 and illegal acts from the inside.

The distribution hub 4b includes a connection type hub (CO hub) 44, a connectionless type hub (CL hub) 45, a broadcasting type hub (BS hub) 46, and a subscriber network master (SNM) 47. Is provided. Each of the hubs 44 to 46 has a function of distributing traffic to the subscriber network (SNW) 4d.
The subscriber network master 47 accommodates all the traffic of the subscriber network 4d.

In the architecture of the present embodiment, the subscriber accommodation capacity for each subscriber network 4d is 50, which is the upper limit value at which the traffic assumed based on the above discussion can be realized by the silicon semiconductor chip. It is set at home level (Table 1). Incidentally, a general HFC often accommodates about 500 home subscribers per subscriber network, and FTTH accommodates 16 home subscribers.

[0050]

[Table 1]

To accommodate connection-type, connectionless-type, and broadcast-type transmission lines on the same physical transmission line, it is appropriate to use ATM cells as an information transfer container for both upstream and downstream. . Particularly for the upstream, access competition control based on the characteristics of the connection type transmission line and the connectionless type transmission line and a method capable of efficiently accommodating ATM cells are applied.

Although not shown, base stations for a terrestrial mobile communication system are laid along the subscriber network in the multi-subscriber network 40, and in addition, they are laid in a grid pattern as described above. A satellite relay network 5 that is redundantly connected to the backbone network and will be described later.
Ground station equipment for communicating with the station will be deployed as necessary.

The satellite relay network is composed of a group of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites consisting of, for example, 200 aircraft, and for example, 2,000 km per satellite.
Cover an area of degree.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the architecture of the satellite relay network 5. The satellite relay network 5 is provided between the head end 40a of the multi-subscriber network 40 compatible with the satellite relay network and the distribution hub 40b, and the mobile terminal device MS such as an on-board communication device for an aircraft or a ship or a mobile phone and the head end 40a. And LEO satellite 50.

In order to carry out this relay, the headend 4
0a is provided with a satellite relay interface 48 in addition to the CO switch server 41, the CL router server 42, and the BS selector server 43. The distribution hub 40b includes a CO hub 44, a CL hub 45, and a BS hub 4.
6 and a subscriber network master (SNM) 47, a satellite relay interface 49 is provided. These satellite relay interfaces 48 and 49 are provided with satellite relay interface antennas 48a and 49a, which are phased array antennas, and perform satellite relay transmission with the LEO satellite 50 using these antennas 48a and 49a.

The coverage area per LEO satellite is 2,000 km square as described above, and relay is performed in zone units obtained by dividing the area into 6 × 6.
LEO satellites have low altitude orbits (eg altitude = 732k).
m) 20 units are equidistantly arranged on top of each other, and a total of 200 units are arranged on 10 orbits to cover the entire earth.

Mainly between the LEO satellite 50 and the distribution hub 40b or the mobile terminal device MS, assuming that the population density in the low population density / industrial underdeveloped area (depopulated area) is 10,000 homes / zone. Table 2 shows examples of various performance specifications.

[0058]

[Table 2]

In the example shown in the table, the transmission is carried out at 8 kbps for the connection type transmission line as in the cellular system.
Simultaneous relay capability of 1,000 channels / zone, totaling 36,000 channels / area. For connectionless transmission lines, the downstream is 8 Mbps,
The upstream is set to 1.5 Mbps and provides a relay capacity of 10 channels / zone, for a total of 360 channels. Furthermore, even for broadcast type transmission channels, 10 channels /
Zone, with the relay capability to provide programs for a total of 360 channels. Although not shown in the table, a video collection channel (8 Mbps / ch) for news coverage can be accommodated without a heavy burden.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the appearance of the LEO satellite 50 based on the above performance specifications. As shown in the figure, LEO satellite 5
0 to the headend 4 of the multi-subscriber network 40.
0a and a distribution hub 40b are provided with a multi-beam antenna 51. Also L
In addition to the multi-beam antenna 51, the EO satellite 50 has an inter-satellite relay connection (IOL: inter-orbit link).
An antenna 52 for is also provided. The IOL function is used as a means of supplementing a part of the multi-subscriber network or the backbone network during the transition period until the backbone network is laid all over the earth.
Further, even after the installation of the backbone network is completed, it is used to provide redundant route means to the entire backbone network.

Next, an operation example of the system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. First, FIG.
In the example shown in, the parents living in the country make a call to a child working in the city. It is assumed that the subscriber network 4d of the multi-subscriber network 4 is not installed in the country where parents live. In this case, the parents make a call from their mobile phone MS.
Then, the transmission request is transferred to the distribution hub 40b or the head end 40a of the nearest multi-subscriber network 40 via the satellite relay network 5. In the distribution hub 40b or the head end 40a, since the call origination request is telephone communication requiring real-time property and bidirectionality, the connection type network 1 of the backbone network is selected and the connection type network 1 is connected to the connection type network 1. Send a call request.

