JPH10308764A - Inter-network connector, equipment and method for communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable exact end-to-end communication over plural networks while including multicast by storing the correspondent relation of communication paths established on respective plural broadcast type networks and transferring data among the plural broadcast type networks based on this stored correspondent relation. SOLUTION: A connector 103 mutually connects 1st, 2nd and 3rd domestic networks(NW) 102, 104 and 106 and the correspondent relation of respective established channels is stored in a correspondence table. The NW 102 and 104 are IEEE1394, the NW 106 refers to the correspondence table through an interface part corresponding to the Eather net, and data are mutually transferred by executing prescribed protocol processing. Thus, the received data at a set top box STB 101 of digital satellite broadcast connected to the NW 106 are controlled by the connector 103 and can be distributed to 1st and 2nd terminals 105 and 107 of NW 104 and 106.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system for transferring non-IP packets in an interconnected network environment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, rapid advances in communication technology such as the Internet have become a topic in various fields, and LANs have been introduced mainly by companies and universities, or WANs have been introduced.
And the connection to the Internet is becoming a topic.

[0003] These technological innovations are likely to change the network environment surrounding homes. That is, P
As digital devices such as C, DVD, and digital set-top boxes have become widespread, it is inevitable that the desire to connect them to one another via a digital network will increase. Currently, mainly for AV vendors, IEEE13
The 94 bus is attracting attention from various directions as the leading candidate.

[0004] The IEEE 1394 bus is 100M,
It can be used as a high-speed digital network of 200 Mbps or 400 Mbps, and has a number of remarkable functions such as a plug-and-play function and a synchronous transfer function using a synchronous channel.

Currently, technology development for realizing a home network using an IEEE 1394 bus is being actively carried out, but the main object of the development is a single IEEE 1394 bus.
A device and a mechanism for information transfer on the 94 bus.

On the other hand, technological innovation of so-called home access networks is also urgent. That is, CATV and ADSL (Asymmetric
metric Digital Subscribe
rLine), FTTH (fiber-to-the-
Home) and other high-speed network technologies, and network services such as the Internet have made remarkable progress. In particular, the Internet technology has increased its speed, RSVP (R
resource Reservation Proto
Col.) and QOS (Quality of Se) using a network layer level signaling protocol.
rvi) Remarkable technologies, such as guarantee and multicast, are emerging one after another.

[0007] In the near future where these technologies are realized on the Internet, high-speed,
Some of the transfer of information that requires real time may take place over the Internet. Naturally, what is being studied at present is a method in which "data is transferred in the form of Internet packets (IP packets)".

[0008]

However, information considered to be distributed inside and outside the home is not always distributed in the form of IP packets. For example, satellite broadcast contents are directly transmitted from broadcast satellites and communication satellites to MP
In most cases, EG2 digital data is transferred in the form of frequency division and MPEG multiplexing. For example, in a case where such information is to be distributed over a plurality of networks (for example, two or more IEEE 1394), the information such as a change of the synchronization channel number in the middle is required.
Due to the unique properties of EEE1394, the mechanism has not been developed yet.

In a bridge connection environment of the IEEE 1394 bus, there is no method for establishing a synchronous channel or an asynchronous stream over a bridge. In addition, IEEE
In the bridge connection environment of the 1394 bus, the synchronization channel number may be changed every time the signal passes through the bridge. In such a case, the transmission terminal and the reception terminal establish the same bridge connection synchronization channel with the same channel. There is also a problem that there is no method for determining that the communication is performed, and negotiation or the like in the case of performing some communication using a specific synchronization channel cannot be performed.

[0010] In addition, many networks, such as CATV, which can use the same physical network as a network for transferring Internet packets and can perform another data transfer, have emerged. An ATM network or the like that performs Internet service on a certain VC (virtual channel) and transfers non-IP packets on another VC is also included in this example.

In such a case, a mechanism for reserving communication resources for acquiring information transferred in the form of non-IP packets is necessary for reception with good QOS (communication quality). . Across multiple data links,
There is no mechanism to achieve this yet.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to solve these problems.

[0013]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) The communication method (communication method applied to an inter-network connecting device) according to the present invention is a communication method that, when performing data transfer between a plurality of broadcast networks, establishes at least a communication established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks. The correspondence between roads is stored in a storage unit, and data is transferred between the plurality of broadcast networks based on the stored correspondence.

According to the present invention, in an environment where communication is performed through a communication path secured over a plurality of broadcast networks, for example, the identifier of the communication path secured between the first network and the second network is determined. Even if different, data transfer becomes possible by referring to the correspondence between the communication path on the input side and the communication path on the output side stored in the storage means, and extends over a plurality of networks including multimedia. End-to-end accurate communication becomes possible.

(2) An inter-network connecting apparatus according to the present invention is an inter-network connecting apparatus connected to a first broadcasting network and a second broadcasting network, and is established in the first broadcasting network. Establishing a communication path in each of the plurality of broadcast-type networks toward at least one of a plurality of communication devices that transmit and receive data flows through the plurality of broadcast-type networks using the first communication path. Means for establishing a second communication path to the second broadcast type network in response to the request for communication, and the second communication path established by the establishment means and the first communication path.
Storage means for storing a correspondence relationship with the communication channel of the first type, and data transmitted using the first communication path established in the first broadcast-type network based on the correspondence relationship stored in the storage means. And a transfer unit for transferring the data to the second communication path established in the second broadcast type network.

In an environment where communication is performed through a communication path secured over a plurality of broadcast networks,
For example, even when the identifiers of the communication paths secured in the first network and the second network are different, refer to the correspondence between the input-side communication path and the output-side communication path stored in the storage unit. Then, data transfer becomes possible, and accurate end-to-end communication over a plurality of networks, including multimedia, becomes possible.

Further, at least one of the first broadcast type network and the second broadcast type network has an I
In an environment where communication is performed through a communication path that secures communication resources across a plurality of networks by using an IEEE 1394 bus and an identifier included in the message is a synchronization channel number of the IEEE 1394 bus. When at least one of the first network and the second network is an IEEE 1394 bus, an identifier of a reserved communication path, in particular, an IEEE 1
In the case of the 394 bus, even if the synchronization channel number is different between the first network and the second network, the correspondence table and the transmission means can transmit through the message after grasping the appropriate correspondence. Therefore, the message can be reliably delivered to the destination, and the message content is not inconsistent, so that the recipient of the message can surely know the communication path to be used later. Therefore, accurate end-to-end communication becomes possible.

Further, at least one of the first broadcast type network and the second broadcast type network has a U
An environment in which communication is performed through a communication path that secures communication resources across a plurality of networks because the message is an SB (Universal Serial Bus) and the identifier included in the message is the USB pipe number. In the case where at least one of the first network and the second network is a USB, when the identifier of the reserved communication path, particularly in the case of USB, the pipe number is different between the first network and the second network, Also, the correspondence table and the transmission means, after grasping the appropriate correspondence, it is possible to send through the message, and it is possible to reliably send the message to the receiving destination, The message content is consistent, and the recipient of the message later Will be able to know with certainty the channel dividing, with it, it is possible to accurately communicate the end-to-end.

(3, 4, 5) An inter-network connecting device of the present invention is an inter-network connecting device connected to a first physical network and a second physical network, and is connected to the first physical network. Communication of the first physical network secured based on a message on a logical network for securing communication resources when transmitting and receiving data between the secured node and a node connected to the second physical network The resource identifier and the second
Storage means for storing a correspondence table for associating the identifier of the communication resource of the physical network,
If the data transferred using the communication resources secured based on the message includes information indicating that the data is not data on the logical network, the data transferred using the secured communication resources Transmitting means for transmitting data received from a node connected to the first physical network to a node connected to the second physical network by referring to the correspondence table and omitting data transfer processing of a logical network for In an environment where a plurality of networks are interconnected, for example, when information other than an IP packet on an IP network (logical network) is to be transferred, an Internet layer signaling protocol (for example, RSVP) can be used. ) Message is secured based on this message By describing information that the data transmitted using the communication resource is not an IP packet, this information is used as a trigger to refer to only the identifier of the communication resource and execute packet forwarding without IP layer processing. It is also possible to realize a data link switch that performs data transfer, thereby speeding up data transfer processing.
In addition, it becomes possible to secure communication resources across a plurality of networks, and a relay node (inter-network connection device) on the way transmits data passing through the communication resources (specifically, a communication path) to an IP. Since it is possible to recognize that the packet is not a packet, the relay node cannot end the procedure for securing communication resources, and the relay node may recognize that end-to-end establishment confirmation is necessary. I can do it.

Further, when data passes through the communication resource (specifically, communication path) through a relay node on the way,
Since the data is not an IP packet, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the data is input to the IP processing unit and all data is discarded due to an error.

Further, the message includes an identifier of data transferred using a communication resource secured based on the message, and the communication resource secured in the first and second physical networks or the received data. Is associated with the data identifier, so that the nodes connected to the first and second networks and the relay nodes (inter-network connecting devices)
A message containing the identifier of such data (eg,
RSVP PAHT message), the message is, for example, an RSV for transmitting the data.
It becomes possible to recognize that this is a P signaling message, and it becomes possible to associate the reserved communication resources with the reception of the data.

Further, the identifier can be used for a transfer process such as, for example, converting the format of data received from the first network and transferring the converted data to the second network.

[0023] At least one of the first and second physical networks is an IEEE 1394 bus,
The communication resource may be a synchronization channel number of an IEEE 1394 bus.

In the IEEE 1394 bus, IEC188
As specified in 3, the packet format for transmitting data in MPEG or DV format on the 1394 bus is specified in detail. For example, from the ATM network to A
In some cases, for example, when a packet transmitted according to the MPEG Forum ATM standard of the TM Forum is transferred to the IEEE 1394 bus, data that is not an IP packet is transferred to the IEEE 1394 bus across a plurality of networks. In such a case, the ATM network and the IEEE1
It is necessary to ensure the communication quality across a plurality of networks, such as a 394 bus, and then perform the format conversion before transferring. By doing the above, securing the communication resources on 1394 with RSVP,
This can be performed in the form of securing a synchronization channel, and the above object is achieved.