Therefore, a communication path is provided between the mobile phone MS of the parents and the multi-subscriber network 4 in the city in which the child lives via the satellite relay network 5 and the connection type network 1 of the backbone network. After that, parents can talk to their children.
That is, anyone on the earth can make a telephone call with anyone.

Next, the example shown in FIG. 10 is a case where the subscriber tries to obtain information by accessing the server (IP) of the information provider on the Internet from his home. In this case, the subscriber requests access from the personal computer to the multi-subscriber network 4 he / she subscribes to to the Internet. Then, the distribution hub 4b of the multi-subscriber network 4 selects the connectionless network 2 from the backbone network according to the access request.
Is selected, and the access request is sent to the information provider (IP) 7 on the Internet via the connectionless network 2. As a result, the subscriber and the server 7 of the information provider are connected by the connectionless transmission line via the multi-subscriber network 4 and the connectionless type network 2, and thereafter the information provider is requested by the subscriber. Information is transmitted from the server 7 to the subscriber 6's personal computer.

Further, the example shown in FIG. 11 shows a case where, for example, a live scene image from a conflict zone is reported all over the world in real time. Press correspondents in conflict zones (V
P) 8 transmits an access request to the nearest multi-subscriber network 40 via the satellite relay network 5. Then, the head end 40a or the distribution hub 40b of the multi-subscriber network 40 selects the broadcast type network 3 and selects the broadcast type network 3 via the broadcast type network 3 because the access request may request the broadcast type service. Send an access request addressed to the broadcasting station. As a result, the news reporter (VP) 8 and the broadcast station (VP) 8 are connected via the satellite relay network 5, the multi-subscriber network 40 and the broadcast network 3. At the same time, the broadcasting station (VP) 8 requests the broadcasting network 3 for broadcasting and secures a channel.

Therefore, the on-site video transmitted by the news reporter (VP) 8 thereafter is once sent to the broadcasting station (VP) 8 via the satellite relay network 5, the multi-subscriber network 40 and the broadcasting type network 3, and this Broadcasting station (VP) 8
Edited by. Then, the edited video is sent to each multi-subscriber network 4 corresponding to the broadcast target area via the broadcast network 3, and is broadcast from each multi-subscriber network 4 to each subscriber. Therefore, by selecting and designating, for example, "the whole world" as the broadcast target area, it is possible to broadcast the scene image of the conflict zone to the whole world in real time.

As described above, in the system of this embodiment, the backbone network is composed of the connection type network 1, the connectionless type network 2 and the broadcasting type network 3, and these backbone networks 1, 2, Two-way CAT laid in each area
A multi-subscriber network 4, such as a V network, is connected and subscriber terminals are connected to the multi-subscriber networks 4, 4
0 directly or via the satellite relay network 5, and when a communication request is made from a subscriber terminal, from among the networks 1, 2, and 3 which form the backbone network in the multi-subscriber networks 4 and 40. Communication is performed by selecting a network according to the communication request.

Therefore, as long as the subscriber is subscribed to the multi-subscriber network 4 or 40 such as the bidirectional CATV network, the desired partner and the backbone networks 1 and 2 are irrespective of the country or region or the distance. , 3 can be selectively transmitted to perform information communication.

Further, the type of communication service required by the subscriber, for example, a two-way communication service requiring a real-time property such as a telephone, or both a real-time property such as a personal computer communication and an electronic mail communication not required. Depending on whether it is a directional communication service or a communication service that is real-time unidirectional communication such as live broadcasting, the optimum network is selected from multiple types of networks that make up the backbone network work and information is transmitted. Therefore, the information can be transmitted more efficiently and economically without impairing the characteristics of the communication service. Table 3 shows connection-oriented network 1,
The features of the connectionless network 2 and the broadcast network 3 are shown.

[0069]

[Table 3]

It may seem that the above-mentioned technical idea is contrary to the multimediaization. However, rather than trying to separate networks for each medium, we try to separate networks according to whether real-time property is required, bidirectionality is required, and flow control characteristics are combined. This makes it possible to realize efficient operation of communication resources.

It is also possible to construct the backbone network and the subscriber network using existing networks. For this reason, it is possible to construct a global scale system at a lower cost than, for example, when constructing an entire system network.

Although the installation of the multi-subscriber networks 4 and 40 and the satellite relay network 5 is very costly, these networks 4.5 are not used for individual purposes, but rather these networks 4 and 4. Since 5 will be used for multiple purposes in combination with the backbone network, high cost performance can be obtained. Moreover, it has good compatibility with HFC or FTTH, which is currently being advanced mainly in developed countries, and its effectiveness is great.

The headend 40a of the multi-subscriber network 40 and the distribution hub 40b, and the mobile terminal and the headend 40a or the distribution hub 40b are connected via the satellite relay network 5. Therefore, for example, not only geographically isolated areas such as villages in the desert and islets on the Pacific Ocean, but also multi-subscriber networks such as depopulated areas even if they are not geographically isolated. Satellite relay network 5 even in difficult places
By complementing the multi-subscriber network via
Information can be communicated without exception.