(6, 7, 8) The communication apparatus of the present invention receives a message on a logical network for securing communication resources when transmitting or receiving data in a communication apparatus connected to a predetermined network. Alternatively, when the message includes information indicating that the data to be transferred using the communication resources secured based on the message is not data on the logical network, the secured By omitting the data transfer processing of the logical network for the data received or transmitted via the communication resources, for example, even when information other than the IP packet on the IP network (logical network) is transferred, the existing data in the Internet layer can be transferred. This message is included in the signaling protocol (eg, RSVP) message. In the environment where a plurality of networks are interconnected, communication resources can be easily secured by describing information that data transmitted using communication resources secured based on the network is not an IP packet. Further, since a relay node (inter-network connecting device) on the way can recognize that data passing through the communication resource (specifically, communication path) is not an IP packet, the relay node Cannot be completed, and each relay node can recognize that the end-to-end establishment confirmation is necessary.

When data to be input / output passes through a communication path in the communication device, the data is not an IP packet. Therefore, the data is input to the IP processing unit, and all data is output due to an error. Problems such as being discarded can be prevented beforehand.

Further, the message includes an identifier of data transferred using a communication resource secured based on the message, and the secured communication resource is associated with the identifier of the data. For example,
If the identifier of the data (content information) is included in the PATH message of RSVP, which is an existing signaling protocol on the Internet, the communication device (reception terminal) that has received the message transmits the PATH message with the PATH message of the data. It becomes possible to recognize that the message is an RSVP signaling message for transfer, and it is possible to associate a reserved communication resource with the reception of the data.

(9) The communication method of the present invention (communication method applied to an inter-network connecting device) includes at least one of a plurality of communication devices that transmit and receive a data flow via a plurality of broadcast networks. Notified to establish a communication channel of the same identifier (virtual channel identifier) in each of the plurality of broadcast-type networks toward at least one of the plurality of broadcast-type networks corresponding to the identifier. The corresponding relationship between the first communication path and the identifier is stored in storage means (bridge synchronization register), and the correspondence established with the other one of the plurality of broadcast networks in association with the identifier. Data transfer is performed between the plurality of broadcast networks based on the stored correspondence using two communication paths.

According to the present invention, when establishing a communication path (for example, a channel in an IEEE 1394 bus) over a plurality of broadcast-type networks, an individual identifier of the communication path (for example, an IEEE 1394 bus) is assigned to the communication path.
In addition, by consistently assigning the same identifier (virtual channel identifier) separately from the channel number, the transmitting terminal, the receiving terminal, or the bridge device, which is a relay node, can recognize this communication path with the identifier. Will be possible. This is useful when the individual identifiers (for example, IEEE 1394 channel numbers) of the communication paths established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks are different.

(10) The communication method of the present invention comprises: (a receiving terminal,
A communication method applied to a transmitting terminal), and when transmitting or receiving a data flow through a plurality of broadcast-type networks, the plurality of broadcast-type networks are made to correspond at least to an identifier (virtual channel identifier) specified in advance. Storing a correspondence relationship between one of the communication paths established for each of the data flow and attribute information of the data flow transmitted or received using the communication path established for each of the plurality of broadcast-type networks. (Bridge synchronization register, layer 3 flow register), and transmits or receives the data flow based on the stored correspondence.

According to the present invention, a communication path (for example, IEEE 139) established in each of a plurality of broadcast-type networks corresponding to one identifier (virtual channel identifier).
Since the data flow is transferred using a channel on four buses, when communication is performed between the receiving terminal and the transmitting terminal over a plurality of networks, the identifier is used between the two terminals using this identifier. It is possible to recognize the communication path in common.

(11) An inter-network connecting apparatus according to the present invention is an inter-network connecting apparatus connected to a first broadcast network and a second broadcast network, and includes a data flow through a plurality of broadcast networks. Via the first broadcast-type network to establish a communication path of the same identifier (virtual channel identifier) in each of the plurality of broadcast-type networks toward at least one of the plurality of communication devices performing transmission / reception. Storage means (bridge synchronization register) for storing at least the correspondence between the identifier and the first communication path established in the first broadcast type network in association with the identifier;
Using a second communication path established in the second broadcast type network in association with the identifier, at least one address of the plurality of communication devices, the identifier, and the second communication path. Notifying means for notifying the correspondence, and transmitting the data transmitted using the first communication path established in the first broadcast network based on the correspondence stored in the storage means, Transfer means (bridge correspondence table, transfer unit) for transferring to the second communication path established in the broadcast network.

According to the present invention, it is possible to establish a communication path (for example, a channel in the IEEE 1394 bus) over a plurality of broadcast networks, and to provide a consistent identical identifier (virtual channel identifier) for the communication path. ) Makes it possible for the transmitting terminal, the receiving terminal, or the bridge device, which is a relay node, to recognize this communication path with the identifier. This is useful when the individual identifiers (for example, IEEE 1394 channel numbers) of the communication paths established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks are different.

(12) The communication apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the same identifier (virtual channel identifier) is assigned to each of the plurality of broadcast networks for a communication apparatus that transmits or receives a data flow through the plurality of broadcast networks. )
In order to establish the communication path, at least, the correspondence between the communication path established in one of the plurality of broadcast networks and the identifier in association with the address of the communication partner device and the identifier, and First notifying means for notifying using the one communication path, and transmission or reception using the communication paths established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks based on the contents notified by the first notifying means. Second notifying means for notifying the correspondent communication device of the correspondence between the attribute information of the data flow and the identifier, the correspondence being notified of the data flow by the first and second communication means. It is characterized by transmitting or receiving based on the relationship.

According to the present invention, it is possible to establish a communication path (for example, a channel in the IEEE 1394 bus) across a plurality of broadcast networks, and to provide a consistent identical identifier (virtual channel identifier) for the communication path. ) Makes it possible for the transmitting terminal, the receiving terminal, or the bridge device, which is a relay node, to recognize this communication path with the identifier. Communication paths (for example, IEEE 1394) established in each of a plurality of networks in correspondence with one identifier (virtual channel identifier)
Since a data flow is transferred using a channel on a bus, when communication is performed between communication devices (between a receiving terminal and a transmitting terminal) over a plurality of networks, both identifiers are used using this identifier. This communication path can be commonly recognized between terminals.

(13) The communication device of the present invention is notified to perform transmission or reception of a network layer data flow via a plurality of broadcast networks, and is established at least in each of the plurality of broadcast networks. The correspondence relationship between one of the communication paths having the same identifier (virtual channel identifier) and the attribute information of the data flow transmitted or received using the communication path established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks is stored. A storage unit (bridge synchronization register, layer 3 flow register) is provided, and the network layer data flow is transmitted or received based on the correspondence stored in the storage unit.

According to the present invention, a communication path (for example, IEEE 139) established in each of a plurality of broadcast-type networks corresponding to one identifier (virtual channel identifier).
Since a data flow is transferred using channels on four buses, communication between communication devices (between a receiving terminal and a transmitting terminal) over a plurality of networks including multimedia casts becomes possible.

[0038]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an example of a configuration of an entire network according to the embodiment. Here, an example of a configuration of a network constructed in a home is shown.

In FIG. 1, a first home network 102 and a second network 104 are connected to an IEEE 1
394 network and the third network 106
Is Ethernet. The first network 102, the second home network 104, and the third home network 106 are interconnected by a connection device 103.

A digital satellite broadcast set-top box (STB) 101 is connected to the first network 102, and a signal is input from a dedicated antenna 110 through a coaxial cable. In addition, the set-top box 101 may have a network interface unique to a satellite service company or a set-top box vendor.

In such an interconnected environment,
How to control the delivery of traffic other than Internet packets (received data of satellite broadcasting in the case of the present embodiment) will be described.

FIG. 27 shows an example of the configuration of the connection device 103 shown in FIG. 1. The connection device 103 is provided for each connection port of the IEEE 1394 bus (the first network 102 and the second network 104 in this embodiment). IEEE 1394
1EEE1 that executes a predetermined protocol process of
394 interface (I / F) unit 501 and Ethernet (third network 106 in this embodiment)
The Ethernet interface (I / F) unit 506 provided in the connection port of the first IEEE 1394 interface refers to the bridge correspondence table 503 stored in a predetermined memory area.
A transfer unit 502 for filtering and transferring data from the 394 bus to the other IEEE 1394 bus, a channel correspondence storing a correspondence between a channel established in the first network 102 and a channel established in the second network 104 Table 504, FANP, R
A transfer processing unit 505 for executing a predetermined transfer protocol process such as SVP.

The IEEE 1394 I / F section 501 is an IEEE 1394 interface.
The EE1394 performs predetermined processing in each of the physical layer, the link layer, and the transaction layer of the EE1394.

The bridge correspondence table 503 stores at least a terminal connected to each of the first 1394 bus 102 and the second 1394 bus 104 and another terminal.
The EUI 64 address of the 394 bridge and the node ID (reset by bus reset) are stored.

FIG. 28 shows an example of the configuration of the first terminal 105. The IEEE 1394 interface (I / F) unit 601 for executing a predetermined protocol process of IEEE 1394, the IP processing unit 602, the upper layer process 603.

The 1EE1394 I / F unit 601 is an IEEE
The EE1394 performs predetermined processing in each of the physical layer, the link layer, and the transaction layer of the EE1394.

The IP processing unit 602 includes a FANP, RSVP
A predetermined IP process including the above is executed.

The upper layer processing unit 603 includes, for example, the first
The terminal 105 executes a protocol process for a data transmission / reception request from the terminal 105 to a partner terminal (for example, the STB 101), a predetermined service process for data transmitted from the partner terminal, and the like.

(A) First, the second network 104
The first terminal 105 connected to the STB 101, the first network 102, the connection device (1394 bridge) 1
A case will be described in which communication (reception of data / video from a satellite broadcast in the first terminal 105) is performed using a protocol built for IEEE 1394 via the H.03.

FIG. 2 shows the entire processing sequence, and FIG.
FIG. 2 shows the processing sequence of the connection device 103, which is an IEEE1394 bridge, corresponding to FIG. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS.

The first terminal 105 is connected to the upper layer processing unit 6
03 and IP processing unit 602 and IEEE1394I
As a process of the / F unit 601, a transfer request of a predetermined TV channel is made to the set-top box 101 using an IEEE 1394 asynchronous mode transfer frame (steps S201 and S202).

The protocol for this transfer request is DA
VIC (Digital Audio-Visual)
(D.C.Cuncil) or a procedure similar thereto, or a Web-like GUI and RT
This may be performed using a protocol such as SP or HTTP, or a unique protocol may be used. In the present embodiment, AV / AV defined by IEEE 1394 is used.
C Protocol (Digital Interface)
for Consumer Electronic A
audio / Video Equipment). That is, it is assumed that this protocol has been installed in the first terminal 105 and the set-top box 101 in advance, and both recognize the IEEE 1394 address of each other.

Now, the set-top box 101 for which the program was requested is sent from the set-top box 101 to the terminal 1.
It is necessary to perform procedures such as securing communication resources up to 05 and notifying the terminal such as a channel to be used.

STB 101 and terminal 105 have the same IEEE
When connected to E1394, securing of communication resources is S
When the TB 101 registers access to the synchronous resource manager on the IEEE 1394, it is normal that the reserved communication resource is notified to the terminal by the IEC1833 protocol.

In this embodiment, since the IEEE 1394 is bridge-connected via the connection device (1394 bridge) 103, these are realized by the following method.

First, the STB 101 accesses a register of the IEEE 1394 synchronous resource manager of the first network 102 and secures a band and a channel number (step S203).

Next, assuming that (bus ID, node ID) of the first terminal 105 = (2, X), a message for controlling communication resources across a plurality of IEEE 1394 networks is transmitted in response thereto ( Step S20
4). This message includes the control message, the physical ID (2, X) of the destination terminal 105, the used bandwidth,
First network (IEEE 1394 network)
Information such as a channel number used in 102 is included.

This message is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-26449.
FAN described in No. 6 (by the inventor of the present invention)
It may be defined by an extension protocol of P. The protocol in step S204 is described as a synchronization channel bridge acquisition protocol in the figure.

The IEEE 1394 of the connection device 103
For a specific register in the I / F unit (# 1) 501,
This may be realized by writing the above information (ID of the destination terminal, band used, channel number used in the first network, etc.).

Further, the Internet protocol RS
VP (Resource Reservation P
rotocol) / SBM (Subnet Bandw)
Idth Manager)
You can do this too. This will be described in a second embodiment.

In the present embodiment, since the IEEE 1394 is used as a home network, the above message is basically transferred in the form of an asynchronous packet on the IEEE 1394 bus. But home network is US
In the case of B (Universal Serial Bus), these messages may be in the form of being transferred over a default pipe in the form of interrupt transfer or control transfer.

IEEE13 of the connection device (1394 bridge) 103 which has received the message for acquiring the communication resources
The 94 I / F unit (# 1) 501 refers to the ID of the destination terminal included therein and, based on the bus ID value, allows the destination terminal to secure communication resources to a terminal on the second network (IEEE 1394) 104. After recognizing that the request is a request and securing communication resources (such as a buffer) inside the bridge 103 (step S205), the second network (IEEE)
E1394) Encourage the synchronous resource manager on 104 to secure the band and channel number (step S20).
6).

When the securing is successful (step S207),
A message (ACK) notifying that the communication resources on the second network 104 have been secured is transmitted to the set-top box 101 as the sender. The transmission of this ACK does not necessarily need to be performed by the first terminal 105 that is the receiving terminal, but may be performed by the connection device 103. For details, see, for example, Japanese Patent Application No.
See No. 64496.

When the communication resources (synchronization channel #Y) are secured on the second network 104, the synchronization channel number #X secured in the first network 102 is stored in the channel correspondence table 504 as shown in FIG. And the corresponding relationship with the synchronization channel number #Y secured in the second network 104 are stored.

When the STB 101 confirms that the communication path to the first terminal 105 has been secured by the ACK or the like, the STB 101 subsequently transmits the MPEG data / video to the first terminal 105 through the secured synchronization channel. Need to be informed that In general, as a protocol for that purpose, the IEEE defined in IEEE 1394
C1883 is used (step S208). Therefore, the STB 101 establishes the IEEE 139 of the first terminal 105.
Physical ID provided in 4 I / F section 601 = (2,
Attempt to write data such as how much bandwidth to use in the PCR (plug control register) of X). Specifically, for the PCR, (1) whether it is online or offline (2) whether or not there is a broadcast (3) whether or not point-to-point communication exists (4) synchronization channel number (5) ) The data rate (band) is written.

Here, the first network 102 and the second network 102
There is a possibility that the used synchronization channel number differs from the network 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the first network 102, the synchronization channel number #
Assuming that X uses the synchronization channel number #Y in the second network 104, the STB 101
In the PCR of the first terminal 105, writing that "communication is performed using the synchronization channel number #X" is performed.

However, in the second network 104, a problem occurs because the synchronization channel #Y is reserved for the communication.

For this reason, the connection device 103 of this embodiment detects the passing IEC 1833 message, refers to the channel correspondence table 504, corrects the appropriate parameters, and holds the state internally. , This IE
The C1883 message is forwarded to the corresponding network side.

Here, it is necessary for the connection device 103 to recognize that the passing message is an IEC1883 message. To achieve this,
For example, there are the following methods.

1) According to IEC1883, in order to control the transfer of Isochronous (isochronous) data in each terminal, the CSR (Con
troll and Status Register)
Input master plug register (INPUT
MASTERPLUG register, output master plug register (OUTPUT MASTER PL)
UG register), input plug control register (INPUT PLUG CONTROL register)
ter), output plug control register (OUTPUT P
LUG CONTROL register). Further, specific (defined) addresses in the CSR are assigned to these four registers.

Therefore, in the connection device 103, the received asynchronous packet is Lock. Request
Packet (IEEE1394 Specificati)
on), the packet identification information (offset value) of the received asynchronous packet is checked, and the offset value is determined by the CSR of each terminal. If the offset value is assigned to the four registers of the input master plug register, the output master plug register, the input plug control register, and the output plug control register, the received packet is IEC1883.
Recognize that this is due to the protocol.

2) Identification is performed using the t-Code assigned in the asynchronous packet. Specifically, a value that can be defined by the user in the packet type based on t-Code is defined in advance, and an asynchronous packet having the defined value of t-Code, in particular, Lock. When a Request packet is received, it recognizes that the received packet is based on the IEC1883 protocol.

3) Read up to the data field of the Asynchronous packet and read the contents
If the content is specified by No. 3, the received packet is recognized as being based on the IEC1883 protocol. A method of performing so-called gateway processing.

4) The automatic configuration recognition process is executed so that the connection device always becomes the isochronous resource manager, and all the setting request packets for the band / channel number in the IEEE 1394 network to which the connection device 103 belongs are stored. , A packet transmitted from the terminal that has made the request for setting the band / channel number, in particular, Lock. If the physical ID of the destination terminal of the Request packet is a physical ID other than the terminal belonging to the own 1394 network, the received packet is
It recognizes that it is based on the 1883 protocol.

5) Any combination of the above methods 1) to 4).

IEEE 1394 I / F of the connection device 103
The unit (# 1) 501 monitors the passing IEC1883 message using, for example, the method described above, and when it recognizes that this message spans a plurality of 1394 messages, it creates a state therein (step S209). That is, the channel numbers are changed on one input side and the other output side of the connection device 103 (specifically, #X in the first network 102 and ## in the second network 104).
Y), the transfer unit 502 converts this with reference to the channel correspondence table 504 as shown in FIG.
An IEC1883 message is transmitted to the first terminal 105 via the EE1394 I / F unit (# 2) 501.

This will be described in more detail.
03 is the channel correspondence table 50 at the time of the previous band reservation.
The channel number of the next stage (the second network 104 in the present embodiment) is known by using the correspondence between the input channel number and the output channel number stored in No. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the channel correspondence table 504 in the connection device 103 holds an input channel number, an output channel number, a band, and other values in the message field of 1883 as an internal state.

Then, after changing the value of the IEC1883 message from the input-side synchronous channel number #X to the output-side synchronous channel number #Y, the IEC1883 message is transmitted (step S210).

As described above, in addition to the frame transfer, the connection device 103 performs the processing involving the above-described state, and therefore the response (AC in this case) to the sender (in this case, the STB 101).
K-Complete) cannot be returned immediately.
Therefore, the connection device 103 sends an ACK to the sender.
A method of delaying the transmission of the Complete message (such as using a Pending packet) may be used.

The sender (STB 101 in this case) indicates that an immediate response cannot be returned by providing an ACK 1883 field explicitly requesting an ACK (ie, that an IEEE 1883 message needs to come and go over a plurality of networks). May be specified in the IEC1883 message.

Finally, ACK-Complete of the IEC1883 message is returned to the sender, and IEC1
If an 883 ACK is returned, the sender's STB
101 starts transmission of an MPEG video or the like (step S
211, S212).

In the above description, the home network is an IE
Although the case of EE1394 has been described as an example, similar discussions can be made with other data link technologies such as USB. In this case, the IEEE 139 of the present embodiment
4, the asynchronous channel and the synchronous channel correspond to the USB default pipe and the general pipe, respectively, and the synchronous channel number corresponds to the pipe number.

(B) The description of (A) above is based on the sender's S
The TB 101 recognizes that the receiving terminal 105 is located on a different network (IEEE 1394 bus), and before notifying the terminal of information such as a synchronization channel number used for data transmission by IEC1883, the TB 101 itself. Using a communication resource acquisition protocol such as FANP, ST
This secures the band and channel number between B101 and the terminal 105.

On the other hand, the STB 101 of the sender performs processing without change regardless of which IEEE 1394 bus the connected terminal is connected to (ie, whether the terminal is a local 1394 or a remote 1394). A method in which the connection device 103 absorbs this is also conceivable.

In this method, the end-to-end communication resource acquisition is performed using the IEC1883 protocol. This case will be described with reference to the processing sequence shown in FIG.

The upper layer processing unit 60 of the first terminal 105
3 requests a program to the STB 101 using the upper layer protocol (steps S501 and S502), and
TB101 is the first network (IEEE1394)
If the synchronization resource manager 102 has secured the bandwidth and the synchronization channel number (step S503, here, it is assumed that the synchronization channel number #X has been secured), the STB 101
As in the case where the terminal 105 is present in the first network 102, the value is obtained by using the IEEE 1394 asynchronous packet and directly using the IEC1883 to the PCR (plug control register) of the first terminal 105 which is the partner terminal. Attempt to write. This serves as a call setting for telephone communication for the connection device 103.