Further, even if a part of the connection-oriented network 1, the connectionless-type network 2 and the broadcast-type network 3 fails due to a disaster such as an earthquake, the backbone network is constructed in a grid and further satellite relay is performed. Since the detour route using the network 5 can be set, the entire network can be kept highly reliable.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and for example, the types and configurations of each network that constitutes the backbone network, the configuration and operating mode of each network that constitutes the subscriber network, It goes without saying that the connection procedure between networks and the like can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0076]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the first network for accommodating the connection type transmission line, the second network for accommodating the connectionless type transmission line, and the first network for accommodating the broadcasting type transmission line are provided. A backbone network system having at least two of the three networks as main components, and connected to each network constituting the backbone network system, and transmission lines of these networks and a plurality of subscribers. A multi-subscriber network system that accommodates multiple transmission lines, and configures the multi-subscriber network system and the backbone network system according to the type of communication service requested by the subscriber for transmission information of the subscriber. I try to selectively transmit via each transmission line of each network .

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information communication network system which is highly general in global scale, is fast and safe, and enables not only individual communication services but also broadcasting services.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an architecture of an information communication network system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of construction of the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another construction example of the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the architecture of a connectionless network architecture.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the architecture of a broadcast network.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a multi-subscriber network.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a multi-subscriber network when connected via a satellite relay network.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a LEO satellite used in a satellite relay network.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation example of the system shown in FIG.

10 is a diagram showing another example of operation of the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another operation example of the system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Connection network (COnet) 2 ... Connectionless network (CLnet) 3 ... Broadcast network (BSnet) 4 ... Multiple subscriber network (MSnet) 5 ... Satellite relay network (SRnet) 6 ... Subscriber 7 ... Information provision Person or its server (IP) 8 ... Television program provider (VP) 40 ... Multi-subscriber network 4a, 40a ... Headend (H / E) 4b, 40b ... Distribution hub (D / H) 4c ... Optical transmission line 4d ... Subscriber network (SNW) 4e ... Subscriber unit (SUT) 4f ... Subscriber terminal 41 ... Connection type switch server (CO switch server) 42 ... Connectionless type router server (CL router server) 43 … Broadcast selector server (BS Select Server) 44 ... Connection hub (CO hub) 45 ... Connectionless hub (CL hub) 46 ... Broadcast hub (BS hub) 47 ... Subscriber network master (SNM) 48, 49 ... Satellite relay interface 48a, 49a ... Phased array antenna for satellite relay interface 50 ... LEO satellite 51 ... Multi-beam antenna 52 ... Antenna for inter-satellite relay connection (IOL)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. At least two of a first network accommodating a connection-type transmission line, a second network accommodating a connectionless-type transmission line, and a third network accommodating a broadcast-type transmission line. A backbone network system having a network as a main component and a multi-subscriber network connected to each network constituting the backbone network system and accommodating transmission lines of these networks and a plurality of subscriber transmission lines. And a system for selectively transmitting transmission information of a subscriber to each transmission path of each network that constitutes the multi-subscriber network system and the backbone network system according to the type of communication service requested by the subscriber. Information communication network system characterized by transmitting via . 2. At least two of a first network accommodating a connection-type transmission line, a second network accommodating a connectionless-type transmission line, and a third network accommodating a broadcast-type transmission line. A backbone network system having a network as a main component and a multi-subscriber network connected to each network constituting the backbone network system and accommodating transmission lines of these networks and a plurality of subscriber transmission lines. The system includes a satellite relay network system that complements some of the functions of this multi-subscriber network system via a satellite transmission line, and provides the transmission information of the subscriber according to the type of communication service requested by the subscriber. The multi-subscriber network system, satellite relay network system And an information communication network system characterized in that transmission is selectively performed through transmission paths of respective networks that constitute the backbone network system. 3. The backbone network system is laid in a grid pattern, and the multi-subscriber network system is connected to each network at lattice points of the backbone network system.
Information and communication network system described. 4. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission information of the subscriber is transmitted in the asynchronous transfer mode on the selected transmission path. 5. When a subscriber requests a two-way communication service that requires real-time processing, a connection-type transmission path of a first network is selected from among the networks of the backbone network system to join. The information communication network system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein personal information is transmitted. 6. When a request for a two-way communication service that does not require real-time processing is made by a subscriber, a connectionless type transmission line of a second network is selected from the networks of the backbone network system to join. The information communication network system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein personal information is transmitted. 7. When a request for a real-time one-way communication service is made by a subscriber, the subscriber type information is transmitted by selecting a broadcast type transmission line of a third network among the backbone networks. The information communication network system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 8. When selecting a network to be used for communication from a plurality of networks forming a backbone network system according to the type of communication service requested by a subscriber, the traffic of the corresponding network and the failure The network to be selected is changed according to at least one of the occurrence status.
An information communication network system according to any one of 1 to 7. 9. The satellite relay network system comprises a first communication means for communicating between a headend and a distribution hub of a multi-subscriber network system, or between the headend or distribution hub and a subscriber, and a satellite. A second communication means for performing inter-communication, and by selectively using these communication means, a part of the functions of the multi-subscriber network system is complemented. system.