FIG. 6 shows a processing sequence of the connection device 103. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS.

The connection device 103 uses, for example, the above-described IEC1883 message detection method in the connection device,
We are monitoring this. Upon receiving the IEC1883 message, the connection device 103 sets the received message to IEC1
This is a message of the 883 protocol, and its destination is different from the received 1394 bus, and the connection device handles the delivery / routing of the packet (the second network (IEEE 1394) 10 in the present embodiment).
4) In the case of the above device (the first terminal 105 in the present embodiment), the synchronization channel (#X) with the band currently reserved for the local IEEE 1394 is transmitted to the IEC 18
It is determined that it is desirable to secure communication resources up to the IEEE 1394 bus to which the destination terminal 105, which is the destination of the 83 message, is connected (step S60 in FIG. 6).
2).

In the meantime, the sender sends an ACK to STB 101
-Complete transmission may be postponed.

For example, there is a possibility that a request for securing a band from the connection device 103 may fail. In this case, the ACK-Com
Plete does not fit. Therefore, the connection device 103 secures the band shown in IEC1883 to the synchronous resource manager on the second network (IEEE 1394) 104 to which the first terminal 105 serving as the receiving terminal is connected, The number is also secured (step S506 in FIG. 5). Here, the second network 10
It is assumed that the number of the synchronization channel secured on No. 4 is #Y (step S603 in FIG. 6).

Next, a channel correspondence table 50 as shown in FIG. 4 for associating the synchronization channels #X and #Y.
4 is created (step S604 in FIG. 6).

After these operations are completed, the first terminal which is the receiving terminal
Of the IEC1883 message in the direction of the terminal 105. At this time, in order to reflect the value of the newly secured synchronization channel number in this write, the first
The value #Y of the synchronization channel number corresponding to the synchronization channel number #X in the network
This will be entered in the CR (step S60 in FIG. 6).
5).

This is written to the first terminal 105, and A
If CK-Complete is returned, the connection device 103 sets the IEC18
83 Lock. Ack-C in Request packet
Complete or ACK included in IEC1883 may be returned (step S50 in FIG. 5).
8).

Thus, the STB 101 transmits MPEG data / video or the like through the secured synchronization channels #X and #Y (steps S509 and S51).
0). At this time, the connection device 103 performs data forwarding between the two synchronization channels.

In the above description, the home network is an IE
Although the case of EE1394 has been described as an example, similar discussions can be made with other data link technologies such as USB. In this case, the IEEE 139 of the present embodiment
4, the asynchronous channel and the synchronous channel correspond to the USB default pipe and the general pipe, respectively, and the synchronous channel number corresponds to the pipe number.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the connection device 103
To the reservation of the band spanning
The case where SVP / SBM is used will be described.

It is assumed that the data from the digital satellite broadcast through the STB 101 in FIG. 1 is the MPEG data / video transmitted as it is. When this is transferred from the STB 101 to the terminal 105, the MPEG frame is
It may be encapsulated in a P packet and transferred,
Because of the overhead for encapsulation and the fact that the receiving terminal 105 is not necessarily an IP terminal, generally, as in the case of conventional 1394 AV equipment, “MPEGove” is generally used.
r1394 ”format (specifically, IE
Format specified in C1883), M
It may be desirable to distribute PEG data / video over 1394 as it is. This is not limited to a home network. For example, information transmission from a CATV station can be performed by directly transmitting MPEG data / video from a CATV station to an HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) or FT.
Direct distribution of MPEG data / video may be required even when distributing to homes through TH (Fiber To The Home) or the like.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which data to be transmitted (so-called U-plane data) is not an IP packet, but RSVP / SBM is used for reserving communication resources.

The configuration example of the whole network according to the second embodiment is almost the same as that of FIG. The difference is that RSVP / SBM is used for bandwidth reservation and the like. In the second embodiment, the connection device 103 is an SBM node.
Therefore, the connection device 103 performs IP processing and RSVP / SBM
It has a processing function. It is assumed that these processing functions are included in the ascending processing unit 505 in FIG.

To realize this, the communication resources 13
There are a method of making a reservation of the synchronization channel 94 by a downstream node and a method of making a reservation by an upstream node. Each will be described.

First, a method of reserving a 1394 synchronization channel as a communication resource by an upstream node will be described. FIG. 7 shows the entire processing sequence.

The terminal 105 makes a data distribution request to the STB 101 using the upper layer protocol and the like described in the first embodiment (steps S1201, S120).
2).

At the time of exchange of this protocol, terminal 105 transmits data (MPEG) distributed from STB 101.
(Data / video, etc.) may not be encapsulated in the IP packet. At this time, in the procedure for securing the communication resources to be exchanged later, the transmission node (in the case of the present embodiment, STB10
This exchange may be performed by giving a recognition ID (represented by “α” in the figure) to recognize 1).

In response to this data distribution request, STB1
01 is the RSVP PA to secure the communication resources of the route.
The TH message starts to flow toward the terminal (S12
03).

Here, in the PATH message, a flag indicating that the content to be transmitted (in this case, MPEG data / video) is not encapsulated in an IP packet, so to speak, "is signaling for non-IP data transfer". Is shown. As a result, the intermediate node (the connection device 103 in the present embodiment) that creates the PATH state does not handle the IP packet because the flow that may be reserved from now on is not handled by the IP processing unit. It recognizes that it is necessary to perform processing in a form that passes through the intermediate node only by processing of the data link layer without performing the processing.

The PATH message may have a recognition ID (“α”) given at the time of the previous transmission request.
Thereby, the terminal 105 can recognize that it is a PATH message corresponding to the transmission request previously requested.

[0109] The PATH message may also carry information about data to be put on the upper layer at the same time. In the case of the present embodiment, it is determined that the information transmitted by the reserved communication resource is MPEG data / video.
It may be described in the ATH message. In this case, this information may be described in a field of information transmitted between end-end users in the RSVP message.

The connection device 103 forwards the PATH message toward the first terminal after establishing the PATH state (step S1204).

Terminal 105 that has received the PATH message
Sends an RESV message in the upstream direction to secure communication resources (step S1205). This RE
The SV message may have a flag that means "signaling for non-IP" similar to the PATH message. Further, the information may include a recognition ID (“α”).

Upon receiving this, the connection device 103 sets the RES
A synchronization channel having a band according to the traffic characteristics included in the V message is acquired on the second network 104 (step S1206). That is, as shown in the sequence shown in FIG.
During (5), communication resources inside the connection device 103 are secured.
If this succeeds and a synchronization channel (channel number #Y) can be obtained, then forwarding to the upstream side of the RESV is performed (step S1207).

At that time, the connection device 103 stores the pair of the synchronization channel and the recognition ID in, for example, the channel correspondence table 504.

The STB 101 that has received the RESV makes a reservation for a synchronization channel on the first network 102, similarly to the connection device 103 (step S1208). The channel number of the synchronization channel obtained here is “#X”.

Thus, the STB 101 and the connection device 103
This means that the communication resources necessary for the end-to-end operation have been secured up to the first terminal 105.

Next, a procedure for associating the secured communication resources with the connection device 103 and the first terminal 105 of the intermediate node and informing the data to be transmitted is started. This procedure may be performed immediately after successful reservation of the synchronization channel in each stage. There are several ways to achieve this.

[0117] The first method is a method of notifying through a PATH message. If resources are secured, RSV
By using the lower layer information field of P, the link layer technology to be used is IEEE1394 and the synchronization channel number to be used is transmitted in the downstream direction.

FIG. 8 shows a format example of the PATH message. As shown in FIG. 8, the PATH message includes data link type (IEEE) as lower layer information.
E1394), a synchronization channel number to be used, and a non-IP flag for non-IP packet transmission. As the upper layer information, information on the content or application to be transmitted, for example, in the case of the present embodiment, information on MPEG data / video may be transmitted. Also, the recognition ID (“α”) can be transmitted in the PARH message.

This is connected to the connection device 103 and the first terminal 105.
To the connection device 103, the first terminal 1
In FIG. 5, information about the identifier of the data link from which the data (non-IP packet) is transmitted can be obtained, and the information shown in FIG. 4 stored in the channel correspondence table 504 of the connection device 103 is obtained. By referring to the data link layer header based on such a correspondence between channels, forwarding (routing) and routing processing of a packet (frame) can be performed.

The second method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. Hei.
This is a method using FANP described in No. 64496. The upper layer information, the lower layer information, the recognition ID, and the like are mounted on the FANP message and transmitted to the connection device 103 and the first terminal 105.

The details are described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-264496 (by the inventors of the present invention), and will not be described here.

The third method is a method of extending IEC1883 PCR. IEEE as shown in FIG.
The basic plug control register (PCR) of E1394 is extended, and the PCR shown in FIG.
It is provided in the 394 I / F section 501. As shown in FIG. 9 (b), the PCR of this embodiment includes at least information on the content of transmitting the channel number and the above-described recognition ID.
(“Α”).

The connecting device 103 recognizes that the message is an IEC1883 message as described in the first embodiment. Between the STB 101 and the connection device 103, “#X” is described in the synchronization channel number of IEC1883. Then, by recognizing the recognition ID (“α”) together with the destination of IEC1883, the PCR
And the channel number "#Y" previously reserved in the downstream direction corresponds to the channel number "#X" described in (1) (the corresponding relationship is stored in the channel correspondence table 504). Both can be connected only by the data link layer information (that is, the synchronization channel number). That is, the first network (IEEE 1394) 102
The data input with the synchronization channel number “#X” can be set to be output with the synchronization channel number “#Y” of the second network (IEEE 1394) 104.

Before or after that, the connection device 103 rewrites the synchronization channel number “#X” described in the message of the IEC1883 to “#Y” and then writes it to the PCR of the first terminal 105.

In addition to these methods, for example, in the case of USB, a method of exchanging the above message through a default pipe can be considered.

The first terminal 105 which is the receiving terminal
Can know that data is transmitted through the synchronization channel of the synchronization channel number “#Y”.

If the upper layer information is written in the PCR, the data transmitted from the synchronization channel of the synchronization channel number “#Y” will be the MPEG data /
It is possible to recognize that the image is a video, and appropriate initialization can be performed.

The sequence shown in FIG. 7 describes the case of the third method (steps S1209 and S1).
210).

Before transmitting the video, the sender (STB1
01), RESV-ACK may be sent in order to notify the end-end that the communication resource reservation has been successful.

(Third Embodiment) Next, as a third embodiment, a method in which a downstream node reserves a synchronization channel of IEEE 1394, which is a communication resource, will be described. FIG. 10 shows the entire processing sequence.

The third embodiment is almost the same as the second embodiment, except that the synchronization channel is secured by a node on the downstream side of the RSVP / SBM. As shown in FIG. 10, the terminal 105 sends a data distribution request to the STB 101 using an upper layer protocol or the like (steps S1501, S1502).

In response to this data distribution request, STB1
01 is the RSVP PA to secure the communication resources of the route.
The TH message starts to flow toward the terminal 105 (steps S1503 and S1504). The details are the same as in the second embodiment.

Terminal 105 that has received the PATH message
First, the connected second network (IEEE
E1394) 104 to secure a synchronization channel (step S1505).

As shown in FIG. 10, first, the first terminal 1
05 secures necessary communication resources (bands) recognized from the PATH message by accessing the register of the synchronous resource manager. Here, it is assumed that the securing has succeeded and the synchronization channel with the channel number “#Y” has been obtained.

Then, the first terminal 105 incorporates the acquired synchronization channel number into the RESV message as lower layer information as shown in FIG. 11, and transmits the acquired synchronization channel number to the connection device 103, which is the upstream SBM node. Transfer (step S1506).

Similarly, the connection device 103 also secures the upstream band, determines that this reservation has succeeded, and acquires a synchronization channel with the synchronization channel number “#X” on the first network (IEEE 1394) 102. (Step S1507).

The connection device 103 recognizes that this is the synchronization channel created in response to the RESV message from the first terminal 105 earlier, and the upstream synchronization channel (channel number “#X”). And a downstream synchronization channel (channel number “#Y”) are one RESV
Since it is recognized that the message is created by the message, the channel correspondence table 50 similar to FIG.
4 is created and stored, and the data input with the synchronization channel number “#X” from the first network 102 is referred to the synchronization channel number of the input packet, and the synchronization channel number “#Y” of the second network 104 is referred to. Set to output to.

Before or after this, the acquired synchronization channel number “#X” is included in the RESV message and transmitted to the upstream STB 101 (step S 150).
8).

As a result, the STB 101 on the upstream side can recognize the identifier of the link layer network in which communication resources are secured on the downstream side, and can forward appropriate data to an appropriate communication path. Become like In this case, for the upstream STB 101, the arrival of the RESV message means that the settings on the downstream side have all been completed (that is, the connection device that is the relay node has the corresponding synchronization channel numbers on the upstream side and the downstream side). The first terminal 105, which is the receiving terminal, recognizes the correspondence, and also recognizes that the data input on the synchronization channel "#Y" is MPEG data / video. ), The synchronization channel ("#
X "), transmission of MPEG data / video can be started (steps S1509 and S1510).

In the subsequent transmission of the RSVP PATH message, as shown in FIG. 8, this may be sent including the information of the data link layer being transmitted.

In the second and third embodiments, M
When transmitting a PEG frame by IEEE1394,
By referring to the CIP header defined by IEC1883, the receiving terminal 105 can recognize that it is an MPEG frame.
When using C1883, the PAT of RSVP is not necessarily required.
There is no necessity to transmit the upper layer information in the H message.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, as a fourth embodiment, when the network to which the receiving terminal is connected is Ethernet, that is, in FIG. 1, the receiving terminal is the second terminal 107, This is the third network 1
The case of connection to the Ethernet 06 will be described.

An example of the configuration of the second terminal 107 is, for example, the IEEE 1394 I / I of the first terminal 105 shown in FIG.
The F unit 601 may be replaced with an Ethernet interface (I / F) unit.

FIG. 12 shows a processing sequence in this case. Basically, it is the same as FIG.

Prior to the service, the STB 101 and the receiving terminal 107 select a program to be viewed using an upper layer protocol. At this time, these procedures are referred to as RSVP
/ SBM identifier for mapping (I
“Γ” of D) may be transferred together (steps S2101 and S2102).

Subsequently, the STB 101 performs the RSVP PAT.
H messages are sent downstream. The PATH message is transmitted from a router or SBM (Subnet Ba).
In this embodiment, the connection device 103 is connected to the SBM of the first network (IEEE 1394) 101.
Of the Ethernet switches constituting the Ethernet, which is the third network 106,
If there is one that operates as an SBM of the network 106, the PATH message passes through the Ethernet switch.

It is needless to say that the connection device 103 may be an Ethernet SBM (Ethernet I / F).
In this case, the PATH message is sent directly from the connection device 103 to the second terminal 10.
7 is transferred.

In these PATH messages, a flag indicating that the information flowing through the communication path reserved by this message is not an IP packet (in FIG. 12, “non-IP flag”), An ID “γ” is included and transmitted in a format as shown in FIG. 8 (steps S2103, S2104, S210
5).

[0149] Upon receiving this, the second terminal 107 transmits the RSV corresponding to the upper layer protocol for which the procedure has been performed previously.
The upper layer ID indicates that the message is a P / SBM message.
Recognize from "γ" and use upstream S to reserve communication resources.
The RESV message is sent to the BM node (Ethernet switch) (step S2106).

The Ethernet switch reserves the communication resource specified by the RSVP on the Ethernet (step S2107), and forwards the RESV message to the upstream side (step S2108). here,
A packet addressed to the second terminal 107 from the connection device 103 (that is, the source address
It is assumed that a reservation has been made such that an Ethernet packet whose address and destination address are the MAC address of the second terminal 107 is preferentially transferred.

The connection device 103 that has received the RESV message secures communication resources between the STB 101 and the connection device 103, for example, in the same manner as the method described in the third embodiment.

The bandwidth reservation on the Ethernet is basically performed by I
According to the traffic class and the like defined in EEE 802.1p, the information may be obtained by a method defined in RSVP / SBM.

The connection device 103 connects the synchronization channel “#X”, which is the secured communication resource on the first network (IEEE 1394) 102, with the communication resource on the third network (Ethernet) 106 (in this case, the connection Apparatus 1
03 and the MAC address of the second terminal 107), and the data (MPEG data / video, etc.) transferred from the synchronization channel is transmitted to the communication resources on the Ethernet. Should be stored as a state. At this time, the channel correspondence table 504 stores a correspondence table as shown in FIG.

The STB 101 that has received the RESV request
This is a communication resource reservation for program delivery previously selected by the upper layer protocol from the upper layer ID “γ” in the RESV message. By referring to the lower layer ID, the IEEE 1394 synchronization channel number to be transferred Can also be recognized.

[0155] Therefore, the STB 101 starts transfer of the program previously selected by the upper layer protocol through the synchronization channel "#X" indicated by the RESV message (step S2111).

[0156] The connection device 103 that has received the data transmits the received data to the second terminal via the Ethernet using the correspondence table between the synchronization channel ("#X") and the communication resources secured on the Ethernet. 107. At this time, the information to be transferred is not an IP packet,
Since it is an MPEG frame or the like, it is necessary to explicitly indicate this in the Ethernet packet. for that reason,
As shown in FIG. 14, the content to be transferred is contained in the Ethernet type portion of the Ethernet frame to be transferred.
An area indicating EG data is provided.

The first network (IEEE1)
394) The time stamp for each MPEG frame that was used when the MPEG was being transferred on 102 was:
You may use it as it is. In this case, the receiving terminal 107 absorbs jitter on the network based on the time stamp.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, as shown in FIG. 15, first and second IEEE1394 buses 204,
When 205 is interconnected via the bridge 202, the synchronous channel (or asynchronous stream (a packet in the format of a synchronous packet transmitted at the arbitration time of the asynchronous packet) via the bridge 202, Only the synchronization channel number is secured))), and a method of realizing a case where a certain data flow is transmitted and received through this is described.

As shown in FIG. 15, two IEEE13
94 buses 204 and 205 are interconnected via a 1394 bridge 202. In this environment, the first IEEE
The transmission terminal 201 is connected to the second IE on the 1394 bus 204.
The receiving terminal 203 is connected to the EE1394 bus 205. The EUI 64 address of the transmitting terminal 201 is “EU
I1 ", and the IP address is" IP1 ". The EUI 64 address of the receiving terminal 203 is “EUI 2”,
It is assumed that the IP address is “IP2”.

FIG. 16 shows the transmission terminal 201 and the reception terminal 20.
3 shows an example of the configuration, and executes a predetermined protocol process of IEEE 1394. 1 IEEE 1394 interface (I / F) unit 301, bridge synchronization register 302, layer 3 flow register 303, IP processing unit 304, upper layer process 305.

The 1EE1394 I / F section 301 is an IE
The EE1394 performs predetermined processing in each of the physical layer, the link layer, and the transaction layer of the EE1394.

The bridge synchronization register 302 is a register provided in a memory provided in the transmission / reception terminals 201 and 203.
When data transmission and reception are performed between a plurality of IEEE 1394 buses via a bridge by performing data writing as shown in FIG. 2, a synchronous channel (or asynchronous communication) for the same data flow is performed on each of the plurality of IEEE 1394 buses. This is for receiving a request for securing a channel (channel) and notifying a relay node of a virtual channel identifier as a unified identifier of a synchronous channel (or an asynchronous channel) separately secured in each of the plurality of IEEE 1394. The bridge synchronization register 302 has an input (bridge synchronization register IN) written from the transmission side of the data flow and an output (bridge synchronization register OUT) written from the reception side.

The layer 3 flow register 303 is a register provided in the memory provided in the transmission / reception terminals 201 and 203, and flows through a virtual channel identifier and a plurality of synchronous channels (or asynchronous channels) to which the virtual channel identifiers are assigned. The correspondence with the data flow is written.

[0164] The IP processing section 304 is composed of FANP, RSVP.
A predetermined IP process including the above is executed.

The upper layer processing section 305 performs, for example, protocol processing for a data transmission / reception request between the receiving terminal 203 (transmitting terminal 201) and the transmitting terminal 201 (receiving terminal 203), and is transmitted from the partner terminal. A predetermined service process for data is executed.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of the 1394 bridge 202. The IEEE 1394 interface (I / F) unit 311 for executing a predetermined protocol process of IEEE 1394 provided for each connection port of the IEEE 1394 bus and the bridge. Synchronization register 312, bridge correspondence table 31 stored in a predetermined memory area
4, a transfer unit 313 that performs filtering to pass only data to the other IEEE 1394 bus out of data received from one IEEE 1394 bus.

The bridge correspondence table 314 includes, for example,
First 1394 bus 204 and second 1394 bus 2
05 and other 139 connected to each
The EUI 64 address of the four bridges, the node ID (the address of the terminal reset by bus reset and the address of the 1394 bridge), and the number of the channel established between the 1394 bridge 202 and the terminal or another 1394 bridge are stored. .

The transfer unit 313 is connected to the 1394 bridge 202
When data is transferred from any of the plurality of IEEE 1394 buses to which the data is transferred, referring to the bridge correspondence table 314, the transfer destination address attached to the data is connected to another IEEE 1394 bus. Only if it is addressed to another 1394 bridge or terminal,
The data is transferred to the other 1394 bus. At this time, the channel number assigned to the data to be transferred is rewritten according to the channel number of the transfer destination stored in the bridge correspondence table 314.

The bridge synchronization register 312 has a
A register provided in a memory provided in the bridge 202, for each connection port of the IEEE 1394 bus (here, the first 1394 bus 204, the second IEEE 139
(# For each connection port of the four buses 205) (#
1, # 2). By writing predetermined data into this register 312, when transmitting and receiving a data flow via a bridge between a plurality of IEEE 1394 buses, a synchronous channel for the same data flow is transmitted on each of the plurality of IEEE 1394 buses. (Or an asynchronous channel) is requested, and the plurality of IEEE
This is for notifying the relay node of a virtual channel identifier as a unified identifier of a synchronous channel (or an asynchronous channel) separately secured in each of the E1394. A bridge synchronization register (# 1, # 2) 312 provided for each connection port of the IEEE 1394 bus has an input (bridge synchronization register IN) written from the transmitting side of the data flow and an output (bridge) written from the receiving side. Synchronization register OUT).

Note that the bridge synchronization register 302 of the transmitting / receiving terminal and the bridge synchronization register 312 of the 1394 bridge 202 are the same.

In such a situation, it is assumed that the transmitting terminal 201 has established a synchronous channel (or an asynchronous stream) up to the receiving terminal 203 and is going to transmit a specific data flow through this. The processing sequence in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the transmitting terminal 201 performs the first IEEE
A synchronous resource manager (not shown) on the 1394 bus 204 is accessed to secure the channel number “#x”. If necessary, a band may be secured (step S3001).

Next, the transmitting terminal 201
Then, in order to establish a synchronization channel via the 1394 bridge 202, writing is performed to the bridge synchronization register (# 1) 312 of the 1394 bridge 202 (step S3002).

The bridge synchronization register (# 1) 312
In the register having the data configuration shown in FIG. 19, a pair of registers for input and output may be provided for each connection port of the IEEE 1394 bus (there is no area for storing information indicating the direction in the register. Of course it is good). FIG. 19 shows a case of an input (IN) bridge synchronization register.

The bridge synchronization register 312 of the 1394 bridge 202 is provided with a synchronization channel across the bridge from a terminal capable of transmitting and receiving data on the IEEE 1394 (here, for example, the transmission terminal 201 and the reception terminal 203) to the 1394 bridge 202. This is a register for receiving a request for securing (or an asynchronous stream). As shown in FIG. 19, the channel number of the secured channel, the virtual channel identifier, the EUI address (end node ID) of the partner terminal, and the bandwidth are written. It is supposed to be.

In the channel number field, information on the synchronization channel secured on the IEEE 1394 bus (in this embodiment, the first IEEE 1394 bus 204) on which this register is written is written. For example, in the case of the 1394 bridge 202 of the present embodiment, the synchronization channel number “#x” is written. In the band field, the amount of band secured in the synchronization channel is written. Naturally, “0” is entered for an asynchronous stream.

In the field of the end point node ID, the ID of the node to be the end point of this synchronization channel is written as viewed from the side that started the request for securing the synchronization channel first (in this case, the transmitting terminal 201). 1394 Bridge 202
In the bridge synchronization register 312, the destination node is the receiving terminal 203, and thus “EUI2”, which is the EUI64 address of the receiving terminal 203, is entered.
It is not necessary to enter the I64 address, and the node ID may be entered in the form of "bus ID + node ID".

Note that the bridge synchronization register 302 of the transmitting / receiving terminal is the same as the bridge synchronization register 312.

The virtual channel identifier is the transmitting terminal 201,
An identifier for recognizing the established synchronization channel through the same identifier in the receiving terminal 203 or the 1394 bridge 202 serving as a relay node. That is, a plurality of IEs
Since the synchronization channel number and the like may change while passing through the EE1394 bus, the transmission terminal, the reception terminal, and the relay node should recognize that these are connected as the same channel by the synchronization channel number. Can not be done. For this reason, for example, the transmitting terminal 201 uses this channel's own EUI64 address and a number (for example, a sequence number or the like) α arbitrarily determined by the transmitting terminal 201, and assigns “a virtual channel identifier (EUI1, α) to this channel”. Shall be granted. " This value is 139
The bridge synchronization register of the four bridges 202 is written, and finally this value is transmitted to the receiving terminal 203 by each IE.
The signal is transmitted in a relay manner while securing a channel on the EE1394 bus. This transmission may use, for example, an asynchronous light. Thus, the transmission terminals 201, 139
Through the virtual channel identifiers (EUI1, α), the four bridges 202 and the receiving terminal 203 can consistently recognize, through the same identifier, those to which different synchronization channel numbers may be assigned. .

Next, the operation of the 1394 bridge 202 (steps S3003 to S3005 in FIG. 15) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition,
The operation shown in FIG. 20 can be similarly applied to receiving terminal 203.

When the information shown in FIG. 19 is written in the bridge synchronization register IN (# 1) 312 in step S3002 in FIG. 15 (step S3101), 139
The four bridges 202 refer to the bridge correspondence table 314 as shown in FIG. 18 and write the end point node (“EUI”) written in the bridge synchronization register (# 1) 312.
2)) exists on the second IEEE 1394 bus 205 (step S3102), and further recognizes the band to be secured from the band field, and establishes a synchronization channel on the second IEEE 1394 bus 205. It is established (step S3103). Here, the secured synchronization channel number is assumed to be “#y”. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the channel number “#y” is written in association with the address “EUI2” of the bridge correspondence table 314. Is also good.

Next, the 1394 bridge 202 writes the input bridge synchronization register IN302 of the receiving terminal 203. At this time, "#" is used as the channel number.
“y”, “EUI1, α” as the virtual channel identifier, “EUI2” as the end node ID, and the value of the band required as the band are written (step S3104). Since the receiving terminal 203 can recognize that it is the end point node from the end point node ID, the receiving terminal 203 does not perform any further operation of securing the band. At this time, the receiving terminal 203 may transmit an acknowledgment (ACK) signal indicating that preparation for data reception is completed. (Steps S3101 to S3102, Step S3106).

In this way, a synchronous channel (or asynchronous stream) from the transmitting terminal 201 to the receiving terminal 203 is secured. If the channel up to the end point has been secured, the ACK signal may be returned in order from the 1394 bridge closest to the end point side (the 1394 bridge 202 in this embodiment) to the upstream side (step S3106). . This ACK signal is transmitted from the transmitting terminal 201
Upon arrival, the transmitting terminal 201 can recognize that the synchronization channel has been successfully established up to the receiving terminal 203 (step S3005 in FIG. 15).

Returning to the description of FIG. 15, transmitting terminal 201
In order to notify the receiving terminal 203 of what kind of data flow is going to be transmitted through the secured synchronization channel (#x, #y), the layer 3 flow register 303 of the receiving terminal 203 stores the flow identifier and The correspondence with the layer 2 identifier is written (step S300)
6). Here, the data flow transmitted through the secured synchronization channel (#x, #y) has a transmission IP address of “IP1” and the number of the upper layer service on the transmission side (for example, a well-known port defined by RFC1340). Port number "PORT1" indicating the port number "PORT2", the receiving side IP address "IP2", and the port number "PORT2" indicating the number of the upper layer service on the receiving side (for example, a well-known port number defined in RFC1340). ".

The layer 3 flow register is a register having a data structure as shown in FIG. This register basically stores a layer 2 identifier (for example, a type of layer 2 (here, IEEE 1394 bus), an identifier type (here, virtual channel identifier), and the identifier (here,
(EUI1, α)) and a register for registering a correspondence relationship with respect to a layer 3 flow specified by a flow identifier passing through a channel represented by the layer 2 identifier. The flow identifier includes, for example, the IP address and port number of the transmission side of the data flow, and the IP address and port number of the reception side of the data flow. In addition, the register is provided with an area for writing information on whether the flow is to be input or output.

Since the data flow flows into the receiving terminal 203, the IP address “IP1” of the transmitting terminal 201 is used as the flow identifier in the transmitting IP address.
The port number of the transmitting terminal 201 is “PORT1” in the transmitting port number, and the receiving terminal 2 is in the receiving IP address.
03 is written in the IP address “IP2”, and the port number of the receiving terminal 203 is written in the port number “PORT2” of the receiving terminal 203.

As the layer 2 identifier, “IEEE1394” is written as the layer 2 type and “virtual channel identifier” is written as the identifier type, and the virtual channel identifier “EUI1,
α ”is entered.

The direction is set to “forward” since the receiving terminal 203 receives the data flow.

Note that this layer 3 flow register is
The present invention may be realized in the form of a combination of a plug control register used in EC1883 and a register for storing information about a layer 3 flow transferred by the channel.

By writing data as shown in FIG. 21 to the layer 3 flow register of the receiving terminal 203, the receiving terminal 203 refers to the identifier (EUI1, α) and refers to the layer 3 flow register. It is possible to know that the data flow notified is transmitted via the previously secured synchronization channel (the synchronization channel received with the channel number “#y” when viewed from the receiving terminal 203).

The actual data flow is the synchronization channel “#” between the transmitting terminal 201 and the 1394 bridge 202.
x ”(step S3007), 139
The four bridges 202 switch the synchronization channel with reference to the bridge correspondence table 314 (step S3008). That is, by referring to the contents previously written in the bridge synchronization register (via the virtual channel identifier), the 1394 bridge 202 makes the first IEEE 139
Synchronization channel “#x” of the fourth bus 204 and the second IEEE
It recognizes that the synchronization channel “#y” of the 1394 bus 205 is compatible, and the data input from the synchronization channel “#x” of the first IEEE 1394 bus 204 receives the data from the second IEEE 1394 bus 205. (Step S3008). This data reaches the receiving terminal 203 via the synchronization channel “#y” (step S3009).

[0192] The receiving terminal 203 determines in step S30
By writing the register of 06, it is possible to know in advance what kind of data flow the data received through this synchronization channel is, and to prepare for the data flow reception such as securing the necessary buffer amount Becomes

In the above embodiment, the notification of the correspondence between the layer 2 channel and the layer 3 flow from the transmitting terminal 201 to the receiving terminal 203 is written in the layer 3 flow register as the layer 2 processing ( Step S3006), but not limited to this case, FANP (F
low Attribute Notificatio
It is, of course, possible to do this via an (nProtocol) message.

FANP uses IP datagrams to
A channel of a certain data link layer (for example, IEEE1
394 synchronous channels or asynchronous streams, or A
This is a protocol for notifying the correspondence between a virtual channel such as a TM or a frame relay) and a flow (for example, an IP flow) of an upper layer passing through the channel.

Using this FANP, the transmitting terminal 201 sends out a FANP message as shown in FIG. 22 as a layer 3 process, and the receiving terminal 203 which has received this FANP message transmits a layer 3 flow through the layer 3 process. Data may be written into the register as shown in FIG.

Also, when the data flow to be transmitted is an IP multicast, the transmission can be performed basically by the same mechanism as described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 23, the transmitting terminal 201 is connected to an IGMP (Internet G
group Management Protocol)
Replace with router 206. E of IGMP router 206
The UI64 address is “EUix”, and the IP address is “Ix”.
Px ”.

Here, the second IEEE 1394 bus 2
05 receiving terminals 203a and 203 connected to
Assume that 3b has joined the IP multicast address “IPm”. The EUI64 address of the receiving terminal 203a is “EUI2”, the IP address is “IP2”, the EUI64 address of the receiving terminal 203b is “EUI3”, and the IP address is “IP3”.

The IGMP router 206 performs the first IEEE
Access the synchronous resource manager of the 1394 bus 204 to secure the synchronous channel number (step S300)
1). The synchronization channel number secured by the synchronization resource manager in response to the request from the IGMP router 206 is “#x”.

When the IGMP router 206 secures the synchronization channel number, the IGMP router 206 establishes a synchronization channel between the receiving terminals 203a and 203b via the 1394 bridge 202 via the bridge synchronization register IN (#) of the 1394 bridge 202. 1) Write to 312 (step S3002). In this case, the channel number (#x) of the reserved channel, the virtual channel identifier (EUIx,
α), the EUI address of the partner terminal (end node ID),
The band is written. In this case, since there are a plurality of receiving terminals, writing to the bridge synchronization register IN (# 1) 312 for each receiving terminal may be performed as shown in FIG. That is, the destination node ID is set to the receiving terminal 20.
3a, writing the EUI 64 address “EUI2”;
The two times of writing with the end node ID being the EUI64 address “EUI3” of the receiving terminal 203b and the writing of the destination node ID are performed in the bridge synchronization register IN (# 1) 31
2 The EUI 64 for multicasting
When the address is predetermined, for example, assuming that the multicast EUI 64 address is “EUIm”, writing to the bridge synchronization register IN (# 1) 312 having the end node ID “broadcast” is performed only once. You may do so.

Bridge synchronization register IN (# 1) 312
When the above information is written in (step S3002),
The 1394 bridge 202 refers to the end point node ID field of the bridge synchronization register (# 1) 312 and the bridge correspondence table 314, and the end point node (reception terminal 203a, 203b) written in the field.
Is recognized on the second IEEE 1394 bus 205 and the band to be reserved is recognized from the band field, and the multicast virtual channel identifier (EUI
x, α) corresponding to the second IEEE 1394 bus 205
A synchronization channel is established above (step S3003).
Here, the secured synchronization channel number is “#y”.

Next, the 1394 bridge 202 sets the input bridge synchronization register I of the receiving terminals 203a and 203b.
N302 is written. At this time, “#y” is used as the channel number, and “EUI” is used as the virtual channel identifier.
“x, α”, the destination node ID, and the value of the band required as the band are written (step S3004). Again,
Since there are a plurality of partner receiving terminals, writing to the bridge synchronization register IN302 for each receiving terminal may be performed as shown in FIG. That is, writing the end point node ID to the EUI 64 address “EUI2” of the receiving terminal 203a, and setting the end point node ID to the EU
The writing to the I64 address "EUI3" and the writing twice are performed on the bridge synchronization register IN302 of each receiving terminal. If the multicast EUI 64 address is predetermined, for example, if the multicast EUI 64 address is "EUIm", writing to the bridge synchronization register IN302 with the end node ID "broadcast" is performed only once. It may be performed.

[0202] The receiving terminals 203a and 203b can recognize that they are the end node from the end node ID, and therefore do not perform any further operation of securing the band.

As described above, a synchronous channel (or an asynchronous stream) from the IGMP router 206 to the receiving terminals 203a and 203b has been secured. If the channel to the end point is secured, 139 closest to the end point side
4 bridges (1394 bridge 20 in this embodiment)
The ACK signal may be returned sequentially from 2) toward the upstream side. When this ACK signal reaches the IGMP router 206, the IGMP router 206
It can be recognized that the establishment of the synchronization channel up to 3, 203b has been successful (step S3005).

[0204] The IGMP router 206 communicates with the receiving terminals 203a and 203a through the secured synchronization channels (#x and #y).
03b, in order to notify what data flow is being transmitted, the receiving terminal 203a,
The writing is performed on each of the layer 3 flow registers 303b of step 203b (step S3006). Here, the data flow transmitted through the secured synchronization channel (#x, #y) has the transmission IP address “IPx” and the number of the upper layer service on the transmission side (for example, RFC134
(The well-known port number specified by 0 may be used.)
Port number "PORT1" indicating the receiving side, IP multicast address "IPm" as the receiving side IP address, and port number "PORTm" indicating the number of the upper layer service of the receiving side (for example, a well-known port number defined in RFC1340). ".

Since the IP multicast data flows into the layer 3 flow register 303 of the receiving terminals 203a and 203b, the IP address "IP1" of the transmitting terminal 201 is transmitted as the flow identifier to the transmitting side IP address. The side port number includes the transmitting terminal 201
, The IP multicast address "IPm" is written in the receiving side IP address, and the port number "PORTm" is written in the receiving side port number.

[0206] As the layer 2 identifier, "IEEE1394" is written as the layer 2 type and "virtual channel identifier" is written as the identifier type, and the virtual channel identifier "EUIx,
α ”is entered.

As for the direction, the receiving terminals 203a, 203
Since “b” receives the multicast IP flow, “forward direction” is set.

By writing the data in the layer 3 flow register of the receiving terminals 203a and 203b,
The receiving terminals 203a and 203b transmit the identifiers (EUIx,
With reference to α), the multicast IP flow notified by the layer 3 flow register is a previously secured synchronization channel (synchronization channel received by channel number “#y” as viewed from receiving terminals 203a and 203b). You can know that it is sent through.

The actual multicast IP flow is IG
Transmission from the MP router 206 to the 1394 bridge 202 is performed via the synchronization channel “#x” (step S
3007) The 1394 bridge 202 switches the synchronization channel (step S3008). That is, the 1394 bridge 202 refers to the content previously written in the bridge synchronization register, and
The synchronization channel “#x” of the 94 bus 204 and the second IEEE
It recognizes that the synchronization channel “#y” of the E1394 bus 205 corresponds to the first IEEE 1394 bus.
The data input from the synchronization channel “#x” of the bus 204 is output to the synchronization channel “#y” of the second IEEE 1394 bus 205 (step S3008). This data reaches the receiving terminals 203a and 203b via the synchronization channel "#y" (step S3009).

[0210] Even when the data flow to be transmitted is an IP multicast, as described above, the notification of the correspondence between the layer 2 channel and the layer 3 flow from the IGMP router 206 to the receiving terminals 203a and 203b is a layer 2 process. Although writing is performed in the flow register (step S3006), this is not limited to this case, and it is of course possible to perform this through a FANP message.

[0211] The case where the transmitting terminal 201 establishes a synchronization channel to the receiving terminal 203 via the 1394 bridge 202 has been described above. However, the receiving terminal 203 establishes a synchronization channel to the transmitting terminal 201 as a matter of course. It is also possible to prompt the transmission of a specific data flow. This case will be described with reference to FIG.

The procedure proceeds in the direction opposite to that in FIG.
That is, the receiving terminal 203 establishes a synchronization channel (step S3201) and secures a synchronization channel number “#y”. Next, writing is performed on the output bridge synchronization register OUT (# 2) 312 of the 1394 bridge 202 (step S3202). Here, in order to indicate that this synchronization channel is in such a direction as to be received by the receiving terminal 203, an output bridge synchronization register (# 2) 31
2 is written as shown in FIG. In this case, as the virtual channel identifier, issued by the receiving terminal 203, for example, (EUI2, β) is used. The 1394 bridge 202 refers to the destination node ID and performs the first IEEE
A synchronization channel “#x” having a necessary band is secured on the E1394 bus 204 (step S3203), and the output bridge synchronization register OUT302 of the transmitting terminal 201 is provided.
The same information as that of FIG. 25 (however, the synchronization channel number is “#x”) is written in (step S3204).

The 1394 bridge 202 keeps the synchronization channel until the end (in this embodiment, up to the transmitting terminal 201).
When the connection is confirmed, an ACK signal is returned to notify the receiving terminal 203 of the penetration of the synchronization channel (S320).
5).

Then, receiving terminal 203 transmits to transmitting terminal 20.
Data is written to the first layer 3 flow register 303 as shown in FIG. 26 (step S3206). Here, by using (EUI2, β) as the virtual channel identifier, transmitting terminal 201 may transmit this data flow to the synchronization channel indicated by the previously established channel number “#x”. It can be recognized that. Of course, a FANP message may be used.

[0215] In response to the writing into layer 3 flow register 303, transmitting terminal 201 sets channel number "#x".
The layer 3 flow register 30
3 is transmitted (S320).
7).

The 1394 bridge 202 switches the synchronization channel (step S3208), and the first IE
The data input from the synchronization channel “#x” of the IEEE 1394 bus 204 is transferred to the synchronization channel “#y” of the second IEEE 1394 bus 205 and transmitted to the receiving terminal 203 (step S3209).

Thus, the receiving terminal 203 can have the transmitting terminal 201 transmit a specific data flow through the synchronization channel even in a bridge environment.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to provide a method for establishing a synchronous channel or an asynchronous stream over a bridge in an IEEE 1394 bus bridge connection environment. In addition, IE
In a bridge connection environment of the EE1394 bus, even if the synchronization channel number is changed each time the signal passes through the bridge, the transmission terminal and the reception terminal use the same bridged synchronization channel with the same virtual channel identifier. You can judge.

[0219]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When transferring information data (for example, satellite broadcast content, etc.) that is not always transferred in the form of IP packets, for example, over a plurality of networks (for example, two or more IEEE 1394) built in a home, Thus, it is possible to smoothly secure communication resources having desired communication quality.

Further, according to the present invention, IEEE1394
In a bus bridge connection environment, a method for establishing a synchronous channel or an asynchronous stream over a bridge can be provided. Further, in a bridge connection environment of the IEEE 1394 bus, even when the synchronization channel number is changed every time the signal passes through the bridge, the transmission terminal and the reception terminal identify the bridge-connected synchronization channel with the same virtual channel identifier. Can be determined.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network (particularly a network constructed in a home) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an IEEE 139 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining a setting procedure of a synchronization channel in an environment in which four networks are bridge-connected.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 2 for explaining a processing procedure of the connection device;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table stored in a connection device.

FIG. 5 is another sequence diagram for explaining a synchronization channel setting procedure in an environment where an IEEE 1394 network is bridge-connected.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the connection device, corresponding to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a processing sequence diagram for explaining a case where a communication resource for non-IP traffic to pass through according to the second embodiment of the present invention is reserved using RSVP.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a format of an RSVP PATH message.

FIG. 9 shows a flag control register (PC) of IEC1883.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a case where R) is extended to perform a procedure for associating the secured communication resources and notifying the data to be transmitted.

FIG. 10 is a processing sequence diagram in a case where a downstream node performs reservation of an IEEE 1394 synchronization channel when reserving a communication resource through which non-IP traffic passes by using RSVP.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a format of an RSVP RESV message.

FIG. 12 illustrates a case where a communication resource for non-IP traffic passing between a terminal connected to Ethernet and a terminal connected to IEEE 1394 is reserved using RSVP according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table stored in the connection device, which corresponds to FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an Ethernet frame.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating a network configuration example and a channel setting procedure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving terminal and a transmitting terminal in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a 1394 bridge (inter-network connection device) in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a bridge correspondence table of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an input bridge synchronization register for storing a correspondence between a virtual channel identifier and a channel number;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the 1394 bridge.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layer 3 flow register storing a correspondence between a layer 2 identifier including a virtual channel identifier and an identifier of a layer 3 flow (IP flow).

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a FANP message for notifying a correspondence between a layer 2 identifier including a virtual channel identifier and an identifier of a layer 3 flow (IP flow).

FIG. 23 is a network configuration example and a sequence diagram for explaining a channel setting procedure when an IP flow is IP multicast.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a receiving terminal transmits to an IEEE 1394 terminal;
FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for establishing a channel on a bus and prompting transmission of a specific IP flow.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output bridge synchronization register that stores a correspondence relationship between a virtual channel identifier and a channel number when a receiving terminal establishes a channel up to a transmitting terminal as a starting point.

FIG. 26: Layer 2 including a virtual channel identifier when a receiving terminal establishes a channel up to a transmitting terminal as a starting point
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layer 3 flow register storing a correspondence between an identifier and an identifier of a layer 3 flow (IP flow).

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the connection device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a first terminal in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

101 set-top box (for digital satellite broadcasting) (transmitting terminal) 102 first network (IEEE 1394) 103 connecting device (inter-network connecting device) 104 second network (IEEE 1394) 105 first terminal ( Receiving terminal) 106 third network (Ethernet) 107 second terminal (receiving terminal) 201 transmitting terminal 202 1394 bridge (network connection device) 203 receiving terminal 204 first IEEE 1394 bus 205 first 2 IEEE 1394 buses 302, 312... Bridge synchronization register (for input (I
N), for output (OUT)) 303: Layer 3 flow register

Claims (13)

[Claims] When data is transferred between a plurality of broadcast-type networks, at least a correspondence relationship between communication paths established in each of the plurality of broadcast-type networks is stored in a storage unit, and the stored relationship is stored. A communication method, wherein data transfer is performed between the plurality of broadcast networks based on the correspondence. 2. An inter-network connection device connected to a first broadcast-type network and a second broadcast-type network, wherein a first communication path established in the first broadcast-type network is used. In response to a request to establish a communication path in each of the plurality of broadcast networks toward at least one of a plurality of communication devices that transmit and receive data flows through a plurality of broadcast networks, Establishing means for establishing a second communication path in the second broadcast-type network; storage means for storing the correspondence between the second communication path established by the establishing means and the first communication path; Based on the correspondence stored in the means, the first
Transfer means for transferring data transmitted using the first communication path established in the broadcast-type network to the second communication path established in the second broadcast-type network. An inter-network connection device, characterized in that: 3. An inter-network connection device connected to a first physical network and a second physical network, wherein the node is connected to the first physical network and the node is connected to the second physical network. The first method, which is secured based on a message on a logical network for securing communication resources when transmitting / receiving data to / from a node.
Storage means for storing a correspondence table for associating the identifier of the communication resource of the physical network with the identifier of the communication resource of the second physical network; and transferring the message to the message using the communication resource secured based on the message. When the data to be transferred is not data on the logical network, the data transfer processing of the logical network for the data transferred using the secured communication resources is omitted.
Transmitting means for referring to the correspondence table and transmitting data received from a node connected to the first physical network to a node connected to the second physical network. Connection device. 4. The logical network is the Internet, and the transmitting means includes, in an RSVP PATH message, information indicating that data transferred using communication resources secured based on the message is not data on the Internet. Is included, the data transfer processing of the Internet for the data transferred using the secured communication resources is omitted, and the node connected to the first physical network is referred to by referring to the correspondence table. The network connection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the received data is transmitted to a node connected to the second physical network. 5. The message includes an identifier of data transferred using a communication resource secured based on the message, and includes a communication resource secured in the first and second physical networks or the received data. 4. The network connection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transfer process is associated with the data identifier. 6. A communication device connected to a predetermined network, means for receiving or transmitting a message on a logical network for securing communication resources when transmitting or receiving data, and When the data transmitted using the communication resources secured based on the information includes information indicating that the data is not data on the logical network, the data received or transmitted through the secured communication resources A communication device characterized in that data transfer processing of a logical network is omitted. 7. The logical network is the Internet, and the RSVP PATH message includes information indicating that data transferred using communication resources secured based on the message is not data on the Internet. 7. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an Internet data transfer process for data received or transmitted via the secured communication resource is omitted. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the message includes an identifier of data transferred using a communication resource secured based on the message, and the secured communication resource is associated with the identifier of the data. Claim 6
The communication device as described. 9. A method for establishing a communication path having the same identifier in each of the plurality of broadcast networks toward at least one of a plurality of communication apparatuses transmitting and receiving a data flow through the plurality of broadcast networks. Notified,
At least a correspondence between the first communication path established in one of the plurality of broadcast networks and the identifier is stored in a storage unit in association with the identifier, and the correspondence is stored in the storage unit in correspondence with the identifier. Performing data transfer between the plurality of broadcast networks based on the stored correspondence using a second communication path established in another one of the broadcast networks. Communication method to be used. 10. When transmitting or receiving a data flow via a plurality of broadcast networks, at least a communication path established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks in association with at least a predetermined identifier. One and a correspondence relationship with attribute information of the data flow transmitted or received using a communication path established in each of the plurality of broadcast-type networks, in storage means,
And transmitting or receiving the data flow based on the stored correspondence. 11. An inter-network connection device connected to a first broadcast-type network and a second broadcast-type network, among a plurality of communication devices that transmit and receive data flows via a plurality of broadcast-type networks. In order to establish a communication path of the same identifier in each of the plurality of broadcast-type networks toward at least one of the plurality of broadcast-type networks, the communication is notified via the first broadcast-type network. Storage means for storing a correspondence between a first communication path established in one broadcast-type network and the identifier; a second communication path established in the second broadcast-type network in association with the identifier Notification means for notifying a correspondence relationship between at least one address of the plurality of communication devices, the identifier, and the second communication path, using: The data transmitted using the first communication path established in the first broadcast-type network based on the correspondence stored in the storage means is transferred to the second broadcast-type network established in the second broadcast-type network. 2. A network connection device, comprising: transfer means for transferring data to a second communication path. 12. A communication system for transmitting or receiving a data flow via a plurality of broadcast networks, the communication path having the same identifier being established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks. First notifying means for notifying a correspondence between a communication path established in one of the plurality of broadcast networks and the identifier in association with an apparatus address and the identifier, and the first notification Notifying the correspondent communication device of the correspondence between the attribute information and the identifier of the data flow transmitted or received using the communication path established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks based on the content notified by the means. And a second notifying unit that transmits the data flow based on the correspondence notified by the first and second communication units. A communication device for receiving. 13. A method for transmitting or receiving a data flow via a plurality of broadcast networks,
At least one of the data flows transmitted or received using one of the communication paths having the same identifier established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks and the communication path established in each of the plurality of broadcast networks. A communication device, comprising: storage means for storing a correspondence relationship with attribute information, wherein the data flow is transmitted or received based on the correspondence relation stored in the storage means.